Marg and Hector are in Biggin Hill visiting an old college friend, less of the – old. Knowing of Hector’s passing interest in all things – Curry -, Alison was keen to take us to her local Curry House. That this would be – Curry – four days in a row was perfect for The Hector, Marg was hardly going to complain, especially given the big build up for Bengal Butler (226 Main Rd, Biggin Hill, Westerham TN16 3BD). Alison, Keith and Callum are Regulars, dining here usually on Wednesdays which is Banquet Night. One chooses Five Courses from the Banquet Menu apparently. Sunday is Buffet Night. Tonight would be a la carte, a quiet Monday.
Three tables were occupied when we entered just after 19.00. Hasan and Arman, our Hosts for the evening, pushed two tables together to accommodate the five. The Menus were brought, Hector was immediately impressed.
The Restaurant’s name led me to expect Bangladeshi Cuisine, however, Dum Pukht stood out, an Afghan Dish. There was even the bonus of Punjabi and Kashmiri Dishes to choose from. If the Food lived up to Alison’s description, we would be in for a good night.
Hyderabadi Raan Gosht (£10.95) would be Hector’s choice of Main Course, the Opperchancity to have Lamb on-the-bone, a Leg of Lamb. Normally when Leg of Lamb is encountered, the Dish is – Nihari – a Shorva too far. This Interpretation promised – Marinated Lamb – and – Methi, there was no holding me back. Marg spotted what might have been Hector’s choice on another day – Satkari Gosht – (£7.50) which had the promise of – Citrus. We would share a Paratha (£2.50) and Mushroom Rice (£2.95).
On any other night, this would have been enough, our Fellow Diners led the way. Keith was having Chicken and Cheese Lafaffa (£4.90) to start, I bet we cannot wait to discover what this is. Callum asked me what a Chapli Kebab (£4.90) was, alas this would not be available. His fallback was a Prawn Puri (£3.50) but served on a Roti, the healthier option I was informed. The Sweetness of the Puri complements the Prawns, this was a very Presbyterian order. Alison ordered Poppadoms, in two varieties, Marg was up for this. Hector completed this phase by adding Punjabi Machi (£4.95), how would this compare to the Scottish Haddock served at Glasgow’s Yadgar?
Alison surprised me by ordering Tandoori Mixed Grill (£8.95) as her Main, no Curry then. A Peshwari Naan (£2.20) would accompany. Keith chose Chicken Sagrana (£8.95) and asked for extra Masala. Here we would have the antithesis of a Hector Curry. Chicken, Spinach(?), extra Masala? Last night it was Maggie with Chicken Korma at the Dosa Club, Crawley. Curry-Heute is adding a Diversity that some Readers may welcome. A Keema Naan (£2.20) and more would accompany the Chicken Sagrana. Saag Aloo (£2.95) and Tarka Daal (£2.95) were added too.
Callum could not find his preferred Dish and so asked for the Banquet Menu. Here was Kerala Chicken Curry, and Spinach Rice. Not to be outdone, a Palok Bhajee was added for good measure.
I have never seen five people order so much food – I remarked. And tonight was not Banquet Wednesday.
The Poppadoms and Dips/Chutney made an early appearance. The Spicy Poppadoms had embedded Cumin Seeds more commonly served in Europe than the UK. Marg insisted there was more to them than just Cumin. The trolley made the occasional – whoosh – as it was wheeled up the ramp behind me. Others were being served. After a while it became apparent that everyone else had been served, we had not. Hasan and Arman continued to rush to and from the kitchen. Maybe they’re cooking the food – joked Keith. I told Callum the story of the night I was at the Delhi Darbar (Dumbarton) with Marg and we suspected the Waiter was running the shop on his own. When I next returned to buy just Pakora, the server recognised me and admitted this had been the case. The Starters were promised – soon – which inevitably made their arrival feel even later.
The arrival of the Starters meant more Poppadoms were ordered, the Dips/Chutney were replenished. The Chicken and Cheese Lafaffa tuned out to be Spinach, Cheese and Chicken Patties. One can conclude that Keith likes Chicken and Spinach. Marg confirms that these were – Hot and Tasty – when a Soupçon went in her direction. The Prawn Puri looked strange on a Roti, each to their own.
What is this that stands before me?
Behold the Punjabi Machi! Wtf? They are having a laugh!
