Same again please! – Punjabi Charing Cross, Glasgow

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Hector

This is the mid-point of a Hectic Weekend. It will also optimise the intake of Curry. After yet another fine visit to The Staggs (Musselburgh) Hector bade farewell to his Co-Travellers and headed for the Punjabi Charing Cross (159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA). This is where the week began with one of the most impressive Curry Experiences Hector has ever enjoyed. The Hector Test for any venue is – Can you repeat it?

The order was recited by the New Waiter before I had reached my seat and parked my jacket. Keema Padora and Lamb Gurmeet. A single Chapatti would suffice, the Sparkling Water as ever completed the deal.

Apart from Private Functions, tonight was the busiest I have ever seen these premises. This is pleasing. Hopefully this Humble Blog will win a few more customers. Ram came over and acknowledge that I was repeating the Keema Pandora (sic) Experience. Who is winding up who? Four Guys were here earlier and ordered the Keema Padora – Ram told me. One, Archie, had mentioned Curry-Heute and had order Lamb Gurmeet, but a boneless version. This must have been The Archie, the South-side Curryspondent of this very Blog. One anticipates comments soon.

The Keema Padora is everything Hector looks for. The intensity of the Flavour, Dry as Curry can be served, and Spiced and Seasoned exactly to the Hector Palate. The Slivers of Fresh Onion provided a lovely Crunch, the Puri-style Bread again a beautiful Complement. I could eat three of these and ignore a Main Course. Or, maybe I should order the Keema as a Main Course?

Maybe someday I shall?

A Suitable Gap

We agreed a ten minute before the bringing of the Main. The Lamb Gurmeet on-the-bone gives pleasure just by its very appearance. The Herb-rich Thick Masala and the most Tender Lamb is what Curry is all about. There was less Fat on the Lamb this week. The presence of the Bones always packs more Flavours. Ram asked how it was. I had to admit that a bit more Seasoning would have made the dish absolutely perfect. Did the Lamb Gurmeet pass The Test? Well of course, it did.

The Bill

£17.70. A Starter and a Main Course, not the normal Hector Dining Pattern.

 The Aftermath

 Over to Archie….

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | 1 Comment

Kenny’s Mutton Curry

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Hector

Kenny and Nina were recently married, the Stagg Night was in The Laurieston a few weeks back. Tonight a select few were invited to attempt the demolishing of two Barrels of Germany’s Finest – Löwenbräu Kellerbier (Buttenheim, Bayern) and the wonderful Keesmann Bock (Bamberg, Bayern). We were promised a Curry-Heute. How could one resist? Those who missed the event should be kicking themselves.

Kenny initially had planned to use Hector’s Recipe for Keema Mutter, but in the end went for Mutton. The pot was on the stove, a first inspection passed muster.

The Kenny Mutton Curry was preceded by Very Spiced Onions and Poppadoms. The addition of Fresh Coriander made this as good, nay better, than most Onion Chutneys served up in commercial premises. The Lips were Burning.

Some were sitting at the table in anticipation of the Main Event. Hector followed The Chef from Stove to Table, timing his run perfectly and scooped an ample supply of Curry on top of the Nan which had been procured also with perfect timing. Retiring to a corner Hector was now focused – Full Curry Mode.

The Lamb was cooked to perfection. The Curry was in the Shorva style. The Spice level was more than adequate, perhaps a bit more Seasoning would have brought out the full Flavours. Hector appreciates that cooking one Kilo of Lamb is not onerous. Cooking an elegant sufficiency for ten or more and getting the Masala exactly as one wants it is a challenge.

The Pot was scraped clean, the Curry enjoyed by all. Few in recent years have cooked for Hector domestically, always appreciated.

Back to the Bier…

 

Posted in Home Cooked (by others) | 2 Comments

Keema Padora, a New Punjabi Experience

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Hector

Some of us don’t return to work until Tuesday, so what better than a Sunday afternoon Ale followed by Curry-Heute? Others had their own plans for food so I popped next door to the Punjabi Charing Cross (159 North Street, Charing Cross, Glasgow, UK G3 7DA) to give thirty minutes notice of my arrival.

