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.

*

*

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.

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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

The Akash – Helensburgh, Every Day, in Every Way…

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Hector

Another Staff Social, another Curry-Heute. Jamie, Steve and Hector descended upon the Akash (45A Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) sometime around 22.30. Steve had mentioned the – C – word earlier in the evening, there was no going back even though there would be no public transport to take Hector Home. So it goes.

The Hector Special

Although this Wondrous Dish is not on the Menu, I am told people are coming into The Akash and asking for it. Maybe it will merit inclusion in the next reprint? Steve was determined to try The Hector Special, he has not sampled this Precise Order since it was first presented on the Opening Weekend of the New-co. He asked for it to be – Spicy – but was assured by The Waiter that it would be. A Dry, Thick Masala, Rich in Methi, served with Tender Lamb; a Methi Gosht, but refined. One assumes the Chef uses some Spinach also, but this does not dominate. The Balance in the Leaves is Everything. Herbs, the difference between a Bradford-style Curry and The Rest.  Steve added Mince Rice and a Garlic Nan to complete his order.

Jamie, a Regular at The Akash, has been sampling Lamb Curry of late but has yet to cast aside his love of the traditional Bland White Meat. The Akash Mazadar was his choice, a Dish featuring Chicken Prawns and Lamb. Halfway to paradise? Jamie and I agreed on two Chapattis (£0.75), we meant Each, but only two ever turned up. As it would turn out, we had enough food without overloading on Bread, or would we?

The Complementary Poppadoms, Spiced Onion and Mango Chutney were brought to the table. This is how it should be, how I loathe establishments which effectively add a Fiver to The Bill through sharp practice. The wait between courses was not noticeable, the Curry came soon after.

Jamie’s Mazadar was much appreciated – Extra spicy, with lots of Flavour – was his verdict. I have to highlight the lack of needless Masala, this looked an Interesting Dish.

The two Methi Gosht looked inviting. Just how Special? There were pieces of Lamb which were decidedly Round and very Tender. Hector is not a Butcher, so does not know from part of the animal they came, but this was definitely the Best Lamb I have had served to me on these premises for some time. More Seasoning would have made it Perfect, but this is Fine Tuning. This was a Quality Curry.

Steve waxed lyrical – This was an Excellent Curry and I’ve been coming here a long time. Better than the old Dinnis Days.  Quite a statement by Steve!

The Garlic Naan caused so much amusement there was no record made of the Mince Rice, though the latter looked good enough to order again. The Garlic Naan was enormous, approaching Alishan proportions. One thing is for certain, never order two for a table. The Pair of Chapattis now turned out to be quite sufficient.

We were not long into our Curry when a Fourth Curry was presented – On The House. An Aloo Gosht with a more Traditional Masala. The Kick was even greater than The Hector Special. A Dish certainly worth ordering if the Hector-style of Curry does not appeal.

Could they have done any more? I doubt it very much. We were well looked after and served with Curry at a very high standard.

Hector is puzzled

We were the only customers. This was worrying. OK, the Pubs wouldn’t shut for some time yet, but surely in a town this size, the Better (by far) of the Two Curry Houses should attract more custom than this? As we departed, so did The Chef. So no more late Night Curry Sessions at The Akash? The number of times I have spent the small hours in the company of the local taxi drivers after their shift… but that was a long time ago.

The Bill

£48.10. Somebody had a Lager, so still around the standard price.

The Aftermath

The Masala Twist was mentioned by Hector. Mein Host appeared unaware of a New Curry House opening shortly. I doubt if The Akash have to worry too much about which House will serve the Better Curry, however The Masala Twist will have Lamb Chops…

Posted in [Akash (New-co)] | Comments Off on The Akash – Helensburgh, Every Day, in Every Way…

The New Karahi Palace remains Outstanding!

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Hector

Hector was Hungry. The New Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) has not been visited for four months. That I have been tasting signs of their Karahi in recent Curry Outings has seen it bubble up once more as a priority. I could eat here every week, even more if funds permitted. Not that this place is expensive, far from it.

The Bill

£10.00. I paid by Plastic here for the first time ever. The Meal was paid for at point of ordering, my choice.

