Akbar’s – Bradford Curry in Glasgow

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Hector

There could have been a problem after last weekend’s Bradford Curry Extravaganza, how does one follow that? Hector was happy when Alan suggested that we book a table for this evening at Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall St, Charing Cross, Glasgow, G3 7PQ), Glasgow’s outlet for the Bradford Curry Chain. Unbelievably some eleven months have passed since my last visit. This must say something about the overall quality of Curry available in the City of Glasgow. I note also that my previous visits have been in clusters, so don’t be surprised if Hector finds himself back here soon. If only they opened earlier.

BHHIP

Mein Host greeted us with his customary warm welcome and immediately asked where I had been. We were shown to the Bar whilst our table was sorted. Whilst we were making up our minds whether to pay for this first round or add it to The Bill, Mein Host came over and instructed the Serving Waitress to put this round of Drinks on The House. This is not the first time this much appreciated gesture has been made. Being Hector has its Privileges.

Three Starters between the four of us should suffice. Marg would sample some of Hector’s Machi Masala. Alan and Tracy ordered Lamb Chops and Chicken Wings respectively. Our Waiter for the evening was new to us. He had the balance perfect between being attentive and not being in one’s face which has been a bit of a problem here. We were not pressurised into ordering Poppadoms. If they’re not brought, why order them?

Tracy chose Chicken Tikka Desi for her Main Dish, and Alan the Karahi Gosht. I did persuade Marg that she should try my normal stalwart the Roshan Lal and in the Desi style. I promised her it wouldn’t be too Spicy. Now how close to the perfect Curry could this venue serve? I decided to negotiate a Dish not on the Menu. Lamb Chops with Extra Methi in the Achari style. This would appear to be Hector’s current Curry obsession. This was not a problem. Marg and Hector would share three Chapattis (£.0.75). Alan and Tracy would share a Garlic Naan with extra Garlic and extra Butter. We were told exactly how long the wait would be for each part of the order. By the time we would finish the Starters the gap between these and The Mains would be sufficient and in no way excessive. A good touch, and they kept to the schedule.

A Complimentary Salad accompanied the Starters. The Machi Masala was cooked to perfection. Cooked in Batter, it was truly Fresh and had a suitable Kick. As good a Single Fish as one could hope for. But where was the Masala?

Tracy enjoyed the Chicken Wings but did say it wasn’t Nando’s. Evidently. Alan was keeping his reviews to a minimum – OK. He would become more verbose after his Karahi Gosht.  The Lamb Chops portion looked Plentiful.

Behold The Naan

Yes, there are quite a few photos of the Naan in this Bulletin. Akbar’s pioneered the vertical skewer, quite a visually impressive presentation. But do the Naan coatings drip off? Even more Garlic and Butter – was the comment made by those who ate it.

The Roshan Lal was up to standard, I know because I was permitted more than just a sample. Marg did find it to be Spicier than she would have preferred, but the days of her ordering Korma are well in the past. She coped but cue Doggy Bag #1.

The Hector-Creation was wonderful. People say – the Meat just fell off the Bone. I have never witnessed this before with Lamb Chops. The Bones retained some of their Meat, however, about half was on the base of the karahi. The Best of Both Worlds. The Chops had been well marinated as one would expect. The Masala was so Thick it was indistinguishable from the Lamb at times. Fresh Chillies had been added, a Kick too. The Bradford Flavours? Oh yes!

The Third Chapatti was becoming tired and starting to Crisp. I summoned our Waiter and ordered a Fourth Chapatti. I certainly would need this to do Marg’s Roshan Lal justice. It came in minutes. Now given the Restaurant was mobbed this simple request could easily have become lost in the hustle and bustle. We were being well looked after.