Four tiny pieces of Fish in batter sat staring from a lonely plate. There is Salad, and there is – Modest Salad. This was – Micro Salad. £4.95 for this? Has Chef ever bought a Fish Supper? The Lemon was squeezed over the Fish, this added a much needed Tang. The Fish was not Spicy, it was hardly even there; in a flash it was gone. I refer the Reader again to Yadgar. How long had we waited?
There was another wait, then…
Hyderabadi Raan Gosht
When the Hyderabadi Raan Gosht arrived, all was forgiven. A decent-sized Leg of Lamb sat atop a Thick Onion-rich Masala. We had been warned that the Breads served here are not as Big as one may expect. The Paratha was Layered and Flaky, though a bit Oily. This mattered not, dipped into the accumulating Oil in the Masala, this was indulgence. With my share of the Mushroom Rice and Masala arranged on the plate, it was time to get stuck in.
Hector had to use a knife and a fork to eat his Curry, a first. The Leg Bone was carefully stripped of its Meat. Tender Lamb, very Tasty, this could have been Kleftico, Indian Style. This is an accolade, the Seasoning was spot on, the Spice Level could have been higher. Still, alternating between Lamb and Rice, Paratha and Masala, this was the veritable feast. It’s a pity it was served Warm rather than Hot. How long had it been lying, waiting?
Due to the complexity of my own Dish, I was not able to observe my Fellow Diners in action. The Saag Aloo and Tarka Daal were offered, I had enough on my plate. Marg on my left, thoroughly enjoyed her Satkari Gosht.
Satkari Gosht
I was ready for the lemon zesty Curry. There was tender Lamb which went well with the Paratha and Mushroom Rice. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal.
*
*
Kerala Chicken Curry
Callum was well impressed earlier when we first met. On hearing about my Curry Blog, I invited him to enter – UK Curry Blog – on the search engine of his choice, he used Google.
Curry-Heute was first in the list!
The Kerala Chicken Curry came with a Dark, Rich, Thick Masala.
Very flavoursome, very tasty, as always.
However, all was not well across the table. Callum had issues with his Naan.
I was disappointed tonight for the first time, my Naan was cremated. … and it was so slow.
Tandoori Mixed Grill
Alison’s Tandoori Mixed Grill came with a Plain Naan, so better advice could have been given at the time of ordering. Why not give the Peshwari Naan? Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka and a Seekh Kebab were topped with Onions. No Lamb Chops?
Very palatable, tantalised my taste buds. Washed down with my Cobra Beer, most enjoyable.
Chicken Sagrana
Keith’s Keema Naan had not arrived with the Mains. This was summoned. The Spare Naan came into vogue. The Curry was Yellow and Creamy. Keith dug in to reveal the interior, Trifle! Chicken Trifle. Clearly he has had this before and loves it.
It was breast of Chicken tonight, usually it’s Thigh. (Keith is a Chef.) Light and creamy, fabulous, even though it was cooked by the Waiter – he said, tongue in cheek.
The Keema Naan never came, the machine had been switched off, no more Bread tonight. Two Diners had just arrived, should we tell them they would be in for a long night?
There was an admission that they were short staffed tonight. Yes, we had noticed.
The Bill
£103.60. Drinks on the House were offered to make up for the time lost. The offer was declined.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was looked out, Keith announced the presence of The Hector. Hasan and Arman almost insisted we have our photo taken together. They look forward to tonight’s review. The intention to print it and post it in their window was declared. Maybe not for this Monday night, next time.
Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of 
Dosa Club is a Curry Cafe in the preferred Hector style, no pretensions here, no tablecloths, and sensible prices. The Menu was not vast, it did have the Dish which The Hector associates most with South Indian Cuisine – Chettinad. Hector, Marg and Clive would all order Mutton Chettinad (£6.75). After her – too Spicy – Curry at 
Starters were declared, Hector spotted Mutton Roll (£2.50) which would be a new experience. This was also appreciably cheaper than the other options. Marg went for Gobi 65 (£4.95), Clive – Potato Devilled (£4.95), Maggie – Gobi Manchurian (£5.95). The use of – 65 – in Crawley Menus has puzzled over the years. This refers to its position on the Menu, hence Chicken 65 is meant to be the sixty fifth Dish in order of listing. Gobi 65 at Dosa Club is seventh. So it goes.
