A second Bradford Curry-Heute, eventually…

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Hector

The Plan this morning was to arrive at The International (40-42 Morley St, Bradford BD7 1BE) for the supposed 11.00 Saturday opening time.  Not a good idea as the records show it does not open until Noon.  Breakfast was required, in Bradford that will be Curry.  Craig and Yvonne were in a similar mindset, Yvonne texted to ask where would open at 10.00.  The Kashmir Restaurant (27 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AG) would surely be open that early, I have never seen it closed, at any time.

Distant Bells were ringing at 10.00 as I descended from the bright sunlight into the Basement.  I heard a voice, then I saw Mein Host – We don’t open until 11.30.  I was looking forward to my Fish Curry.  Craig and Yvonne were at the top of the stairs as I emerged on to Wilton St, they guessed.

I know of no Curry House in this part of town which is open for Breakfast, suggestions are welcome.

We ate a very Bland English at the Sir Titus Salt before meeting up with Jonathan and Robin at The Train Station.  No Curry would be consumed in Huddersfield.

Much later…

The Bus proved to be the fastest mode of transport back to Bradford.  Dr. Stan who has just been Beamed into this Blog Entry could not resist the thought of a Curry at The International.  It was the Young Waiters who greeted us and sat us at the very back of the Downstairs Room.  An adjacent  Large Party were hopefully finishing off.  Maybe it is a new phenomenon, but I had never noticed people Bringing Their Own, tonight this was most apparent.

The Complementary Poppadoms and Dips were brought with the customary efficient.  Dr. Stan mentioned Starters, he likes his Sikh Kebab, queue the Lamb Chops for Hector!

Back in 2011, The International served Hector his Best Curry – Ever!  I had to consult a well known and reliable Curry Blog to rediscover what this Dish was – Lamb Krahi Methi. After The Big Sell, Dr. Stan was up for this too.

Not having tasted the Seekh Kebab I will take Dr. Stan’s word for it that it was up to standard.  The Lamb Chops were Four in the portion.  Cut thin, they had absorbed all the Spices.  With suitable Black Bits, they had been sufficiently Charred.

Hector could eat these all day, but it is not Curry!  Last time I did have them with Masala, The Best of Both Worlds.

The two Principal Waiters had not been present until this point.  There may have been a Function being held in the Upstairs.  As the Sari-clad Ladies withdrew so The Chaps may have been freed from their other duties.  Mein Host #1 came over, arms outstretched –  The Ritual  Welcome, now I have graduated to The Hug. When he turned to embrace Dr. Stan there was a moment of…  Dr. Stan doesn’t do Hugs…

The Two Lamb Krahi Methi and Six Popadoms were brought by Mein Host himself.  Two pieces of the Alien Vegetable were visible, for Decoration, no more.  The Spice content in the Chops was significant, this was on a higher level still.  The Masala was Bradford-style, enough to be present. Whilst the Herb content was visible, the Methi was not to the fore.  Dr. Stan had to admit to Disappointment after The Big Build Up.  Hector’s Palate was still recovering from the Lamb Chops.  This was not The Best Curry Ever, but still Way Better than the Norm.

I may be reaching the conclusion that from 21.00 to Closing Time on a Saturday may not be the best time to visit The International.  Maybe The Chefs take more time when they are under less pressure.

The Bill

£21.50.  We did have Serious Starters.

The Aftermath

Mein Other Host greeted us as we departed, still no Old Minis for him to  come up to  Glasgow to fetch.

Posted in International, The Kashmir Restaurant | Comments Off on A second Bradford Curry-Heute, eventually…

Bradford – Two Curry Gurus – One Midnight Rendezvous at The Sheesh Mahal

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Hector

Six of us travelled down from Glasgow for the Bradford Beer Festival organised by our own Man in Bradford – Ricky. Only one of us went for the Mandatory Bradford Curry-Heute. John The Bradford Curry Blogger knew of Hector’s plan for Midnight Curry and Breakfast Curry this weekend. Friday Midnight was the only time he could meet up. The Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’s Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) was the obvious Rendezvous. And so John travelled in on the last rain from the Outskirts whilst Hector was Chauffeur Driven by Judith, who with John, had come up from Huddersfield for the evening. Even they were not up for a Midnight Curry, strange.

Hector and John arrived at Midnight, Omar was straight out the door to greet us. Marg took this inopportune time to phone.

The Sheesh was busy. Suffice to say the Clientèle have changed markedly since my first visit exactly two years ago. Then it was full of Chaps of a certain age who may have been having a Festive Evening in a Local Hostelry. Now there are fewer Local Hostelries and a much more Gemütlich Crowd. Suffice to say this observation was blown out of the water when a group of about ten of the Volunteers from the Ale Fest arrived halfway though our meal.

