A day out touring the Brewpubs of Hackney should naturally conclude with Curry, in Crawley. Hector hoped to visit The Downsman which is Crawley’s Finest, alas Lord Clive believed it would not be serving by the time our complex train arrangement returned us to the New Town. A quick phone call confirmed this.
Blue India (59 High St., Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1BQ, England) is the nearest to Crawley Station. It was 22.30, not late in the traditional sense to go for Curry. The last three customers occupied the secluded table next to the Bar which Clive, Maggie and Hector were allocated back in November. We were permitted to sit opposite, just as well, a single Bacon Roll was all we had eaten today. Who eats one Bacon Roll?
The Railway Lamb (£11.95) was the choice last time, since then I have enjoyed a Railway Breakfast in India. Desi Karahi (£7.95) was a possibility. Gurka’s Revenge (£8.50) – Tender Pieces Of Grilled Lamb Or Chicken in Garlic & Chilli Sauce. Hot And Spicy Full Of Flavour – had a Two Chilli rating.
Tonight there had to be something different. By different, I mean in – The Hector Style. I would ask The Waiter to recommend a Dish which would have a Thick and Minimal Masala. Why has it taken me so long to learn to ask for – Thick – Masala as well as Minimal? No answer required.
Clive returned to his roots – Chicken Dhansak (£6.95) – A Parsee Dish. Sweet & Sour With Lentils, Pilao Rice and Keema Nan (£2.95). Once again, Clive and I were puzzled by the description of a Dhansak as – Sweet & Sour.
Thick Sauce, no Capsicum.
Spicy?
Yes.
Gurka’s Revenge it was, accompanied by Mushroom Rice (£2.95).
Chicken Dhansak
The Chicken Dhansak is one Curry that The Hector is never going to order, such is the joy of dining in company we get to see a range of Menu Items. What came was far too – Soup-like – for Hector but Clive, and others, are happy with this style of Curry.
The Naan was a Decent Size and the occasional bit of Flakiness was testimony to the well-fired exterior. Burnt Bits can be Tasty. The Mince content was Donner-like which, with Parathas, sadly appears to be The Norm. One still hopes for Separate Grains of Lamb Mince, once experienced, never forgotten.
This is one of the best Dhansaks I’ve ever had. – declared Clive. This is very good, a balance between sweet and spice. This one has some fire in it as well. So no mention of – Sour – then.
I have accompanied Clive when he made a similar declaration. The – Search – facility in this Blog (right column) reveals where – Peterborough – comes up, the venue is no more.
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Gurka’s Revenge
Visually, one has to admit that this Randomly Titled Dish had me won before I started. When Hector sees a Masala as Thick as this, the salivation process kicks in, instinct. The Masala was enough to cover the Lamb which somehow had been cut into Long Strips. Lamb can be cut this way? At times like this one questions if it is actually – Lamb, as Beef tends towards this type of carving.
Spread over the sensibly sized portion of Mushroom Rice, this was exactly what the Hector needed at 23.00 this Saturday night, here we go.
Chopped Green Chillies were the source of the Ferocious Kick, the Long Red Chillies added a bit more but were mostly decorative – IMHO. Nature’s Sprinkler System became active on the top palate. I do not know why people say – It’s too Spicy. The other well worn Cliche – You cannot taste anything when it’s this Spicy – may have some merit. I was able to confirm that the Strips were in fact – Lamb, how often does one experience this distinctive Flavour? I can also report that the Gurka’s Revenge was Under-Seasoned and would have benefited from an additional Sprinkling of Herbs – Methi, for example.
There was nothing here not to like, but the Dish did fall short of Spectacular. A greater familiarity with The Chef and who knows what we could concoct together?
The Bill
£27.80. This included a 750ml Bottle of Sparkling Water.
The Aftermath
Clive wished to pass on his regards to The Chef.
The Chef has already left. – said The Waiter.
We thanked The Waiter for taking us in, we had kept him back a half hour beyond the normal closing time. Flexibility must endure. He told us that they like to be away before the Pubs close, they do not need the Business of those who go for Curry so that they can drink more Lager. It also annoys those who are already there trying to have a civilised meal.
Perhaps if Pubs opened all night then this could be avoided?
Clive and Hector were in the dog house. Marg and Maggie were on an even later train back from their day in the West End, a dog needed let out. There was nothing else for it, Dark Star – Revelation – a few doors down at the Brewery Shades.