Across the table there was more than Naan eating going on. Tracy tends not to finish a Main having had a Starter. Cue Doggy Bag #2. I’m looking forward to Breakfast – was her positive take on her Meal. The Karahi Gosht was – alright – said Alan. He then began to wax lyrically. That’s the Best Curry I’ve had in Glasgow since… Alan has been a great fan of the Harlequin Chain but one by one his preferred venues have disappeared. He is now a convert to Akbar’s. How do we get Alan and Tracy down to Bradford?  Cue Doggy Bag #3.

With certainly one (Masala Twist) and possibly two (site of Teak’n’Ash) new Curry Houses opening, our next Couples’ Curry may well be in Helensburgh.

More Naan References

A two year old girl magically appeared at the tabletop  beside us. She could barely reach the table but somehow did reach the bottom of the Naan to which she started helping herself. Our Waiter was over in a flash, her parents were mortified. How did she get off her high chair? Weans and High Chairs…

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There’s More

Three Coffees and an Ice Cream brought the Meal to a conclusion.  We are here to Dine – Alan reminded me for the n’th time this evening.  Now where did he get that expression?

The Bill

£76.05. Alan couldn’t believe it, even allowing for an extra round of Drinks, Coffees and a Dessert. Great Value.

The Aftermath

Mein Host asked me how I had enjoyed the Experience. This was not an automatic question. He genuinely wanted to know if I had any suggestions as to how they could improve. The Bill was lower than it should have been, the service Excellent. For a venue of this appreciable size, I think they have it spot on.

Café Salma has re-opened as New Café Salma. I popped in. The Waiter recognised me and introduced me to Tahrir, the new proprietor. Some of the Old Favourites are on the new Menu, but some very interesting Fish Dishes have been added. Tahrir said he would contact me, hopefully he will soon.

With the Bon Accord chosen as our Place of Retreat, we had to pass Hari at the Punjabi, with three Akbar’s Doggy Bags in hand. Maybe tomorrow – I told him.

Posted in Akbar's | 1 Comment

Bradford Curry Weekend – Curry #7 – Back to Kashmir

Posted on September 30, 2013 by Hector

Breaking Fast

The Kashmir Restaurant (27 Morley St, Bradford, BD7 1AG) was not the intended Curry Venue this morning.  More Wonderful Food from The International at Noon was the original plan until Clive discovered his train was earlier than originally perceived.  We needed a Curry House that was Open early!

Robin, (who takes no part in this saga) Clive and Hector drove up to the Sheesh Mahal to find them not open at 11.00.  There is a large sign in the upstairs window saying 11.30, oops.  We drove around to Lumb Lane to try the Sweet Centre.  There was no parking place to be found and so we headed back to the Sheesh Mahal.  There was no sign of life after the Official Opening Time – Back to Kashmir!

Well it couldn’t be Fish or Chana for Breakfast again, it had to be Keema.  Keema Mutter for Hector, Straight Keema for Clive and Jonathan arrived in time to add Keema Aloo.   Chapattis of course.

There were no Poppadoms this morning, but a Salad and Raita did amuse us briefly.  Once more, in the spirit of Breakfast, Clive ordered Fresh Orange Juice.

The wait was not long, it must have been easy for The Chef to turn this out, even allowing for the Variations.

Breaking Bad

A Healthy Plate of Mince and Peas, what better way to start a day?  Perhaps a bit more Seasoning, no better not, still too early, the Taste Buds must be massaged back into Life after Last Night’s  Onslaught. A very acceptable breakfast.

It is also the day to record the Denoument of Heisenberg.

As Jonathan and Clive summed up the Visit – Excellent, One really can’t expect much more.

The Bill

£17.80.  And this was for Three.

The Aftermath

Robin was sitting patiently in the car.  Hector drove back to Scotland.

Now for a lot of writing.

Posted in The Kashmir Restaurant | 1 Comment

Bradford Curry Weekend – Curry #6 – The International – Sublime Curry

Posted on September 29, 2013 by Hector

A Evening Curry at The International (40-42 Morley Road, Bradford, BD7 1BE), always a highlight of any Bradford Trip. So far Hector has had Good Curry and Not so Wonderful in the past couple of days.  Tonight would be one of those Memorable Curry Experiences. The Menu has much to offer in the Classic Karahi-style. Lamb on-the-bone is available as well as boneless. Hector had a Plan – Lamb Chops Achari. This is not on The International’s Menu and was first experienced in Glasgow’s Finest Source of Curry – Yadgar!