The Poppadoms and Dips, Complimentary of course, were on the table in an instant. We discussed Starters but then Omar said he would bring us something.

John ordered a Lamb Dhansak, he tends towards the Traditional. As ever I put myself in Omar’s hands. When he is serving I never look at the Menu. Tonight Omar decided that my Lamb on-the-bone would highlight Spinach instead of my usual Methi. John was up for Roti, I opted for Chapattis. As ever three of each of these would be inclusive, that’s a saving of typically £10.00 already.

The Starter was presented, half a plate of Onions in Batter, a Poor Man’s Pakora, accompanied by Micro Chicken Pakora. Chicken again, what is happening? With the Poppadoms, Dips, and inevitable bits of Salad, this was already building up to be a Feast, and all inclusive. Eating Curry in Bradford is gentle on the Pocket.

Taj, The Owner, stood and chatted with us whilst we nibbled our way through the Starters. He knows who broke in on the day of our last visit in January. A sad story.

Omar brought the Meals himself, he enjoys the Photographic Opperchancity, I enjoy what he brings. Without the Methi there was not the customary Sheesh Mahal Ultra-Sensation, however, this was still a very fine Bradford Curry. The Lamb was on-the-bone. The Portion was significant, so even with the accumulating Pile of Bones, there was still more than enough of the very Tender Lamb. Having limited my Chapatti intake of late, I was astonished to see the pile go down so quickly, maybe I was hungry?

John’s Roti were appreciably larger. His Dhansak looked nothing like what would be served under that Moniker in a Glasgow Curry House, this looked very enticing. John enjoyed this, I noted his quote immediately – This is quite possibly the best Dhansak I have ever had. The Bradford Curry Blogger has spoken, you read it in a Glasgow Curry Blog first!

The Bill

£14.50. By Glasgow standards this is of course ridiculous! So was The Tip. This is the Bradford way.

The Aftermath

There had to be a first Photo with the Two Bloggers and Omar. Taj, who had said goodnight ages ago was still outside. He declined to drive us home, what sort of service is this?

We shall return. For John the Sheesh Mahal is virtually on his doorstep, for Hector the drive is a bit longer.

Posted in Sheesh Mahal | 1 Comment

Helensburgh’s Akash – No Titles Lost ?

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Hector

A late evening in Helensburgh is the last thing Hector needed today, a lot of things on my plate, maybe a Curry-Heute was a fine interlude. The Akash (45A Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) as previously reported, opened late December after an enforced closure and subsequent buy out. On the day Glasgow Rangers officially lost No Titles, perhaps I should reconsider reporting the New Co Akash as a separate entity and give them back their Titles? No chance.

The Methi Gosht has been my Dish of choice in the last two visits. Rather than flog the proverbial dead horse, I thought I would try something more Mainstream this evening. The Chefs Specialties list an array of Chicken Dishes, it does not say these are also available in Lamb. Are they? Hector does not order Main Course Chicken. Lamb Mirchi Madras and two Chapattis (75p) felt Mainstream enough.

The offer of Poppadoms and Onion Chutney was declined. I had looked for an Interesting Vegetable Side and had nearly ordered the Potato Spinach at £4.50. Was this really a Main Course? I like venues where they offer Vegetable Side versions of the Mains for £2.50.

The wait was by no means long, indeed I was surprised my Dish came so quickly. There was way more Masala than I would normally seek, however I was prepared for this. The Masala had a decent Texture, on Tasting I was convinced there was Daal in there too. The Waiter and Mein Host came over. The Waiter insisted that Dansak was another Dish and offered to let me try it. Dansak, Daal, are we not talking the same thing?  What made the Masala Thick?

Chapatti #1 was disappearing fast. The Maslaa was most enjoyable, I had hardly touched the Meat. There was sufficient Lamb and it was really Tender, well all but one piece which was a Chewy as last time. Let’s say the majority of the Lamb was indeed Excellent.

I ordered Chapatti #3, I knew I would need it. So much for my efforts of late to minimise the intake to the Solitary Chapatti.

Mein Host appeared with a an Oval Platter and placed on the Hot Plate – Chicken and Chickpeas. His Brother was working in the Kitchen and prepared this for me to try, appreciated.

I finished the most pleasing Lamb Mirchi Madras and having kept back Chapatti #3 dipped into the Chicken Curry. Yes, Folks, Hector has finally been trapped and Chicken Curry will cross the Palate. The first reaction was to the BLAST of Fresh Coriander, it was so Fresh, I had forgotten the advantages of adding it so late to a Dish. The Coriander still had a Crunch. The first Flavour from the Masala was Patia yet there was no obvious Redness associated with that Dish. Chicken Patia features in the above Hector’s Curry Recipes, yes I have cooked Chicken Curry, but not in ages. There was a definite Sweetness from the Masala, the Chickpeas were well cooked but not to Mush. My Interesting Vegetable! The Chicken was em, Chicken.