With Season’s Greetings exchanged, Hari suggested a Starter I may not have experienced – Keema Padora. Clearly it would have Mince, but what else? This and my normal Lamb Gurmeet would be the order. Ram took the opportunity to apologise for my last Curry on these premises lacking the customary – Wow-Factor. Ram evidently reads all that is written about this very fine establishment.

Keema Padora

This was an instant hit. Four Spoons of a Bradford-Dry Mince Curry set on a Quartered Puri. Being pre-sliced this meant the natural Bread-pouch was easily formed, simple to eat, a wonderful experience. Wait until Dr. Stan and Ricky taste this. Hari assures me this dish has been available at the Ibrox branch for some time. This is guaranteed to be a hit with the rest of The Chaps and Chapattis. One could easily have departed at this point, but there’s more…

Lamb Gurmeet

This was bang on form. Lamb on-the-bone and a Thick Masala bursting with flavours. With two Accompanying Chapattis (75p) this was quite a volume to take on after the more than adequate Starter. The Lamb was perfectly seasoned, due to the on-the-bone choice, one has to accept a wee bit of Fat in the mix. A Boneless Curry simply does not compare, such was the level of pleasure I have to state that this Curry was one of the best I have ever been served in Glasgow.

The Bill

£13.35. One concludes the Keema Padora was On-the-House.

The Aftermath

Hari joined me for a good chat. Does anyone ever ask for Lamb Gurmeet? I had to ask. Apparently this Hector-styled Dish has been asked for by name, but not by many. What has taken off is Lamb on-the-bone, Hari informed me that he has to ensure that this is available at all times. He perceives that the Glasgow Curry Taste is finally evolving away from the Plates of Soup with Boneless Meat, and not before time. Still, many will always consider that to be Curry.

Dal Makhani has come up in conversation in recent times.  Hari has promised to prepare this, given notice.  Such is the time in preparation he could never expect to stock it on a commercial basis.  Hector is also long overdue experiencing the wonder that is Karela prepared by Hari’s Wife.  It is time I arranged another Big Curry Night out.

There is a new Takeaway Menu on display at the entrance, I must inspect one. Does it include the full range of superb Curry dishes on offer at this venue, including Goat, Venison and the newly revealed Keema Padora?

 

Update

With more time to peruse the Takeaway Menu, Hector is pleased to note the presence of Goat and Venison (on demand).  The Keema Padora is there too, and the Dal Makhani!   Now to work on the Lamb Gurmeet.

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | 2 Comments

Bradford – Sheesh Mahal – A Break-Inn

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Hector

Last year on January 3rd, Craig and Yvonne were willing participants in the Ritual eating of Curry for Breakfast before the drive back North. Today they would make their second visit to the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’s Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) in fifteen hours. We also had two Special Guests joining us for our Feast: John –The Bradford Curry Blogger and Tony, his Father.

Arriving just before Noon we were perplexed to find the premises closed. The sign on the Upstairs Window clearly states – Opens 11.30 Daily. We were considering our options when Sadaqat pulled up outside in the company of a Chef.

This was Hector’s second Curry-Heute/Bradford Curry Blog encounter, it was good to introduce Marg to John. John feels he knows Marg given the number of Photographs that now have been posted.

Given that the Body of Hector was probably still full of Lamb, Fish seemed to be the obvious compromise, but where was Fish on the Menu? Sadaqat assured me Fish was possible as he brought the Poppadoms, Dips and Salad, all Complimentary – of course. Craig though this to be a good idea and it was agreed we would have the same Fish Creation cooked by Sadaqat himself, the Chillies would be left off one Dish. Marg still not too hungry secured a Fish Tikka Starter as her Main. Yvonne maintained the Maritime Theme by ordering King Prawn Pathia. John also ordered Pathia but in Lamb whilst Tony ordered an Onion Bhaji as well as a Rogan Josh.

Mushroom Rice was Hector’s Accompaniment, Craig and Yvonne ordered a Plain Pilau each, whilst The Chaps ordered Roti and Nan.

