On collecting Hector at Glasgow Airport, Marg announced she had made a booking for 20.30 at Green Gates (65 Ferry Rd, Renfrew PA4 8SH). One day, this will be on the route back to Clydebank, alas, the new river crossing is not due to be completed until 2024. By now, I thought I would be considering Green Gates as a – local – Curry House.
Once again, we were allocated the small table at the window. One day we’ll get to see the interior seating area, to be fair, it was busy. Within the hour, Green Gates would be empty then closed before the throng in the nearby pub could be tempted in by late night munchies. Gone are the days of Curry Houses being opened later than t’pub.
Green Gates’ Menu is not vast. To date I’ve had the Lamb Shank, Aloo Gobi, Mixed Vegetable and Lamb Rogan Josh, whilst Marg has had Butter Chicken, twice. None of the Fish Dishes appealed, too tame, whilst the description of the Karahi suggests I shouldn’t go there. Bhoona, Dhansak and Balti stood out in the – Old Favourites. Chickpeas I can tolerate, enjoy even, when part of a melange, so Lamb Balti (£10.95) for Hector and Chicken Chasni (£9.95) for Marg. Marg would have her usual Chapatti (£1.30), Mushroom Rice (£3.25) for Hector. It was good to see sensibly priced Rice after London.
The waitress asked if we were having Starters. £6.95 for Seekh Kebab? Either this is a meal or they’re having a laugh. No Starters. The request for – no Peppers – was duly recorded. Only a small bottle of Sparkling Water (£1.95) was available, Marg had this, Hector took the plunge and ordered a pint of lager (£3.95). Saturday night, let’s go wild.
On our first visit, we were presented with a Soupçon of Spicy Tomato Soup, tonight it was a Spinach Soup. Creamy, tasty, but sadly – tepid. It did warm up the taste-buds.
The limitations of the tiny table were foiled as the waiter tried to assemble the Order. I took what I considered to be enough Mushroom Rice and passed the remainder to Marg.
The Chapatti was not as large as served in our usual haunts on Glasgow’s Southside, Marg welcomed the Rice.
Lamb Balti
The Chickpeas were prominent in the karahi. As I decanted the Lamb and Chickpeas so the abundant Onions also became apparent. Finely chopped Onions are fine, here were the Big Blobs of half-cooked Onions for which Marg is usually the magnet. I could cope, and congratulated myself for ensuring the – no Peppers – that could have been disastrous.
The Meat count just reached double figures, the ratio of solids to Masala was favourable, this was Curry, not Soup. Tiny bits of orange (Carrots?) marked the presence of the promised – ground pickle. The fresh Mushrooms in the Rice added further Diversity, this meal had great potential.
The Spice Level was OK, not demanding, one Green Chilli sat proudly. The Seasoning appeared to vary, but when the Pickle kicked in, all the Flavours one could want were released. This was one very tasty Curry, as much Achari as Balti.
Biting into the biggest of Black Cardamoms was a bit of a shock. A stray piece of something – green – was set aside. If the – Pickle – was indeed – ground – then it wasn’t Lime rind, that left you know what. I wasn’t taking any chances.
The excessive Onion was the only negative in this Curry, however, I would certainly have it again, with two caveats next time.
Chicken Chasni
Oh no! Orange Soup! Well that’s the reaction this writer has to – Curry – of this nature. However, as much as Marg appreciates the wonder that is a Dry Karahi, she is just as happy to order a Creamy Curry, with – Chicken – too. Balance from Marg:
The sauce had a lovely sweet and sour flavour with a wee kick to distinguish it from a standard Creamy Curry. Rice would have been the better option.
Indeed, the surplus Masala was abandoned.
Mein Host approached the table as we were approaching the endgame to ask the customary question. As has become my custom of late, I gestured to the near empty plates. He understood.
Two satisfied customers.
Marg ordered an extra hot White Coffee (£2.50). The coffee and the accompanying mint were thoroughly enjoyed.
Excellent – said Marg.
The Bill
£33.85 Bier and Coffee, a Big Saturday night out.
The Aftermath
Lots of farewells as we left the near empty premises. It was difficult to tell if we had been recognised, three visits only. There shall be more, a pity the Renfrew Ferry doesn’t run later.