After the fortnightly shop with The Mother of Hector, it was time for Curry-Heute. Lasani Grill (223-225 Allison street, Glasgow, G42 8RU) was the chosen Curry House. I must keep my face known at the various Southside Venues.
Chef Habib was out front, not dressed in his usual Black Chef’s Costume, his appearance was quite different. The Display included Aloo Gosht, just what was required. I asked the Young Chap serving for two portions, a Chapatti and one portion of Vegetable Rice. Biryani was on display, but he looked puzzled by my request. Chef Habib nodded, all was well.
No Capsicum – was my caveat.
We were warned that the floor in the seating area was wet, the smell from the cleaning liquid was quite pungent. I feared this may affect the taste-buds.
As is the custom at Lasani Grill, an Impressive Salad was issued before the Main Event. Mother took the Greens, I concentrated on the Pickled Chillies and the Black Olives. The accompanying Raita stayed on my side of the table.
Are you still The Chef? I asked Chef Habib as he brought the Curry. There was no sign of Khalid or Saeed, one was on holiday. Today was very much Chef Habib’s show.
The Aloo Gosht was presented in a single Large Karahi, perfect for sharing, it meant a Mother Portion and a Hector Portion could be served with ease. The Vegetable Rice was more than enough for two, Mother can only eat a small amount of Rice. With Carrots, Peas, Onion, Potatoes and Capsicum (!), the Vegetable Rice was a meal in itself. Indeed, Mother was getting stuck into the Rice whilst I completed the photos. The Capsicum was easily removed, thankfully.
The Chapatti was ordered as insurance, it was hardly needed, but as ever proved useful to dip into the blended Shorva-Masala. The Spice level and Seasoning seemed to be Moderate at the start, however, the Spice hit home as we ate. We had Curry.
Ten Large Pieces of Tender Lamb, the majority on-the-bone, were accompanied by a similar count of Potato, we had a lot of Curry before us.
The Dining Area started to fill up. Such is the cosmopolitan nature of Govanhill, we were joined by Chaps of varying nationalities. We had a veritable League of Nations present today. I have never seen Lasani Grill so busy, the Takeaway business was in full swing also.
Mother tackled the Lamb with her knife and fork. I told her this was why we had the Chapatti as I lifted a Mass of Meat to my my mouth. This may well be the first Curry that Mother has experienced with such a pronounced bone content. I wondered if she would cope, it was not a problem she assured me. Karahi Palace here we come!
The Flavour was familiar, Chef Habib was once of Yadgar on the parallel street. Cinnamon-rich Yadgar – was the overall Taste Experience, one cannot praise higher than that.
I’ve had better – was Mother’s critical comment. It’s alright.
Mother is becoming fussy, today was her treat, she can be as critical as she likes.
Perhaps it is time to take her back to Yadgar?
The Bill
£18.45. No itemisation was possible today.
The Aftermath
Khalid was now on the premises, we shook hands. Lasani Grill is still worth the visit, though the Karahi Dishes are best ordered in advance..
Steve Hackett – Genesis Revisited with Classic Hackett
The line up this evening at the – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall – was Steve Hackett of course on guitars, accompanied by Roger King (vocals, keyboards), Gary O’Toole (vocals, drums/percussion), Rob Townsend (vocals, saxes, flutes, percussion), Nick Beggs (vocals, bass, twelve string). Nick Beggs, whom I have seen playing with Steven Wilson in the past year, was resplendent in his – kilt. It is Nick who we have to thank for the revitalisation of Steve Hackett according to his own website. For years Steve Hackett would come to Glasgow and play the smaller venues such as – The Ferry. It was Nick who put the idea for Genesis Revisited II and touring with a guest vocalist to perform the classic Genesis songs. Steve may able to sing his own material, he could never handle the Gabriel/Collins vocal parts.
The Genesis material aside, my music collection has three Steve Hackett albums out of a possible thirty something. Last time, Wolflight was the featured album, this evening it was the recently released – The Night Siren – which features strong Middle Eastern sounds a la Kashmir: – In the Skeleton Gallery – and – Behind the Smoke – were both played and strangely, nothing from Wolflight. A friend saw this Tour in Manchester recently, I asked if Shadow of The Hierophant was performed, apparently not. Tonight the first act ended with the instrumental sequence, of this should have been a Genesis song, building to its crescendo; an excellent link to what would follow in Act II. As ever, Steve sat down to play acoustic guitar, Nick sat on the floor to play the Bass Pedals for Shadow of The Hierophant. Yes, I love this track and also have a continuing fascination with Bass. 