The Mutton Roll, singular, came as a Pair, would I be charged double? With a Spicy, Tomato Chutney accompanying, this was truly a Worthy Starter. Dissecting the Croquette revealed pieces of Dry Lamb, Peas (few) and Mashed Potato. The Roll was well Spiced, Tasty, Excellent. This was easily the best – Croquette – I have ever been served. There’s two of them!
The Gobi 65 was a Spicy Pakora served with Lemon.
This was rather simple, and featured a couple of pieces of the Dreaded Capsicum.
The Waiter offered us our Mains just as we were finishing the Starters, more time was asked for. Dosa Club closes early, it was approaching 21.00. We could see that all the other Diners were ordering – Dosa. The Chap from Burgess Hill who had recommended Dosa Club to Maggie came in with his family, he was surprised to see us. I had to ask him about the attraction of Dosa. Crispy, tasty, and it’s big – was his explanation. One day The Hector will sample one, meanwhile, I want my Dinner, proper.
This is not a Dish that appears often in Curry-Heute, Hector is never going to order it. Maggie has done the World a favour. Her normal practise after a Starter is not to finish her Main. Tonight was not different, she was beaten by the volume, a Takeaway was arranged, inevitably. 
Only in 
The Bill
Having enjoyed the Bhuna Lamb (£8.80) and seen the Keema Peas (£7.20) last time, Lamb Curry Madras (£8.20) would be today’s choice. Plain Rice (£2.50) was up to half the price of Rice – with Bits, a no brainer. Marg was considering Pani Puri (£3.50) then Paneer Dosa (£6.50) until I pointed out that she is not particularly fond of Chickpeas and Paneer (Cheese). The Lamb Fry (£6.50) had caught Hector’s eye. Marg took the hint. With the promise of inclusive Salad, this should suit. A glass of Mango Lassi (£3.00) for Marg turned out to be Thinner than the norm, and Sweeter. 
The Lamb was well into double figures, the Texture varied from Tender to Chewy. The Curry had Spice and was Well-seasoned. The Masala was Classic Middle Indian, an Old Fashioned Flavour taking Hector back to the early days of The Curry Experience, the 1960s in other words. Served Warm rather than Hot, is my only criticism. 
Lamb Fry
This is lovely! – exclaimed Marg instantly.
Gordon, a Former Pupil, had arranged front row seats for himself and fiancée Krys, then a separate pair for Hector and Marg. We met in the foyer of the Barbican just after 17.00. At 18.00 there would be a Q&A with Rob Young who has written a book about Can entitled – All Gates Open – also Gregor Schwellenbach who had assisted Irmin Schmidt with the Orchestration for – Can Dialog -, tonight’s Opus. We spent an interesting hour hearing about the origins of – Can – some familiar stories e.g. how Damo Suzuki came to be in the Band. The Malcolm Mooney story usually told is how he came to leave – Upstairs, Downstairs – et al. Tonight we heard how Malcolm came to join Can. Video clips of Can Soundtracks were shown. There was a moment for Jaki Liebezeit who sadly left us in January this year. Jaki was meant to be part of the second half of this evening’s entertainment.
La Fermosa, a Ballet Suite, also composed by Irmin Schmidt, followed. Given the strength of composition throughout the many Film Scores Herr Schmidt has written in the past fifty years, I expected more from this. His Opera – Gormengast -, I find I cannot listen to. However, as was made clear about the composing of – Can Dialog – it is about using the Orchestra. Irmin Schmidt, a classically trained Concert Pianist, Composer and Conductor knows more than me. Still I have a hankering for – Rote Erde – which featured prominently at my Wedding.
There was an extended Interval
The 
Thurston Moore was accompanied on Drums by erstwhile – Sonic Youth – colleague – Steve Shelley. Deb Googe (My Bloody Valentine / Primal Scream) had the Holger Czukay task of playing Bass. Valentina Magaletto was second chair on Drums, she was enjoying every moment. 
Father Cannot Yell
Thief (Delay 1968) to me always sounded like an alternative version of Mary, Mary, so Contrary from the official first release – Monster Movie. Would we be treated to Butterfly (Delay 1968), sadly not. The following two pieces sounded more improvisation than song form: Deadly Doris (Lost Tapes) and Uphill (Delay 1968). I may have picked out some familiar bits in the latter.
That sounds like rain – said Marg, as the Thomas/Relleen Partnership set up the next intro. She Brings the Rain (Soundtracks) duly followed. Malcolm walked stage left to Thurston to ask what was next, the closest he came to this Commentator. Mother Sky (Soundtracks) he announced from centre stage. Malcolm Mooney would take on Damo’s lyrics, immense! The Band walked off at the conclusion of this historic moment. Not already, surely?
