A Monday lunchtime in Glasgow, options for Desi Curry are frustratingly limited. A third visit to The Wee Dhaaba (17 Elder Street, Govan, Glasgow G51 3DY) was the choice. On visit #1, the Lamb Karahi (£12.00) impressed. On visit #2, the reaction to the Methi Aloo Gosht (£9.50) still puzzles, Hector’s palate may have gone awry. Today would be another challenge, whatever the bug that has been acquired, bunged sinuses are once again limiting the full functioning of the taste-buds.
Marg would join me, but not for Curry. I had promised the ladies at The Wee Dhaaba that I would bring Marg for coffee one day. Today was that day, however, once again, the opperchancity to have Masala Tea would not be resisted.
Arriving at 14.00, three young chaps were dining in the corner table to the left of the open door. Here, the mature chap, the father of the family and Chef (?) had sat previously, there was no sign of him today. The young lady who served me on visit #1 was manning the show.
A return to Lamb Karahi was envisaged, alas this was sold out. If this excellent Curry sells so quickly, why had making more not become a priority? Without a moment’s hesitation, Methi Aloo Gosht was ordered. Spice Level was discussed, I chose seven on a scale of 1 – 10. Today a Paratha (£2.50) to accompany, Tawa was described as giving a softer outcome than Tandoori.
One should suffice unless it’s the size of a Malabar Parotta.
The latter term was not recognised, I promised to show a photo later.
Served whole please – was later added when I saw the chaps being served their Bread cut up in a basket.
Marg had studied the cakes etc. on display: Desi Karak Chai (£3.00) and a Cookie (£1.50) became her modest order.
The Masala Tea was served in a paper cup, surely when sitting in, crockery could be made available? But then, a certain international coffee chain cannot manage this.
Marg enjoyed her snack:
I found it hot and refreshing, I avoided adding sugar as I had a white chocolate cookie to eat as well.
The wait for the Curry was appropriate.
The Paratha was a good size. With my preference for all-purpose flour over Wholemeal Flour, this was the only negative. Suitably layered, soft as promised, and buttery, this was a fine example of the genre.
With Marg’s help, all but a scrap would be consumed.
Methi Aloo Gosht
As nobody has ever challenged the Curry-Heute classifications of Methi Gosht, I’ll stick with it. There are typically two ways of preparing this Herb-rich Curry. One either adds the Methi to a prepared Masala, which I favour, and as was the case here last time, or one prepares a mash of pulped Herbs and adds Spice. Today, another interpretation: not a Herb Mash but a Meat Mash, such was the dominance of the pulped Lamb on the plate. I’d rather this than the Herb Mash but correspondingly, the pieces of Meat were super-soft, also approaching pulp. The Potato would therefore be the significant solid on the plate.
Last time, the relatively cold Tarka Rice (£3.00) took the edge off the Curry, this time I was eating straight from the plate. Imagine the shock today when my top lip registered something cold, as in seriously cold. Surely this was not microwaved Curry-ding? I quickly sampled other parts, warm to hot registered. I had no choice but to send it back for a reheat. Meanwhile, the Paratha gets cold.
The explanation was simple – it’s the Chillies!
The Chillies had been added at the end, just before serving. These had come straight out of the fridge, a lesson for the kitchen to learn.
With the eating resumed, unsurprisingly, there was a big Chilli blast. The combination of this and the dodgy taste-buds, meant I wasn’t getting the hoped for Methi blast. The small pieces of Potato did not appear to have absorbed the Flavour from the Masala to the full extent as per last time. The Seasoning in this Curry was at an OK level, still, I wasn’t tasting very much. There was nothing not to like, one just hopes for so much more. As I compared this Methi Aloo Gosht and the previous one had here, the overall appearance of today’s offering resembled a traditional British Meat Stew. A puff pastry lid would not have been out of place.
The Bill
£16.50 Card payment accepted, as before.
The Aftermath
As promised, I showed a photo of a Malabar Parotta as served at Banana Leaf.
We call it Laccha – was the reply.
We all learn something new every day.
Curryspondent Peter is keen to join Hector at The Wee Dhaaba and sample a bespoke Lamb Desi Korma. After two, not so wonderful visits, I may leave them alone for a while.