And so to Food

Shahed’s hand was extended across the counter as I approached. Yes, four months have passed since the wonder that is the Karahi served here. I asked for Dry and Methi as a reminder. Karela was enquired about, but Shahed stated with an air of authority that tonight I was better off ordering the straight Lamb Karahi which would be served on-the-bone. Two Chapattis were required. Did I mention I was Hungry?

I took a Can of Rubicon Mango from The Fridge and took my seat. One other Diner was near completing his feast. There was no acknowledgement.

The TV amused me with the Bollywood Videos of a seedy Chap pursuing a Charming Young Damsel. There was activity in the Bedroom and even in the back-seat of a Car… how they sang their hearts out… A Plate of Salad was brought which rich in Fresh Onion. Normally the impressively Thick Ratia accompanies this, but not tonight. The Salad was ignored.

Shahed brought the Curry

Rasheed had worked his Magic once more. The Karahi was Blistering Hot, there was an Audible Sizzle from the Base where the Ghee was Bubbling away. The Generous pieces of Lamb were shrouded in a Thick Mush of Tomato and Onion. This style of Masala I have come to associate with somewhere around the Pakistan-Afghan-Punjab part of our Planet. The first of the Two Chapattis accompanied the Karahi, the second arrived moments later. Both were Rich in Texture, Meals in themselves. The First Dip did not immediately give – The Wow. However Dipping to the Base of the Karahi, Hector knew already this Big Flavours would be found here. Indeed they were. The Kick was Significant, more – Wow. The Lamb was not all on-the-bone. A Lamb Chop was discovered in the Mass of Meat. Such Wonderful Lamb.

The normal intake of 1.5 Chapattis was exceeded, both were destroyed.

Did I mention I was Hungry?

The Aftermath

This evening the nearby Laurieston was receiving its first CAMARA POTY Award. The Usual Crowd had assembled.

Eddie, a Regular Reader of Curry-Heute came over for a chat. Haven’t seen him ages. Eddie was right up to date and quoted my last Deutsche Curry in Frankfurt at the start of this week. Impressive, and always appreciated.

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Frankfurt am Main – Lahore Kebab Haus

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Hector

The Day after Wolf Strassenfest

On the equivalent day last year, DB managed to delay Hector’s trip to Frankfurt am Main to such an extent that there was no Curry-Heute. Today everything went smoothly and so Hector was in the Business Capital by 14.12; my first Curry in this City since 1976.  That was a memorable day, my first Curry abroad.  Cinnamon was very much to the fore, I remember it well.Lahore Kebab Haus (Münchener Strasse 39, Frankfurt am Main, 60329, Hesse Deutschland) had two major attractions, it is the nearest Curry House to the Hauptbahnhof and most importantly, it was open.

The Dishes were all pre-cooked and on display at the counter is is the style of the typical Curry Café. There was a lot of Chicken on offer and so I asked for Lamb, not a problem. A classic Lamb Curry was pointed out. As it was Meat and Masala only, I asked for a half portion of Aloo Gobi also. Rice was offered and accepted, inclusive no doubt. The Portions were assembled and placed in alLarge Panasonic Microwave, oh no. In my experience, Microwaves Kill Curry!

Once delivered a bottle of Sparkling Water was negotiated. The presentation of the food was fine, it looked just the job. Sadly that is almost the end of the – Positives.

Aloo Gobi – Rice – Lamb Curry

The Lamb was plentiful into double figures of good sized pieces with a couple on-the bone. The air of Optimism continued. The Lamb was well-cooked and very Tender, unfortunately it lacked any Depth of Flavour. Garam Masala may have been the only ingredient that may have been used to make this Curry. The Masala was of the Thin variety, a throwback to a bygone time. There was next to no  –  kick – either, what I had was a Slightly Spiced Lamb Stew.

The Aloo Gobi fared little better. Again well-cooked, the Cauliflower still had a bit of firmness, alas the only Flavours from this Side Dish were Potato and Cauliflower.Hector ate well, half of the Rice was leftover.

It was Curry, just.  Had I inadvertently asked for – The Blandest thing on The Menu?

There was a steady stream of customers buying Takeaways and the occasional solo diner. An Asian family came and most appeared to order Chicken Tikka Masala. For once, this may have been the better option.

The Bill

€11.00. I have to be happy with the price, at least the Curry Hound was fed.