Musicals, aye right.
easyJet admitted the flight to Gatwick was delayed by forty five minutes only after Marg and Hector had passed through security at Glasgow Airport. Lord Clive of 
Lord Clive had a plan, as with August Bank Holiday, this Bank Holiday Weekend means a Beer Festival at the Surrey Oaks, Newdigate. We were whisked past Stanhill Court where our Hosts were married, into the depths of Surrey. Driving along Parkgate Road, there was a less than subtle clue as to – An Event – occurring. Cars were parked along both sides of the road for about 500m, what chance getting into a car park? Somehow Lady Maggie, with proximity alarms working overtime, managed to wedge the Jalopy into the only available space in the Raj Ali (Parkgate Rd, Newdigate, Dorking, Surrey RH5 5DZ) car park. Ale, thought Hector, perhaps we should book a table for later out of politeness, after all we are in the car park of the Curry House.
Hector was snapping everything, but was summoned by both Hers Indoors – We have a table. Despite the throng across the street in the Pub Gardens, the Ali Raj was only half full. Hector’s Happiness was on the increase. Having consulted a well known and reliable Website earlier in the day, the Ada Gosht had to be the Curry of choice this evening. This Dish impressed greatly 
At 70p a pop, Clive and Hector were not playing, plus the same again for The Bits. 
Marg, Clive and Hector ordered Ada Gosht (£9.60) – Aromatic Lamb cooked with yoghurt, ginger and coriander flavoured with herbs and spices – as ever, the Hector Caveat was added. Chapati (£1.50) for Marg, Subji Paratha (£2.80) for Hector and Keema Paratha (£2.90, not on the Menu?) for Clive. For Maggie: Lamb Biriani (£10.95) and Saag Aloo (£3.95), I was already looking forward to sampling the Excess.
Today the Lamb Pieces were not so numerous, but were suitably Large. Tender to Chewy, Marg actually remarked on this first. Under-seasoned and Under-spiced, where was the Citrus Blast? Lacking in Flavour was Hector’s take, though Marg said she did taste – Lemon. Clive ate without comment, he was neither up nor down. The retained Condiments were put to use, the Lime Pickle was mixed in to the far away half of my Ada Gosht, now I have a Blast, a Pity I had to resort to this.
The Chaps from Oakham Ales are in town this evening to meet – The Company – those who have been directly responsible for promoting Green Devil from a Seasonal Brew to a Regular Brew. A Substantial Dinner was required to absorb any excess partook’t at The State Bar thereafter.
I was The Lone Diner throughout the Seder, until a couple of Chaps took the window table for Coffee. Mia – The Coffee House? Why not, I note they are also advertising a three course Lunch and pre-theatre Dinner. Akhtar said that he had a group of Ladies from Bearsden here at Lunchtime. Hopefully Mia Sugar & Spice will maintain their all-day opening.
Two Complimentary Poppadoms, Spiced Onion and Dips were brought in a flash. The Spiced Onions were on top form, Spicy with a slight Sweetness. One Poppadom was quite sufficient. (
The Lamb Desi Handi sizzled in the Karahi, another – Gosh – moment. The Pile of Meat was easily in double figures, all Large Pieces. The Masala Mash was seriously Thick, the way The Hector desires. The Onion-Tomato Mash was scooped on to pieces of ample Chapatti, alternating with the devouring of the Lamb. The Green Chillies on top added to the Ferocious Kick. It’s not too hot? – asked Akhtar. Impossible – was the reply. Bravado.
In the past week I have enjoyed The Best of Karahi at Manchester’s 
Akhtar brought over the rest of the Litre Bottle, – You may as well have this. Hassan was mentioned, his school in 
On 
The Meat content was way more than a Soupçon, quite a Portion of Lamb. The Masala was similar to that served in the Karahi Gosht, the same Sticky, Thickness. The Flavour was entirely different, the Karela was barely visible, all part of the Mash, however, it had done its work, this Curry was Bitter, Superb.
Peter summoned Hector to the Allison Arms this afternoon, he still thinks it’s my Birthday. Marg was in Stirling for much of the day, hockey of course. We agreed to rendezvous at 
By the time we had settled on a Poppadom each, plus The Bits, the Mains were ready. Marg instantly observed that her Boneless Portion was Larger than Hector’s. This remains the Great Curry Paradox: one generally pays more for on-the-bone yet knowingly, the debris will pile up. At 
I have been ordering this as – Vegetable Rice – since my earliest encounters at 
From the first intake of Lamb there was a gasp of pleasure. This is it, 
Karahi Gosht Boneless
The Masala is the same, but will never pack the same punch as when Meat on-the-bone has been part of the cooking process. Marg found her Dish to be slightly too Spicy for her. She is perfectly capable of eating – Spicy Curry – but just likes to register her thoughts. Dehydration was her main concern as she summoned a second Mango Rubicon from Omar. Hector had to sample the Boneless version, not too different on this occasion, but a Significantly Different Portion Size. So it appeared.