I told Mein Host that I had not ordered a Chicken Curry in maybe Twenty Years and that Lamb and Fish are my norm.

The Bill

 £12.75. Well within acceptable parameters, and a Free Side.

The Aftermath

The Waiter asked if I would have preferred my Dish to be Spicier. I informed him that it is Flavour I am after, Spice is not everything. He told me that my Comments are important to them. They do try hard here.

So, what exactly is Mirchi?

Mirchi – Chilli, the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum… Typical! Chicken and Capsicum (Extract) in one night!

Bradford here I come…

Posted in [Akash (New-co)] | Comments Off on Helensburgh’s Akash – No Titles Lost ?

A Busy Night at The Punjabi Charing Cross

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Hector

After another successful visit to The Staggs, Musselburgh, Curry-Heute was once again the priority. With so many Favourite Places, and a New Curry-Heute Venue reported on yesterday, a return to the Punjabi Charing Cross (159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA) was overdue.

As the end of the second year of business nears, this wonderful establishment, next door to the Bon Accord and adjacent to the Mitchell Library has slowly but steadily built up its clientèle. Hector was pleasantly surprised to walk in around 21.00 to find the place buzzing. My first reaction was that there was a Private Function being held, but Hari assured me that this was not the case. Spotting two empty tables at the top of the room I realised that if I took one, three more customers might be turned away. I immediately offered to sit Downstairs.

Yes, there is accommodation for another twenty in the basement. This proved to be a good move on my part, at the end when I came back to pay, the upstairs of the Punjabi Charing Cross was Full!

Hari had the Complementary Popaddom and Onion Chutney on my table as soon as I sat down. Ram brought the customary Sparkling Water. Hari asked if I wanted Venison. Given that it was me who planted this notion of serving this I thought I had better answer in the positive. A single Chapatti would be the Accompaniment because despite being ravenous, the Keema Padora could not be ignored. Why has this magnificent Starter hidden itself from me for so long?

Ram came to take the order and asked how I had been. As I mentioned New York there was an air of familiarity – they read Curry-Heute!  He related that for the last few weeks they have been doing Remarkable Business.  Charing Cross has a Cluster of Curry Houses, this is one of The Best.  Hopefully even more people will discover it.

The Keema Padora arrived before I had made much of an impression on the Popaddom. The Keema Padora was Hot! Really Hot! This Dry Mince served on a Puri is so good I could easily eat three and forget a Main Course. Maybe I should have another look at The Menu and Check out Kema Curry, with Methi, of course! I told Hari that when Marg comes (in a fortnight) and experiences this, it will be a case of Keema Padora and Lamb Chops – forever!

How can Curry follow this?

It was Young Hari who brought the Curry, I was being well looked after despite being the only Downstairs Customer.

Venison is Potent. It can also be more Chewy than Lamb. This certainly was.  The Bone Splinters were at a Minimum, but one has to watch else a Monday Morning visit to The Dentist could be the outcome. The Masala was not far away from that served last evening at the VIP Taste. Not the Thickest, but clearly with a good Onion Base. There was no Methi. I can have no complaints, but this was not the best Curry ever served to me at Punjabi, I miss my Interesting Vegetable or added Herbs. However, given the high standards here, this was still a Very Good Curry! Next time it will be the Exquisite – Lamb Gurmeet.

 The Bill

£16.10. This was less than I paid for my Lamb Gurmeet and Keema Padora last time. This time I had Venison. Thank you.

 The Aftermath

If you don’t ask

The last time Alan and Tracy ate on these premises, we were treated to Karela cooked at the hand of Hari’s Wife. I had to ask Ram if his Mum might repeat this creation? We shall see.

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | 1 Comment

VIP Taste – Curry with Attitude

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Hector

It was Neil who found the review of VIP Taste (623 Cathcart Road, Glasgow, G42 8AE) in The List which prompted this visit by Hector. Hector of course features in The List’s current Eating Out Guide, well in photograph form anyway. Check the entry on The Khyber.

Located just along the road from the unglamorous but no nonsense Sheerin Palace and the superb Yadgar, this is another addition to the Glasgow Curry Café scene. There is stiff competition.

