Few may have heard of the French Band – Magma – who were founded by Christian Vander in 1969, even fewer will have seen them live. Hector had the opperchancity to see them perform at the Glasgow City Hall back in 1973 when their album Köhntarkösz was released. I had purchased the album but couldn’t play it. I found the Musik to be terrifying! Köhntarkösz was disposed of.
In subsequent years 1001 Centigrades and Üdü Wüdü were acquired on vinyl, the latter I actually enjoyed. My ear knew what to expect, intense percussion near constant chanting, grinding bass, and of course the lyrics sang in their self-created language – Kobaia.
Two Magma CD’s found their way into Hector’s CD Collection, bargain basement offers no doubt. Attahk and their Live album. The latter ironically contains Köhntarkösz which I can now enjoy, occasionally.
This evening’s performance at the Assembly Hall in Edinburgh could not be missed, though the elements nearly cancelled the gig. Our drive across Scotland on the M9 was in the worst of conditions, we were told that the sound crew were involved in a nasty collision on the M8 earlier.
Seating was unreserved, the doors opened at 18.30. Marg and Hector arrived at 19.10, the earliest we could. A suitable pair of seats were taken, stage left. The Foyer confirmed a 19.30 start, the Tickets did not provide this information. You’ll have had your starting time? Marg had never heard Magma, I simply told her to be prepared for an aural onslaught.
A Medium used by the Band confirmed the current line-up as: Christian Vander (drums/vocals), Stella Vander (vocals), Isabelle Feuillebois (vocals), Hervé Aknin (vocals), Staiïss Ësslëhnt (guitar), Jérome Martineau-Ricotti (keyboard), Benoît Alziary (vibraphone), Philippe Bussonet (bass).
The Promoter informed us they would play one set, I had assumed an intermission. Some would no doubt have left given the opperchancity. I wonder if they locked the doors?
The Musik of Magma is demanding. I referred to the style above, tonight was relentless, endless. The first – Piece – lasted forty minutes, an ever changing set of musical motifs and time signatures. It is always a pleasure to hear Drums – played. The Bass player was unforgiving, as good as any I have ever seen/heard and Hector did see Jaco Pastorius five times. The vocals, the lyrics, as percussive as the Musik. That nothing was intelligible was irrelevant to this listener, I do not listen to words, they are a distraction. Only rarely were there guitar breaks. The Vibraphone player did have extended spots, as visually entertaining as they were pleasant to listen to. At other times his playing was lost in the mix. The keyboard player could have saved energy for one ten minute sequence by employing Digital Delay as the vocalists did on occasion. This was Minimalism.
In such intimate surroundings, one can take but a few photos.
The Setlist this evening, as best I can establish was : Theusz Hamtaahk, Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh, with Zombies as the encore.
Zombies is from Üdü Wüdü, I cannot presently play vinyl. I have only heard Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh once before. A Cellist I once knew was heavily into Olivier Messiaen, she played me this album, once.
At the end Marg declared that she enjoyed this performance more than the (many) times she has seen Damo Suzuzki.
The audience of a few hundred expressed their pleasure at the conclusion. Stella Vander admitted that it is not possible for Magma to wait another forty years before returning to perform in Scotland.
Köhntarkösz next time please?
Curry-Heute
Eight quid to park, don’t start me on Edinburgh…. Marg and Hector had missed Dinner. We negotiated, again, the mess that is Edinburgh City Centre. Trams? Aye right!
We do not dine in Edinburgh often. In recent years there has only been one venue: Lazeez Tandoori (191 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2EB), one of the few Punjabi Curry Houses in Edinburgh. Mein Host and Hostess were behind the counter. Menus were given, we chose our preferred table thus establishing we were here to sit in.
Marg announced immediately that she was having Lamb Karahi (£9.75). The words Methi and Gosht were spotted, too much for Hector to resist, however, I was determined to have Potatoes too. Methi Gosht Aloo (£6.50) it would be. There is a sizeable difference in price. A Chappatti (90p), their spelling, and a Paratha (£1.95) would accompany.
Mein Hostess confirmed with the kitchen that Lamb Karahi was available. Adding Potato to the Methi Gosht was not a problem. Marg was invited to take the required two Cans of Mango Rubicon from the fridge. These were a – Spezial Price – 59p.
The Methi Gosht served on my previous visits to Lazeez differed from each other. The first was my preferred Masala with Methi, last time was a Green Herb Curry a la Palak Gosht, too much Herb, and not all the ones of choice. I had photos of both to hand when Mein Host placed today’s version before me.
This is closer to version #2 – I observed.
They’ll both taste the same – he assured.
Give me ten minutes to decide.
Marg was already tearing into her Chapatti… hold on, photos required. Marg was ravenous, 22.00 is late for us to eat.
Lamb Karahi
Capsicum inevitably would have spoiled the Lamb Karahi for The Hector. Tomatoes had also been cooked in, that I do like. The Lamb Karahi did look Splendid. Why did I not order this? A piece of Lamb came my way, – Oh yes!
This is lovely – was Marg’s opening remark.
I know I”m hungry.
The first taste wa
s – Wow – now it’s getting hotter for me.