Ambala Deli Bar
Marg was consulted, Three Scoops (£4.20) were selected, Marg’s choice. Daim Bar?
Before Pendragon took to the stage I was able to make a copy of the Set-list. A track from the album scored out? The Two Ladies accompanied for backing vocals, yet the opening Eponymous Track – with its Operatic leanings was still played as a recording. As Good as Gold kicked things off, by the end Nick Barrrett, Guitar and Composer, again looked gob-smacked at the warmth coming from the Glasgow audience, and The Mob of about six.
Beautiful Soul was the first, this works well on stage followed by the compulsory Nostradamus aka Stargazing (The Window of Life) had everyone jumping again, except The Hector of course. Back down to earth with Come Home Jack (Men
Who Climb Mountains) and then the track from Passion which took this commentator by surprise in early hearings. Green and Pleasant Land (Passion) is an Epic, the Choir was in full force once again.
It was now well after 23.30, late for The Ferry. The Set-list showed Indigo (Pure), IMHO the greatest Nick Barrett song composition. Everyone would have left happy after this Aural Feast. It was the last night of the tour, there was more. Somehow Nick still had the voice to tackle The Pursuit of Excellence (Masquerade Overture) which had been missed from the album sequence earlier. Finally, and by now it is after midnight, Faces of Light (Men Who Climb Mountains) which proved there are two songs at least worth playing Live from this album.
That’s Pendragon for 2016. A new album, all things being equal, should appear in 2017. A reason to visit 
It is time to return to Hector’s House, the – Hiatus Horribilis – has reached its conclusion. However, there was still time for one more Curry in Manchester. Later, Hector boarded the 13.16 to Glasgow, three coaches, stowed, luggage, people standing, Trans Pennine need to look at this. Hector’s booked seat provided a table and power-point, time to Blog.
Craig – Very good, very tasty, a lot of meat.
I like this one too – said Mags as she soaked up the Excess Masala to reveal a Whole Lotta’ Lamb, with Minimal Bones. The Paratha was – in the style – Layered and Flaky. How different this Interpretation of Lamb Karahi was compared to yesterday at 
Hector had very Tasty 
Peas, Potatoes, Carrots, and Cauliflower – The Big Four – were accompanied by the occasional piece of Sweetcorn. The Thin Masala may well have been classed as Excessive on any other day, but having watched my Fellow Diners, this was not appropriate. Whatever Excess I had, disappeared into the Interstices of the Rice. I was left with a Moist Curry, the Potato Pieces were as good as any Meat on this occasion, and easier to digest. The Curry itself was Smooth, Mellow. The Masala may have been Tomato-based hence the relative Thinness. As each piece of Green Chilli was encountered, so the Bite was enhanced. This was a very good choice this Lunchtime, I could not have faced another full-on Meat Curry. Now I shall admit to having a late night Donner. Bad Boy Hector.
Despite dealing with customers desperate to be served before they could even consider a seat, Rizwan took the time to bid us Farewell. As Craig said – Why doesn’t Glasgow City Centre have somewhere like this?
When it was announced that Hector’s Haitus Horribilis should conclude in Manchester, one event was guaranteed, a visit to the Truly Wonderful – 
Craig announced yesterday afternoon that he and Yvonne would join me for Lunchtime Curry. Mags would be the fourth Diner. The 135 Bus was taken from just off Piccadilly up towards Cheetam Hill. With four of us, a Taxi was considered, at £4.20 for a day ticket, and bus stops outside 
The Menu issued today was again a development from what has been experienced in the past. Karahi is what Hector had in mind, no Half Kilos or Portions were on offer, just the Kilo. Even The Hector cannot eat a Full Kilo (£21.45). Mags stepped in and she said she would eat the other half. Aloo Gosht was not on the Menu then? It could no doubt easily have been rustled up, but it was not in my interest to suggest this. Parathas (£1.25) should be the Perfect Accompaniment.
Craig and Yvonne had different ideas. Lamb Chops (£6.45) would be shared as a Starter. The Chef-Waiter advised a Portion is Four Chops, ideal. Craig chose Daal Gosht Bhandara (£6.95) not because of what was in it, but what was not. No Chillies in this Dish, instead Lentils with Lamb on-the-bone. Rice was asked for as the Accompaniment, Salad was suggested, the offer accepted. Yvonne’s selection was Chicken Chilli Masala (£6.25), the same as 
By now Mags had seen photos of the Flat Karahi and so was not taken aback by the different presentation. The Parathas were Substantial, Flaky and Layered as they should be, we were ready to rock.