Meanwhile, a reported encounter with a taxi driver at the end of last week, has resurrected an interest in New Cafe Reeshah, but – Takeaway only – was advised. A strange recommendation. I left them alone six years ago after the disappointment when it changed hands. By now, they should have their own identity.
On Monday, I offered The Carnoustie Two, the option of a visit to 
Rahman was sweeping the floor in the empty downstairs eating area as we entered. Moiz was in his customary spot behind the counter. He told me that he would be on cooking duties this evening, Rahman would look after us. It is four months since I ate here, the current opening hours simply do not suit my days out in Glasgow. Today was different.
I read the Handi section of the menu to Clive with an emphasis on the kilo of Lamb Korma Handi (£32.00). He wasn’t taking the hint. However, Marg stepped up, announcing that even if Clive and I were to share the kilo, she would have a portion (£12.00). I suspect seeing the pleasure this Curry gave the Hector recently at 
Even Daal Gosht Handi (£12.00) did not tempt Clive, was it the suffix which was confusing/misleading him? Maggie too was unsure what to have. Maybe I should draw pictures? It was time to play the ace. I read the details for both Chicken Platter (£14.99) and Lamb Platter (£18.99), sold.
Maggie chose the inclusive Roti, Marg ordered one too (£1.50). Clive asked that his inclusive Naan be a Garlic Naan (£2.50). 
Chicken Platter
For Clive, two Lamb Chops and two pieces of Lamb Tikka. For Maggie, Two pieces of Chicken Tikka and a Chicken Seekh Kebab, halved. Somehow, Maggie found the Raita to be Spicier than the Chilli Sauce, very strange. Clive was well impressed by his meat offerings. That he compared them to 
Topped with Coriander leaves and stems, the Blended Masala, with the tell-tale sign of Yoghurt/Cream having been added, smothered two pieces of Chicken Thigh, served boneless. With the Hector soon to be distracted, none was coming my way. Maggie found her Curry to be – Spicy – but like Marg, there is a long established history of them stating this when starting a Curry. Likewise, having had a Starter, the Curry would not be finished. 
As Maggie ate, so a – Wow! – escaped from her lips. I doubt she realised this at the time, but it was duly noted. Maggie:
The same presentation, same Masala, however, the light may have caught a suggestion of a Tomato-rich Masala. Clive never got beyond – OK – in describing his Curry, meanwhile the Naan was something else.
A Naan with real garlic, that was good.
A Vegetable Biryani in effect, it’s a pity that this remains only available in such a large portion. One needs to have a sharing partner. What’s this sharing nonsense? 
The full kilo of a Lamb Desi Korma, Hector heaven. Moiz had his moment as he brought it upstairs. 
The appearance, of the Curry, and maybe the Chef, was magnificent. Ginger Strips, Coriander and sliced Bullet Chillies sat atop the mysterious Masala. Yes, this has Yoghurt, more than a Karahi, and is easily distinguishable from the latter Flavour-wise. One waits for the Citrus blast, it hopefully comes. 
The – big kick – had me waiting for Marg to repeat Maggie’s reaction, not today. Marg had accepted that this was how it had to be. She could choose to avoid the added Chillies. 
The Seasoning was right up there, yet this Desi Korma was far from being – Salty. Consequently, and directly so, the Flavours were immense. A Clove appeared from somewhere, the Sucky Bone, and finally the Citrus. The quality of Meat was an improvement over that experienced earlier this year. Every piece of Lamb was suitably Tender. 
This would normally mark the end of the meal, not tonight. The Masala Chai arrived, then the Desserts which are included with the Platters. There can be little, if any, profit in this deal. 
Two generous platefuls of Ice Cream and Gajar Halwa were presented. Like Hector, Clive was not bothered about Dessert and so Marg had his. 
We waited patiently for our kilo of lamb korma handi. When it arrived I took some vegetable fried rice which was full of a variety of veg. 
Further regards, best wishes and appreciation were extolled. 
The Carnoustie Two – Dr. Alasdair and Mags, were having a day of dining in Glasgow. Marg and Hector were only involved with dinner, lunch was elsewhere. This meant the timing and volume of Curry-Heute was crucial. Three possible venues were proposed, 
Naveed was this evening’s manager, Imran’s day off. This means I’ll have to squeeze in another 
Drinks: three small bottle of Sparkling Water (£3.00) and a small glass of wine (£6.25). 
