For the last few years the venue for Hector’s Birthday Curry was Scotland’s First Afghan Restaurant. Alas, this Highly Recommended Curry House is no more. It was Maureen of Sri Lankan Curry Night Fame who drew my attention to a new venue on the Southside of the City. The Southside – Home of Glasgow Curry!
Curry on the Hill, Restaurant and Lounge (3 Bemersyde Avenue, Thornliebank, Glasgow, G43 1EN) is not in a part of the City that Hector would normally find himself. So far South, but not as far South as Barcelona. Curry on the Hill is also very close to where Dr. Stan, Eleanor, Marg and Hector were so graciously Fed and Entertained by Shahed ‘s Mother back in the day.
This evening, The Friends of Hector were assembled in the State Bar to celebrate a Birthday, Mine! Work commitments meant that Marg was not home until after 18.00, and so the planned early Dinner was given the Kybosh. It was approaching 19.00 when we finally reached Curry on the Hill. Just off the main road it was easy to find. Despite the availability of a Car Park we chose street parking.
This venue is the former Coach House, a Pub. The place is vast. We were taken through the Bar and Reception area where people may sit and have an Aperitif, and beyond a Dining Room to a Conservatory style Dining area where four other groups of Diners were located. We were all the Window Dressing.
Mein Host, whom I would later discover was Sonny, the owner, gave us the Pre-theatre Menu as well as the A la Carte. He told us we had made the 19.00 deadline, just. A la Carte is what we were after, this was Hector’s Birthday Treat after all.
Hector had already studied The Menu online. Garam Masala was the most Hector-like Curry on offer – Our Master Chef’s secret fusion of fifteen exotic Punjabi spices creates this gorgeous garam masala…simply bursting with flavours of the Subcontinent! I would however ask about the Special Karahi Bhuna – Sonny’s favourite and a must for die-hard curry lover with its fusion of capsicum and onions simmered karahi-style in a rich and spicy tarka…superb! Sonny recommended the latter. He described the Garam Masala as being – More Spicy, but just the One Taste, whereas the Karahi Bhuna had a greater variety of Spices. A Plain Paratha (£2.25) would accompany.
Marg was taken by the description of the Nawabi – Karahi cooked lamb, chicken, fish or vegetables sautéed in a flavoursome tarka of fried onions, mushrooms, capsicums and tomatoes. This would have been Hector’s Third Choice. A Single Chapatti (£1.00) was enough Bread for Marg. As ever our Dishes were ordered in Tender Lamb and with the Capsicum withheld.
As we were here – To Dine, a Starter to share was in order. I knew Marg could not refuse Tandoori Lamb Chops. To ensure we attained the required number of Vegetables per day, a Side order of Gobi and Aloo Curry completed the Birthday Feast.
Lovely Lamb Chops
The Portion was Four, ideal. Not the Spiciest of Lamb Chops but certainly Very Tasty and cooked through. Some venues serve them a bit too bloody for Hector’s comfort. Marg was impressed too.
Sonny brought The Mains with the Breads following. By now he had no doubt spotted the excessive photography. Marg asked if he would take our Photo. Having established it was a Special Day he shook the Hand of Hector. Most Welcoming!
I could smell the Lime Pickle wafting from my Karahi Bhuna before I started the eating. Indeed, this was as much Achari as Bhuna. Achari was my Fourth choice and so this was not a problem. The Curry looked better than Mainstream with a Thick Masala. There was more Masala than I would consider my ideal. At least this was in no way – Soup. The Lamb Content was not the most generous ever provided, however, I am aware that in My Favourite Places I am spoiled.
I had to sample Marg’s Nawabi who was delighted to find Mushrooms embedded in the Nawabi Masala. She was not short of Vegetables. In neither Dish had the Chef overloaded the Onions to make up for the ‘missing’ Capsicum. Good Flavour, I just can’t pinpoint what it was – Marg related afterwards. Two Fine Portions of Curry.
