How much Meat can Five Eat?
The Date had been in the diary for some time. Waris’ White Karahi as served at Lasani Grill, June 7, all welcome. The plan was for a mass collective of The Friends of Hector to descend upon this recently discovered venue. A chance visit to Desi Curry Palace (144 Allison St, Glasgow, G42 8RP) revealed that Waris had moved on. A single table had been added to the Takeaway plus a bench with four stools. The Company was advised, people withdrew thankfully. The original Lasani Grill Four plus Dr. Stan could hopefully squeeze into the limited accommodation. White Karahi for five was prearranged on Hector’s previous visit, Waris’ Special Curry.
Mags, Dr. Stan and Hector arrived together to find Howard and Tracey installed on the window side of the solitary table. Mags managed to fit herself opposite, the fourth chair could only be occupied by someone of diminutive stature whose head would not bash against the shelf at which Dr. Stan and Hector were now seated. Very cramped, however, this means that Desi Curry Palace could possibly claim to be Glasgow’s Smallest Curry House. Howard provided the technical details about this not being a Grade 3 Category something or other. In other words, it is still a Takeaway, and toilet facilities ain’t going to happen.
Ikram greeted us on entry and had already introduced himself to Howard and Tracey. Waris, the Celebrity Chef for the day, appeared from the rear kitchen. The Five were assembled, here we go.
The table and the shelf had a platter of Ornate Salad, somehow today I thought I might minimise my Vegetable intake. Still, the Chickpea dominated Salad topped with the Raita was a suitable distraction until the promised Starters.
Two Jugs of Chilled Fresh Orange were supplied, bottles of Water too and cans of Fizz. The latter were hardly touched, the Jugs would be topped up later, Great!
The Starters
More Salad, with Pickled Green Chillies. Chicken Pakora, one or two pieces. A mountain of Chicken Drumsticks in Spiced Breadcrumbs. Waris’ Lamb Ribs in the same style as the White Karahi. Not just one platter, but two! Those at the table gasped when the platter of Starters was set before them. The Geography of the moment was such that Dr. Stan and Hector anticipated the arrival of Platter #2, oh yes… How can we eat all this, AND eat the Main Event? We may as well try.
The Ribs were somewhat buried and so the Chicken was devoured first. This was way better than anything served in KFC or wherever, excluding Nando’s. The Ribs were so well received last time at Lasani Grill I had made sure these would be presented again. Boiled Meat on-the-bone, cooked in Black Pepper and Salt. How can so much Flavour be achieved in such a simple cooking style? We were making good progress and had found a decent pace when Waris brought out a Pizza. Pizza?
I have been amused for years at the sight of our Asian Brothers visiting the Glasgow Curry Cafes and ordering Pizza. The Pizza was cut into six. Two pieces were later boxed for Takeaway along with three pieces of Chicken. Who didn’t sample the Pizza?
It was not yet 15.30.
Is that us? asked Dr. Stan after his conveyor belt method of eating drew to a close.
No, there’s the small matter of the Curry.
We needed a break. It was agreed the White Karahi would not be served before 16.00.
Rain was forecast for this afternoon. It was chucking it down outside. The door was closed, the heat from the Donner Grill was heating up the room. This took me back to Hilpoltstein and a certain Breakfast Bierfest where we were grilled along with the Chickens.
The premises were rarely empty. Ikram showed my Calling Card to some chaps. They enquired as to my – business here. More Calling Cards issued, spreading the awareness.
A good time to record all the fayre on offer for those choosing from the Menu, there was quite an array of food on display.
An opperchancity to hear – The Long Story – as to why Waris was no longer at Lasani Grill, however, he was not up to revealing it. One day, perhaps. Ikram did fill me in on the movements of Chefs around the Southside Curry outlets, complicated.
Who owns all these venues?
White Karahi
Five plates of Lamb on-the-bone served in a greyish Masala, accompanied by halved Rotis. Tracey was once again in another place. No Red Chillies or Spices used in its creation. Tracey marvelled at the Butter content. The Spice Level was not OTT, but the Black Pepper sneaked up on the palate, there was a kick.
The Lamb was sooooo Tender, the Seasoning was Perfection.The Toppings of Fresh Green Chillies and Ginger strips gave an alternative Texture – Crunch!
Hector knows of no other venues in Glasgow outside of Allison St. serving anything like this style of Curry. If you wish to savour this, try the Desi Curry Palace and talk to Waris. Ikram thinks he cooks a Karahi which is as enjoyable. That is for the future, this the now. For the moment The Friends of Hector are more than impressed with Waris’ creation.
The Bill
£50.00. The Tip was substantial. In no way can we be made to 
feel we are taking advantage, but do realise that the overheads must be much lower in these modest premises.
The Aftermath
The appreciation was expressed. Back out into the rain. No phone signal for two hours, where is everyone else?
The Portions were decidedly Tapas. The Aloo Gobi was attacked first.
The Roast Indian Vegetables of course featured 
Mein Host informed me that Chef would (next time) replace the 
I was given a Menu and took a seat. At the table it was made clear that this is a Self-Service set-up. There was a 20% surcharge on the quoted prices for sitting in, so it goes. I had studied the Menu on-line before arrival and was swithering about the Lamb Karahi complete with Onions and the 
Whilst I waited I took in the scene. The Takeaway Business was quite steady. A group of four ladies sat in the corner having – Curry and Fun. I estimated Cafe Sizzler can sit thirty or more, comfortably. There is a spacious air to the venue, one could not help but think back to the days when Neil and Hector would enjoy the occasional pint of McEwan’s Export in these premises, but strangely as I recall, never on Match Days.