At 21.00 on a Sunday Evening, the place was remarkably quiet. Mein Host acknowledged Clive and I as we entered. One of my two Favourite Waiters was out to greet us, Behold, a Beard!

Four Complimentary Poppadoms and Chutneys were brought in a Flash as a Prelude to the Main Event. My order was accepted. Clive followed with Lamb Chops Karahi. Two Grown Men ordering Grown Men’s Curry. The Inclusive Chapattis were a matter of course, however, Hector decided to follow Clive. Two Keema Naans! We were offered the Chapattis too but persuaded our Glorious Waiter that they would go to waste.

The International operate a Two Portion Size System. What came this Evening could only be described as Massive. A Glass Dish, not the usual Metal was employed. The Masala was visible under Six Large Lamb Chops. These Chops were Bigger than Anything served to Hector, Anywhere, Ever! I sense a lot of Exclamations! I know the level of Perfection I am trying to Report.

Clive remarked upon the quantity of Masala under the Chops. He was expecting Dry. My use of Dry tends towards describing Thickness at times. I suggested he Dip his Keema Naan in the quite Oily Masala. Sheer Joy, this is where the True Bradford Curry taste comes from. Clive got the hang of it.

There was a Serious Kick. The Citrus-Achari was to the fore but not – in your face. The Seasoning exactly at the Required Level. The Marinated Chops had the Expected Knock-out Blend of Complex Flavours. The Combination of the Rich Masala, the Keema Naan and the Lamb Chops… this was one of these moments when whatever Curry is, proved it is The Best Food Man can eat.

Clive said – That was Pretty Good.

Hector replied – That was **** Outrageous!

The Bill

£23.40. The Full Bhuna, as it were, with two Keema Naans. One pays for the latter.

The Aftermath

The Other Waiter appeared, where had he been?

That was Curry!

Posted in International | 2 Comments

Bradford Curry Weekend – Curry #5 – Breakfast at Mughals

Posted on September 29, 2013 by Hector

Hector nearly walked…

The Plan was for the Traditional Breakfast served at Mughals (790 – 792 Leeds Road, Bradford, BD3 9TY). Ricky’s Plan involved a Rendezvous at Bradford Interchange at 10.45. This meant an early rise on a Sunday Morning, for Curry. Clive texted at 08.30 to say the 09.00 meeting outside the front door of The Travelodge was off. With time at a premium, a Taxi to and from Mughals was the only way to guarantee fulfilling the Breakfast Objective.

Hector entered the Curry Café just on 09.30 and took the Corner Table. A Family sat at the adjacent table, so they were first. After some ten minutes they were served, meanwhile the Young Waiter made no eye contact, and certainly made no effort to say – I’ll see you in a minute. The Main Chap was busy behind the Sweet Counter dealing with an endless stream of customers. Turnover was swift. The Family had their Food, the Traditional Breakfast and Two Seekh Kebabs. Still no service for Hector. On my other side were two Mature Gentlemen, one of whom was clearly a Well-Kent Face. All departing Customers came to pay homage. Was I invisible?

The Main Chap found a moment and brought a Jug of Water and a Glass. No Menu. Now what? I was informed Breakfast was all that was on offer – Fine. Breakfast please.

The Kitchen Staff were working flat out. The sound of Bread being slapped into shape was continuous. A Tall Pot was being ladled every few minutes, The Breakfast. Soon it was my turn to be fed.  The Young Waiter finally came across, with a Jug of Water and a Glass.  Oh!

He returned with Hector’s Breakfast.

A Plate of Chickpeas with Potato in a Yellow Masala was accompanied by a plate with two Puris. A third, Puffy Puri, came moments later. Here we go… When I produced the camera, a Chap in the Queue looked across and gave a knowing smile.