I talked our guests through the 
Marg and Mags both opted for Fish Karahi (£15.00). 
Akbar’s 
Four Lamb Chops, cooked enough, though neither portion was as well-done as our side of the table would have preferred. We like the taste of charcoal.
The Spice Level was surprising, a combination of the marinated Chops and the accompanying sauce. Suitably juicy, more-ish, one quickly recognised that this sharing nonsense is not for a Hector. 
With the Family Naan hanging right in front of my nose, it did not appear to be anything like as large as served here previously, but given the dimensions of the stand, it probably was. We would manage all but the top piece holding everything together. 
Served in a karahi, there was possibly as much Tomato here as Okra. The Okra was properly cooked, retaining some firmness, not the slimy mass that used to be the result when Hector’s tried cooking this Vegetable. This was Hector’s opperchancity to remind all 
The pulped Tomato was heading towards a Masala. The Flavour from the Tomato complemented the Okra, both offered Diversity, so much better when the meal is not just Meat and Masala. The contrast of Flavours with the main course Curry certainly worked. I would certainly revisit this, less filling than an Aloo Gobi.
The micro-cut Meat was 
Dipping the Naan in the Masala, (who does this?) proved to be thoroughly rewarding. The Meat was Tender-firm and giving of Spice. The quantity needed to be managed, when to abandon the Naan. Still, there was the distraction of the occasional Soupçon of Bhindi Bhuna. This was a three ring circus, pleasure emanating from the Roshan Lal, the Side and of course the Naan. Maybe it was just as well I only had the two Lamb Chops this time. 
This was identical in appearance to my own Curry, other than the big pieces of – 
Many restaurants are reluctant to serve flaked Fish. Here we had the classic Fish Karahi which Hector has been enjoying at 
I know full well the joy of eating this Curry. Marg had her say:
And a few words from Alasdair:
The remnants of the Karahi Fish in both karahi were combined. A decent portion was therefore created. This, and the scrap of Naan that was left over, would go back to Carnoustie. 
A rainy Saturday, cold and wet, welcome back to Glasgow, Hector.
Having tried a variety of Dishes from the 
Cumin Rice (£4.50) remained the accompaniment of choice. This appeared to cause Chef difficulty, he hadn’t understood. Jeera Rice – I added. That worked. A bottle of Sparkling Water (£2.50) completed the Order. I note the 330ml bottles are cheaper than they were two years ago. It’s a pity Chef brought me Still Water, so no saving then. I only noticed the lack of bubbles on pouring. Why make a fuss, Pratap had treated me 
A complimentary Poppadom and two Dips were brought. The Mango sauce worked, the Mint Raita, not for me. I suspect the Poppadom was also to give Chef more time. There might only have been four of us, but he was having to do everything himself. 
For the first time at 
The description given for the Blended Masala mentions – rice tomato onion. Rice in a Masala, unusual. Given the presence of the Chapatti, I started with a scoop of Masala. 
There was a decent Spicy – kick – but where was the Flavour? There wasn’t much happening here Flavour-wise, the Seasoning was noted as – low. Today, on a certain social medium, I saw someone looking for a Salt-free Curry recipe. Reduce the Salt, reduce the Flavour. Hot food – was noted, this makes such a difference. Other than a Bay Leaf, there were no Whole Spices, though an hour after eating, the customary Cumin Seed would make itself known. 
Suddenly, there was an intense blast of Flavour which had simply not registered previously. Had the taste-buds just been woken up. ? No, the Cumin in the Rice was doing its job, as were the Ginger Strips. Goat Meat, Rice, Masala, the synergy was apparent. Had the Chapatti interfered? 
Perhaps, something from the – Specials – board will suit?
Arriving at 14.05, on the last full day of this trip, the exterior photo unashamedly records what will be the last day of temperatures above 20
We sat at the same table as on our previous visit. This time, the TV entertained Marg with scenes the Geographer deduced were from north Pakistan towards Afghanistan. Not the Khyber Pass? 
The food was brought on a large tray and assembled on the table. The Naan, what a Naan! Light in colour, yet there were sufficient burnt blisters, this proved to be the very definition of quality Naan. Piping hot, light and fluffy, a sheer delight, and it was served – whole! 
