Kenny is on holiday, his long Summer Holiday, and so is free in the daytime pro tem. He proposed a Curry Rendezvous, I proposed a new venue.
Hector has been sampling the Menu at Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) over the last three months. One untried Dish stands out – Handi Gosht – Lamb served on-the-bone, advance warning required to prepare it, or a wait on the day. Note, there is no extra charge for Lamb as many venues have sneaked in over the years.
I phoned on my way into town and discussed our options. The Handi Gosht is sold in two quantities: £10.99 for a Regular Portion, £16.99 for Large. This is a system I endorse whenever it is encountered.
Whoever was on the other end of the phone convinced me that a Large Portion would be enough for two to share. We are used to sharing a Kilo of Lamb on-the-bone, just how large – Large – would be… no weight was mentioned. The phone-call was otherwise very precise, the portion size, Lamb, on-the-bone, Spicier than Medium, 16.00.
Ambala Deli Bar is located two blocks from Pollokshields East Train Station, next door to a busy Cash&Carry serving fresh produce. Kenny was waiting outside just on 16.00. The Usual Waiter greeted us on entry, my new Co-Diner was introduced. I have still establish who Mein Host is, still a Mature Chap occupies an armchair at the window. One day I shall get to the bottom of this.
I suggested we have Mixed Vegetable Curry (£6.50) to accompany. This should lead to – The Excess – we are used to. I particularly enjoyed the Mixed Vegetables I had on my second visit. Two Chapattis (£1.10) would provide Bread for Scooping. It was good to see Chapattis sold at a more reasonable price, if any charge at all is justified. I could not help but notice the price of stuffed Breads, see below. Where do they think we are, Aberdeen? Over four quid for a Bread? Not for me.
Kenny loves his Spiced Onions, this meant Poppadoms were required. I had to agree, what we would be charged for these, if anything was unclear.
The Portion of Spiced Onions was quite Modest.
The spiced onions could have been spicier – was Kenny’s take, he is the expert on these.
When the Large Karahi was placed on the table, we knew we were on to a Winner.
The Large Handi Gosht had more than enough Tender Lamb to share. The Masala was the Thick Mash that only the Very Best of venues can serve. The Vegetable Oil was collecting around the edges of the Karahi, can’t wait to dip.
The Mixed Vegetable Curry was served on a Plate, not a Karahi as before, a clearly Different Masala. The two Chapattis were served in a basket, Normal Chapattis, – Floury – is how Marg now describes them.
With everything arranged and photographed it was time to get stuck in. Kenny was already commenting on the aroma of Ginger from the Handi Gosht. The Seasoning was there! From this base, Curry attains the – Wow! The – Kick – was there too, not to excess, comfortable. Cloves was the next Flavour to emerge, again not to the detriment of the Overall Handi. The ratio of Bone to Meat was well within acceptable parameters, – Sucky Bones too. When Howard and Dr. Stan read this, it will be a matter of – When are we going? This Handi Gosht was as Wonderful a Curry Experience as a Hector could hope for. Need I write any more, until next time?
The Mixed Vegetable Curry simply did not Compete or really Complement. Potatoes, Carrots, Aubergine, Courgette and possibly Turnip all featured. The Aubergine was a Mush which gave the entire Dish the sense of being Overcooked. Aniseed was a Flavour encountered momentarily. The Spice Level was equal to the Handi, the Seasoning decidedly less. The lack of Seasoning and the too Soft Vegetables tempered the impact. The Mixed Vegetable Curry was Excellent when first sampled, not so today.
We had more than enough Food. Kenny retired first leaving The Hector to finish the Meat. Some Vegetables were abandoned.
Kenny can always be relied upon for a word or ten: A tasty and flavoursome addition to Hector’s Southside Curry Haunts. The lamb was tender, falling effortlessly off the bone. The sauce had the required amount of spice that lingered in the mouth long after the food was gone.
The Bill
£30.89. There was a £1.50 charge for Crispy Poppadoms and no charge for the Modest Portion of Spiced Onions. Two cans of Mango Rubicon (£1.10) were also included.
The Aftermath
For what we ate, the prices here are commensurate with Yadgar and the New Karahi Palace. Ambala Deli Bar is well on its way to being the Curry Find of 2016. I must get Marg back for an Ice Cream Sundae.
Marg was reminded that she enjoyed the Bhuna Gosht (£11.95) 
The Bhuna Gosht is what impressed so much on 
At Ambal’s the Masala is Seriously Thick and Minimal, as Dry a Curry as The Hector would hope for. Both Marg and Sandy considered their Bhuna Gosht to be – Too Dry. Unbelievable, we all have our preferences, for me – this is as good as it gets.