No Cutlery was offered and none asked for. Let’s stick to Basics. The Sweetness from the Puri complemented the Drier Flavours from the Chickpeas. The Masala, although Yellow, was definitely more Complex than a Curry Powder Creation. The few pieces of Potato gave a good change of Texture. How far was this removed from my usual Lamb Dishes?

Hector cannot eat Three Puris this early. I left contented and full. A Simple Meal.

The Bill

£3.00. Worth every Penny.

The Aftermath

A Taxi was outside, the Driver had just left Mughals. It was He who got me served as it turned out. He had asked why I had not been served. He also told me that Mughals is open for Breakfast at 07.30. A New Challenge. Somehow I don’t think Clive will ever be up for this…

Posted in Mughals | 1 Comment

Bradford Curry Weekend – Curry #4 – Rajpoot, Shipley

Posted on September 28, 2013 by Hector

Just about everyone we asked at the Saltaire Brewery yesterday said Rajpoot (73 Otley Rd, Shipley, Bradford, BD18 2BJ) is – The Best Curry House in Shipley. Having stopped off in Shipley on our way back from an afternoon at the Keighley Beer Festival, Hector took no persuasion to try this new Curry Experience. The International would have to wait another day.

Robin decided that one Curry on this trip would be sufficient and headed back to Forster Square. This would be Clive and Hector’s second Curry-Heute, the tally was rising for the weekend overall.

Starters

We were hungry, Starters were agreed upon. Clive ordered a Shami Kebab, Dr. Stan a Seekh Kebab, Hector the Lamb Chops and Jonathan a Mixed Kebab. Nothing new here then. The Mains would be accompanied by one of the following as an Inclusive Accompaniment – 3 Chappatties (sic), Basmati Rice or Plain Nan or Tandoori Roti. The Bradford Way.

Karella Gosht was on the Menu, Hector had to try this – Bitter Lemon (?) cooked with Meat in Selected Spices, a Strong Bitter Lemon Flavoured Dish, Garnished with Ginger and Coriander. Dr. Stan selected the Bhindi Gosht which is what Hector had last night, Interesting for Comparison Purposes. Jonathan chose one of his Standards – Keema Matter (sic). Nine Chapattis would accompany these three Dishes.

Clive ordered Chicken, again. Garlic Chilli Chicken this time, and a Keema Naan.

The Order was placed with a young waiter who appeared to be a bit harassed. There was about another dozen diners, a large table of eight took up some time. I wonder if they were charged a surcharge for bringing so much custom?

The First Rule of Curry

The Starters were excellent! The Lamb Chops may have been on the standard size, but they packed the required Flavours and Bite. Hector is thoroughly enjoying Lamb Chops currently. The Seekh Kebab was described by Dr. Stan as – Tasty and Spicy. That’s a good start. Clive considered his Shami Kebab to be – Superb, but a Bit Dry. The Yoghurt-based Sauce was for him. Jonathan remarked – I thoroughly approved of both your Starters. Ah, the Joy of the Mixed Kebab. Hector must try this more often, or even once.

When the Starters are this good, the Curry tends to disappoint. Jonathan reminded me of my own adage.

The Mains

Dr. Stan and Clive came out on top. Dr. Stan enjoyed – the Balance of Spice and Flavours, the Okra was also to his liking. Clive said his Curry – did exactly what it said on the tin. Thoroughly enjoyable. His Naan looked totally different from anything served up, anywhere. A Calzone Keema Naan? Folded with the Mince inside as per a Pizza, Clive was in his element – Another Excellent Shipley Naan!