The Aftermath

No Calling Card was offered, I didn’t think they deserved it. On balance this visit was disappointing.  Not as memorable as 1976!

Thirty minutes free t’Internet at Frankfurt Flughafen, nice, but it Disnae’ Work! Back to the Trusty Samsung and Roaming.

Posted in Lahore Kebab Haus | 2 Comments

Taj Mahal, Düsseldorf – Next to Schumacher, Oststrasse

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Hector

I have never seen a Curry Haus in Düsseldorf – remarked Dr. Stan as we walked from Uerige back to Königsallee. Dr. Stan agreed with Zebedee, he had been here the bulk of two days on his lonesome, and so disappeared. Hector had just arrived. Travelling from Scotland to Nordrhein Westfalen on a Friday night used to be simples, alas no more. I made a connection at Heathrow, just.

In theory, Taj Mahal (Oststraße 143, 40210, Düsseldorf, NRW) was open until midnight. That the front door was wide open and welcoming put Hector’s mind at ease. There will be Curry Heute.

Mein Host greeted me in English. He was quick to tell me they shut in half an hour, I had timed it to perfection. The Menu was provided, Marg phoned to tell me her exciting news. It was all happening at once.

Lamm Chops – The Menu boasted proudly. I spotted Chapattis at €1.90, but then wondered about Inclusive Rice. Mein Host basically told me I wasn’t having Chapattis, I was having Rice. OK then. He returned moments later to inform me I wasn’t having Lamb Chops either. Right, A Dry Lamm Curry.

Dry Lamm Curry –  was announced in the general direction of the Kitchen.

Sprudel

A Bottle of Gerolsteiner Sparkling Water was The Tipple.  What else?

A basket with a solitary Poppadom and two small Dips was set before me. I was advised that the Red one was Scharf. Acutally, we hardly exchanged a word of Deutsch – Hot – then.

German Poppadoms can be outstanding, especially when they have embedded Cumin Seeds. This did not, but the Scharf Sauce lived up to the warning. This was a Hot Dip. Tremendous.

The Curry arrived before I had polished of The Bits.

Lost in Translation, again

Trocken. I had it right this time. The one word of Deutsch I had spoken to Mein Host.

More Boiled Rice than a Man would normally eat and a plate of Runny Curry were presented. I counted seven pieces of Lamb and the heart sank momentarily. I then realised they were all substantial. At home I would have halved each. And so I did, enough Lamb, just. The Lamb was Tender, I suspect it had just recently made the acquaintance of the Masala.

Once could have dismissed the entire meal at this point as being yet another disappointing Euro-Curry, however, things became decidedly positive. The Masala was Thin and Oily. Well Thinner than I would have hoped for but it did have Body. It was not Red, a bonus. Cream was evident, the word Makhani came to mind. Hector’s mouth was still on fire after the Hot Dip, but even so, a powerful sense of Citrus came on to the palate. This Masala was not Breaking Bad at all. Indeed, I realised I was thoroughly enjoying it.

I would never have picked this off a Menu. Was this Dish on The Menu? I piled on more Rice. The leftover Masala went down a treat.  A thought,  with Fish, this could well have been Perfect.

Altbier and Runny Curry, perhaps the perfect Düsseldorf evening?

By the time I had finished eating I had noted a strange tongue being spoken by all the staff. It wasn’t Polish, or Russian but at times had audible similarities.

The Bill

€15.70. I could have been charged anything, what I had was not on The Menu. Comparable to a Glasgow Curry, price-wise.

The Lamm Chops were €16.90, a pity.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was studied well. It does work better in Deutschland. They know – today is Heute.

I had to ask about the spoken language. Portuguese. All the staff are except the Chef, he is Indian. Maybe – Dry – does not translate?

This venue does not score highly on other Websites. I cannot fault what I ate this evening. I would certainly return, but there are another six Curry Houses to choose from.

Schumacher was still open after midnight, a first?  Quality Control insisted I enter.

Until December.

Posted in [Taj Mahal] | 1 Comment

Glasgow – Masala Twist (Hope St.) – Hope St. Today, Helensburgh – Coming Soon?