The Chicken Tikka Masala did not resemble the Tomato Soup Monstrosity that is served in the majority of establishments. This had a Proper Masala. Criss-crossed with what looked like Cream, this was a Worthy Curry. Tracey was impressed by – the Meaty Sauce. Less mass produced – was her second contribution. One wonders if people are disappointed when they are not presented with Cream of Tomato Soup? Other Restaurants should take note, Ambal’s have set a new Standard in Chicken Tikka Masala.
The others were given a Dinner Plate before their Mains, Hector was given a spoon! Surely I was not about to receive – Soup? The Karaikudi Yera Thokku was presented in a Large Soup Plate, fortunately the Masala was suitably Thick. Three Prawns for £15.95? I dug out a fourth, much better. Aye right. This was not what I had seen on my 
The Peas Pilao was spooned on top of my Masala, time to eat. Hang on, something was missing. After a few minutes it was apparent that the Hara Payaz Aloo was not coming. A Waiter was informed, he returned and admitted they had – messed up. It would come.
The Hara Payaz Aloo was finally presented. This was shared with Sandy who by now needed something to complement his Dry Curry. My reason for ordering, this Vegetable Curry is also served in a Thick and Minimal Masala. The Seasoning was a bit below the hoped for level, the embedded Spring Onion plus the Onion Topping provided – The Crunch. Adding Diversity to the Dining Experience, this is a very good Accompaniment.
Mein Host informed us that Dessert would be provided. Gulab Jamun arrived in an instant. Was this as an apology for the late arrival of the Hara Payaz Aloo, or because they had finally recognised that the visit would be reviewed on the 
The Menu was in three parts, a Lunch Menu, the Main, and a Pre-Theatre (£9.95). Lunch ended at 14.00, it was now Pre-Theatre time. Normally I do not consider these – Offers – in fear that the Portion Size suffers. Achari Balti only appeared in the Pre-Theatre Menu. In the past two days I have had Karahi Gosht and Keema Mutter Aloo, both at the 
The Lahore Fish Pakora had me won instantly. Four Large Pieces, twice what one would receive in the West End. Encased in a Fresh Coriander-rich Spicy Batter, this was as Light as only Fish Pakora could be. The Seasoning was Perfect. The Spicy Dip was accompanied by a Soupçon of Salad containing Cucumber, Radish, Carrot, Tomato, Lemon, Capsicum, Onion and Lettuce. This was a very well presented Starter, thoroughly enjoyable.
The Masala was suitably Thick, more than I would normally desire, hence the Rice to soak it up. The Pickle Flavour was not in-the-face, but was there. The Spice and Seasoning were were within acceptable parameters, here comes the – But. It was obvious that the Lamb and Masala were strangers until a few minutes previously, there was no sense of Spice or Flavour having been infused into the Meat. This was Lamb with a Sauce rather than the hoped for experience. This is what I call a Mainstream Curry.
It is Day two of the
In the time it took to make the Chapatti, the Meal was ready and brought over. It was strange to be eating from a Bowl instead of my normal Karahi. The Large pieces of Potato and the Liberal Fresh Coriander stood out, here we go. Mince, Potatoes and Peas, it’ll never catch on. There was the most Minimal Oil present, and no Masala, as Dry as Curry can be, however, there was still an underlying Moistness, Perfect.
The Bill
The 
Hector’s Lamb Karahi was presented soon afterwards. The Heat was evident, the Hot Oil sizzled. As I have written many times, I am bewildered as to why the mouth can tolerate temperatures that the fingers cannot. Hot Food is where it’s at: Hot Food cools to levels of tolerance, Cool Food tends rapidly towards the inedible.
Today’s Lamb Karahi appeared to have more Masala, and a Thinner one too. The Lamb on-the-bone was piled high, piece by piece was savoured. As the top layer was removed, so the Masala resembled the Norm, Thicker, Herb-rich. The complexity of the Oil-Masala-Herb Mash is what sets this interpretation of Lamb Karahi apart from the rest. The Fresh Green Chilli Topping added extra bite. This is Pleasure.
The single Chapatti was not quite finished proving that one substantial Chapatti is enough. The karahi was wiped clean, should I come back here for my break tomorrow?
Marg declared it was time we took Mother out for Curry, again. My suggestions were vetoed, Marg wished – Ambience – so Curry Cafes were dismissed, it had to be a Mainstream Restaurant. The Alishan ticks all the boxes, the fish tanks at the entrance are what makes this a memorable venue for Marg, for Hector it is the Pholan Devi.
That was lovely – was the verdict. The Tenderness of the Lamb was remarked upon, the temperature of the plate was not. Many a Curry outing has got off to a poor start when cold plates were presented. Mother was wondering who she could bring here, looks as though she’ll be back.