Yvonne managed to get through her Dish a good while before the rest of us. She was happy to find Brown Meat rather than Chicken Breast, perhaps this may have better Permeability, research needed. Actually no, Hector shall continue to avoid Chicken Curry.
This is my eighth visit to 
A new Waiter came on duty, as the Chef-Waiter had already done, he asked if there was any more he could do. I asked if Nauman would be in today. I was informed that he was at reception. Mein Host was informed of my presence and was straight down the room, behold the beard. The Greetings were exchanged, Nauman said he would speak later once we were finished.
Had I seen the – Specials Board – it would have been Karahi Lamb on-the-bone. Instead my gaze focused on the Display Dishes. One was Chicken, for those who still think… Lamb Chops were ready to be grilled as was some Masala Fish. Rizwan held up the Masala Fish – Do you like Fish? Hector did not need a second invitation, Fish has been mentioned on previous visits, my timing a bit out. I said I needed Rice for Ballast, and so asked how it would be served. Normally the Masala Fish is served here with Salad, knowing that Plain Rice with the Masala Fish would put me in the same position as Craig achieved in 
Two Pieces of Masala Fish, grilled or deep fried, hard to tell given the crispness of the Spicy Coating. Spiced Onion, Cucumber and Lettuce sat aside the Rice. Smithereens of a Thick-ish Masala was spread across the top of the Rice, then the Fresh Coriander. There was enough Moisture.
The Kick from the Spice Coating hit immediately, and then some. The Taste of the Masala Fish was remarkable similar to the Scottish Haddock served at 
Hector’s Bill
We have visited Ostia Antica, just the twelve of us. The Men from Bradford have gone home without a Roman Curry, so has Neil. Mark and Karen arrived last night, we were briefly a Company of Fifteen.
With The Ladies in pursute of Fizzy Wine, seven marched from the Forum to the park known as Vittorio Emanuel, this is Curry Land in 
The Mob was: Mark and Karen (Swansea), Dr. Stan (Kettering), Lord Clive of 
Craig took the safe option – Tandoori Chicken (€11.00) with Rice. Not a combination I understood. For Mark it was straightforward Chicken Curry (€11.00) with a Roti. Karen ordered Palak Mutton (€12.00) with Rice. The Chaps having the Fish Curry ordered Naans to accompany, Howard taking the Keema Naan option. Mince with Fish? The Breads all appeared to be €1.50.
Hector’s Mutton Gobi and Biryani were brought first. Once again it was a case of – knowing – immediately how good this was going to be. Whatever the instructions given to The Chef, this was Classic Curry, enough Masala to be – Curry – no more. Craig did not fare too well with the Tandoori Chicken, no Sauce at all. I feared this could be the case, he ate on regardless, knife and fork in hand.
Not only did I have Cauliflower today, some Potato had been included too, complementing the Green Beans, Peas and Carrots. I had the full array of Vegetables plus Meat to complete the Total Indulgence. There was a decent Quantity of Lamb, the ratio to Cauliflower acceptable. One supposes that without the Cauliflower there would have been even more Meat. The Lamb was Tender to Slightly Chewy, there was even the sense of Spice from within. Having agreed on – Spicy – there was no disappointment here. The Seasoning my have been a touch below my ideal, however no complaints from Hector, this was once again a Very Impressive Curry. That I was last to finish eating was down to the Quantity of Food before me. In the end I had to leave some of the Rice, just some.
Fish Curry
Karen made short work of her Mutton Palak. The right size of portion – was her observation.
Mark knew he was expected to supply a quote: That was very good, mainstream but tasty.
Craig finally abandoned the cutlery and ate his Chicken properly. He even managed to appropriate some of Karen’s Surplus Masala. At home, one would expect at least a Raita with Tandoori Chicken, here nothing. However, Craig could have asked.
Vegetable Biryani – he replied. As this is how Marg and Hector enjoyed the Curry in 
The Masala Fish was Pink, I have no idea what it was, however, it had Substance, the Quantity would prove to be Perfect. The Masala had an Earthy Flavour, Complex, the Blend of Herbs and Spices giving the Full Curry Experience. Curry Leaves revealed themselves, the Spice Level was Fierce at times. The Seasoning was tempered by a slight Sweetness from the Fish. The Ginger Strips provided the usual – Crunch. This is the Best Curry I have had in 
Mein Host did not approach until I was nearly finished. This is Excellent Curry – I told him, thumbs up.
