Who wins Awards?
It will come as no surprise that despite being a finalist for the fourth time, Curry-Heute and Hector won no Award last night. Hector might find it easier to have six numbers come up in the Lottery. I was pleased to see that four of the five most visited Glasgow Curry Houses in this Blog were also finalists: Yadgar Kebab House, Ambala Deli Bar, The Village Curry House and Punjabi Charing X. They won nothing. What does Karahi Palace have to do to even be recognised.
I note the (New) Turban Tandoori won – Best in Glasgow. Once upon a time they were described by the Press as – Best in Scotland. Hector and Marg visited Turban Tandoori in the early days of this Blog. It was poor. One visit says all, and Giffnock is not in Glasgow.
Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) was recently presented with an Award by none other than Hector, celebrating – One Hundred Reviews – on Curry-Heute. The Curry-Heute Awards – the honourable awards.
Mother’s cupboards were bare, time for a Lidl shopping. My Sister announced that she would be through from the – Far East – of Scotland too. Three Curry posts, five Ladies featured, it’s about time I went for a Curry with the Chaps.
I stopped off at Yadgar to place the order for Goshat Karahi, which unlike the Fayre served at Turban Tandoori does take time to prepare. Shafiq was there to serve:
Two Portions on-the-bone, one boneless. Portions, not Kilos.
From Lidl I could see the progress being made at Kebabish Grill after the fire. I know people hold this place in very high regard. We returned just after 13.30, a table was set for us adjacent to a heater. Mother would not be frozen as she nearly was at our unfortunate recent visit to Sheerin Palace around the corner. We shall visit there again if summer ever comes. Their food is too good to ignore.
I added a Portion of Vegetable Rice (without Capsicum) and two Chapattis to the Order.
Shafiq brought a Salad which had an interesting Herbal – Kick. I had declined Poppadoms and Onions, somehow I knew what was about to occur.
Yadgar require a minimum of forty five minutes to produce Goshat Karahi, Shafiq brought out a Large Karahi and a plate of Curry almost to the second. There are Portions, and Hector Portions. Elaine looked at the Large Karahi:
I take it we are sharing this?
Mother demanded a hot plate. Shafiq initially thought she was referring to the Spice Level. A hot dinner plate was produced.
The Vegetable Rice was enough to share. With Potatoes and Peas, it was almost a Meal in its own right. Mother started eating the Rice.
We are here for the Curry – I informed her and decanted a decent half of the Boneless Goshat Karahi on top of her Rice.
Mein Host, Mr. Anwar Sr. came over to greet and be introduced to Mother and Sister. This was only Mother’s second visit and Elaine’s first.
With Rice and Chapattis sorted and the photographic ritual completed, it was time.
This is Spicier than I thought, it grows – was an early remark by Elaine. Indeed, the Spice was there, but not the usual level of Seasoning. As a result, the full Yadgar Flavour was not as intense as usual, a pity. Did Chef Arshad forget the Salt? Although only Fresh Coriander was mixed in, I could taste – Vegetables. Strange.
Elaine stated that this Curry looked more like a – Stew – than what she is used to in Fife. Welcome to true – Desi Cuisine. This is Meat shrouded in a Masala, not Meat swimming in Soup. Elaine also found it not to be as – heavy. This puzzled as I have to limit my visits to Yadgar such is the richness of the food.
Mother managed to take a little more of her Boneless Goshat Karahi. I could see a Takeaway was looming. When Elaine declared that her appetite had been sated it was time for Hector to stop also. We had enough left to make a worthy Takeaway. Shafiq took care of this.
The Bill
£25.00. Note the continued lack of itemisation in Yadgar reviews. The price is always right.
The Aftermath
Naveed was now on duty, in his spot behind the counter. I had to raise The Awards, did he know Yadgar were finalists in – Legends of Curry? He confirmed awareness and mentioned that the organisers seem to be mostly interested in selling seats/tables for the dinner.
I suspect Yadgar would have to close for the evening if all their staff attended the ceremony. If one does not pay/play along with the promoters, expect nothing.
Well I have to agree with your pal Archie. I read that the promoting company Oceanic whatever are the UK’s leading ” ethnic promotion and PR company “. The whole thing some -might say – is just a massive sales pitch by the participating restaurants. Of course I do not for a minute agree with such an outrageous suggestion !!. We of the curry lovers fraternity with stick with the real ” bhuna ” . Sorry about that I was never good at puns.
I said it before and I will say it again, these awards are bogus. Don’t pay any attention to them.
Hector replies:
In 2016 the promotion company contacted me to tell me I was a finalist, a surpise, as I had done nothing active to promote Curry-Heute, other than what is on these pages. This year has been a comedy of errors.