At Noon today, Hector was informed that Jonathan and Jim were heading to Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) for Lunch. Why not?
Hector walked in to Karahi Palace punctually for the 14.00 rendezvous, The Chaps were perusing the Menu, not for much longer. Ayaz (Mein Host) informed us:
No Lamb, only Lamb Chops.
Are we having Starters? – I asked.
Apparently we were – Lamb Chops (£6.00), three portions.
Jonathan accepted the offer of Keema, we assumed it had to be Chicken Keema (£5.50), a Naan (£1.50) would accompany. Jim had spotted Lamb Korma Spicy (£6.50). No Lamb, Ayaz reminded him. Jim followed Hector’s lead:
Lamb Chops Karahi (£8.50) with extra Methi, Chapattis (£0.70) to accompany.
Can one have too many Lamb Chops? I suspect this may well be the first time I have had Tandoori Lamb Chops followed by Tandoori Lamb Chops Karahi. I feel a Vegetable backlash next time I go out for Curry. Ironically on the radio whilst driving to Tradeston, the preparation of Aloo Gobi was being described. I must try to cook this sometime.
The Modest Salad was brought to the table with a bowl of Raita and the Hot – in temperature – Chilli Sauce.
We’ll keep this for the Chops which will hopefully arrive whilst it’s still hot.
Two weeks ago the Lamb Chops took an age, then Karahi Palace was busy. Today three portions arrived in good time. Time to get gnawing.
Initially, nothing was said, nothing need be said. The Chops were well fired yet retained their succulence. I took a slice of Green Chilli and immediately coughed. That was a Fierce Chilli. Moments later Jim had the same experience. Jonathan took the Chillis in his stride. Jim was finished first, I congratulate his dentist.
The door kept opening, the Delivery Man. Flour, Rice, Oil, Tinned Spinach and boxes of French Fries were piled up on the floor. I was keen to note the brand of Vegetable Oil, alas this was quickly obscured.
Qaiser had arrived in time to bring the Mains.
Minced Chicken Curry
Chicken Keema – Jonathan confirmed. They had no Lamb, though Ayaz did suggest that it would arrive in the next hour. Jim commented upon the Quantity of Foliage covering the Chicken Mince. The Lamb Chops Karahi looked fierce. Four Tandoori Chops in the Hottest of Masalas.
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Lamb Chops Karahi
Hot! – exclaimed Jim.
Watch the expert – suggested Jonathan – use the Chapatti as a handle.
Once again I pointed out the anomaly of our mouths being able to tolerate temperatures our fingers cannot.
Presumably prepared in the same manner, the Chops took on a different Flavour when soaked in the Oily Masala. Pieces of Chapatti were then used to scoop up the Masala, possibly the most Tomato-rich Masala that Chef Rashid has ever presented. Fresh Green Chillies had been added at the time of serving, some had also been cooked in. With the requested Herb content, the Spice, Seasoning and Flavour was everything I have come to expect at Karahi Palace.
Jim commented upon the Ginger content, the Ginger Strips were doing their job.
That looks like a Mountain – I said to Jonathan who was still eating.
A lot for lunchtime – was his reply.
The Naan was served halved as were the Chapattis, I have seen few Naans at this Restaurant, this looked to be nothing special.
The Naan did not look outstanding – I put to Jonathan.
This he confirmed, however – The Chicken Keema was.
Eventually Jonathan had to admit defeat. That was a first.
An inspirational choice – Jim proffered anticipating my request for a quote.
Fan-Dabby – he added.
This was Jim’s first visit to Karahi Palace.
The Bill
£45.00 Two cans of Diet Coke (£0.80) were included.
The Aftermath
Jonathan spotted the brand of Vegetable Oil – White Pearl.
I will have to look for this, as with KTC used at Ambala, the Oil at Karahi Place is a standout.
There was a suggestion we visit Yadgar next week. Hector is long overdue a return.
Meanwhile as I write I hear that Kebabish on Victoria Rd. is in flames.
Contrary to what some think, Marg is not fed Curry every night. It is eight months since Hector 
Sweetness was my major worry having cooked a Curry without Methi. Marg immediately declared this Pork Vindaloo to be – Bitter. Success. Two Smoked Chillies did not create the intended result, more next time. Sainsbury’s Red Wine Vinegar did not add the Richness of Flavour as that bought at KRK (Glasgow). The Spice Level was never commented upon by Marg proving Vindaloo need not be – Silly. The Masala attained the Thickness I seek in my own cooking and in Restaurants. The Seasoning of course was – Spot on.
Having trimmed much of the – Fat – from the Pork Cutlets, Marg was not happy to find any, she did. The Potatoes were Perfect!
Hector is back at 
Dr. Robin was happy to stick to the tried and tested – Lamb Karahi (£7.90). I had Qaiser confirm that Karela was available then showed him the 
I have described this Perfect Curry oft. Read any other revue of 
This is a Demanding Curry. Karela, – The Bitter Gourd – is not for all. The Minimal Masala looked even Thicker and Drier than the above Dish. More Salt required – was my first note, followed by – Big Spice Hit. The Bitterness was to the fore, then I realised, with more Salt, this Curry would not work at all. I have enjoyed Stuffed Karela at 
The customary Toppings of Chopped Green Chillies, Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander were complemented by Whole Chillies cooked in. The Spice Level should therefore not have been a surprise. No problems here.
The New Chap approached us, and spoke. He asked if we required more Chapattis. Dr. Robin was nearly finished his, another one was ordered to share. It came in good time to revitalise the end game. 
With Clive’s flight back to Gatwick mid afternoon, there was time for Curry-Heute in the City Centre. 