Posted on September 7, 2013 by Hector

On Thursday evening, Alan emailed to advise of a new Helensburgh Curry House, a much needed addition. Masala Twist of Byres Rd. and East Kilbride, then of Hope St. appear to be expanding their Curry Empire. Do the Town Planners know? Anyway, there are posters next door to The Sir Howard Young advertising – Masala Twist, coming soon. There is an expression guaranteed to raise Hector’s Hackles in recent times. But such frustrations belong in The Other Blog – Bier-Traveller.

The delight of the monthly trip to Musselburgh for wonderful Ales at Staggs is our early return to The Metropolis – Glasgow.

Following Steve’s enjoyable Curry last Saturday at Shahed’s I dropped in.  Mein Host was not present and the con duty declined to serve my order on a plate. I declined to order. Nearby Bombay Blues is overdue a return visit by some twenty years, but with the Buffet to the fore I walked on.   Standards.

Masala Twist (261 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3PS), felt topical. On my first and only visit (so far) to the Byres Rd branch, Raman gave me the 20% Discount Card. Would the discount be valid in the Hope St branch?

A first floor restaurant may not be ideal, however one assumes the rent should be lower. Just as well, only two other diners were present around 20.30 when I entered.

I was offered a larger table but chose the smaller, it was just me, a table for two would suffice. Two Staff were on duty and both would look after Hector very well indeed. The Menu had to be studied, the possibility of something new was considered after my visit to the Byres Rd. branch. The style is very much Tapas, so two choices felt justified. In the end the tried and tested felt appropriate.

Anschluss

I asked about The Lamb Chops. £4.95 for three sounded OK. The Roti at £1.65 was dismissed in favour of a Tandoori Vegetable Paratha at £3.50. There is logic in this. A second Paratha is never required, a second Roti might be. The Karahi, again at £4.95, contained the Dreaded Green Mushy Vegetable. I decided to try the Austrian Tactic. Could you ask Chef to substitute the Capsicum with the Vegetable of his choice please? This appeared to be possible.

The Trusty Samsung kept me amused whilst I waited. Lots of note taking and the occasional surreptitious photo.

The Chops arrived, three standing like rifles on the parade ground. They were absolutely wonderful! As good as any Lamb Chop that has been served to Hector. The Modest Salad Accompaniment gave a crunch to alternate with the blast on the taste-buds. A Green Dip which looked like Mint but did not taste of Mint was also integral to the Dish. I asked, and was told it was a mix of Mango and Mint, Different. So far, excellent … but Hector’s old adage – Beware of Curry Houses with outstanding Starters, The Mains rarely live up...

The Karahi and the Paratha looked Stunning. The Karahi had Minimal Masala. Mushrooms and Peas had been added as the Substitute Vegetable. Five good sized pieces of Lamb were in this Tapas portion. Not bad at all, I have been served Mains this size. The Lamb was not particularly Spiced, the only disappointment. The Overall Flavour took me South of the River again towards the New Karahi Palace. Maybe I am missing this wonderful venue? With the Texture and Flavours almost spot-on this could not be faulted. Well, maybe a wee bit more Methi and Seasoning.

The Paratha was out of this World!

Normally I struggle to finish a whole Paratha, however, with the smaller Curry portion I found myself distracted. With Peas and the Paste I have spotted a few venues using, this was truly excellent. Piping Hot, with a moist surface it looked inviting, especially compared to last evening’s disappointing Breads. Light and Fluffy, every mouthful was a shear delight. Have I captured the moment?

The Karahi was very good, the Chops and the Paratha certainly had – the Wow Factor.

Let us hope the good people of Helensburgh do not have to wait too long for the opening of the James St. branch.

The Bill

£12.57. This was after a discount of £2.68. I was assured that the Discount Card is valid in all of the branches. Handy!

The Aftermath

I had a very pleasant chat with the Waiter. He was setting up the Buffet Table for tomorrow’s Lunch. I spotted a Lamb Desi label. He confirmed that the Buffet Dishes tend to be safe, not too Spicy. Why Hector rarely tries Buffet. He asked if I had ever been to The Killermont Polo Club. Not in a decade or so, but ironically I nearly went there last Tuesday but stayed local instead.

He does not know when the Helensburgh branch will open. Maybe the Town Planning Department may be able to shed some light on this?

Update

Masala Twist have moved their premises further up Hope St to number 261.

The Helensburgh branch did open, Hector was even recognised on his first visit.

The Killermont Polo Club has been visited.

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