We both expected something thicker, resembling a – Daal. Featuring Red Lentils, this was thinner than even a British Lentil Soup, a Shorva by definition. For once, for Hector there was no Soupçon. Sorry. Marg’s words:
A small bowl of taste. Very red in colour and thinner than expected. Red Daal was thinly spread throughout the soup with blasts of coriander as well. A different flavour for me, and I enjoyed having pieces of hot, fluffy Naan bread to go with it.
Presented in a karahi, from which I chose to eat it, this Aloo Keema was quite a portion. Separating Oil had collected on the rim, 
No Peas – I remarked to Marg who then admitted that maybe she didn’t have Peas 
The Earthy blast of Flavour was anticipated, the Spice Level was well above – medium – but was never going to make a Hector, sweat. Well Seasoned, but maybe this batch of Keema was below that had on Saturday. Maybe not. No – Wow! – for Hector today, more Methi could have taken me there. Also, the Potato had not had time to take in the full Flavour of the threat of Masala. Too fresh a batch, was the conclusion. 
Keema, Mince as we, the British, call it, ground meat elsewhere. This Keema was super-fine, very well ground, beyond anything served by a UK butcher or restaurant. Mince so fine, no teeth were required, no chewing, a strange experience. The Potato aside, one could have eaten this Curry through a straw. 
Always on the lookout for new 
We took the U6 to Seestrasse, Kahn Baba is a block east. Arriving at 14.00, Saeed, Mein Host, directed us to the rear right of the restaurant, the tables on the window side being occupied. The menu was brought by a young chap. On studying the lengthy booklet, it was clear that all the Mainstream Dishes were here. Cocktails too, a feature of Mainstream 
In the bottom corner of one page was – Karahi Special. Two portion sizes were on offer commensurate with serious Curry Houses which serve Karahi by weight. Saeed came to take the Order.
Butter Naan (€2.00), Chicken Salat (€6.50) for Marg and a litre bottle of Sparkling Water (€4.90) were added.
I will admit to be surprised at what was presented. Nine large pieces of skewered Chicken Tikka sat atop what, after the Greek leg of this trip, could only be described as a Modest Salad. The red coating only highlights how little of the white meat was actually – Spiced, ergo the repeated observation: there ain’t such a thing as a Chicken Curry. Marg enjoyed her Salad:
A reasonable plate of lettuce, onion, tomatoes and cucumber with about eight pieces of Chicken Tikka. The spices outside of the chicken gave a good blast of flavour to every mouthful. I enjoyed the salad as I have not had too many vegetables in Berlin so far.
Look at the Naan! The Butter Naan must be amongst the smallest ever encountered. The plus, I would manage all of it, a sensible size there fore. The risen, puffy edges were in marked contrast to the centre. Here, the Naan had been elaborately perforated, the method I would love to see, to prevent it rising. Sesame Seeds had been spread across the centre, a Rogni Naan. 
The presentation in the flat karahi impressed. The wedge of Lemon, Ginger Strips and threat of Coriander confirmed that they knew what this was meant to be. The Meat count, on-the-bone as this Karahi must surely be served, reached around a dozen, large pieces. There was a Sucky Bone, yay!
Then there was the Masala which featured no Whole Spices and was comparatively too abundant. I could see pieces of Tomato that were heading towards pulp. If one accepts that a Punjabi Karahi Masala is Tomato based, then why did this one look so – Creamy? The Texture here was simply – wrong. Yes, a spoonful of Yoghurt is a customary ingredient, was too much added? Else, and I wasn’t in the kitchen, it appears to me that Chef pulped some Tomatoes, and why were the skins not removed, then spooned in the House Base Masala. The result? A blend of authentic Karahi Masala and the Mainstream. 
Yadgar 
I asked Saeed how long Khan Baba had been in business.
After 
Once again, U8 was the preferred means of reaching Osloer Strasse, 
Aloo Keema (€9.90) with a Roti made the young chap smile. I held up a photo of the last Lamm Korma had here.
Marg took a litre bottle of Sparkling Water (€2.00) from the fridge and secured two paper cups. 
Sitting mid-room, Marg could see the TV, and an event ongoing at the Kaaba, Macca. I watched the rotating 
The aroma confirmed the efficacy of this Curry, so distinctive. Ginger Strips and Coriander sat atop the karahi laden with Meat and a Shorva-esque Masala. Arranging the Meat on the Basmati, the count reached double figures. The bone count was commensurate with still having plenty to eat, one Sucky Bone. 
