Tonight’s Curry was a late affair. [Stan.TB] met Hari, proprietor of the Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North St, Glasgow, G3 7DA) yesterday and was informed that another Venison Curry was being prepared for today. Lord Clive of Crawley was due to arrive at the Bon Accord around 21.00 this evening, a pub strategically located next door to one of Glasgow’s foremost Curry Houses. Hector and Marg would meet up after a visit to the Theatre Royal.
Vogon Poetry, any man who can eat a Vindaloo can take it…
Glasgow hosted the first night of the touring company performing the Radio version of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. With Simon Jones as Arthur Dent and Mark Wing-Davey as himself, sorry Zaphod Beeblebrox. Billy Boyd was The Book, but the star of the evening for me was Philip Pope as Musical Director and all round contributor. The Chap playing the part of Slartibartfast looked very much like Terry Duckworth, it couldn’t be? And I cannot find a full cast list anywhere.
By the time we reached the Bon Accord, [Stan.TB] and Dr. Rick had already been next door to enjoy the Venison Curry. We were advised that last orders would be at 23.30, and so with five minutes to spare, Lord Clive and Hector took their usual seats in the Punjabi.
There was a new waiter and so we had to confirm the Venison and await the Complementary Popadoms and Onion Chutney. An Aloo Gobi Side dish felt appropriate as the Venison comes with no Interesting Vegetable. Clive opted for a Keema Nan, Hector the customary Chapattis.
Ram made an appearance, we thought we were the lone diners, however there was a private function downstairs and this was where he and Hari were focusing their efforts. When Ram realised we had ordered the Venison he went downstairs to the Kitchen to supervise- a nice touch.
The Venison Curry looked immense when set before us. Once again it was on-the-bone and the Masala was dark and thick. One cannot go wrong making a Venison Curry.
Clive tore in, Hector was more tentative. I appeared to have more bone slivers judging by the small pile accumulating on the plate. Clive was warned to be careful.
The Keema Nan was something else, of Alishan proportions Clive stated. Ram appeared to given the customary mid meal check-up: ‘How are the Chapattis?’ he asked. Now this is a strange question to ask, where was he coming from? He had read my report on the extortionate price charged for Chapattis in Aberdeen last weekend – this was a wind up. ‘Far too cheap!’ was my eventual reply.
The Aloo Gobi was a welcome distraction to the intensity of the flavour from the Venison. This slightly fragrant Side will be ordered again. Clive and I both found ourselves sucking on bones between dipping our respective breads. The Keema Nan was full of what looked like Donner. Clive was struggling, no London portions here. The Venison was not seasoned to the limit as the last serving had been. The Chef has found the balance.
Hari appeared at the end of our Diningfest. He remarked that [Stan.TB] and DR. Rick had been earlier and that people were buying the Venison. Word of mouth appears to be working in Hari’s favour. My suggestion that he prints a new menu did not go down well. What about a Daily Specials insert as is the custom in European Restaurants? The Blackboard on the pavement had apparently been wiped clean in the rain.
The Bill
£40.75. Now this is more than the norm but I suggested to Hari in the original discussion over this dish that he would inevitably have to charge more (£13.95) and that he should not compromise on the size of portion served. I wish one of my favourite outlets in Tradeston would take this on board.
The Aftermath
Hari sat with us until it was time for our bus. He has another job outwith the catering industry, what a man.