Entering the premises just after 17.00 there was a Chap sitting at the far end getting stuck in to what was on offer. I put my jacket on a chair in the middle of the room making it clear I was here to sit in. Two Chaps were behind the Counter. I hear you serve very good Curry – was my opening remark. There was no Menu available and the Board only gave the Kebab and Pizza Menu. The Curry was on display under the Counter. A Lamb on-the-bone with Potato looked the most appealing. Two more meat Dishes, both Chicken, Spinach and Potato and a Daal Dish were also available. The Seated Chap told me the Chilli Chicken was the Dish to have. I related my preference not to eat Chicken Curry. Meanwhile nothing was coming back from the Servers. Was  The Seated Chap –  The Owner?

I was advised that it would take a few minutes to serve the Lamb. I hoped a solitary Chapatti should be sufficient Accompaniment.

I asked The Chap if he was The Boss and was told he was The Brother, but one of the Young Servers was the Owner’s Son. This Server had now left the premises leaving his Colleague to deal with my order. I sat with the Trusty Samsung in hand trying to access T’Internet, no chance, not in the Tenement Canyons.

The Food came within the expected time period, a Bowl of Curry and a large Freshly made Chapatti served on foil. This would help retain the heat and keep it soft to the end, a good trick. The Curry was very much Curry Café, reminiscent of  Al Faisal in Manchester. There was only one significant Bone in the Serving, enough to make The Meal. The Masala was thicker than Shorba, what I have described as 1960s Glasgow Curry. The Lamb was well cooked, Tender, and the Kick was imminent. At first I felt more Seasoning would have improved the Experience, but the lingering Flavours made me change this view, this was an Above Average Curry, but in no way Outstanding.

My Fellow Diner told me that they have been here for two years and are in effect an Outlet for VIP Taste, the Caterers located in Gorbals, a few streets north towards the River Clyde. The Website for this outfit does not appear to be active. There are plans for a total renovation of the Café. The current Spartan Décor would only attract the local community or Curry Hunters such as myself.

The Bill

£5.50. This is good value even allowing for the Café atmosphere.

 The Aftermath

The Calling Card was handed to the Young Chap who served me who then gave it to my Fellow Diner. I asked Uncle if I could take some Photographs. Mein Host was summoned. Permission was declined. This was a first!

Mein Host explained that with plans to refurbish any photos would soon be out of date. Dear Reader, compare and contrast the changes at The Village which have been photographically chronicled over the years. The nearby Yadgar will refurbish at an indeterminate time. I would have thought that any publicity would be welcomed, alas not.

If Mein Hosts invites me after the refurbishment I shall return, otherwise…

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Hector v Curry at Yadgar!

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Hector

With a South-side rendezvous planned for late afternoon, surely Dr. Stan and/or Jonathan would be joining Hector today for Curry-Heute? In the end I had to confirm with Shkoor, Liaison Officer, at Yadgar (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP), that I would once again be The Lone Diner. A Hector Portion of Boneless Lamb was the Order, no further specifications offered. As ever The Chef will prepare a Curry that will be outstanding.

On entering I confirmed with Naveed that a Solitary Chapatti would be sufficient today. I rarely finish the second such is the generous size of Bread served here. The Mango Rubicon (still no Sparkling Water) and the Complementary Salad were brought without a word. None was required. Eating at Yadgar is a Ritual Experince, with the food always ordered in advance one just sits and waits for the final few moments to pass whilst The Chef does the finishing touches to a Dish that has been cooked to order, from scratch.

Today was different

The Chef greeted me on arrival. I had to ask his name. Arshad is what I was told. Now this is the name I was given years ago on my first visits to Yadgar. If Mr Shah was not on the premises, then Mr Arshad was. So who is the other Chap I have been seeing all this time and thought was Arshad? How can I be closing in on Fifty Visits and not have met the Real Arshad until today. Perhaps Shkoor will shed some light on this?

As is previously written, one can comfortably share a Kilo of Goshat Karahi when it is on-the-bone, the boneless version needs three, or more Mouths. What was set before me was an indeterminate quantity of Lamb with Okra Karahi, it was immense! There’s more. The Irresistible Vegetable Curry was also laid before me as a Side. I had enough Food to feed a Family. Where were my Co-Diners?

This would be a Test. A Very Pleasant Test. The Okra was a Variation from the Norm, I enjoy an Interesting Vegetable with my Curry. Getting Okra right takes skill, it is too easy to let go to Mush, this was perfect. It also added a few more Grams to the size of the Dish. The Lamb was cut into small pieces, dare I say it, in The Bradford Style. It did require a bit of Chewing which was just as well. I was forced to take my time. The Masala was Thick with Tomatoes and Onion and covered in the customary Slivers of Fresh Ginger. There is a very distinctive Yadgar Flavour, a Familiar Warmth that Prevails on the Palate. There’s more.