Yoo Doo Right (Monster Movie) – announced Malcolm Mooney when the Band returned. What a performance, however, he has been performing this for fifty years, he knows how it goes. When it reached the part where the song is acapella, with Shelley maintaining the one drum rhythm, this was for me the highlight of the night, hold back the emotions.
Back out into the night, the four of us walked to Moorgate Underground, young Chaps pointed us in the right direction. 
Marg is – on vacation -, The Hector is merely – on a (another) trip. So it goes. Lord Clive of 
Hector had booked a table for five at seven forty five, or attempted to. The first person I spoke to passed me on to someone else. The – Merry Christmas – sign had to be recorded, as was the booking notice on the table – Hepher. Who?
Another period of time had past when a Young Chap appeared with a tray full of Mains and a plate of Chips. 
These were – Chips – said Marg. What are Mogo Chips? Maggie was expecting – something Spicy. 
Hector’s pace of eating has slowed appreciably in recent times. It was after 21.30, what lay before me disappeared in record time, before it was just too cold to endure. The Keema Rice saved the Meal, being warmer than the Lamb Methi. A sensible Portion, the extra Meat put the Overall Dish into the – Rara – category.
Two came Hector’s way, this was decreed to be – Fair – by me. Nobody commented. Jim was at the far end of the table, Clive would never have known, Maggie had enough before her.
Marg received six meatballs in a Blended Masala. The Kofta were smaller than would be served in Glasgow/Bradford. Her comment sums the Dish up well:
I have observed Maggie eat Curry over many years. No matter the Spice Level, she always finds her Curry to be – too Spicy.
Another Waiter made a further apology. The matter of Lamb Chops times three being refunded to Hector’s credit card was sorted.
There are four City Centre Curry Houses in Aberdeen which Hector has still to review. With Marg – out with the girls – this evening, a perfect Opperchancity for Hector to go exploring. 8848 Restaurant (347 Union St., Aberdeen, AB11 6BT, Scotland) advertises itself as having an Indian and Nepalese Kitchen. Having won – Best in Aberdeen – at the Scottish Curry Awards last year, 8848 would surely be a cut above the Nepalese Experiences of 
Hector was the first customer of the shift at 18.00. Two Chaps would take it in turn recording and serving. The Menu had the usual Standards, however, Hector was here to try something different. With the Menu posted on the window, I had spotted a Dish which had the magical words – served dry – clearly printed. There was no sign of these words on the Menu which now lay before me. Instead the term – Dairy – was the suffix to the descriptions. 
Another Chap took a table diagonally opposite which limited my Photo Opperchancities. The Restaurant is long but not narrow. The tables are well spaced permitting privacy. From my locus I estimated around fifty seats were available in addition to those at the reception area. Sitting adjacent to the Bar, I could see the array of Drinks on offer, a Full Licence here. With white brick tiles adorning the walls, and white linen on the tables, this was very much a venue in which – To Dine.
The Lamb Bhuttuwa was presented in a China Bowl, the Masala impressed immediately. This was as Dry and Thick a Masala as Hector could hope for. The Laccha Paratha was overdone, but not burnt. The Flakiness and Layering were most apparent, the brown hue suggested some Wholemeal Flour had been used. 
With my usual three quarters of the Paratha eaten, I was able to concentrate more on the Masala. There was a distinctive – Tangy Flavour – unlike anything I have experienced, far from Achari. This was something new, my reason for being here.
I had to ask Chris if he knew anything about 
In Hector’s continuing quest to cover all the Curry Houses of Aberdeen, this evening’s intended venue was Maya (22 King St., AB24 5AX). Marg and Hector – enjoyed – an infamous visit there under its previous brand – 
Having reduced the notice required for Lamb Karahi on-the-bone (£9.95) from 24 hours to one, there was a sense of frustration that I was missing out once more. However, I did see enough Lamb Karahi at the weekend. Still, this was not my intended venue this evening. Achari Gosht (£8.50) did not particularly impress 
When ordered previously, the Meat content was debatably sufficient, the lack of a Pickle Blast disappointed. Tonight Hector had a Curry! The Thick Masala looked Rich, one could tell before the first dip of the Paratha that this would be a Worthy Curry. 