Marg ate on and then started to remove the Capsicum. She was defeated by Volume, a Takeaway would follow. Knowing that I would have this for tomorrow’s Lunch, it had to be Capsicum free.
The Breads were Excellent. The Chapatti was Large enough for Marg not to need any Paratha. The Paratha was Fresh, Flaky, Layered, exactly as one should be served.
Methi Gosht Aloo
Thick with Herb, there was no collection of Oil on the side of the plate. The Methi Blast was there. The Seasoning and Spice Level were commensurate with Total Enjoyment. It was a Pleasure to taste Scottish Lamb after my recent sojourn. I did not establish the ratio of Meat to Potato, I had more than enough Solids to fill. The appetite is not fully restored.
We were now in discussion with Mein Host and Mein Hostess.
You always order the same thing– said Mein Hostess. Technically she is correct, Karahi when available, Methi otherwise. I had to mention the presence of Capsicum in Curry.
It’s an American Vegetable, what is it doing in Indian Food?
She assured me that she loved Capsicum and likes it in everything.
Time to draw The Reader’s attention to – The Curry-Heute Campaign.
On my last visit I declined Lamb Karahi when she informed me that the Capsicum was already in. This time she promised it could be removed on demand.
Mein Host appreciated our sitting in his modest establishment. Marg informed him I care nothing about my surroundings, I was here for the Best possible Curry in Edinburgh.
Lazeez Tandoori have been in operation for twelve years I was told. They refuse to rush out their orders. Customers should be prepared to wait that bit longer to receive a worthy meal.
The Bill
£21.46. Another two Cans of Mango Rubicon had been taken.
The Aftermath
Mein Host sat down to eat, I had to inspect – The Staff Curry. Keema Rice topped with Yoghurt.
So how many Punjabi Houses are there in Edinburgh? An answer never came, however, Hector did make a proclamation on departure.
This is the only Edinburgh Curry House I ever visit.
Update
Hector had also retained some of the Herb Mash. This mixed in with the Soupcon that Marg had left made for the Perfect Lamb Karahi.
Some insist Curry tastes better the next day. This was Stunning! The Tomatoes had permeated the Mash too, should I order my Lamb Karahi a day before visiting Lazeez Tandoori?
Severinstrasse, 
On display was a tray of Lamb marinating in Spice, a perfect welcome.
Most of the Veg is Chickpea, with Spinach, of course – remarked Dr. Stan.
The Potatoes are a bit on the large side – said Steve. This was his only criticism. Fancy having to cut a Potato?
Steve’s Garlik Naan looked Dry to me which is also what photos from my previous visits show. He had eschewed the advice for Paratha. I had ordered two knowing I could hardly eat a whole. They were for sharing. Dr. Stan was impressed by the Softness and Flakiness. Charged at €2.00, these were very well prepared and good value. Paratha should be on the Menu.
The top of Hector’s Lamm Vindaloo had Fresh Coriander and Dry Methi, exactly how I like to see my Curry presented. The Redness was a disappointment, there is no need for this. The Masala was also Thinner and more Plentiful than hoped for. There was a Big Kick, the Seasoning seemed Appropriate. Light Masses protruded through the Puréed Masala, Chicken? For the briefest of moments I wondered. It was the Potato, Large Pieces as Steve had noted. The number of Solids on my plate was well into double figures, I did not note the ratio of Meat to Potato, I was too busy enjoying the Flavours.
The Kick is Excellent – I declared to my Fellow Diners.
This was when Farhad introduced formally himself. You have a Blog? – he asked rhetorically. He too has plans for a Blog, presumably not about Curry since he has much to learn. He is from Bangladesh, Farhad means – Happiness. Don’t they have Curry in Bangladesh?
Hector, Jonathan, Mags, and Dr. Stan alighted from the Boat at Bernkastel just after 13.00. After a quick look at the sights it was time for Lunch at Taj Mahal (Hebegasse 1, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues, Deutschland). There was a problem, Hector’s appetite was Zero, a combination of a bug not fully shaken off and the overindulgence of the last few days. For months Jonathan and Hector have looked forward to the Tandoori Mix (€16.50) which impressed so much last year. In effect, The Hector never planned to have Curry-Heute, Fish Pakora Amritsari (€4.50) was not what I had in mind. I should be able to force down a Starter.
Four flat pieces of Fish stared up from the plate accompanied by a Garnish which would remain untouched. This was an Appropriate Portion, though one cannot help compare this Portion with that given on my 
One always worries, this Dish can be horrendous in Europe, and in many UK venues for that matter. This was the first Dish I had in these premises 
Mags started slowly but warmed to what lay before her. The Naan proved to be too much for Mags who had taken her share of the sensible portion of accompanying Rice.
I had put it to Dr. Stan that his Masala did not appear to be too different to that in the Karahi, he agreed. Neither of use were sure why this was a – Bhuna.
This is one of the most joyous spectacles ever encountered. Piled high, no Higher, on a Sizzling Metal Platter came Chicken, Lamb and Prawns topped with Lemon and Onion and even more Onion and Tomato beneath the Meat. Not Curry, but Stunning Indian Cuisine.
