Mivesi Indian Restaurant and English Cafe
There was a choice of Three Curry Houses in Alnwick. Sources had dismissed Dalchini, it was now between Mivesi (2 Market Pl, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HS) and Varanda, also on Market St. That Mivesi was open as we strolled into town at noon helped their case.
By day this is an English Café, with no table cloths. Outside a Street Food Stall was being set up, Indian Snacks served on the pavement, excellent! A Menu was secured, Hector would return. This was within the hour when the Market Stall was in full swing, but there was nothing to grab Hector at this time. A booking was made for 20.00 this evening.
After watching Scotland stumble past Georgia at the Black Swan, and just as Poland were beginning their shocking victory over Deutschland, Marg, Mar, Graeme and Hector entered Mivesi. The interior was transformed, the plain tables of the daytime were now clothed, the atmosphere was decidedly more formal. We were shown to our table at the far end, only then did I realise there was also an upstairs.
The Young Waitress whom I had encountered earlier asked if we had brought Drinks. We hadn’t. With no License, there is no Corkage Charge for whatever one wishes to bring in. Sparkling Water for Hector, variations for the rest.
We were asked if we wished to order Poppadoms. Are you selling or giving? I don’t expect to pay for them. Only Two Poppadoms were subsequently ordered (70p), there was a £2.00 charge for the Chutney Tray too. This was not a pleasing start.
A Chap appeared to take the order, Starters had been dismissed. Graeme was after Fish, Tandoori Trout, on-the-bone with a Peshwari Naan to accompany was his choice. Mar ordered a Chicken Biryani. Marg, who is ordering well of late, opted for Lamb Chops. Now for Hector.
The Lamb Dishes were all Lamb Tikka except for the Lamb Shank. I pointed this out to the Waiter who went on to tell me something about the Fat Content of Lamb. This is not a problem in any other Indian Restaurant. I had considered Achari Lamb Tikka as the most favourable Dish on the Menu, but the Shank? I had to ask. I have enjoyed Lamb Shank but the accompanying Masala tends towards Shorva which for me spoils the Lamb in this instance. So, I had to ask about the Masala. The Waiter went on to describe the Lamb, the Herbs, the Spices. I am asking you about the Masala, is it Shorva, how is it served? There was a Communication Breakdown, fortunately the Hostess of Mivesi was on the ball and was straight over. Having heard the conversation she stated she knew exactly what I wanted. I know exactly what you want, a Bhuna Sauce, Thick. Sorted. Well not quite. Moglai Paratha. What is this? – I asked The Chap. Is is Flaky? I was told it was served with an Egg on top, no thanks. A Meat Paratha and Aloo Gobi Masalla would accompany Hector’s Lamb Shank.
Mein Hostess came over to chat whilst we waited. The Chap was dispatched upstairs to serve a dozen guys who had just walked in. He’s not a Chef, he didn’t understand what you were asking. I have asked The Chef to give it extra (Spice). She was well onside. The Chef was her husband, and was no doubt the person I had met at the Market Stall earlier. All was well.
The Lamb Shank was served in a Thick Masala which was decidedly Onion Rich. This was very Pleasant, but lacked the Wow Factor.
The Spice and Seasoning were Fine, the Quality of the Lamb was very good, Tender. The Quantity proved to be Perfect when the additional items were taken into consideration. The Portion of Aloo Gobi had a decent, Earthy Flavour. Marg had some too, what’s going on here? The Lamb and the Vegetables worked well together.
The Paratha was Thick, Fluffy in appearance and decidedly Small, as was the Peshwari Naan. I had to examine the interior of the Paratha, it was Red and was filled with what I have been describing as the Donner Effect. This was clearly not Donner, however, the Red was very off-putting. Despite this, I did enjoy it.
In the end I have to declare this was overall, an Enjoyable Curry Experience, Something Extra might have raised the Level, now why did I not ask The Chap if they had Fresh Methi?
