Earlier in the year, Curryspondent John, suggested I should introduce myself to the young waitress at The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA). That, and a Lamb Desi Qorma (£14.95) were the objectives this afternoon before meeting up with – The Monday Club.
Today is the Monday between two Bank Holidays, it was quite a surprise to see The Village this full at 13.45. Two separate groups in double figures, plus other tables, would keep Hanane and the staff busy.
Should I call you Doctor? – I asked as Hanane served me at the window table.
If you wish.
I was then addressed as – Hector – so the young lady has been made aware of Curry-Heute. Today, Dr. Hanane makes her inaugural appearance, still masked, nobody knows what she looks like otherwise.
The menu wasn’t really required, but it’s always worth checking the prices. The – Lamb – section wasn’t my focus of attention today but where was the Desi Qorma? Somehow, a blank page had been incorporated. This was quickly rectified.
Extra Desi, on-the-bone – was clarified, plus tap water. Spicy – was agreed. Still a risk, last year, Chef truly tested the Blogger.
I nearly forgot to add the Mushroom Rice (£3.95).
As I waited, so the restaurant emptied, were people going back to work? Have the Barclays staff finally discovered Curry in Nelson Street?
Mushroom Rice, always seen as the ideal accompaniment for a Desi Korma, is served here in just the right quantity. The Fresh Mushrooms maintain standards and provide a distraction from Meat & Masala. Today I could not manage the final grains. I was here an hour before I really would have preferred. However, if one is not in situ at the rendezvous for 15.00, the weekly abuse from the East End is missed.
Lamb Desi Qorma
Copious Ginger Strips topped the distinctive Masala. The Coriander may well have been cooked as it was stirred in. A heater was also provided, dining a la carte merited this. This meant I did not arrange all of the Meat on the Masala at the beginning.
Two whole, probably – dried – Chillies had been added. These were carefully set aside, the Hector was not falling for this. Yoghurt Flecks were visible in the Herb-strewn Masala, the study period was over, time to eat.
The Citrus blast was immediate, success. I may never understand why the Yoghurt creates this Flavour in a Desi Korma but not in other Curry/Karahi. I do know that this is a key part of why this is my favourite – Curry. For Karahi I go elsewhere.
The Spice Level was a bit testing, but nothing like the aforementioned. The Seasoning may have been a tad below the Hector idyll, but not so much to impinge on the overall enjoyment.
The Sucky Bones gave out their Marrow, adding even more Flavour to the meal. Quality Lamb, some pieces were not so giving, the majority were spot on, Spice infused, Flavours released. The Village is currently the only known source of this Festive Curry in Glasgow. Across Europe, one venue in Berlin, another in Lisboa. I hear them both calling.
I outstared the Red Chillies. The pleasure receptors assured me it was time to stop. The recreational yield had been maximised, the remaining grains of Rice would have tipped the balance. I could eat this every week. I used to.
The Bill
£18.90
The Aftermath
The stray Cumin Seed was released at 16.25.