The Keema Peas impressed Marg from the start. Tasty – was an almost immediate reaction. Marg too had issues with her Bread. I was asked if I thought this was a Plain Naan, no Garlic was visible. Again, a sheen suggesting Garlic Butter was the only clue. She asked the Waiter to confirm it was a Garlic Naan, it was, allegedly. I don’t taste any Garlic. None – she reinforced.
Whether Curry would be served this evening was always up for discussion, Curry was expected. Hector can, and does, cook a variety of – Other Cuisines. It was a meal in Madeira back in February which swung it. Hector was served a Pork Stew with Potatoes in which the Pork had been marinaded in Wine. A bit more Spice and this was more than likely to be how Vindaloo came about in South 
The 
Yesterday was a busy day. Having begun the preparation for the 
This is the Dry Lamb Karahi – was declared at the point of serving. The 
The Guests had been invited to bring Plastic Containers, else The Hector would have been left facing the same Curry out of the freezer for the foreseeable. Marg divvied up the Leftovers. Kilos of Curry and a Prawn Cocktail went to Helensburgh. Next time, Lasagne! 
March 30th had long been marked in Hector’s Diary as a Day Trip through to Scotland’s second largest city. Nobody seemed to know why, and this was well before Hector had made his 
We arrived at Tanjore at 12.30, the first customers of this session. I chose the table adjacent to where Marg and I sat last Sunday. The Chap who brought the Food 
Two other tables were occupied during our visit: a Chap possibly out with his Mum, very commonplace; a Couple had a screaming wean, lovely. I managed to take the photos of the Restaurant’s Interior which were not possible 
The Chennai Fish looked very – Red – there was no Cream/Yoghurt Topping today. The Masala was Tomato-rich, perhaps in the extreme. The Aroma was wonderful, Dark Red Chillies which I never see in Glasgow Grocers other than in packets. 
This is definitely the Best Fish Curry I have found outside 
Finally I asked about the picture on the wall which has intrigued on both visits. 
Hector finds himself out on a Sunday once again. The Sun is shining, 16
Mein Host came through to ask if I needed a Drink. Steady. With no Sparkling Water available, Mango Rubicon was ordered, the glass later. The Massive plate of Food arrived moments later, a quick reheat. Owen did the honours, photos of Hector at 
The Lamb sat on top of a Huge Portion of Biryani. Salad Components smothered this Melange. This was most certainly not 5* Service, simply Honest Fayre, Desi. The Shorva had disappeared into the Rice adding to the moistness of the Biryani. The Exquisitely Seasoned Flavours from the Shorva had permeated too. Rice? This was way more than Rice.
Two pieces of White Meat on-the-bone sat towards the edge of the plate. The Butcher had made Cuts different from the norm, I had to taste to be convinced it was – Chicken. That dispensed with, it was time to concentrate on the Boneless Lamb. Six Large pieces, Lamb that had taken in the Flavours from the Shorva also. The Spice was coming from who knows where. It was hard to say where the Curry ended and the Biryani started. A half of a Large Potato was in the Mix, enough. Add to this the Diversity of texture provided by the raw Onion Slices, the Tomatoes, this was the – Veritable Feast.
After an excellent day at the Hawkshead Brewery in the English Lakes for the – Northern Craft Beer Fest – there had to be Curry-Heute, but in Glasgow. Realising that our arrival back at Glasgow Central would be after 22.00, the Curry order was phoned in to the 
Ayaz, Mein Host, was behind the counter, Qaiser busy between serving tables and dealing with Takeaways. Chef #2 was on duty. The best two tables were occupied, a familiar face was there, we sat mid room. I turned round to face Ayaz and confirmed two Chapattis (£0.70). The wait was not a long one, Supper’s Ready. Meanwhile we accepted the Jug of Water and noted the Modest Salad is no longer a guaranteed feature.
The Karahi Gosht arrived, seriously Hot and Sizzling. Let the Pleasure begin. The Chapattis were as Fine as ever, Strips were dipped into the Oily Residue at the edge of the Karahi, then the Masala-mash was savoured. Finally the Lamb on-the-bone was cool enough to tackle. Eight Bones were assembled on the plate after they had given up their Tender Lamb. The Spice was there, the Seasoning was Perfect, Chef #2 has graduated to be a Master. I should have ordered a Half-Kilo, I was hungry enough. I have not fully indulged for a while.
Still the best Aloo Gosht in Weegie-Land – was Mags’ verdict.