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I would normally state when the Curry served – looks the part. The promised Garnish of Ginger and Coriander was omitted. The Citrus from the Karela was the dominant Flavour. The Kick was pleasantly noticeable.  The Lamb was cut small, the Bradford way but was decidedly tough. The lack of Oil Slick collecting on the base of the karahi triggered a memory. Mr. Shabir Hussain of Bradford’s Akbar Chain personally had one of his Glasgow Chefs demonstrate for Hector how they dab off the excess Oil before serving. One concludes Chef had put considerable effort into this Dish. A pity, because more seasoning was definitely required. Then – The Wow Factor – might have manifested itself. Not Outstanding – was my final memo to self. Jonathan concurred. OK, without being spectacular. He too questioned the Level of Seasoning in his Keema Mutter.

The Bill

£39.00. Four Mains and Four Starters for less than a Tenner each! Not bad at all.

The Aftermath

Hector was distracted, no Calling Card was left.   Indeed, The Staff were quite invisible as we left for our train back to Forster Square.

Posted in (Shipley) Rajpoot Restaurant | 1 Comment

Bradford – Kashmir – Bradford Curry Weekend – Curry #3

Posted on September 28, 2013 by Hector

The last time Hector visited the Kashmir Restaurant (27 Morley St, Bradford, BD7 1AG) the myth that – it is always open – was busted. 11.00 is as early as they welcome Customers. Clive and Hector entered this morning at 11.15. The Staff were dining together, I felt a bit embarrassed. I knew somebody would have to interrupt their Lunch. The Menu was issued by Mein Host who quickly, and rightly returned to his Food.

Twelve Hours since my last Curry, time enough, this was Breakfast. Guess what is planned for Dinner? Hector had Fish Karahi on his mind, with Boiled Rice for a change. Clive understood the reasoning behind this choice. Easy to Digest, the Fish would be relatively Light and require Minimal Mastication. The Rice would act as good Ballast for the planned visit to the Keighley Beer Festival later today.

Four Poppadoms, Mint Raita and a Simple Salad were presented as Matter of Fact. No question of these being on The Bill. The Rice of course would also be Inclusive. Mango Rubicon and a Glass of Fresh Orange were our reminders that this was Breakfast.

Study the Photos of this Fish Karahi well. Minimal Masala but Moist enough to make the Rice Accompaniment work. It was as if The Chef clearly understood that the Marriage of the two Elements would create the required Synergy. Tomato and Two Tiny Slivers of Capsicum accompanied the Fish. Fish Curry always works, the Taste of Fish inevitably Dominates. The Heat apparently came from Black Pepper, a very Simple but Effective Creation.  And way too much Rice.

The Breakfast of Champions.

The Bill

£15.20. A Typical Bradford Price for Two.

The Aftermath

Our Appreciation was expressed. Until next time.

And now for a Train to Keighley.

Posted in The Kashmir Restaurant | 1 Comment

Bradford Curry Weekend – Curry #2 – Aagrah in Shipley

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Hector

Why was Hector Aagrah-phobic?

Lord Clive had made it clear in the days running up to our weekend of festivities in Bradford that he wished to visit a Curry House in Shipley, part of one the great chains, not Akbar’s but Aagrah (4 Saltaire Rd, Shipley, Bradford, BD18 3HN). An elephant was as much of an attraction as the food. Having studied the on-line menu, Hector had found four possible Interesting Dishes in this Award Winning Restaurant. Award Winning, enough to put me off, or at least not raise my hopes. Such Curry Factories rarely produce the goods, I must admit that Akbar’s does. Ricky remembers the first Aagrah Restaurant, however he and Dr. Stan had departed before Clive and Hector declared it Curry O’clock. The Man from Bradford chose to eat elsewhere this evening. His input was missed.  All the locals we asked at the Saltaire Brewery told us to a man, or woman, that Rajpoot is the best place in town. Maybe one day?

The Saltaire Brewery Open Night came to a close, Clive and Hector walked up the hill and found Aagrah with ease. A building this size cannot be missed. The same building has in effect two Curry Houses. Downstairs is a la carte, upstairs is a Buffet. No prizes for guessing which we chose.

We would be the last two customers of the evening. Eight other diners were finishing as we settled in. Eight other customers were nearing the end of their Curry Experience.