The Table was heaving with Food.

More than enough and it just kept coming…

The Break-Inn

Early this morning somebody broke into the premises through the window of the Ladies Toilet, glass everywhere, I am told. Sadaqat was a bit distracted, Taj the Owner was called in, Omar followed on. How much sleep had Omar managed after his late night shift? They were confident that the Perpetrator of this Heinous Crime would have been caught on Camera. The Security Chap was summoned. The Police were the last to arrive, it appeared. Gone was the Petty Cash which normally would not have been on the premises but Taj had gone home earlier than his norm.

The Sadaqat Challenge

With the normal calm enthusiasm restored, Sadaqat said he would give us another of his House Dishes and again not tell us what it was. Describing previous offerings, John was not looking forward to the out of the ordinary.

The Fish Curry and the Rice was a perfect combination, almost Kedgeree. Craig was again astonished at how much Flavour versus Heat he was being exposed to. He will eat Curry in Bradford far more readily now than anywhere else. The Masala was as Dry as served at Kashmir, two seriously Dry Curry dishes consecutively! The Rice does detract from the Flavour and it is a pity the Mushrooms were Tinned. The Meal was Light, as required before a four hour drive. Yvonne agreed with the Quantity Verdict – Just the right amount for a Lunchtime Curry. Marg’s Fish looked very similar to the Spice Fish served at Yadgar, Glasgow, but twice as large. This was more than she was expecting, she ate the lot – Just what I needed!

I shall not write on behalf of John and Tony, they have the means of adding their own Review or Comments.

There’s More

The Dish of The Day was how Sadaqat described the Chicken Drumsticks in Breadcrumbs and the Mystery Curry set before us. I spotted Tripe immediately, in a classic Sheesh Mahal Masala. The Herb/Methi content was visible too. I think I shall always prefer Lamb to this, but once again here was the opportunity to try something wildly different from the norm.  Another Bread came out too. I hope these Extras continue in our visits to come.

The Sheesh Mahal Bradford – What a wonderful place to eat Curry!

Kashmiri Tea and a Mango Lassi also made an appearance, John’s first Spiced Tea encounter. Marg is an old hand.

The Bill

£42.50. Six Diners, Seven Portions of Curry, the Rest. And them came the Sweets.

The Aftermath

Fond Farewells were Bidden, until February, oh – that’s next Month!

Posted in Sheesh Mahal | Comments Off on Bradford – Sheesh Mahal – A Break-Inn

Bradford – Westgate – First visit to Bradford’s Westgate

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Hector

And so Marg was walked home before midnight t’Travelodge, past the Sheesh Mahal, Mr. Holden had planted the notion of visiting the adjacent Westgate (8 Saint Thomas’s Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD1 2RW) earlier in the evening. Had it been us going for a Curry this  is where we would have gone. Yes, folks, Hector did decline the invitation to go for a Curry! The Lamb Chops from International were still fuelling Marg and Hector.   As it was only Seven of Nine, Ricky led them to  Sheesh Mahal. The Seven told me later,  it was a pleasure to have a Curry without it being photographed. Impossible, they protest to much.

Westgate has  recently re-opened after a major refurbishment. Like its neighbour, this was at the very basic end of the market. In the past I had stuck my head in the door whilst waiting for a taxi, office still upstairs. It looked most uninviting. The atmosphere as I entered just after Midnight remained uninviting. I felt I might be in the Wrong Movie to use a well worn phrase. About a dozen Co-Diners sat at four tables. Seven Chaps finished their meals and left as I looked at the very basic Menu. Indeed the Menu was so basic I was on the point of leaving when I finally located something decent, Mathi Gosht Masala (£6.50). The rather busy waiter took my order and wiped the adjacent tables.

The kitchen was at the end of the very dark room with a large open hatch, I recognised one of the Chefs. The Chef resplendent in – Woolly Hat – had worked next door before their redevelopment, I wondered what had happened to these guys during the six months renovation. I was sat at the periphery of – The Hub. The few chaps remaining could well have been taxi drivers, my thoughts returned to the nights in the Akash, Helensburgh sitting in such company. The Waiter brought the food.