The Vegetable Curry is not always available; it is always worth asking for. Today was the first time in a while that I hadn’t. The Potato, Carrot and Pea Melange would satisfy in its own right, as a Side to the Lamb Karahi it is the Cherry on the Icing on the Cake.

There ain’t no Obscenity Clause…

It took me thirty five minutes to eat all of the Lamb. Some pieces of Okra had to be left along with a bit of the Vegetable Side. The Chapatti was abandoned halfway. At that point I could have easily thrown in the towel and had the rest as a Takeaway. I was enjoying the Curry too much. There was no Breakfast or Lunch prior to this Eating Experience, there would be no more food intake for another Twenty Four Hours. What was before me was a Wonderful Quantity of Meat and Vegetables cooked to perfection. This was a Dish I shall never forget.

The Bill

£15.00. This is what we pay each when we share a Kilo. Generosity to match the Portion.

The Aftermath

The Hand of Arshad was shaken, the Photo taken. Do I not recognise him because of the Beard, or has he been hiding in the Shadows for the last three years?

Posted in Yadgar Kebab House | Comments Off on Hector v Curry at Yadgar!

Not Greenwich, just The Village

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Hector

Having enjoyed the atmosphere of Greenwich Village for much of this week, it was a less than subliminal decision that the first Curry-Heute back in Blighty would be at The Village ‘Curry House‘ (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8BA). Entering earlier than the Friday norm, there would be only two fellow diners, one a regular. This is the quietest I have seen the new premises. Mein Host was chatting to them but soon came over to take my order.

The first business of the day was to solve the identity problem. Andrew introduced himself formally. He will no longer be Mein Host from Sri Lanka. Andrew?, a popular name there apparently. Complimentary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney were summoned and delivered whilst our discourse continued. Today’s Order was already taken care of thanks to an entry on a popular Social Media Website. I had asked for the re-introduction of the lost Laal Lahori. This had been promised. A solitary Chapatti would be the Accompaniment. The clock said Dinner Time, the Body Clock was still confused. Having had my last Evening Meal at 02.00 GMT courtesy of United Airlines followed by Breakfast 06.00, it was surely time to eat, Lunch?

Sitting adjacent to the till, Kassif took up his post, the beginning of a pleasant conversation was under-way. He too got his input to my order, before Mr Baig himself became involved. Dry and Boneless was confirmed to the Proprietor himself, ironically the Laal Lahori was always served  as a Wet, Soup-like Dish … Evolution.

last night, eating Italian…Yesterday was Valentine’s Day, The Village was stowed as ever. There is a long standing tradition of people enjoying these premises on this day. Marg and Hector once enjoyed such an evening in the original Upstairs Restaurant. This year we ate Italian, in Little Italy! That was yesterday?

Kassif now has an understanding of how I manage to get to so many places, not just around Glasgow but the UK, Europe and beyond. Orkney, Poland and Tunisia will be new entries later in 2013. This week has seen the first two Curry-Heute reviews from the USA.

Big Brother walked by, Shahraz has worked in the Kitchen for as long as Hector has frequented The Village, but always in the background. He nodded in recognition.

The Duty Waiter brought the Laal Lahori, I was hardly started when Mr Baig came over to verify the content and style, he reaffirmed that the Fresh Tomatoes and Fresh Ginger are what completes the very Fine Dish. Being served as Dry as it was, this was certainly a development of what had been served for years. Moments later Mr Baig returned and took the seat opposite. This felt like a Taj, at the Sheesh Mahal in a Bradford moment. We were going to talk – Curry!  This always makes Hector’s Day.

Mr. Baig expressed his frustration that  Chefs feel obliged to serve Dishes so Wet. The public have become used to Meat swimming in Sauce (Soup!), he is happy to lead them away from this. I was told that The Village was the first Restaurant in Glasgow to advertise their Meat as being Halal, now this is commonplace. He envisages a large screen being erected in the Restaurant featuring a couple of Specials. These would be a departure from the norm – sounds like  Hector-style Curry to me. This would be a case of – If people see it, they will eat it.  Mr. Baig is also determined to keep the menu – small. How many venues have a menu that goes on for page after page, yet what is served all comes out of the same Big Pot? It was admitted that at The Village they do have to maintain a Lamb Pot otherwise this Meat could not be served efficiently. (Chicken of course cooks in minutes.) The Chefs then work their magic to create the required Lamb Dish. One of my criticisms of The Village over the years I have frequented the various premises is that the same Dish can vary from day to day depending on which Chef is on duty. The Laal Lahori I was served with today would not have been created this way without the intervention of The Proprietor. Consistency will remain a problem. For me, the other criticism, portion size has been solved. The half-kilo is more than sufficient. However, my Curryspondents are still making comments on the quantity of Meat served, particularly at lunch times. Do the Chefs/Waiters lose track of who has ordered the Lunchtime Specials and those The Full Bhuna?