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We were asked if we wished Poppadoms. Here we go… This means we will be charged. I declined, Clive opted for two, four came. I decided not to eat any out of principle. We shall see how we are charged. I confirmed that they would be charging (90p) for Chapattis. This is Bradford, this is not how it is done! Two Chapattis would suit Hector, Clive would choose his favourite accompaniment, Keema Nan.

Chicken Dhansak, only in Clive’s company is such a Dish ever ordered. He knows it will be Soup, yet he prefers Dry Curry, but persists.

Hector described his requirements. The Capsicum had to be excluded, the current tactic of – Any other Vegetable of the Chef’s Choice – was employed once more.

Hector’s Curry was suitably Bradford-Dry, the Chef’s chosen Interesting Vegetable was Okra, cooked to perfection. The Meat was cut small again in the Bradford-style.

The Oil content of the Dish was decidedly Minimal, perhaps here lay the root cause of the lack of Overwhelming Flavours. I had asked for Medium-with-a-Kick, this was seriously Spicy, but not a problem. More Seasoning was definitely required. A Fine Curry, but not one to enthuse about.

Clive indeed was presented with a plate of Chicken and Soup. The notes reveal Clive describing his Curry thus: The Dhansak has no Special Requirements. Spicy without being Hot, not a Challenge. Clive reminisced about our last Curry together at Glasgow’s Cafe Reeshah – Full of Flavour and didn’t blow your head off. The Keema Naan had Clive in Raptures. This is the Best Naan I’ve ever had! The Mince content was far greater than in any Naan Clive has ever eaten. Success then.

The Bill

£24.25. The Waiter was quick to tell us that we had only been charged for two Poppadoms. With table-cloths the price goes up. Who needs a table-cloth? Bhuna Gosht is apparently what I had been given.

The Aftermath

We required a taxi back to Forster Square, the staff were happy to phone for one. We were the last out, A suited gentleman had by now appeared. The Boss! I had to engage him, a photo opperchancity. The Calling Card was accepted. Clive had to ask about the elephant, it is now somewhere else, and is life-size. When they lowered the ceiling to put in the upstairs at this venue, the elephant had to go.

Our Taxi Driver took us past Rajpoot. That is the best Curry House in Shipley – he told us. Maybe one day…

Posted in (Shipley) Aagrah | 1 Comment

Bradford – Sheesh Mahal – Bradford Curry Weekend – Curry #1

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Hector

This could well turn out to be a Weekend of Curry Madness, three nights in Bradford. This will mean Copious Quantities of Curry, and one or two ales along the way. Driving South with Robin as Co-Pilot, we arrived at the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’s Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) mid afternoon. Sadaqat came out to join in the ritual photography. As we took our choice of tables in the Empty Restaurant, he promised me Something Special. Alas he was reigned in very quickly. After Brains, Tripe, Sweet Breads, and Scrambled Egg in recent visits, I was determined to get back to basics – The Wonderful Curry that this venue serves. Lamb on-the-bone with Methi was Hector’s choice accompanied by the standard Three Inclusive Chapattis. Robin played safe and ordered a Lamb Korma again with the Chapattis.

This was not we would eat. A Salad, and Chutneys were brought out to accompany the Complementary Poppadoms, and then even more Dips. Not content with this, Sadaqat served up the House Onion in Batter, not quite a Bhaji but worth a Nibble.

By the time our meals arrived two other sets of Diners had arrived. No Dr. Stan, Jonathan or Mr. Holden who had gone straight to Shipley where the evening’s entertainment at the Saltaire Brewery would soon be under-way.

I have put something else in your Curry. – Sadaqat informed me. See if you can guess. Whatever it was it had to be another Herb or something else blended into the Thick Masala. It turned out to be Potato, always a welcomed inclusion. As ever the Flavours were Complex and Unfathomable, this Dish is held in the highest regard by Hector. The Oil collected in the base of the Karahi, here the unique Bradford Curry Flavour is at its most intense. For once I have a criticism to deliver. The number of Bones was in the extreme. Curry on-the-bone packs a lot more Flavour, however, when they are this small and plentiful one tends to spend too much effort dealing with the ever increasing pile.