Westgate has appeared in other Curry Blogs under its original incarnation. People have described the food as being amongst the best in Bradford. This indeed was a Classic Bradford Curry. The Lamb was cut into tiny pieces. There was hardly a trace of Masala and certainly no Oil, this re-defines the description –Dry. Only the Kashmir serves Curry this Dry in Bradford to the best of my knowledge. The Lamb was not really Spiced, it was all about the Herb Taste, The Methi. One could not fault this in any way – this was a very fine Curry. More Spice would have given the – Wow –  factor. Ricky would certainly approve of this venue, he would like the prices too.

I didn’t touch The Salad and Dip.

Only Four Left

One Chap got up and walked beyond the hatch to a small steel sink to wash his hands. I followed on, could find no sign of a toilet and did likewise. There was no towel. A Chap sitting at the nearest table handed me a wad of napkins on my return. The Waiter asked if all was well, I was feeling more part of the establishment now.

The Bill

£6.50. It is strange to see a Dish on the Menu and this is the total on – The Bill.

The Aftermath

In the dimmest of light, I took my cash to the hatch and gave the Calling Card. The Waiter appeared more relaxed than when I had entered. I left with mixed feelings. I will no doubt return at some point with Ricky, I would never bring Marg here. 

Update – January 2023 

Westgate appears to have been dismantled. A relocation has been mentioned.

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Bradford – The International – First Curry of 2013

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Hector

The International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1BA) remains the venue where Hector famously ate his Mostest Favourite Curry of all Time. Quite an accolade. This afternoon we spent the obligatory couple of hours in Haworth completing the Marg Ritual, now it was Hector’s turn for further indulgence. For some reason I had it in mind that The International did not open until 16.00, that is only on a Sunday. There were a few Co-Diners as we entered just on 4pm.

Knowing the Night Staff better than the Day Staff I did not expect to be recognised, I was not. There were two New Chaps running the show this afternoon. Mein Afternoon Host turned out to be thoroughly charming and ensured we had everything we required. He even took time to look at the Curry-Heute Website to see the photos of his colleagues. With greater familiarity he too may appear on these humble pages.

Determined to have something a bit different from my usual, the Krahi Lahori Lamb Chops sounded too tempting, Hector failed. Chapattis (£0.00) would be the Accompaniment. Marg was not particularly hungry having had her own Treat in Haworth, she too considered the Lamb Chops Starter to be a Suitable Snack. The Waiter took the order and brought the Complimentary Poppadoms, Chutneys and Dips.

During the short wait for the Dishes we did observe something strange, a couple came in, wandered round, then left. No Lager?

Marg’s Lamb Chops numbered Four, an ample portion for £3.90. Marg described them as – Very Tasty and Succulent, she was disappointed when she had finished. The Lady who had not been hungry was now eying up my version.

The Full Blown Krahi Lahori Lamb Chops numbered Five. For the extra £5 one gets the extra Chop, the Masala and the three Chapattis. Can anyone eat Three Chapattis? The Chops were wonderful. They were well cooked, well seasoned, soo Tasty I even managed a smile….

The Masala was definitely from the Rogan Josh School. Thick with Onion and Tomato, a very very familiar and comforting Flavour. The combination of Chops and Masala was exactly what the Hector ordered. I only managed two of the three Chapattis. I thought Marg might have dived in but restraint was shown.

Or was it?

Marg had her eyes on the Dessert Menu, the Toffee Twilight proved irresistible. Served in a Glass it looked very tempting, but why destroy the Flavour of Curry on the Palate?

The Bill

£16.30. Poppadoms, Chutneys, Dips, a Starter, a Main Course, Chapattis and an Ice Cream. And not a Table-Cloth in sight.

The Aftermath

The chat with Mein Host is relayed above. It was then time to rejoin the rest of the Huddersfield Gang, plus Mr. Holden at The Sparrow.

Hector is in Bradford, another Curry-Heute is inevitable.