The Set-list as posted elsewhere:
Act I – Steve Hackett solo material
Every Day (Spectral Mornings)
El Nino (The Night Siren)
The Steppes (Defector)
In the Skeleton Gallery (The Night Siren)
Behind The Smoke (The Night Siren)
Serpentine Song (To Watch The Storms)
Rise again (Darktown)
Shadow of the Hierophant (Voyage of The Acolyte)
Nad Sylvan came on stage in Act II to provide the Gabriel/Collins vocals, though Gary O’Toole handled the vocals for – Blood on the Rooftops – on his own from behind the drum-kit, very Phil Collins. How can a man play an entire set in a suit, collar and tie? Firth of Fifth gave the spotlight to Roger King until the latter part where Steve’s guitar soared. Rob Townsend is a man of many instruments. A key feature of the Genesis material is that his Soprano Sax played the parts which would have been Moog back in the day.
Being in possession of most of the Genesis albums, it was surprising to hear – Inside and Out -, a track from – Spot The Pigeon – an EP I had never heard of. We were spared Match of the Day, it isn’t, is it? No – Supper’s Ready – this evening, this made way for five tracks from – Wind & Wuthering – which is forty years old this year; the last Genesis studio album to feature Steve Hackett.
There was a change of Gibson Les Paul early in the set, the guitar which we were told once belonged to – Gary Moore – went out of tune. Unlike three years ago when the set was all Genesis songs, the Concert Hall was not a sell-out tonight, the rear-upper seats were empty. Maybe Nick Beggs knows how to fill a venue?
Act II Genesis
Eleventh Earl of Mar (Wind & Wuthering)
One for the Vine (Wind & Wuthering)
Blood on the Rooftops (Wind & Wuthering)
In That Quiet Earth (Wind & Wuthering)
Afterglow (Wind & Wuthering)
Dance on a Volcano (Trick of the Tail)
Inside and Out (Spot The Pigeon)
Firth of Fifth (Selling England by the Pound)
The Musical Box (Nursery Crime)
Slogans (Defector)
Los Endos (Trick of the Tail)
After the intensity of Curry consumed in Bradford this week, Hector was hoping to slip home after the monthly trip to the Staggs (Musselburgh). However, 
As I took my customary exterior photo @20.30, Ayaz, Mein Host, waved from his spot behind the counter. We entered the empty premises and took the preferred table. No Menu, No Discussion, Ayaz recited what we would have. Two Chapattis (70p) was my only contribution to the Order: Lamb Karahi (£7.90) and Aloo Gosht (£6.50). 
A Jug of Water was provided along with the Modest Salad. Mags was willing to use the Downstairs Facility, Ayaz sent her upstairs. An Opperchancity to discuss Ramadan which will be upon us soon. I have never come to 
Whilst we waited, the TV was showing an annual ritual involving dubious music from around Europe. Qaiser, who had just returned from a delivery, brought the Curry.
There was an attempt to make a video on the new Sony in addition to the normal stills, not tonight. Hot and Sizzling, the way it comes at 
The Masala was so different from that seen in Bradford, no blending here, this was the Real Deal. With the Heat and the Spice totally – in your face – care was taken not to overdose on the Chubby Fresh Green Chillies. The Toppings are Magnificent, the now common Ginger Strips present too. 
After the Shahi Kofta at the 
The Potato content looked to be quite Substantial this evening. 
Sometimes, Mags eats half and takes the rest home, not tonight. We both finished all that had been set before us. Ah yes, the Baker in Musselburgh was closed this afternoon. 
Rashid was summoned to the counter. He had to be congratulated, this was Wonderful Curry.
The final day of The Bradford Trip is essentially a day out in 
Four plates preceded the arrival of the Mutton Handi. Lorraine then brought the Main Event. My intention was to eat from the bowl, however, when Sarina came out with a fifth bowl containing a Dark Daal, it was necessary to decant. It was then I realised just how Large the Portion of Handi actually is. I had previously considered the Portions here to be a bit on the Small side, no more. With a share of the Mysterious Daal placed beside the mass of Meat, this was a Decent Portion.
The Seasoning hit first, this was a properly Seasoned Curry, unlike the excess of the Shahi Kofta served at the 
It were alright, not as good as 
Lorraine asked – Is it OK?
Spicy Medium was the agreed Level. The Inclusive Three Chapattis would accompany. The Bottle of Tap Water was devoured, the temperature has risen markedly since yesterday. 