Mar is not a Curry Aficionado and so tolerates the Curry Evening on our Biennial Trips. She found the accompanying Masala not to her liking. We were both puzzled by the presence of a Fried Egg plonked on top of the Rice. Very Strange, this was not touched.
Graeme loved his Fish, the Dish was well-presented with Fried Onion on the side, as was Marg’s Lamb Chops. Of the Tandoori Trout – A Big Plate, Very Tasty, Lightly Spiced, not Overpowering.
The Portion of Lamb Chops numbered – Five. For the price charged, Seven would have been better, but then that’s Hector dreaming of Bradford Portions I suppose. The Chops were Red, again this was needless. Why are Chefs giving their Food a False Colour? Of the Four Curry-Heute Directives, Two had been broken. Fortunately Marg was able to enjoy her Chops regardless. The Presentation was Lovely, Flavoursome, the Onions were quite Chunky, a Change. It’s amazing how Marg always ends up with Chunky Onions.
The Ladies required Dessert and Coffees. Ice Cream and Rice were ordered. This meant Graeme and Hector’s Ale-time was running down… Eventually The Bill was summoned.
The Bill
£70.50. Allowing for The Extras at the end, and the unnecessary charge for the Pre-Starters, ok I suppose. Those who brought their own Drinks would no doubt have saved a small fortune.
The Aftermath
Mein Hostess had disappeared and so the Calling Card was given to the Young Waitress. A pity, I would have liked to share more thoughts with this Charming Lady.
Unusually, Hector has only reported from Eretz Glasgow once in recent weeks. Today, work takes Hector to The Far East once again, a chance to meet up with Neil who first made me aware of the formerly – Impressive – but now deservedly described as – Outstanding – 
Neil is a regular at 
The Pakora arrived, Vegetable, Chicken and Mushroom. Again it was apparent that this had been half-cooked previously and now just finished off, not ideal. The Mushroom Pakora was the Dodgy part last time, tonight it was Fine. The Vegetable Pakora was the Highlight, better than the Chicken in Batter. Why was I eating Lumps of Meat? Lunch would have its revenge.
view of the first visit, Mein Host defended the half cooked Pakora. If they didn’t do it that way, what they served would be too solid to eat, and – too Dark and Crispy. He went on to identify the Young Chap who served me last time as the Son of the Chef, his own Nephew. The Mother was seen popping in and out of the Kitchen, answering the phone as necessary. Note, no Deliveries on a Tuesday.
Neil’s Plate of Keema was delightfully Dry, the Portion Significant. The Karahi was something else. Served Bradford-Dry, even the Lamb Pieces approached Bradford-Small. The Lamb was Tender, with enough Resistance. The Masala was Thick, Very Thick, and Minimal. The Methi was there, the Oil residue was not excessive. This looked exactly how Hector wants his Curry.
The Paratha was Chunky, Substantial. There is a slow realisation that Perfect Flakiness cannot be achieved in a Stuffed Paratha. The test was the Mince, this Paratha passed, and some. This was as good as The Best of Keema Parathas. The Individual Grains of Mince were most visible when the Paratha was town apart. Why did Hector have Lunch?
Meanwhile Neil was having what was for him, a regular order. He found last week’s Keema to be Spicier but put this down to the aftermath of the couple of pieces of Pakora he had sampled.
Assuming Chef was busy I asked for a Photo with Mein Host and The Mother. Chef/Proprietor appeared, they were happy to pose. Chef asked – I hope you found the food OK.
Neil has not been to Bradford. I feel a Trip may be upon him very soon, then he will discover what the fuss is about.
Peter was a Teenager last time our paths crossed, he had flown up to join Father. By the time we decided Food was imminent, Mags decided to join us. Neil was not up for it. Hopefully we shall dine together on Tuesday. A Table was booked just in case 
Mr Baig stopped to acknowledge as he passed – photo opperchancity. I later caught him filling Plastic Takeaway Containers, he was off home with some of his Excellent Wares. The entire Baig Family were at our table at some point. Did I get a plea in to restore the much-missed Lal Lahori?