With an enforced change of train between Düsseldorf and 
The Pakora was a Hoot. Strips of who knows what in Batter. Something Green – was my first observation. Broccoli was suggested, Onion too, perhaps Potato. The Raita was Thicker than the Norm, Tasty. This was but a Soupçon, hardly Echtes Pakora.
Strips of Beef and Onion lay in the Thinnest of Masalas – Shorva. The Masala disappeared into the Rice changing its colour. That was all the Masala was capable of.
The 0.2l Bottle of Sparkling Water was a bit of a disappointment, in this heat one needed to take on Bunkers. I had no clue as to the cost of this tiny bottle, better safe than sorry.
The Seasoning hit home first, the Salt level was definitely in one’s face. The Spice Level was at the Mild end of the Spectrum, I hadn’t specified – Scharf, so I cannot complain. The Lamb was Tender and tasted of Lamb. A not so Spicy Lamb Stew – flashed through Hector’s mind as the note-taking continued. However, is this not the definition of – Curry?
There was a very distinctive and powerful Flavour whose source I could not fathom. Assuming an Onion and Tomato base to the Masala, this was a blend which was a standout. 
Given there was enough Rice for two, I concluded that there was probably enough Bhuna Gosht for two. Supposing one came to Tandoori and ordered a Starter? 
Hector knew one thing for certain today as he headed to Musselburgh to celebrate Neil’s Birthday/Retiral do – there would be no Curry-Heute. Whatever the source of the stomach bug, Hector has been out of commission since the small hours of Tuesday.
Qaiser was at the dark doorway as I arrived – what has happened to the lights?
On entering, John noticed that the Price Boards had been stripped. 
Extra salt, extra methi – said Qaiser as he placed the Karahis on the table.
Hector spotted the Masala was even Thicker and Darker than the normal – Thick, the Masala was also more plentiful. It was John who spotted that the Chops had been cooked in the Tandoor, the skewer hole was the giveaway.
The engravings on the windows of 
The Mixed Vegetable Karahi (£6.95) has been enjoyed before, the usual exclusion had to be made.
The Waiter brought the Complimentary Poppadom and Dips, Spicy Onions, Mmmm, my first in a while.
Potatoes, Cauliflower, Tomatoes, Green Beans, Fresh Coriander, Ginger Strips and Okra! Who needs Lamb? Half of the Rice was spooned on to the Plate, there was enough for two to share. Again half of the Karahi contents were spread across the Rice, a Huge Meal in prospect. The Individual Vegetables were perfectly cooked. As ever, the Masala was at the absolute Minimum, the Spice was there, the Seasoning a Tad under, still, with the Variety of Textures, a Great Curry.
At the conclusion there was not a drop of oil on the base of the Karahi, just a shiny Residue, The Healthy Option.
We found a parking place some fifty metres beyond the venue, Marg remembered to check the parking meters. Free after 20.00, only in Aberdoom. On entering, a large group occupied the left seating area. All the tables down the right of the room were occupied bar one which was being cleared; this was the busiest we have seen 
Another Chap brought the Curry, the Keema impressed immediately, no sign of unnecessary Masala. The Methi Gosht had a suitably Thick Masala, I had to count the Meat – 6 pieces. I did raise this by one later, The Standard Portion. Marg had no such issues, her metal bowl had a Very Decent Portion.
The Methi Gosht was Well-seasoned, extra Green Chillies had been added so this was far from Bland. The Herb content was visible throughout the Masala. I was not getting a huge Methi Blast until…
I had to help Marg, the Potatoes came my way. Hector now had his Interesting Vegetable, the Methi Gosht was greatly improved. Although the Aloo had no taste other than Potato, I did start to sense the Herbs more clearly. This made a Good Methi Gosht – Very Good. But still no – Wow.
The Chef and his Assistant (Mein Host’s Brother) took a table in the centre of the room. The Chef’s Curry was on the table, I had to ask. Chicken Karahi. Again I had to ask, they never add Capsicum. The Masala was more copious than I would prefer, but far from the 
Today’s visit to 
With Drinks sorted, the question of differing Parathas (£2.70) had to be resolved. I showed Naveed the Paratha I enjoyed so much on 
This is a Curry – exclaimed Steve from the off. Indeed, the Lamb Handi is markedly different from the Lamb Karahi which is our Norm. The Masala is Plentiful, Prominent. This is Meat in A Sauce, but what a Rich Masala. Tomato seeds are highly visible, Onion features prominently. It is possible that Onion may well have been puréed to create the texture of the Masala. Cloves came through strongly, so if this is not a Flavour one enjoys, beware. This was a Large Portion, quite a bit short of the full Kilo, and so easier to tackle. Naveed assured us he can eat this by himself. I offered to sit beside him one day as he does so. As always, Naveed was on hand just in case anything more was required.
Mein Host showed me to a table for two near the door, the first customer of the day, though another Chap was in and out whilst I dined. I thanked him for sending me to 
Hector produced the Calling Card and explained about the Blog, 
The other Customer had come and gone – Express Lunch Menu? Hector was savouring the moment.
The Facilities are downstairs, and so a further dining area and bar was revealed.