The same Pyrex Dish that I saw on 
Tomato was very much a feature of the Masala. Egg and Masala proved to be a worthy combination, Oily Egg was a new dimension. The Lamb, which may have been Tikka as described on the Menu, gave The Bradford Curry Blast. The more Lamb I ate, the more Lamb I found. The Kofta had to be cut into four in order to accommodate the bits of Chapatti. I realised that this was a huge amount of Curry to be eating at Lunchtime. 
The Lamb, the Egg and the Masala gave relief, the Oily residue collecting on the base of the dish was another source of Flavour. There was still much to enjoy, too much. When the final Kofta stared up at me, I wondered if I was staring back at defeat. Somehow I found the determination to finish the lot. A truly Immense Curry, one I should recreate. This means I will now have to post my Recipe for Kofta. 
After the 
Having studied the – bhajis n beer – website before travelling, I had a mental picture of what to expect. How wrong could one be? Located on a Verandah, upstairs in a Shopping Unit, we entered a room with all the places set formally. This is very much a place – To Dine – not the Beer n Snacks I had been led to believe.
Brooklyn East IPA (Brooklyn Brewery, New York, USA) at 6.7% appeared to be the Optimal Bier choice. At £4.50 for a 330ml Bottle, we would only be having one. Two Lagers were available on Tap. A large open fridge had a display of the available Bier, an Eclectic Array.
Karhai Mutton with a Garlic Buttered Naan would be Hector’s selection. The description excluded Capsicum. Somewhat amusingly, one could add – Sautéed Peppers – for an extra £1.00. On the assumption that I would avoid the 
The Garlic Buttered Naan was Poor. Resembling a Pizza around the edges, it was decidedly Thin in the middle; here was the concentration of Garlic Paste. As much as one loves Garlic, to get a mouthful of Paste is never pleasant. When Ricky sampled a piece he insisted he could taste – Fish. He knows of a Bradford Curry House where Bread and Fish are cooked in the same Tandoor. Speculation perhaps, Dr. Stan was called upon, he could not taste – Fish – nor could The Hector. But then, I claimed our last Stout had an after-taste of – Iodine – which nobody else got. Each to his own.
The appearance brought a smile, my worst fears and my best hopes, simultaneously. In Europe in particular, Karahi can be presented as a Stir Fry with Large Pieces of Onion and Capsicum atop the Meat. Here it was, how did both Red and Yellow Capsicum get into my Curry, again? Beneath this lay the Bradford Curry, Excellent. 
The Mutton Achari had the 
Lots of Pickle in this – was an early statement. 
The converting of the name of this Dish from Hindi to English is very much – lost in translation. I shall read it in Deutsch as is my prerogative. The Nach Gana was almost indistinguishable in appearance from that presented above. A Stir Fry, a comparable Masala, it would all be about the Plum Paste.
This is Spicy – was an early remark from The Man from Bradford. 
Normally this would mark the end of a Curry-Heute Blog, however, something happened.
Fish Karahi (£8.00) was the choice. The Menu clearly states: All main dishes served with only 3 Chapatties. Chapattis it would be. A Most Modest Salad with Raita accompanied a Jug of Water. 
The Fish Karahi was – Piping Hot – exactly how I seek my food. The White Fish was cut relatively Small and sat in a Tomato-rich Blended, Thin Masala. The eating was tentative initially, until the Masala had cooled sufficiently. There was a slight Sweetness, the Fish most likely being the source of this. The Coriander Topping was mixed through the Masala. The Onions from the Salad were then mixed in to give a variety of Texture. 
The Fish maintained its integrity throughout which made me wonder why Glasgow Restaurateurs have told me it is difficult to achieve this. The Spice Level was Moderate, Seasoning should never be an issue with a Fish Curry, here it was Fine. Tasty as this Karahi was, I was still not getting the Bradford Curry Blast. Has familiarity made me immune? 
Somehow we managed to spend an entire afternoon on North Parade, such is the virtual explosion of new venues. The Peacock sells Real Ale and Indian Snacks, the latter are free to Bradford City Fans on Match Days, I’m told. The Rickmeister’s Itinerary had the
Our Waiter told me what I was having – Lamb on-the-bone with Methi (£9.50). Hector is known by more staff members than was realised. For Dr. Stan, a Keema Balti (£8.95), for Ricky, a Nawabe Balti (£8.95) whatever that is. The Menu described Ricky’s choice as – Chicken Mushroom Balti. Stewart asked for Chicken Daal (£9.45). From the choice of Inclusive – Rice, Naan or Chapattis, Stewart and Hector would have Chapattis, the Residents of Holden Towers opted for Naan. 