 

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Bradford – Sheesh Mahal – Last Curry of 2012

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Hector

Nine expected at the Sheesh

The A65 is a frustrating road to drive. It is the main road in a south-easterly direction from the M6 into West Yorkshire, much shorter than the M62 alternative but frequently taking longer to negotiate. It was after 15.00 when Marg, Yvonne, Craig and Hector entered the famous Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’s Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW). There was a table set up – For Nine? Asked the Waiter. We are only eight – replied Hector. Mags, Howard, Robin and Jonathan were not far behind, our timely arrival due to the advantage of local knowledge and non-dependence on Sat-Nav.

The table was covered in plates of Poppadoms, Dips and Salad, we were expected. Sadaqat, the Daytime Host, was spotted in the background, he would make his formal appearance later. The Waiter was happy to take my order – The Omar Special – Lamb on-the-bone Karahi-style with extra Methi. Yes, Dear Reader, Hector’s best interpretation of what makes the Perfect Curry.

Marg had other ideas, Chicken Kashmiri. Yvonne went for Chicken Pathia and Craig Chicken Methi. Chicken. Howard, Robin and Mags on their first visit followed Hector, Jonathan did not wish to be left out. No sooner had we ordered than Dr. Stan made an appearance. Six Omar Specials. Mr. Holden had dropped off Dr. Stan but was not making an appearance for Curry. The Man from Bradford says – No!

The Omar Special was based on Lamb Chops. The appearance was stunning never mind the flavours. Thick with Methi and no doubt other Leaves this dish is perfection. Howard was impressed – A real depth of character and taste, absolutely stunning. At the far end of the large table Mags was also taken aback by her first Sheesh Mahal Curry, no doubt Dr. Stan concurred.

We had all ordered Chapattis, literally Dozens were brought to the table – and being Bradford, inclusive in the price of the Curry.

Another Sadaqat Challenge

Marg had spotted Sadaqat entering and leaving the premises often enough to deduce that he was on deliveries. However he made his presence known when he presented a generous Complementary plate of Liver with Egg. More Liver. Hector does not enjoy this meat and so took but a sample, not for me. Jonathan was so impressed he wished he had known it was available. Jonathan would have ordered the Liver and Egg had it been on the Menu.

The rest of the table gave positive acknowledgements, this is a great way to discover traditional dishes one might not normally consider. The Brains, Testicles and Tripe served up last time are much more to the Hector Palate.

Some ate Chicken

Marg loved her Kashmiri complete with anticipated Fruit – Fruity with a Wee Kick, an Ample Quantity, Easy Bight Sizes. Yvonne remarked at how small the meat had been cut, this is the Bradford way. Spicy and not Over The Top – was her verdict, though the Fresh Green Chillies did find their way on to the Plate of Hector.

Craig was taken away for once by the quality of the food and not the heat. Absolutely Superb – was his verdict on the Chicken Methi. Craig then set about finishing Yvonne’s surplus before tucking in to his share of the Liver and Egg Curry. Three Plates of Curry in one day – I am a Junior Hector!

 The Bill

£72.50. Yes, this was for Nine Diners and do not forget the extra Curry.

The Aftermath

Omar (with Beard) made a grand entrance. He had turned up an hour before his shift to greet us all. He insisted we stay on to sample some Asian Sweets.  No doubt it was he who picked up an informal booking on a social media device and had taken it as genuine. If Hector said – Nine for Curry mid-afternoon on December 30, it was written. I was then supplied with Omar’s mobile number – If you wish Curry delivered to Huddersfield, let me know. What about Glasgow?

And now to Huddersfield, where else?

Posted in Sheesh Mahal | 1 Comment

Yadgar! Palak Gosht!

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Hector

 Occasionally Hector just turns up at Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) to sample what is on offer. Normally the order is given in advance. As there was no plan for today’s Ale Festivities announced until last evening, the Allison Arms was finally mooted. A good opperchancity to sample the array of Curry-Heute –  Yadgar-style.

Naveed gave me the visual tour of what was on offer. A Chicken Shorva was shunned, as were the Vegetarian options, the Lamb Spinach looked irresistible.