The Masala was Thin, but not as watery as the classic Shorva. I dipped my wee piece of Roti in the Masala, – oh yes!
The Meat looks soft – remarked Marg. She was right, of course. Tasty Lamb, giving back some sense of Spice, but not the intensity of Flavour from the Masala. As is the custom when Rice is involved, I had held back a fair quantity of the Masala, für das Endspiel. With careful management, the Masala was eked out such that there was no plain Basmati left on my plate. Hopefully, the empty plate is testimony to the degree of pleasure accrued. This Curry has to be had. 
Again, topped with Ginger Strips and Coriander, the karahi was brimming. This Keema was as it should be, Dry, not even the merest trace of Oil. As Marg cut into a piece of Potato, so the impregnation was visible. The customary Soupçon crossed the table. Another – Wow! – moment. This was superb, a big Meaty blast, Spicy, well Seasoned. This could well be the best Aloo Keema the Hector has encountered, and that based on just the sample. The Hector must experience the full Curry, but that means foregoing Korma/Karahi. Why do I keep coming back to 
Marg couldn’t finish all her Curry echoing the quantity. At home, Takeaway would have been employed, not possible today. Marg’s words:
New Namaste (Wozna 13, 61-777 Poznan, Polska), I wonder what happened to the old one? 
Hector and Marg have two days only in
Delhi Masala Poznan is where I thought I had spotted this rare Curry without red meat. On arrival this afternoon, a waiter said yes, Mein Host – no. Still, I liked the look of this place and it will be the chosen venue next time, plus a return to Wiejskie Jadlo an excellent traditional Polish Restaurant off the west side of Rynek. Roll on 2025. 
Marg was reserving her appetite for this evening’s Polish meal, Samosa Wegetarianske (17.00zl) come as a pair. To accompany, Masala Chai (15.00zl. 
The Pork Vindaloo (38.99zl) has a three Chilli rating on the menu, so why did Mein Host ask if I wanted it – Spicy? Jeera Rice (15.00zl) looked to be the best Rice option. A large bottle of Woda Kropla Beskidu (6.00zl) niegazowana completed the Order. 
The tea arrived next. This is Marg’s area of expertise, no way was the Hector sampling this milky concoction. I’ll just point out that there was no floating Cardamom. 
The Vegetable Samosas were a good size, so a worthy snack. The interior looked well filled. A pity the Hector couldn’t risk sampling any, have I mentioned tonight’s Polish meal? 
I ordered two vegetable samosas. They arrived with a tray of dips. They were hot and full of potato and vegetables. I used the mint dip to give another flavour. Very tasty and filling. 
The Jeera Rice was presented in a standard handi, so lots of it, the European way. I took what I thought I could manage and was impressed by the quantity of Cumin Seeds mixed through, and also finding the whole Star Anise. This Rice was subsequently – tasty. 
These small karahi typically hold more than first appears possible. The swirl of Cream I found to be off-putting, wrong. The Masala, topped with no more than a spoonful of Coriander and Onion rings looked Creamy enough. And why was this? When ordering Vindaloo, one hopes for the definitive wine-based version, as inspired by the Portuguese. Having had my Stifado in 
At least eight, large pieces of Pork, not all fat had been removed, were accompanied by an indeterminate number of Potato pieces. As ever, I retained some Masala for the end game, to ensure I would not just have the copious Rice left on the plate. The blended Masala was viscous, not atypical of any Mainstream restaurant. 
This Curry’s Seasoning immediately registered as – Big! The Spice built but would never reach anything like demanding. So, this was a Vindaloo with a three Chilli rating? For truly 
ur, maybe this is why Mutton is preferred. However, this is where the Potato came to the fore. Spice infused, the Potato saved the day, glorious. A better Texture, a more familiar Texture. Should all Curry include the humble Potato?
The Aftermath
Curry is clearly not a big thing in 
I liked the given description of the Tawa Gosht (€12.00). Beef would be a change from Mutton. Given that the unnecessary 
We arrived this afternoon just after 14.00 and took one of the two remaining tables. There are only four tables at India Gate, seating a maximum of sixteen. All al fresco, there is no seating inside. A young boy cleared the 
debris from the previous occupant, carefully wiped the surface and set up our places. He brought a large bottle of chilled Still Water (€2.00). We attempted to have it replaced by Sparkling but gave up when only 200ml bottles of Soda was established as the alternative. 