The Lamb Karahi was Boneless, I have not found on-the-bone to be an option at The Alishan. For once I was not able to sample this, Marg ate the lot which is quite unusual for her. The Naan did not appear to be as ridiculously large as memory serves. 
Since the Pholan Devi was first encountered, there is no denying that Hector takes much more to impress. I have never not enjoyed a Curry served at The Alishan, however, to achieve – The Wow – takes something special. Marg’s reheated leftover Lamb Balti did manage this the morning after our 
Ali placed a platter of Saag/Palak beside the Pholan Devi. This is not what I had asked for, I had not made it clear. I now know I have to ask for uncooked Dry Methi. Essentially I had a Curry with a Side of Herbs. The Toppings of Spring Onion and Fresh Coriander on the Pholan Devi were quite Modest therefore in comparison.
The Palak was offered to my Co-diners. Mother could not take to it, her first encounter. Marg had a Soupçon. By adding the Palak on to my own plate, bit by bit, I was in effect giving myself even more Masala without Meat. Cue the Naan. Without the Garlic and Coriander Naan my meal would have suffered, this provided a suitable base on which to mop up the Masala and Palak. In terms of Flavour, the Palak was not particularly potent. Is eating Dry Methi straight from the box a healthy option? It works very well as a Topping.
Both Ladies had Ice Cream. Alishan also offer the bought in Toy Desserts, for lack of a better description, 
In The Tropics, the variance between daylight hours and darkness is not significant. In the high temperate latitudes the sun sets for only a few hours in June. There are also extended periods of twilight which are unknown in The Tropics. In short, this is not a good time of year to have Ramadan.
Those in front of us were distracted by Salads, Dips and Dates, yes Dates. Hector was not falling for this, hang on, the Spiced Onions, too tempting. Heading straight for the Mains was considered, however, these were still covered. Kassif and Mr. Baig were maintaining the now established tradition of serving The Best Bits.
One piece of Vegetable Pakora, and some elongated Fish Pakora found their way on to my plate. Shami Kebab? – asked Mr. Baig. Two please. A Chicken Wing and some Chicken Sikh Kebap filled the plate.
Approaching Our Chap, we could see that still there was nowhere to sit, I pointed up to the Balcony. He nodded, up we went. Eight other Diners were tucking in, we still found a table to ourselves.
The Chicken Wing was the poorest part of my selection, just Chicken. The Shami Kebap was the standout, the Seasoning hit home. Marg too was taken by this. The Fish Pakora was Tasty too, completely different from any other encountered to date, a Lighter Batter, and appropriately Spiced.
It should come as no surprise that Marg’s appetite was sated after her Mountain of Starters. One should really consider coming to the Ramadan Buffet for Starters one night and Mains on another. Hector has employed this strategy previously.
The Lamb was Tender in both, I lost track of which was which in the Soupy Mass on my plate. The Saag added to the Liquid content. Rice would have made the plate look more like Curry, however I planned to go for more. What’s this? Green Capsicum, on my plate, from where?
The Bill
Her brother, Kassif, was still smiling. I had to ask what his window of eating was at this time.
Eight short lines permitted access to the site. Every bag was searched, except Jonathan’s. I was happy when I had to produce the solid object in mine, my big backup phone battery.
Scott Gorham carries the name, yet he is not an original member. Gary Moore was there once too.
With a Jug of Becks, he looked throughout Manfred Mann set to his rear left, was he The Show? He thought so. Chatter, chatter, chatter, why bother coming? Oh, he’s paying attention now, gyrations, talk about invading one’s space? I was not a Happy Hector.
A space opened up six to my right when a Chap puked over all around him. Welcome to Germany!
Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow
The set list from last night was already known to us, thirteen songs, a couple I would not have chosen, but The Hits have to be played, especially in an event such as this.
Highway Star began with minimal Guitar, vocals leading. We all know the magnificent fretboard sounds at the start of Made in Japan, you either repeat this exactly or do something totally different. I walked out of a Deep Purple Gig once when Tommy Bolin made a total hash of this song.
Accompanying The World’s Greatest Guitarist this evening were: Vocals – Ronnie Romero (Lords of Black), Keyboards – Jens Johansson (Stratovarius), Bass – Bob Nouveau (ex-Blackmore’s Night), Drums – David Keith (Blackmore’s Night), Backing Vocals – Candice Night (Blackmore’s Night) and presumably the other Lady from Blackmore’s Night.