Lamb Laal LahoriWhat I was eating today was superb, and even though it was just a standard portion, there was no problem with the quantity. The Tomato content is what makes this Dish for me. The Flavours come out, the Lamb was Tender as ever. Andrew asked if this was the best Curry I had ever eaten. The Curry Houses of Bradford retain that accolade.

The Bill

£8.90. No Sparkling Water, and only One Chapatti.

The Aftermath

Kassif’s young sister, Irram. introduced herself and verified the spelling of her name. I just have to meet Mother now.

Posted in The Village "Curry House" | Comments Off on Not Greenwich, just The Village

More New York Curry on East 6th Street

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Hector

The Plan was always to restrict the Curry intake on this trip to two in five days. That two and a half Curry-Heute Reviews are possible is certainly a Hector Bonus. An excess of Hot Chocolate on a Roof Garden under-looking the Empire State Building had taken the edge off the appetite, still there was no way Hector was postponing the return to East 6th Street, The New York Curry Strip.  So how to choose the next venue…

What’s in a Name?

The Brick Lane Curry House (306-308 E 6th St, New York, NY, 10003) takes its name of course from the Streets of London. One had to take note of its existence. So, in we went and were shown to a table by a Young Doris. The Menu was quick to inform us that the walls were covered in Ground Spice, hence the Aroma that permeated the Venue. I did not lick the walls, but was tempted, NOT!

The Menu was certainly minimalist, the prices were more than double what we had paid at the nearby Raj Mahal two days ago. I could find nothing that made me want to eat it. Vindaloo is my normal resort when a Curry House has no Karahi or Desi Dishes. Had I not seen Desi on the wall outside? The Phaal was the last item on the Meat section, a Challenge. So, a Chef can make a Blisteringly Hot Curry, who cannot? I looked at Marg, she had found nothing enticing either, it was she who suggested we leave. We left.

Mein Host at the next Venue told us that the owner of Brick Lane is into Man v Food. I note now that there are at least four outlets in the New York / New Jersey area. Good luck to them.

Malai Marke

We were down to our last Dozen Choices of Venue. There was enough on the Menu posted outside the Malai Marke (318 E 6th St, New York, NY, 10003) to entice us in. The Entrance took us through the narrowest Restaurant I have ever set foot in. A Long Bench ran for more than half the room, fine for The Lone Diner, not for a Couple. At the far end were about four Tables for Two, all crammed together, a Mature Couple sat at the end in front of the Glassed-off Kitchen. Mein Host greeted us and took us past the Kitchen to a larger room, much better. Two other tables were occupied.

Sparkling water had been offered before I managed to remove the Winter Coat. Complementary Poppadoms and Dips were brought immediately.

Voss, it’s from Norge

Marg recognised the Bottle too. This Norwegian Sparkling Water holds the record as being the most expensive on The Planet. We paid an obscene amount for it at The Jewel in The Crown (Aberdeen, Scotland) some years ago. Never again. At a mere $5.50 this was a Bargain!

The Lamb Bhuna Mirchwala was described as Dry. Mein Host confirmed this would be the case. Chapattis did not feature on the Menu, I did not feel like a Roti. Once again all Breads were around the same price – $4 ish. A Garlic Nan would be the Accompaniment. Marg had been considering Chicken Korma, then switched in to a more Grown Up Mode. I fancy the Lamb Chops – she announced. Burra Kabab was how it appeared on the Menu, at $20 quite a Commitment. I had drank half of Marg’s Hot Chocolate. She was only feeling one third – Blah. Wondering how this would served I asked what it came with. Mein Host said he would include Rice. I was left to wonder how Rice would enhance Lamb Chops.

The Poppadoms were the type more frequently encountered on The Continent – with Cumin Seeds – We like these. They were merely nibbled. I decided to visit the Restroom. There was a choice of Doors, one with a Wine Glass, the other with a Bier Glass. No Sparkling Water then? I had noted that each of the three occupied tables had ordered Wine. With Curry? The Fawcett in the Bier Glass Room was remarkable. The Tap, enough of this Foreign Speak, gushed water along an open Channel, reminiscent of the sheer waste of Water in SW USA. Given the Ambient Temperature, there were no Evaporation Losses here.

I could hear Marg’s Lamb Chops before I saw them. The Young Waiter was insistent that Marg would not touch the platter. Five Thick Lamb Chops, some Double-boned lay on a Minimal Bed of Onion Slivers. This is how Marg likes her Onions – Burnt. She got tore in.