Robin’s Lamb Korma was unlike any Korma we had ever seen. Served seriously Dry and with a Sprinkling of Coconut this would be Interesting. The Lamb is just breaking up in my mouth – said Robin. Very Tasty, just the right Heat for me. Another satisfied Customer.

The Bill

£15.00. A Feast for Two at this price? Superb!

The Aftermath

Omar is reportedly well and back at work. Perhaps we may be back here for a Late Night Curry. How the weekend will unfold remains unknown.

And so to Shipley, Casketeers!

Posted in Sheesh Mahal | 1 Comment

Nur Egyptian Restaurant

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Hector

It was Eleanor who informed Hector at the start of the week of the Pharaoh’s Feast offer at the Nur Egyptian Restaurant (22 Bridge St., Glasgow, Glasgow City G5 9HR). A table was booked, sorted.

Hector arrived first and was offered a traditional table in the downstairs area or the Cushion-Seats upstairs. The latter felt more authentic. I was the only Customer, so far. Marg made her grand entrance by which time the was not convinced The Pharaoh’s Feast would be enough for two. Lamb Chops may be a necessary addition, but at £15.95? Just how many Lamb Chops for this?

Now this is not a Curry House, so why is the Nur appearing in Curry-Heute? They sell Kofta, Lamb Chops and Beef Curry. Falafel would also make an unexpected appearance too. Hector loves Falafel.

Having chosen the Kofta from the Starting choices, I let Marg choose the Main. Chicken and Potato. Que? Marg felt we would have enough Lamb. Que? The Waitress established the number of Chops, I was emphatic that the price was excessive but would give it a go. We both love Lamb Chops.

And so the various Bits started to arrive. The Kofta were flat and appeared to have been Grilled. In my recent trips to Egypt I have gone out of my way to avoid Restaurants that only sell grilled food. At least tonight our Meze would be varied. The Kofta were very Burger meets Frikadeller, Pleasant.

The accompanying Salad also included Grated Carrot, very Kibbutz-like, Olives too, even Cucumber and Radish.. The Lamb Chops numbered eight. They were decidedly Chunky compared to the standard set in a typical Curry House. All the Flavours emerged, Cumin, Coriander. These were Excellent Lamb Chops. The price still hurts.

The Bread was poor, too Crispy too soon.

Two very flat Falafel were brought with accompanying Dips. These were very Dry and nothing like the standard set in Tiveria. Tel Aviv old ‘New Bus Station’, the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem, and the man street in Tiberias are the locations Hector has devoured Falafel over the last thirty odd years. These were nothing like the Israeli versions so loved by Hector. Marg has never learned to appreciate any Falafel.

The Chicken and Potatoes stood proudly at the far end of our Feast. Marg was all for taking it home. Hector was still in Hungry Mode and so the Chicken was started.

Now regular Readers of Curry-Heute know that I would never order such a Dish, tonight proved why. The accompanying Sauce was pretty nondescript. Red, Mild, nothing to get excited about. The Potatoes were well done, and much appreciated. Hector likes Potato in his ‘Curry’. The Chicken was in quite large pieces. The interior was void of Flavour, the Texture far too Fibrous. This was Halal Chicken? In the end I had to give up. The required quantity of Saliva required to eat the Chicken could not be produced. Half the Chicken Dish and one Kofta went into The Doggy Bag.

The Bill

£39.94. Twice what I set out to spend. Did I mention how overpriced the Lamb Chops were? The Sparkling Water was also only available in small bottles.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was presented but never made it to the Counter by the time we left. Pleasantries were exchanged. Marg reckons this would make a worthwhile venue to take Mother.