Sadaqat passed us by, he was busy taking care of a large group at the window seats. Omar, the Son of Taj, appeared for his ritual photo. 
The dog’s bollocks – was how Stewart described his Onion Bhaji.
My third Curry of this Trip, I was still waiting to taste that which defines The Bradford Curry. What arrived did not look much, it’s astonishing how much there is in such a Modest looking Dish. The Lamb was both Ribs and a cut with knob-like bones. The Lamb was Soft with some pieces approaching Pulp. The Masala was so Minimal it was almost not there. This sets the Standard, how I seek my Curry, the antithesis of – Soup. Sadly, I was about to pull out pieces of Red Capsicum. I should have asked for these to be withheld.
Ricky’s verdict on the Nawabe Balti was one of evolution.
It were alright – which is Ricky speak for there was nothing to criticise.
Dr. Stan was not playing tonight. There was no comment forthcoming on his Keema Balti. If the customary Dr. Stan – Mmmmm – was uttered, Hector was too busy to hear or note the moment.
Stewart, sitting opposite, was most enthusiastic about his Chicken Daal. 
That was absolutely excellent. 
This left the matter of The Bill and Ricky’s continuing claim that the 
A few weeks ago, Ricky sent Hector a photo of the Shahi Kofta (£8.00), a Dish apparently so Wonderful it was worthy of such promotion. With Kofta, Lamb Tikka and Capsicum mentioned, a description that might put The Hector off. It was topped with Scrambled Egg – was the denouement, Ricky was having this again, and so was Dr. Stan.
During the wait, Hector took his new camera upstairs. It is years since I stuck my nose up there. A Large Group of Chaps occupied a long table, the rest of the seating area was empty. We watched their Order go up, accompanied by the biggest wad of Chapattis I have ever seen. Meanwhile downstairs, another large group took up the alcove tables. It took them an age to get themselves sorted. 
Ricky had described how his Shahi Kofta was served last time in a Pyrex Dish. An oval Pyrex Dish was placed before The Rickmeister, a square equivalent before Dr. Stan. Fried Egg! – remarked The Man from 
The Lamb Desi had a Meat count well into double figures. With the Lamb on-the-bone, the Meat was not cut 
An array of Flat Patties were shrouded in Masala. Flat Kofta? I remarked to Ricky. But then, in Glasgow, Seekh Kebab is served as Kofta at 
The Bill
Our noon rendezvous was pre-empted by a chance meeting at Glasgow Central Station. We headed across the River Clyde, Hector this time showing the sights. It is about time there was serious Urban Redevelopment in this part of town. The objective was 
The Colour of this Dish has varied through the years from Light to the Dark, Rich Brown which was presented today. The Masala was the Standard Blended Indian Masala in appearance, and thankfully this was in no way excessive; here was a decent balance of Meat and Masala. The Tender Lamb had been counted carefully, the Standard Eight. Had this been dinner I could have gone for the Half Kilo, had we ordered from the Lunchtime Menu, there would have been appreciably less. Most of the Mushroom Rice was decanted, a bit more than I knew I could manage. Why decant? The dinner plate was larger.
A Darker Brown, a much Richer Masala compared to the Desi Kourma, this is the other standout Curry at 
The Bill
The Laurieston, a recent Glasgow Pub of the Year, is a Bar which again a stranger to Glasgow would pass by. 
Two stops on the Subway to Buchanan St., another first for Dan. Hopefully it will not be another eight years before we see him again.
Two warm plates were placed before us. The warm plates perked Mother up, her meals can be ruined before they start when cold plates are presented.
The Meat Quantity was not Huge, just as well, this was Lunch. The Lamb was Succulent, and having spent time soaked in the near-Shorva, gave off more Flavour. The Masala was Well-seasoned, the Spice Level not demanding. The Chapatti was of average size, a bit thicker than the norm. The Chapatti was used to scoop up the leftover Shorva/Masala, Tasty. There was an overall – Earthy Flavour – very pleasant indeed. This Curry could never be put in the – Wow – category, but was certainly a worthy – Hector Curry – hence my return to 
Lamb Curry
This Curry had a Traditional, Blended Masala. The Onion and Tomato base was most evident here. The Reddish hue made this Masala appear richer than the Aloo Gosht. When it came time for a Soupçon to come in my direction, I had to marvel at the Richness of Flavour, a slight Tanginess was present. The Lamb here was even Softer than the Aloo Gosht and again was giving off flavour having had time to absorb the Spices. 
I had to ask Ahmed about the difference in the two Dishes. The Aloo Gosht was – Desi, I shall partly quote Ahmed for his description of the Lamb Curry.
