On Sunday, the Leftovers were packed, Shkoor, Mein Host at Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) decided I could not leave without some of my Favourite Curry – Karela Gosht, BHHIP. It was – The Bitter Gourd – which probably set me on the path to nothing but Karahi a few years back.
It was only after unpacking that I realised this was on-the-bone, all the better. A Soupçon of Vegetable Rice was microwaved, this turned out to be an adequate Portion. By the time the reheated Karela Gosht was poured over, the Hector had a Bigger Lunch than was envisaged. Yay!
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.
The Lone Diner was shown to a table mid room at 13.10. By 13.20 a Chap in a Turban took a table opposite, he ordered Chicken Tikka. Minutes later a Group of Twenty Indians were marched though to the back where a Buffet awaited. I wish I had been able to have a gander. Two Americans were the final guests of my visit one ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Glasgow’s great Curry Gift to The World.
Despite having consumed a considerable quantity of Lamb 
liquid intake. At least Sparkling Water is cheap in Roma.
The Jeera Rice was big enough for two to share. Why does so much Rice get wasted? Who could have eaten all this Rice, and with what?
The Rome Trip has started, Howard and Hector are having 
The place was empty this Wednesday evening @19.00, so any table was ours. The Modest Menu was provided, every page was photographed subsequently. The range of Dishes was realistic, no endless Tweaks. The Lamb Chop Bhuna (£9.95) put Hector firmly in the mood for Meat, no Vegetable Curry tonight. The price was also attractive, virtually half the price for the same Dish at 
Sparkling Water for Hector, Still Water for Howard. When the Large Bottles arrived I immediately asked the cost. Twenty years ago Michael was stung for a Large Bottle of Perrier just off Tottenham Court Rd, £7.00 back then was a fortune. £3.95 was within acceptable parameters for the size given, well maybe for the Sparkling. Who buys Still Water, ah, we are in the South of England, Tap Water is terrible.
With the Chettinad served spread across the plate, the Vegetable Pulao could only be dumped on top. So much for etiquette. Sweetcorn, Green Beans, Onion, Peas, Carrot Slivers?, Broccoli and Cauliflower, this impressed. The Quantity of Rice, and yes there was Rice in the bowl, was Sensible. All was set, The Waiter watched the photographic ritual.
As Curry, the Dish was Sound in terms of what was on the plate, but why did they think it was a Chettinad? The Overall Flavour was not South Indian, what was served was Excellent, had this simply been put down in front of me with the instruction – Eat, I would be raving about it. So, an Excellent Curry, but without the Expected Flavour.
The Seasoning – was Howard’s first remark. The Seasoning was indeed at the preferred end of the Salt Spectrum. Howard, known for his generosity, plonked a Lamb Chop on my plate. The Thick Masala on the Chops was nothing like what I had been served despite the similarity in appearance. Tamarind – was Howard’s next offering. I didn’t think so. Neither of us were sure, and there was a Flavour we have not encountered, something new, always welcome.
The Keema Naan was Donner-like inside, had a Favourably Light Texture and was served at a manageable Plate Size. Howard managed most of it, any Larger would have been a waste.
Marg insisted we walk from her Mother’s domicile to Sister – Kath’s, meaning The Other Four Guests were already tucking in to Poppadoms and a Mixed Vegetable Dip. Yes, we were late, and Hector is never late for Curry.
The Vegetable Dip had a great Tang, different from the normal Spiced Onion and Raita. Being a Saturday Night, and a Party in effect, some Oakham Ales were brought from The West to the City which some describe as an Ale Desert.
This is one of Hector’s Favourite Sides. I have never attempted cooking this Dish. Given the current Fascination with Vegetables, who knows? Al Dente would describe the Cauliflower and Potatoes. The Herb content confirmed the Efficacy of the Dish. Some more please.
The Dish that Hector feared having to eat without alternatives during 
These were shop bought, however, I had to congratulate Graeme on serving Quaity Naan, Light and Fluffy.
The Aftermath