The Aloo Gobi was a Winner from the moment it arrived. The Portion was as Large as the Mains. With Minimal Masala this looked the business. The Seasoning was to the fore, the Flavours Intense. This is what Hector looks for in Curry. This was the most memorable part of the meal.
How many Parathas has Hector been served this year which were not up to scratch? Here we go again. This Paratha was Dry, Thin, Peely Wally, it looked like a Big Tattie Scone and was not as good as this Scottish Delicacy, a Disappointment.
Time was passing. The Chelsea Match had started, The Chaps were letting Hector know that he should be at his own Party.
The Bill
£36.75. A Fair Price. The Mains are around the £9.00 mark.
The Aftermath
On asking for The Bill, Mein Host asked the Courteous Question. I pointed to the empty Vegetable Curry Plate. This was the most impressive part. Sonny acknowledged that he could tell I knew what I was looking for when I was ordering. There is a new Desi Menu Supplement currently being prepared. It was at this point that Introductions were made. The Calling Card did the trick. And so Sonny, Marg and Hector discussed Curry and this New Venue.
Curry on the Hill has been open for Five Months. It is a Husband and Wife operation. We were taken on a Tour of the venue. The Focal Point in the Main Room is the Fire Bowl, very impressive. Marg had spotted an Exotic Creature on the way in and was off to see the Iguana. Two Water Features line the walls.
To the right as one enters is a large Lounge where Tapas can be ordered. Murphy’s Pakora Bar was mentioned. To replicate that much-missed concept is their aim. The walls had Five large TVs each showing the European Cup Semi Final. Chelsea were not out of Europe yet. Sadly the room was empty. Maybe the Locals don’t appreciate yet what they have on their doorstep? The Bar sells an array of Drinks on Draught, nothing though for us CAMRA Chaps. And let’s not overlook the fact the Dining Rooms are also substantial in size. This is a Very Spacious Venue.
Sonny has promised that when the Desi Menu is up and running he will invite me back to sample the Home-cooking. I look forward to this.
In the drive down the M77 Marg remarked on how welcoming Sonny had been. With the Desi Menu, this Venue could become a Gem. Sonny appears to know what he is doing. I wish him well.
Now, let’s appreciate the Birthday Card from Marg, who would have thought?
Steve was always up for a return to 
The adjacent Couple were finishing their Feast, there was a Single Lamb Chop which had not been touched. Hector did not have to be asked Twice. The offer was accepted. I have not to my knowledge experienced the Lamb Chops as a Starter served here. Oh yes. I recommend these. The Couple also confirmed their appreciation of the Curry that is served here.
The Fourth Chapatti was ordered and presented at precisely the correct moment.
Babu Bombay Street Kitchen (186 West Regent St, Glasgow, G2 4RU) was visited earlier this month, Fast Food, Indian-style. Opening at 07.00 on Weekdays, I had hoped they might be open this morning a bit earlier than the official Saturday10.00 opening time. Arriving at 09.45 everything was still locked, I went round the block and returned to find the Waitress setting up. At 09.53 I realised that I was standing at the corner of Blythswood Square, perhaps not the best of places to be – Hanging about… I was invited in – Thank you!
The Keema Pau from my last visit was foremost in the mind . I was informed that Curry would not be served until later, Breakfast was the deal. Chapatti Rolls – comprising of Delicious Bacon or Bombay Omelette were on the A4 poster. Hold it, The Big Boy combined both of these for £4.50.
The Bill
Such Politeness
The Karahi Gosht was on-the-bone, this was unexpected and welcomed. The Spice Level was not in-your-face (compared to the Starters) but there was a Kick. The Ginger strips gave a welcomed Crunch, slowly the palate appreciated that what was being consumed was impressing more with each mouthful. The Rice was more Plain than I had anticipated given the – Desi – appellation. The Rice also soaked up the Masala which commendably was not excessive. A good Onion base and not too Oily, the Masala oozed quality. What felt Mainstream at the start was certainly impressing by the end. Is there any more?
