Hector is reviewing a Kebap House, really. Sometime between Brighton and Crawley today, Dinner was missed. Dr. Stan had returned to Shepherd’s Bush, David and Alison who had entertained Marg and Hector in Madrid recently had retired, Hector had – The Munchies.
The Downsman is where any self-respecting Curry Enthusiast would find Satisfaction in this town, alas it was past their bedtime too. In the years of Curry-Heute, Crawley has lost quite a list of venues from its main Nightlife Street. The Desi Grill & Punjabi Karahi House, Argy Bhaji and Saffron Lounge/ Spice Indian Kitchen & Bar. Blue India is all that remains, fortunate for them, but it was too late for me. This meant that it was most certainly time for the Monthly Kebap.
Kismet Kebab (3 Broadwalk, Crawley, RH10 1HJ, England) is adjacent to Brewery Shades where Hector had spent the last few hours. Kebab Shops stay open late!
On entering I was impressed to see a few tables and chairs, so not just a Takeaway establishment. A choice of Two Meats were on their respective Rotisseries, one obviously – The Donner, the other? I enquired and this is what impressed: a slice of Both was cut freshly and Hector was given samples for comparison. Choice #2 was Chicken, I had to. Hector ordered Chicken, it tasted way better than the standard Donner. With – Everything on – the Chicken Donner was triple wrapped at my insistence.
Ten minutes later all was revealed, a Kebap worthy of a Hector. What would Will think?
From the moment the Menu was opened we knew we were on to a winner. The magic words – Punjabi – Karahi – Methi – all under the heading – Lamb. Each item was also numbered, so the order was:
49 Karahi Methi Gosht (£10.50) twice, 51 Karahi Methi Keema Mutter Aloo (£9.50) and three Naan (£1.40). It was good to see the Minced Lamb spelled out with the Peas and Potatoes. Hector has not seen Methi so prominent on a Menu for some time. Rather than take any chances, I asked the waiter to ensure that no 
A Lunchtime Buffet (£8.95) was on offer, temporarily as the notice outside advised. I watched a Chap get his money’s worth. A Big Portion was spooned on top of his Rice, then more, and more. I congratulate him for presenting with such an appetite this early in the day. For Jonathan and Hector, this was Breakfast.
The efficacy of the Karahi Methi Gosht was confirmed by the Aroma. The first Dip of the Light and Fluffy Naan into the Masala was a joyous moment. Hector has not tasted such an intense dose of Methi in some time. This Curry is exactly what The Hector required. The Spice and Seasoning were commendable, but the Methi hit, oh yes.
The Lamb is lovely – was Jim’s almost immediate reaction.
Across the table, Jonathan had made great progress through his Karahi Keema Mutter Aloo. We discussed the absence an of Oil residue collecting at the base of his karahi, there was no needless Masala either. Again, this was as authentic as this Dish can be served. When asked for an immortal quote, my Learned Friend replied –
Karl’s Karahi Lamb Tikka Masala arrived as we were finishing our Curry, almost instantly there was an – Mmm. Another Dr. Stan impersonation this weekend. This Dish appeared to be more Red than it need be, surely no additives? The 
Karl was ready with his comment –
The Curry Stand at GBBF was one of the first things I noticed on arrival yesterday.
Whilst The Chaps were serving up the Punjabi Lamb Curry with Rice, I asked if they had a shop, or if this was it. No shop, this is their business. £7.00 was the normal fee, there was a 50p discount for Staff at the Festival. A quick Photo Opperchancity was not passed up. With Curry, Rice, Polystyrene Container and Plastic Spoon, I walked half the length of Olympia and went upstairs to the Volunteers Bar. Being a Beer Festival there had to be an Ale to accompany.
Dr. Stan joined me with his Steak Pie and Chips just in time to record the moment. People eat that? They call it – Food? Actually, I love Steak Pie, but not with Chips.