The Seekh Kebab was accompanied by two pots of Spicy Dip and a Salad. The Salad had Pickled Chillies and Green Olives, always a welcome sight. I pondered at the Kebabs, too light for Lamb, too dark for Chicken. The plastic fork was too flimsy to cut through, Fingers! The interior took me back to Lamb. Great Spicy Kebabs with Cumin coming through. Most enjoyable. Am I allowed to write – Finger Licking Good?
Nadeem says they have been in operation since the end of 2013. They have altered the layout to make it more spacious. Since Nadeem and Uncle Mohammed have began working together great plans have been hatched. Nadeem then revealed that the Menu is currently being updated, a range of Desi Dishes are planned. I suggested that they invite me back when these are available.
Somebody told Hector about the Ayr Spice (The Old Minishant Memorial Church, 22 Ayr Rd, Minishant, Ayrshire, KA19 8EX) last year. Despite the inclement weather Marg and Hector headed off to the Ayrshire Coast this afternoon. Troon was the First Objective. As we parked near the Front, a chance meeting with Duncan, Author and Astronomer, and his Lady sent us to the Chit Chat Coffee Shop. They were celebrating their First Birthday. Food was declined, Curry was planned.
The Aloo Palak Pakora was Stunning. The contents were a Mash of Potato and Herbs. The Seasoning was Significant, a suitable Kick, Very Tasty. Five more pieces would have been welcomed.
I suppose I am The New Boss – was his reply. Javid introduced himself. I had to ask what became of the Famous Person referred to throughout the Restaurant – He is my Father.
Half of the Mince was then cooked in the Masala, the remainder in Oil and copious freshly ground Garam Masala. An entire Bag of Frozen Methi was absorbed. I managed to keep the quantity of Oil down to 750ml of Vegetable Oil. Keema Curry has to be served Dry.
Normally I Microwave Rice in batches for Three People. Today I risked using a Pot, well Two Pots. What does Rice for Seventeen look like? Better to have too much than too little. The Company were invited to bring Plastic Containers for a possible Takeaway. Of Curry, not Bier.
A Small Portion is £3.50, a Large Portion is £5.50. Just how small, Small is would be discovered shortly. With Two Roti and extra 50p. 25P for a Roti! This is well in keeping with the Spirit of Curry-Heute, almost Bradford Prices.
It was Ikram who greeted me on entry – Hi, Hector! Waris was quickly out of the Kitchen to shake hands. We discussed the Curry on display, the Chicken Curry actually looked tempting, good sized pieces of Chicken on-the-bone. The Lamb and Potato Curry was more in Hector’s Style. With Chapattis. Waris said he had just finished making Fresh Chicken Kebabs. So, Two of these to Start please.
En route to 
Normally I contact Shkoor, Mein Host, in advance to ensure the Wonderful Goshat Karahi is awaiting. When Dining Alone, I have tended of late to turn up and see what is on offer. The Daily Specials do rotate.
The Lamb was on-the-bone. The Bones were actually a welcomed sight, it meant the Dish was not as Voluminous as it first appeared. The Thick and Minimal Masala was not giving up the 
At the base of the plate was an Oily, Fibrous residue of the Masala. Here lay the Classic 
Today, it is exactly Twenty Years since I first set foot in Brighton. The Sunday in the end of May Bank Holiday. Then I had driven down from Glasgow, a Different World, a Very Different Life. I knew Marg back then but not Clive. Clive didn’t know Maggie, but she may have known him…
The Menu had potentially New and Interesting Lamb Dishes. Laal Maans and Sikendari Raan were well described. I would take advice. Meanwhile Maggie was up for Lamb Shathkara further down this section. Hopefully the photo is legible, else the Bombay website has these listed. Marg announced Fish Karahi from nowhere, I hadn’t even considered Fish Today. Clive was all over The Menu looking for Chicken Dansak, I’m sure he orders this to wind me up. Each to his own, but Lord Clive of India is usually more adventurous.
Marg was quite taken with her Karahi at First. The Fish was lovely but the Masala was spoiled by the Big Vegetables. I didn’t have a sample but could see the Pile of Debris accumulating. Big, Seriously Big pieces of Green Capsicum and Onion. This keeps happening to Marg. When I ask for the Capsicum to be withheld, Marg concurs, else she forgets. This was Ballast. Marg continued – It was Good, but not much of it.
Twenty Two Hours later than planned and with Jim replacing Marg and Maggie, Clive took Hector as promised to 
Note the Renee Mackintosh Font on The Menu, on this of all days when the Glasgow School of Art is ablaze…
£6.95 for a Starter and a Main Course, as yet portion size unknown. We all know that some venues skimp and offer frustration rather than Curry. The Fish Pakora was an extra £1.00. Hector could not resist. Karahi Bhuna? Yes please.
The Fish Pakora arrived within a time that made me believe Curry in the Lunch-hour might be a regular occurrence. Six large pieces in a Spicy Batter and a Tangy Sauce to accompany. Very good indeed. When one considers the ridiculous price venues charge for three or four pieces of Vegetable Pakora, I felt I was quids in already. A modest Curry portion and Naan was now anticipated. Some ladies were brought Prawn Cocktail. This looked – Wow! Was it worth ordering two Lunchtime Deals?
Coming soon