We sat and watched the World go by. It was a full thirty minutes wait for the food, so not a rushed job then. I couldn’t help but recall the last Curry I had with Marg outside – 
We both remarked on the size of the pots, small. This feeling was enhanced when the Mushroom Rice was presented. Here was enough to share, and some. The abundant Rice had been spiced a la Biryani. Fresh Mushrooms played their part in making this a quite magnificent Vegetable Rice. 
Topped with Cherry Tomato and a threat of Coriander, the brown Masala looked splendid in the bright sunlight. The viscosity of the Masala was apparent as it, and the Meat were relocated to the plate. For once, I didn’t count the Meat, there was sufficient. Subconsciously, maybe I didn’t want a lot. 
I had chosen Tawa Gosht because of its description, yet there were strips of 
here was a decent, honest attempt. No Whole Spices, nothing in particular that could be identified, but definitely the Flavour of Curry, albeit we’re in Europe and whatever happens over here in Mainstream Curry Houses, that – taste – was present. 
Red, but otherwise, a similarly viscous Masala, but was that Cheese swirled across the top? I’ve been watching too many American cookery videos. Marg assured me it was Cream. The Hector Soupçon was sourced – Sweet. This Curry was for those who like that sort of thing. Marg’s verdict:
A fairly small dish with an abundance of sauce in ratio to the pieces of chicken. A very sweet and thick sauce went well with the Rice. I was ready for this meal and started before the Bread arrived. A crispy and tasty Naan. 
There was just time for one more
To return to another favourite venue was dismissed in favour of further exploration in the Curry Mecca north of Psiri towards Amonia. I had a look at Indian Paradise Kuzina (Koumoundourou 3, Athina 104 35, Hellas) before 
We arrived at Indian Paradise Kuzina at 15.50. It became apparent that initially, the few people eating here were the staff, shots each. Two further customers made me aware, this place is cash only, not that one needs much when dining in this neck of the woods. 
We took the corner table, from there, all could be surveyed. The poster behind Marg with the tiger, proudly proclaimed Bangladesh. The Hector, unashamedly has a preference for the cuisine on the north-western side of the Indian subcontinent. Back in the UK, Bangladeshi Curry Houses are more associated with the – Mainstream. However, here was another Curry Cafe in 
A menu? – I proffered, realising that if I hadn’t seen it by now, there probably wasn’t one. This also meant there were no prices on display, though I had found a graphic online, but cannot verify the age, hence the accuracy. We were invited up to the counter to choose from the prepared meals on display. 
There was a hiatus outside, Marg saw everything, I missed it being actually outside getting more photos, the banners being the only semblance of a menu. The spare piece of ground opposite has been fenced off and is being used as a private car park. A driver came out and almost collided with a passing vehicle. More animated discussion, a pity there’s no movie.
Eight large pieces of Meat, three with large bones, were arranged on the Rice. I didn’t see any fatty bits but did see a mini attachment that might have been offal. This left minimal Masala in the bowl. A Dry Bangladeshi Curry, unusual. 
The single Fish was substantial. White Fish, thick, chunky, it retained its integrity. Visibly Oily, the Masala was a different entity from the above. This was a mash of Tomato and Onion, a different eating experience altogether. The customary Soupçon crossed the table. A Fishy Curry, not to be taken as read. Had I ordered this, I would no doubt have been satisfied, well in a portion with more Fish. However, I would then have missed the outstanding Mutton Curry. 
With the Fish, Masala, Clove-rich Rice, and Salad, Marg had a lot going on. 
I chose to have one piece of Fish (looked like a Lamb Chop in shape) covered with tasty vegetables of onion and tomatoes and spices. I then asked for Rice pointing at the Biryani. The Rice, which had the flavour of cloves complemented the rich oily sauce from the Fish. I added the green salad which was very finely chopped with thin strips of carrot. Overall, full of flavour which tingled my mouth. I removed the bones from the Fish as I ate it. It was a lovely change for me. 
It was Parvez, an even younger chap who cleared the table. My instincts were correct, he was understanding more English. I went up to pay.
What is this? – I asked, pointing to the mass of – foliage – on the counter.