The Breads were served on a single plate. I have read other Sources criticising the Bread at 
Jim managed to put a Cardamom Pod into his mouth as soon as he began, the Cardamom Flavour was pronounced, Tomato also came through strongly as I made progress. There was enough Medium cut Lamb in the serving, this had been well cooked, very Soft and Tender. The Spice Level was not demanding, perhaps a little bit more Seasoning, but the Tomato Flavour did come through in the end, so perhaps the Seasoning was spot on. My only criticism of the Bhuna Lamb was the Temperature. The metal dish was hotter than the contents, the Bhuna Lamb approached Tepid in parts, The Hector desires his Food to be served Hot.
The Keema Mutter had no Masala as such and was not swimming in Oil, this should be my choice next visit. Jonathan was doing his Dr. Stan impersonation making suitable noises.
Hector finds himself in that London volunteering at the Great British Beer Festival – GBBF. Jim has enticed me down from Scotland to work at the German-Czech Bar in Bieres sans Frontieres, a few familiar faces on Curry-Heute are here too.
Three Diners were studying the Menu when I entered, given their conversation it was evident where they spent their afternoon. I was offered a table for two nearest the door, a 750ml Bottle of Sparkling Water (£3.25) was ordered. I had no idea at the time of ordering what Drinks cost, a risky move in London.
The Lamb Bhuna looked like any Curry served in a Mainstream Indian Restaurant, the Masala was Indian Standard, Thicker than Shorva, just. Eight Large Pieces of Meat were decanted along with some Tomato, I had a Sufficiency.
The Seasoning and Spice Levels were Fine, the more I ate the more the Spice did its job. In terms of Flavour there was nothing Outstanding but nothing also to dislike. The Meat was Tender, the Masala was not Excessive. I had not been given a Plate of Soup. This was a Competent Curry, as much as I could hope for.
Hector cannot be everywhere and so it was great to receive such a warm welcome from Khalid and Saeed on entering 
No sooner had the Salad been presented when Saeed brought the Curry and Rice. Hector likes to eat his Food when it is as hot as possible, this was to the detriment of the Salad, a pity.
By choosing the Display Curry I had eschewed my favoured Curry Style of Dry-Thick Minimal Masala. This was Curry with the Classic Indian Masala, too Splashy for Bread, this is why we have Curry and Rice. The Lamb was on-the-bone which was welcome, Bones mean more Flavour. Sucky Bones and a Flat Bone suggested Leg and Shoulder, Quality Lamb. It may be worth mentioning that the Asian Grocers along Allison Street are selling Spring Lamb at £8.99 a Kilo, which is marvellous.
A few pieces of Onion were mixed in, boiled in the Masala. This made me wonder how the Karela had been cooked, not boiled surely? The Bitterness from the Karela gave this Lamb Curry the extra dimension to raise it from Mainstream, this was Desi. The Seasoning was not so apparent initially, nor was the Spice. A quick visit to the Salad introduced the Chillies, now we’re talking. The Meal improved with every mouthful, the Salad changed the Texture, the Interesting Vegetables were raw, so it goes.
I was almost finished when the third star of 
Yes, Hector is back at the Restaurant/Cafe Discovery of 2016 in Glasgow. 
The Order was phoned in at 13.30 just to save a bit of time, 15.00 as ever was the time of the Saturday Curry Meet. It has been a while since Hector was joined by Dr. Stan, we may see him feature more often in the next couple of weeks.
At 15.30 Naveed brought the Lamb Handi, the Karahi/Wok does impress, I knew what was coming, Dr. Stan was taken aback.