The Bhuna was indeed Dry, visually it had me onside. I spooned some Boiled Rice, why I’m not sure. Perhaps it was the Garlic Nan. The Nan appeared to be covered in Coconut, but this turned out to be finely Chopped Garlic, lots of it. Impressive.

The Bhuna took me back to Chez Hector, with one Difference, this is almost exactly how I have been cooking my Curry in the last year. The Flavours were identical. This means I cannot state that this was an Outstanding Curry, merely a Very Satisfying one. This is the sentiment I had to convey to Mein Host when he made the Customary Check on our progress. The Difference? – The Kick! This Curry was not for the Faint of Heart. If I served a Curry with this Spice Level at home there would be Complaints. Marg would not have eaten this. I took it very much in my stride. So I ended up with a Vindaloo equivalent after all.

Meanwhile across The Table

Marg was having the time of her life. I declined the offer of a Chop but did get to taste a bit of one – Impressive. Marinated in Yoghurt and Spices these had been Cooked to Perfection. That was Wonderful – was Marg’s remark initially. I can’t go on about this enough. I think she enjoyed it. Marg has resolved to have Lamb Chops at every Opperchancity from now on. So much for Chicken Korma then.

The Bill

$50.63. Significantly more expensive than the neighbouring Raj Mahal.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was presented. There was an expression of interest. There are two Computer Terminals at the Door for the Public, so they could be reading this positive review soon. Time was taken to discuss our origins and our normal Curry Choices. We shook hands on departure, a very fine meal.

Posted in Malai Marke, Brick Lane Curry House | 3 Comments

Raj Mahal, East 6th Street – Hector’s first Curry-Heute in the USA!

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Hector

Hector and Marg find themselves in New York, seriously cooler than this week last year when we literally walked into the Demonstrations in Athens, Tear Gas et al.    Marg has notions about going to a Musical – No chance! Hector has Curry-Heute in mind. Last night we ate American (?) at Carnegie’s Delicatessen. By lunchtime today the stomach was screaming –  Curry! That it was now Dinner Time back in Blighty and there had been no Curry-Heute since Wednesday, well…. Hector even agreed to go to the Central Park Zoo on condition that we jump down to the New York Curry Strip straight afterwards.

I have read many reviews of Curry Outlets in New York, none have been conclusive. If people are still looking for Chicken Tikka Masala and judge a Venue by this Fake Dish, then that is their choice. Hopefully the more discerning look for something nearer Authenticity.

The array of Photos posted at the end of this Blog shows the Curry Outlets surveyed before the choice was made. One Chap described his Menu to us as we passed, the ubiquitous Tikka Lamb put us off. Mein Host from the Raj Mahal (322 E 6th Street, Manhattan, New York) stuck his head out from the Basement Premises and said enough to entice us in. The Complementary Poppadom and Dips, which he hadn’t mentioned,  were on the table as soon as we sat down. We were only Diners this early on a Sunday.

Marg, who had been considering only a Snack, came up with Salmon Fish Karahi and an accompanying Chapatti ($3.50) as her order. The Dish promised to Sizzle. (Salmon Fish? – Is there any other type?)

Ponir (Paneer) Karahi caught the attention of Hector. By including Cheese, it logically lends itself to Dry. I enquired, as the Menu suggested I should. Mein Host immediately asked if we were from England.      No, Scotland – was the proud reply. A Dry Lamb and Panir Karahi was agreed upon with Minimal Masala. Mein Host understood what was required. An Alu Paratha looked the best value given that every Bread style was charged about the same.

More Poppadoms were brought, time to settle in. The room we sat in was long, a larger room sat adjacent. The Raj Mahal suddenly felt like a substantial venue, not the Small Basement Premises I thought I had noticed walking along East 6th Street.  Over 100 Covers must be possible, simultaneously.

The Plates were presented then moments later a surprise  Bowl of Dal Masala and the Breads. The Alu Paratha looked substantial and in the Calzone style. The Bread had been cooked, the Vegetables spread on and then folded. This was a substantial Paratha. Marg’s Chapatti was also folded and served in Tin Foil. A Portion of Boiled Rice then followed which Mein Host had spooned some of on to Marg’s Plate before she could challenge the act. On the House – was Mein Host’s way of calming Marg who thought the order had been mistaken. Two Sizzling Karahi were then brought. These looked very interesting. The Feast was under-way.

The Paratha was stunning, it had Peas as well as Potato,  Piping Hot and would Complement any Curry Dish.