Hector has not visited these premises as often as would have been predicted given that this is the only Source of Bradford Curry in Glasgow. Only on Sundays does 
That were al-right – as Ricky remarked about the Best of 
All of this had taken time. I was well into the time period to prepare the Goshat Karahi. The Plan appeared to be working. There was time to relax and take in the surroundings. Still the scaffolding shrouds the premises, still the Takeaway Trade is Brisk. Two Families with Children had sat during my visit, the First enjoying Curry, the Second, Pizza. I hope never to sample 
The Lamb was Beautifully Cooked. The Bone Content was sufficient to add the Secret Flavours. The Portion size was beyond reproach. The Masala was exactly how Hector desires it, Thick and Minimal. The Oil content added that Extra Something. One can easily Over-indulge on this, The Friends of Hector have at times. Not to come here is part of the Strategy of keeping the Enjoyment Factor so high. The Pleasure Rating is what motivates The Blogger. To keep writing. (Maybe I can keep this below 1000 words, Jonathan.)
We have tried to workout what makes the 
Ricky, Our Man from Bradford, and Hector had previously dined at this Curry House. We had been impressed enough to agree that if we were having a Curry on This Trip, it would be at 
Last Visit, the Vegetable Rice impressed, especially with the Cheese content, Hector kept to the Tried and Tested and also ordered a Dal Makhani (Medium) for All to share. Mushroom Pilao for Steve, and Piaza Pilao (Onions) completed the Rice order. Geoff ordered a Naan, and Marg a Garlic Naan.
The Kadhai Lamb was decidedly Spicy. I’m blown away by Spice – remarked Geoff. It’s my own fault for asking for it Spicy. I’m burning. Well, it did have a Kick, that the Man from L666s would be shocked by Decent Curry, is the attitude of us from Glasgow and Bradford. For Hector the Seasoning was pitched at the right level permitting the other Flavours to come though. Ricky had a Nibble just to confirm this was Decent Curry. Marg, however, had the Best Dish of them all. Excellent! The Kadhai Fish had similarly Sufficient Masala but had the added Bonus of the Fish. This was Truly Impressive and will be the Dish for Hector on his next visit.
Of the Lamb Spinach, That were alright – Said the Man from Bradford. I said that last time. Praise indeed.
Marg and Hector passed within One street of Roti Roti (Weglova 4, 31-063, 
Lamb Bhuna Gosht look to be the most Hector-like Curry, however the Waitress said there was none left. Lamb Vindaloo, Pork was also on offer, was described as being served in a – Red Onion Sauce. There was 
The Curry was presented with the Paratha in Quarters and sat on the Side. This was clearly Very Poor. Peely Wally may not be a known term to the good people of Krakow, but this best describes this piece of Bread masquerading as Indian Food. Too Thin, Undercooked and no sign of it ever having been near a Tandoor.
Hot Chili (ul. Pjarska 9, 31-015, 
Marg would try the Mixed Pakora, a Snack.
Two Dips preceded the arrival of the Pakora. Marg noted Cauliflower, Onion and Mashed Potato as being the Ingredients of the Variety presented. Fresh and Crispy – was her verdict. They looked Decent.
The Lamb was eaten mostly with the supplied spoon and the Masala mopped up with the Paratha. The Flour used in making the Paratha may not have been what is used in the UK. The Potato content was excellent, as good as a Side Dish in its own right.
Surjit emerged from the Kitchen and introduced himself to Marg and myself. He too took a moment to look at Curry-Heute and realised what Hector was about. His Card was given in exchange.
Steve was punctual despite having walked further along Allison Street than ever before. This is The Southside, of Glasgow, Home of Curry..
Yes, this venue sells Pizza, the Locals love Pizza. The array of pre-cooked Dishes was on display under the counter, possibly more than on display in 