The Lamb Handi was decanted to small plates, so Rich, Amazing Depth of Flavour, no doubt achieved by the Perfect Seasoning. The Spice Level was such that most could cope, one could ask for More Spicy if required. It only took seconds for Dr. Stan to nod his head. The – Mmm – followed soon after, then more – Mmmms – in quick succession. Hector had no fear of Dr. Stan failing to be impressed, I have had enough 
Arriving just before the agreed 18.00 I looked around for the Excellent Waiter who has served me on my previous visits, no sign of. Mein Host, Ahmed, had the easier task given that my photograph is ubiquitous on this humble website. I was invited to choose my table, only one was currently occupied and one awaited clearing. I selected the table occupied last visit when Kenny and I had the Marvellous – 
Howard’s presence was also agreed, he entered punctually, introductions were made. If Howard enjoys a Curry it must be Wonderful, also as was proved in 
The Pakora was a visible departure from The Norm. With Fresh Coriander sprinkled on the outside and the Onion chopped into Fine Strips, this was a Different Taste Experience. The Seasoning was most satisfactory but was such that it detracted somewhat from the enjoyment of the Samosa.
Howard was relaxing into the moment, impressed so far. He will no doubt add his own comments henceforth.
Both Howard and Hector could tell this was Special just by the appearance. The Karela Gosht was served as Dry as any Karahi should be, the Lamb was on-the-bone, and topped with copious Slices of Karela. The Karela appeared to have been cooked separately in the classic (herb-spice-roasted) manner. For those who can tolerate the intensity of flavour this Vegetable emits, this was a Treat.
Keema Aloo
We could not find this Dish on the Menu and so were honoured to sample it. Perhaps it is worth asking what else is available when one visits 
The Accompaniments
The Naan was the Standout. Served Glowing, Light and Fluffy, this was an Excellent example of the genre. The Chapatti had Girth, a Substantial Bread, I doubt if anyone would require more than one to accompany their Main Dish. In the past I have also complimented the
This Dish had a completely different dynamic to that which preceded: two Quails topped with Green Chillies served in a Classic Shorva. Hector’s dilemma is always to eat with Bread and splash all over the table, or let the Rice absorb the Soupy Masala? As ever, the latter was the dominant solution, though I had – to dip. Howard coughed.
Quail are Small, Footery, the Rewards are worth the effort. The Exterior Meat could be seen to have absorbed the Shorva. Cooked on-the-bone and with the Skin on, this is exactly how Poultry should be cooked, as verified by a 
An Ice Cream Sundae would not have been commensurate with the purpose of the day. Gulab Jamun has been enjoyed on occasion at other venues, time for something completely different.
Kuli Falooda (£4.20) – Fresh Noodles, Rose Syrup, Rubbri (contains Nuts), Basil Seeds, Kulfi.
The Kitchen Tour
Somehow, over a month has passed since Hector’s last visit to the 
The Modest Salad was nibbled by Mags, there was nothing of interest on the plate for The Hector. A Chap sat the adjacent table munching on something similar to Hector’s Order, accompanied by a Naan. Imran Khan was on the tv, we know not what pearls he was sharing. His image did confirm, if ever it was required, that the food served at the 
This is good – Mags offered very quickly. Normally she gives up halfway so as to leave sufficient for a Doggy Bag, not tonight. Mags ate on and on, clearly she was thoroughly enjoying her Lamb and Potato Curry.
The Meat was well higher than the rim of the Karahi. Topped with Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander, the Standard Presentation, however, the Large Green chillies were also to the fore. As ever the Masala and Oil sizzled in the too hot to touch Karahi.
How I have a let more than a month pass? Perhaps absence does make the heart grow fonder, tonight’s Lamb Karahi was a Standout. The Seasoning was on the limit, the Spice content was taking no prisoners, the tip of Hector’s tongue was being nipped, lips were throbbing. The Tender Lamb was partly Lamb Chops, partly Ribs. The Masala was decidedly Thicker than the Norm, the Tomato Seeds stood out. The Flavour was off the scale, this was an Unbelievable Lamb Karahi, the Best I have ever been served at the 
Having enjoyed Lamb Karahi at two of Glasgow’s Best Sources in recent days namely 
The full details and 
And so Hector’s House once again has the Aroma which was The Norm once upon a time.