Ahmed brought the now Customary Complimentary Salad. To think back some years to the origins of this Dish and compare it with the chopped Green Olives, Pickled Green Chillies, and Copious Onions with Cucumber and Tomato, well…

I had just placed the last of the Green Chillies on the tongue when Ahmed brought the Lamb Spinach and two Chapattis (£?) to the table. The two fellow customers must have wondered about the Chap who sat behind them, ordered nothing, was brought Food and took the photos.

It was established earlier this year that the Yadgar Spinach Masala is a complex creation. Five Leaves are included in the preparation, to avoid the dominance that is Spinach. With the aforementioned Green Chilli still active on the Palate this was a wonderful addition to the level of excitement.

The Lamb had been sitting in the Palak Masala all day, at least. The Flavours flooded out, Tender Lamb and an astonishing Herb Melange made the Hector gasp. This was yet another Yadgar Curry that the records will show was everything a Curry should be.

For the second time this week the Chapattis also demanded special note. The Chapattis today were perhaps thinner than the norm, lighter, fluffy-even, just perfect. Have the providers of Tandoori Ovens upped their game?

The Curry portion was of Hector Proportions, 1.5 Chapattis (each) has become the normal order when Marg and I share. Will someone introduce the Half-Chapatti?

The Bill

£8.50. One can only conclude that Chapattis are now inclusive, as they should be.

The Aftermath

One has to fear the future of these premises given the continuing redevelopment threat. Enjoy whilst one can.

Posted in Yadgar Kebab House | Comments Off on Yadgar! Palak Gosht!

Curry, Strangeness and Charm

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Hector

Hector will be eating a lot of Curry in the next days and many miles will be travelled to consume them. This evening Hector was once again the Lone-Diner at the Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North St, Glasgow G3 7DA). The customary warm welcome was in vogue, Ram was interested in my plans for New Year, Bradford is calling in terms of Curry. The Punjabi had done well on xmas day with around 100 covers. Ram was given the task of delivering Takeaways all over the South Side as they had closed their Ibrox premises and had diverted all calls to the City Centre branch.

Rice was in Hector’s mind this evening, I haven’t had Rice in ages. Whether a Mushroom Rice would suit the wonderful Lamb Gurmeet was a risk worth taking. The Complementary Poppadom and a rather anaemic Onion Chutney were brought with amazing efficiency. The Sparkling Water as ever was offered, they know the order.

The Lamb Gurmeet is a Karahi variant with extra Methi, the Lamb is on-the-bone. I was left with the distinct impression that my favourite Chef after whom this Dish is named was not on duty this evening. The Lamb Gurmeet was not its usual self. The Methi was there but the Lamb revealed some very strange bones. It was definitely Lamb, the flavour of the Lamb was pronounced, a Garlic-Herb flavour to the fore. It was not really Spiced at all, it felt like my favourite Greek Dish – Kleftico – on the Palate. I have always regarded Kleftico to be as good as a Curry. The Body of Hector required Rice, this absorbed much of the minimal Masala and took away the normal intense Flavours from the Dish. Indeed the combination of this Curry, Rice, Onion and Mushrooms took me back to the 1970s, quite bizarre.

The Bill

£13.95. Ganz normal.

The Aftermath

The Counting House had five Oakham Ales on this evening, this deserves an entry in Bier-Traveller.

Neil is off to the Rawalpindi (Sauchiehall St.) this evening, now there is a venue Hector has not visited for decades…

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | 1 Comment

Chatni – Methven, a Worthwhile Detour

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Hector

Methven is a Village some 10km west of Perth, easily found on the A85 one junction north of the Broxden Roundabout.  After two days of eating what passes as Food during the Festive Season, a decent Curry was required. The Chatni (15 Main Street, Methven, Perth, Perth and Kinross, PH1 3PU) was a tip-off by a resident of Deepest Perthshire, the drive south from Aberdeen saw us arrive just on 21.00. The Populaiton of Methven is 1162, the Waiter at the Chatni knew we were not the two. I admitted that we were halfway between Aberdeen and Glasgow and had deliberately deviated to make this visit – we were not just passing by. We were sat briefly at the entrance whilst they did – actually I don’t know what they did, there were a few free tables and two tables for two in the corner. I established that the Chatni has been in operation for two years, it is fifteen months since it was recommended to Hector. The premises are fresh in décor, everything is spotless, a very attractive venue. The name Chatni translates as Condiment, Relish, Seasoning, even Sauce. Oh, and they are closed on Tuesdays.