How long have you been here?
The Enjoyment was enhanced by a Flavour from the Thin Paratha. There was something coming through which added to the Curry. The Paratha could only have had Slivers of Vegetable Smeared inside it. This as mentioned was Thin, too Soft and had little hint of Flakiness. I’ve had much worse and I did like the Flavour.
The Takeover of the empty WokWay premises was related and the aim to have a Contemporary Design. The Wall Coverings are unusual. Note, this Venue is Small.
Rizwan was in his usual place behind the counter, introductions were given, hands shaken. I was in the mood for Fish but Rizwan said the Fish was frozen somehow that was off-putting. The Specials Board had Keema Potatoes, that was too tempting. I also negotiated a Half Portion of the Mixed Vegetables and a Single Chapatti (60p). Marg would spectate.
The Keema Potatoes was Curry, just. This was Mince and Potatoes with a Small Kick. Marg had to be given a sample, her favourite Dish. She wasn’t tempted to order a portion but did come back for more. This was a very tasty plate of Mince and Tatties.
The Vegetable Curry was a generous half portion. With Potatoes, Peas, Cauliflower, Diced Carrot and a Single Green Bean, this was served in a Shorba-style Masala. This had very Earthy Flavour and stood out from the Keema Potatoes. A Great Combination.
With Marg present, a perfect opperchancity to have a photo taken with Rizwan.
Our Booking was originally for 20.00. however I saw fit to bring this forward, it could have been a very long day otherwise.
The Welcome Salad was brought, I immediately asked for Sparkling Water to prevent the For Sale Still Water being brought. Poppadoms and Dips – Compliments of the House – were much appreciated.
The Chapattis were Large and Chunky, Proper Chapattis and Perfect Vessels for the Curry.
Mango Kulfi (£1.50), as purchased in KRK, served on-the-stick in the wrapper, no fuss. Great.
Two minutes. 
We settled down for the long wait. Having declined the Starters I felt we would be some way down the list of Dishes being prepared in the open kitchen which lay in front of me. I was surprised when the food came well within a decent time period. The Karahi Gosht was clearly going to arrive last and so Judith insisted I sample her All-Sorts. Gosh! The Bradford Curry Taste was right in my face. This was excellent. Marg invited me to sample her Fish Karahi. Gosh! 
The Calling Card was given to the young waiter who took the cash. The Calling Card was passed up the chain of command. Our appreciation was expressed.
A Whole Five Weeks since the Last Holiday, and some were in a Joyous Mood as the Glasgow September Weekend was under-way. A Visit to 
Sharing makes it OK. With Succulent Lamb Chops, a Moist Seekh Kebab and Chicken Various, this was Joy on the Palate. It was hoped there would still be room for The Mains.
The Keema Paratha was Dry and almost Crispy, a Very Good interpretation. Hector was in Curry Heaven, only one thing would mar the visit, no way could the Curry be eaten and the Last Train caught. Takeaway? No chance.
Curryspondent James recommended Priyas Palace (2 Robertson St, Greenock, PA16 8DB) a couple of years ago, tonight was the second visit. Having ordered 
A few tables were occupied as we entered the upstairs premises sometime after 18.00. We had timed our arrival right, others arrived, the Buffet would be replenished with some regularity. £13.50 per head, matching the Standard Price which Hector expects to currently pay for a Main Course and Sundries.
The Starters included Seekh Kebab, the expression – We’re on a winner – came to mind.
One always tries to have a decent wait between Starters and Mains. Failed again. The Waiter asked about our Bread requirement. On the last visit a well above average Paratha was presented, time for something different. A Garlic and Coriander Naan was prepared to order, and so we waited for this to arrive before going up for The Mains. For once we hoped for slower service.
Unless it’s 
The Buffet included a choice of Vanilla Ice-Cream or Coffee. Marg fancied both and so Hector had neither. A small price for dragging Marg to Greenock on a Monday evening.