Hector’s heart sank, – Yellow. OK, better than – 
Topped with chopped Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander, nine large pieces of Fish were placed on top of the Rice. Each had to be halved initially, as the appetite waned so the pieces were cut smaller still. The Quantity of Fish seemed to be approaching Biblical Proportions, the more I ate the more there was. I was down to Flakes, eventually.
The Masala was most certainly Thick with Lentils. The Chicken was in Shreds, not the solid pieces one expects in Halal Chicken. There was a complex array of Toppings, the Lemon wedge remained unsqueezed.
Exceedingly hot – was Clive’s opening remark. He is becoming good at giving a commentary.
This would be a two Curry Day. Yvonne had Aloo Keema Mutter waiting for us to be served at a mutually agreeable time. Having followed 
A 
The Shorva soaked into the Rice making the latter even more Flavoursome. The Spice Level was no more than – Moderate – as ever the Seasoning was Perfection. The odd Clove was picked out of the Melange before I decided to make more of a Dog’s Breakfast. The Salad began to look appealing. I took half and passed the remainder to Clive who copied my actions. Now we had Meat, Potato, Rice and Salad on the plate plus the solitary piece of Chicken. The Chicken, also on-the-bone was taken care of. It did nothing for me. 
In larger, busier venues, Chops can be rushed, the interiors may still be Pink, the exteriors lacking Charcoal. These Lamb Chops were as good as any ever served, absolutely Perfect. 
The Lamb Karahi arrived soon after Clive had wiped his face. One Chapatti each has generally proved to be sufficient such is their size and girth. Everything was hotter than everything else. Eating directly from the Karahi helps maintain the heat. 
I have missed this Tomato-rich Masala Mash. The Spice was pitched well, the Seasoning felt below what Hector desires after the Chops. With the ever popular Chopped Green Chillies, Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander Toppings, there would be a Diversity of Texture. The Ginger Strips today appeared to be huge and were particularly crunchy. The Lamb was on-the-bone as is every Lamb Dish served at 
A crowd of Chaps had assembled at the counter, we gave up our table. Hopefully they would order – Real Food. Only on leaving did I spot that Chef Rashid was on the premises. 
The online Menu shows the full range of Dishes one might come to expect. With two pages allocated to Lamb Curry then Keema in a separate section, there is much to choose from. Lamm Methi (€12.90) was bypassed, an Aloo Methi (€9.50) also, Hector was having Fish.
I was given a choice of tables, one near the counter and facing the action sufficed. A Lunchtime Buffet was an option, available until 16.00. I asked for the Menu and retained it after I had ordered so as to complete records.
Topped with Ginger Strips and some Fresh Coriander, how often have I written this? A Curry without this Garnish has become the exception. Let’s have even more Coriander.
The Solids were decanted, I could not tell how much Fish there was due to it being indistinguishable from the Potato. There was certainly enough here to justify the price. The Masala was Thick, Onion Seeds were mixed through. My guess was – Onion Seeds – based on the descriptions of other Dishes in the Menu.
At 12.10 two more Diners entered, followed quickly by another four and then some more again. They were all here for the Buffet. I have seen food piled high on plates, there was no holding these people back, they knew exactly what they were doing. At €8.50 for a Large Plate they were most certainly being fed at an excellent price. I was determined to study the Buffet on my departure.
When I saw the Buffet it was the Keema which stood out, the rest was as one might expect, Soupy Curry. One could do damage to their Buffet Keema, then I thought, next time:
Hector, Marg and Howard saw Anathema perform in Glasgow on what was the second night of The Optimist Tour in September this year. With everything ready The Roadie appeared to fuck up big style and – Suddenly – Vincent Cavanagh’s pedal set-up had to be re-wired. The result was a lost half hour of music given the curfew at The Garage. Still, they played an excellent set with coverage of the best of recent albums. 
Prior to the announcement of the UK Tour, Hector had purchased a ticket for this evening’s concert at the Live Music Hall (Köln-Ehrenfeld) with Alcest in support. Having purchased the current Alcest album – Kodama – days before the Glasgow gig there was enough familiarity to confirm an interest in their brand of Heavy Rock. Unfortunately we only caught the last ten minutes of their set. 
Anathema’s taped intro began at 21.00, as each member took their spot, so the Electronica increased the suspense. Danny Cavanagh was last on stage, sporting the now familiar headphones, it was straight into four songs from 2017’s – The Optimist: 
The Drummer was the band member who we could see most clearly, anyone could have been on Bass. Yes, the photos are crap.
Suddenly… the gig was over, in just under two hours. Was Part 2 the Encore? Do bands really only perform extra songs in Glasgow? 
The Lady of the House greeted me on entry, it is always good to be recognised. I took my choice of table in the empty room, a Young Waitress brought the Menu. Having studied a well known and reliable Curry Website I was planning once more to revisit the Lamm Vindaloo (€9.00) with – Hector Tweaks. The Lamm Limone (€9.50) suddenly felt like a good idea. Having secured my 0.2l Bottle of Gerolsteiner (€2.00) I was ready to order. 
Lamm Limone – keine Paprika aber mit Methi.
Counting the Lamb, I reached eight, this was enough, the sizes were decent. The Masala was not excessive in ratio to the Meat and Rice, enough to mix in. The Spice was below – Medium – I had not specified a Level. The Seasoning was Perfect, perhaps it this feature which keeps me coming back? There was a subtle Citrus Tang, however, I was missing the requested Methi. 
There are some dates in the calendar which will never be forgotten, this has become one.
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A Mountain of Basmati was already on what would become my plate when Rizwan announced:
Steve was well ahead of me by the time I completed the ritual photos and note-taking. 
The Faither – of – The Company. There are no words to describe our loss.