The Ponir Karahi was Dry as promised, there was a Minimal Masala Base, just enough, Perfect.  The Cheese was not too intrusive, this was a Meat Dish.  The Onions had been cut Large, Marg does not like this, but I find it Fine. A few pieces of the dreaded Capsicum found their was into both Dishes, but there was more than enough in the Karahi for this not to be an issue. The Cheese had done the trick, Hector thought this would guarantee a sufficiency of Salt, indeed the Seasoning was also Perfect. The Lamb was in a Suitable Quantity and was of Sound Quality. The Lamb may have been waved over a Tandoori Oven but was certainly not Tikka. This was a Very Satisfying Curry!

Marg as one might anticipate from the positives so far, thoroughly enjoyed her Salmon Karahi. She particularly likes Fish Curry, the Flavours always hold their own. It is rare to find a Bland Fish Curry. The Large Onions aside, Marg also found the Minimal Masala to be to her liking – The Fish was Very Tasty, Strong Flavours throughout – were her very words. I was permitted to sample the last Piece of Salmon, indeed, very well presented.  The Chapatti was reportedly – Hard – in places.

When Mein Host came over for the Customary Check, I had to tell him – Very Good!

The Dal was simply a Bowl of Soup, the Gesture appreciated, had it been Dal Makhani I would have been carried a way. The Rice in the end did get mostly eaten.

Two Mango and Coconut Custards were brought as Complementary Dessert, we maintained honour and declined the further offer of Complementary Tea or Coffee.  I tasted the tiniest bit of the Mango Dessert, Marg ate them both.  I prefer to let the taste of the Curry linger.

Now, I deliberately did not go out to find a particular venue today, I thought I would survey the scene and take my chances. This was sheer Serendipity. Very good Curry, served in an amiable manner and comfortable surroundings. Hector won the Proverbial Watch today.

The Bill

$36.40. This is a couple of Quid less than one might pay at Home. Good value indeed.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was handed over, I cannot translate what was said, but Mein Host sounded excited.  He did not report back.

The Raj Mahal, the first ‘American’ entry to Curry-Heute. I  recommend it.

Fourteen Restaurants around East 6th Street at 1st and 2nd Avenue.  Check the last Photo, three outlets…

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Glasgow – Kama Sutra

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Hector

This is Hector’s first visit to Kama Sutra (331 Sauchiehall St  Glasgow, G2 3HW).  There has been a cluster of Curry Houses on this stretch of Sauchiehall Street for many years.  These days this street is a most uncomfortable experience given the number of people standing outside the numerous Pubs and Restaurants.

Kama Sutra was open for Pre-theatre Diners and so welcomed Hector at 16.45.  The window seat was occupied by a couple, I was sat at a small table three places away.  The next couple to enter were sat two table away across a partition.  Why create such a cluster when the rest of the spacious room was empty?

I was invited to examine the Drinks Menu which I did not.  I was here for Curry.  For those who require it, a full range of Drinks are available.  The Sparkling Water as ever was Hector’s choice.

Methi Gosht appeared to be the best Dish on offer, though thanks to technology, Neil was able to tell me they may have had Venison.  I didn’t spot Zyakedar Hiran on the Menu, but given it was £10.95 for the Lamb Dish, the price of the Venison would no doubt be significantly more.

I asked for the Methi Gosht to be served as Dry/Thick as the Chef could manage.  A line I have been using a lot in new venues of late.  The Waiter assured me that this Dish would be served that way anyway.  We were talking the same language – Curry!  Chapattis were not listed on the Menu so I had to ask tentatively for two (£1.15).

Methi GoshtThe Methi Gosht was presented in a good sized portion. There was enough Tender Lamb and this was outstanding in terms of Texture.  The Masala was Thick as promised, this was shaping up for something special.  Alas, the anticipated burst of Flavours did not emerge: the classic Under-seasoned Curry. The first Chapatti disappeared in seconds, I had to work hard at ensuring the second lasted the course.  One concludes that these were not particularly large.

Another member of Staff came to check on the progress of the original Three Diners.  I gave a – Fine –  in response to – Can I get you anything else?  By the time I finished my meal a whole Staff Crew had entered.

Overall, the Curry was probably above average.  As a Curry Lover this does not necessarily equate to disappointment. Curry is Curry, but one always hopes to discover another Special Place.

The Bill

£15.80.  This is two Pounds more than one would pay on the the other side of Charing Cross, where the Curry is way better.  Is there any reason why I should return?  Bradford-in-Glasgow at Akbar’s, the wonderful Cafe Salma and the superb Punjabi Charing Cross offer a much better Curry Experience.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was presented, to yet another new face, nobody wanted to make anything of it.

There was a rendezvous at the nearby Hengler’s Circus.  Hector out mid-week? For reasons that will unfold, I shall not see The Chaps for some time.

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