The setlist: Highway Star (Deep Purple), Spotlight Kid (Rainbow), Mistreated (Deep Purple), Sixteenth Century Greensleeves (Rainbow), Since You’ve been gone (Rainbow) . Man on the Silver Mountain (Rainbow), Difficult to Cure (Deep Purple), Catch the Rainbow (Rainbow), Perfect Strangers (Deep purple), Stargazer (Rainbow), Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll (Rainbow), Child in Time (Deep Purple), Black Night (Deep Purple), Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple), one song more than last night at the Loreley. It was dry tonight, apparently the crowd was soaked last night. We were prepared.
Taking the stage in twilight, the 21st Century Rainbow lighting effects impressed immediately and only became better as darkness fell. The sound was perfect, the Hammond (?) organ and Fender Strat recreating the familiar grinding sounds that Deep Purple in particular, were noted for.
One has to wonder if Jens Johansson had to work all this out for himself, or are all of the keyboard settings noted? The heaviest organ sound was during his keyboard solo, it was interesting when the camera closed into reveal it was the synthesiser which was creating this magnificent sound.
Ronnie Romero looked the part. Hector had wondered about the lyrics, which version of the Rainbow songs would be sung. Ronnie James Dio added improvised vocals to the extended endings, thankfully this Ronnie was up for it.
An hour into the set and Hector had a problem. Having stood in the Hector at a Rock Gig stance for approaching three hours, the legs had seized. When I wiggled my toes my head started to go. If The Hector did not get out of here, he would be carried out. Those around me looked mystified as I made my way to the tower. Behind the tower I realised I needed to go for a walk and get the circulation going. Those who I was notionally with this evening spotted the yellow polo shirt, I knew where to return to.
Difficult to Cure had ironically just got underway, Coke, the great cure-all, not available. Bier, not required. Eis Cafe, this should have caffeine and sugar. Returning to Les Autres, Jim was horrified when I suggested I would have – to dance – for the rest of the Gig. By this it was keep the legs, feet and toes all moving. It was touch and go. Jonathan knew he would be suffering when it was time to walk back to the station. This was a good time for a timeout, the drum solo.
Stargazer was played earlier than anticipated, a much slowed down version. Child in Time too felt slowed down. Ritchie loves to play quietly, at volume, mesmerising. Smoke on the Water was the inevitable encore, again starting without – the riff. Fireworks accompanied the chorus, then the first drops of rain, just a few.
The walk back for the delayed train featured audio snippets of the Gig, how many people had recorded minute segments or more? The DVD should be out hopefully before the year is over. 12,000 people, where had they gone? Those waiting for the 23.35 all squeezed on at midnight.
Wandering through Viktualienmarkt just to add a deviation, I spotted the only 
*
Fluids
The Vegetable Masala Madras had the appearance of something worthwhile, far from Shorva, Thick with Tomato Seeds and Minimal Masala, in The Hector Style. Potatoes, Cauliflower, Tomatoes, Courgettes, and Carrots all featured, with Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander toppings. The Vegetables were all cooked as I would wish them, a slight Firmness, who wants Pulped-Vegetables?
The Kick was Serious, Peppery. As I ate, I knew that others would be reaching for Liquid by now, never a smart move. This was one hell of a Spicy Curry! When the Ginger Blast came from the Strips, I realised just how little Flavour this Dish had. The Seasoning was almost non-existent, this may have been the root of the disappointment.
The
Arriving at 12.20, I was very aware that back in Glasgow, The Company were at 
Other news has reached me in the last few hours, the 
Fisch Chettinad or Lamm Chettinad? – asked Jolly.
The Replacement Samsung informed me that at noon today, the temperature would be 12ºC with – Freezing Drizzle. I was out in a t-shirt, the sun was shining, the temperature continually rising. Tomorrow night, rain is forecast, let’s hope the accuracy is just as poor as today’s.
This is it, one of the most Outstanding Curry Experiences known to The Hector. Those who have read these pages before know that what is served at 
The Spice Level was just right, not excessive, though some may have struggled. With Fish Curry, the Seasoning should never be an issue. The Smokey Flavour from Red Chillies is the norm, I could see only Green Chillies today, so I have to wonder what else Chef is adding, the recipes are Mrs. Kunjappu’s, Jolly’s Mother. The Plain Rice is now served in a Sensible Portion, the wastage of previous years no more. However, the Curry is served in the same smaller bowls, so Portion Sizes have shrunk overt the years. The Prices have remained constant.
Did I tell you how Wonderful it was?
This may belong on 
The Lamm Chettinad (€14.95) looked virtually identical to that served at Lunchtime.
Even without Fish, the Seasoning was spot on, the same Ingredients bar one, a similar Experience, the same Gritty Texture, yet Quite Different. It is worth trying both just to verify this.
Chai is always offered and rejected. Milk in Tea?