Posted in [Nur Egyptian Restaurant] | Comments Off on Nur Egyptian Restaurant

Glasgow – The Wee Curry Shop – Buccleuch St. – #2 Visit

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Hector

This afternoon was spent at The Drovers Rest, Monk Hill (outside Carlisle). A day trip to Englandshire. Hector, The Lone Diner, arrived at The Wee Curry Shop (7 Buccleuch St, Glasgow G3 6SJ) with quite an appetite. The last visit here was in the first days of Curry-Heute back in May 2010. Hector was then completing a tour of all the Peripheral – Mother India – Curry Cafés and reached a conclusion which was confirmed by the core management. There is a Central Kitchen. Not that I have a major problem with this, however, one always hopes The Chef in an individual restaurant gets to establish The Basics.

I counted 23 seats. 17 were occupied. Only the largest table, for 5, was vacant. This would be interesting. Turn Hector away or give me the most spacious table in the room?

I was asked to wait whilst they considered. After a few moments I was given the large table but advised that I may have to share with three more, possibly. As I sat down two Chaps departed freeing up a table for two, I expected to be asked to move but wasn’t. So far, impressed.

The Menu was a single sheet, eleven Main Courses on offer. Only two were Lamb. Lamb Karahi or Lamb with Ginger and Mushrooms. The Karahi was described as having – a rich pepper sauce. No mention of Capsicum as such. I would enquire. A Spinach Paratha was listed, however, although not on the Menu I was sure Chef could surely knock up an Aloo Paratha. I would enquire.

Two Waiters were on duty, I would engage both as the evening progressed. The tall one took the order. He went to check that I could have the Karahi without Capsicum, sadly I was then told that – it was already in. I never found out therefore if this meant lumps of the Dreaded Green Mushy Vegetable, or was it puréed in the sauce? Surely not the former?  I had the Karahi on my last visit, Capsicum was not an issue and the Dish impressed.  I now had to ask if there was Capsicum in the alternative – Lamb with Ginger and Mushrooms. He went to check and confirmed – none. I ensured the Dish would be served with Minimal Masala. There was another check by the Waiter to establish that an Aloo Paratha was possible. It was.

Soft Drinks

On the Menu Soft Drinks are charged at £2.50. When I saw the glass of Sparkling Water that was served up I had to wonder. Would they charge the same for this, i.e. more than they were charging for a half pint of Lager? Given the minimalism on the Menu, I would have to wait for The Bill.

I watched and waited. Those in the main body of the room were sitting on top of each other. Not a place – To Dine, but – To Eat.

The other Waiter brought the Aloo Paratha. This was not the biggest Paratha ever set before The Hector. It looked Peely Wally, so thin I could not verify the presence of Potato within. There was a temptation to nibble, however, The Waiter returned to inform me they had no Mushrooms. Any Vegetable but Capsicum please. The Paratha now looked very lonely. Was I to sit and watch it wither? Fortunately The Waiter came and took it away.

Good Cop, Bad Cop

At this point I wish I had taken careful note of which Waiter took which order, and who was the bearer of bad news. Never have I struggled so much to order a Curry.

Carrots and Peas

Eight pieces of Lamb in Minimal Masala served on a bed of Diced Carrots and Peas. Different! There was a Sweetness from the Carrots, the only other distinctive Flavour was the Ginger. The Dish had been served suitably Dry. The Kick was Decent. The Lamb varied from Fleshy and Definitely Lamb, to the tougher and…

Carrots and Peas with Ginger was available as a stand alone Curry, they didn’t, did they?

The portion size was more than adequate.

I had to eke out the Paratha. It too was Minimal. The Potato was present, however, there was no doubt it would be finished before the Curry.

As I have concluded many times, this was Curry. Nothing outstanding, but a pleasure to eat all the same.

The Bill

£13.40. And so a modest fee had been charged for the modest glass of Sparkling Water. No Problem.

The Aftermath

I offered the Calling Card to the other Waiter who was stood at the till and a laptop.

I’ll have a look.

 

Posted in The Wee Curry Shop (Buccleuch St) | 2 Comments