Our Waiter for the evening had charmed us from the start, this would continue throughout our visit. Attentive without being in our faces, perfect. Interested without being inquisitive.

Having enjoyed Cheese and Biscuits and an excellent discussion about Curry with friends in Carnoustie en route, Starters were out of the question. The Chefs Special Dishes attracted both Marg and I. How could Hector resist Methi Gosht? I did turn down the Karahi. Now if only someone would combine the best of both…oh at The Punjabi Charing Cross (Glasgow) they have – it is called Lamb Gurmeet! The Waiter confirmed no Capsicum in the Methi Gosht, I asked for it as Dry as the Chef could manage.

Marg chose the Mugal-E-Azam (The Greatest of the Moghals) in Lamb also, the Menu suggested this would be Lamb Tikka, a feature that put me off. The Menu described the dish as – Nice. Hopefully this Humble Blog will do better.

Three Chapattis (£1.20) were the modest Accompaniments.

Our Waiter remarked that he was surprised how busy they were this evening. The entire nation must be tired of Turkey. Did I mention I cooked xmas dinner for sixteen (16) and that the Soup and Gravy were  outstanding? All this achieved on an electric cooker.

A table of about ten immediately behind us made their leave, our Meals arrived soon after.

The Methi Gosht was presented in a covered Dish. Removing the lid revealed a good Thick and Dry Masala, the Lamb was in there somewhere. This looked the part. The Mugal-E-Azam looked Stunning, served on a large Soup Plate. This was no Soup, it was remarkably Thick, a very rich Masala with Thin Strips of Lamb, obviously Marinated, Tikka-style. There was a lot of it. I remarked that it looked Patia-like given the colour. Marg thoroughly enjoyed this new creation and fortunately did not manage to finish it.

Very Rich Tasty Sauce, Interesting Strips of Lamb, Sweet and Sour Flavours – were Marg’s fulsome words. When it was the turn of Hector to try this impressive looking Dish, it was more of an Achari-Pickle Flavour that came to mind. I was getting the Sour more than the Sweet. This was certainly a Dish to be admired.

The Chapattis were Hot, Light and Fluffy. They were superb, and three was the perfect number to share.

Whilst Marg revelled in the dish apparently named after an Indian Movie, Hector set about the Methi Gosht. Once again I have to marvel at Restaurants who are able to serve a Dish of this Texture, there are so few. There was an immediate sensation of Grittiness, the occasional Stem of the Leaf was still present, Quality Ingredients. Onion was also to the fore in the Masala which could have down with just a bit more Chatni!

The expected Methi Blast did not occur immediately, this Curry would turn out to be in the Very Good category, not The Stunning. Bradford on Sunday, the Sheesh Mahal will not let me down. The Flavours from this Curry emerged slowly, indeed an hour later they were still present on the Palate, this Curry did linger. The Lamb was Very Tender and cut quite Small for a Scottish Restaurant. There was not as much Lamb in this Dish as served in the Mugal-E-Azam. An Elegant Sufficiency had been presented, enough to permit the Hector to enjoy Marg’s Surplus.

Marg ordered Tea, this came in a Pot, enough for three or four. The Wafer Thin Mints were Accompaniments. The Sparkling Water from a Factory just a few kilometres south kept the Hector Palate Moist.

The Bill

£31.90. More Wafer Thin Mints, declined graciously. With the white Table Cloths and the Pristine Décor a couple of Quid above the norm was anticipated. People still charge for Tea?

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was accepted, it went a long way to explain why two non-Methvenites had mysteriously arrived in The Village.

The drive back to Glasgow saw the Thermometer rise as we approached the Sub-Tropical West. The Flavours from the Methi Gosht lingered long. I would certainly consider a return visit. Can Perth do better than this?

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