Pitlochry – The Prince of India

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Hector

Hector was let loose in Pitlochry for forty five minutes. There was a Curry House – The Prince of India (5-7, Station Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5AN), and most importantly, it was open!

The next challenge was to order and eat a Curry in the available time. Mein Host was up for the challenge. He brought the Lunchtime Menu and it took moments to dismiss this. The a la Carte was produced, hopefully the Chef was on the premises.

All the Lamb dishes said – Tikka. There were Meat dishes, the Balti was available in an array of styles. The Bhuna appeared closest to my norm. And so a Meat Bhuna Balti – as Dry as you can make it – with two Chapattis (£1.25) was the Impromptu Lunch. The Waiter returned a few moments later to confirm the request for – Dry.

I had taken my seat at the far left of the large room at the window where tables were set for two. Another Mature Gentlemen entered and took the corner seat behind me. He was a local and his order was placed with immediate dispatch.

The Meat Bhuna Balti appeared within ten minutes of placing the order. This was a Bhuna? I had been served with a very full Karahi of Meat, Onions and lots of Oil. The first Dip revealed a very Flavoursome Masala. The presence of the Onions had added the Sweetness that their abundance generates. The Oil had something interesting about it too. The Spices mixed in the Liquid gave the perfect Dip with the Chapattis. And so to the Meat.

The Meat had to be Beef. The pieces had been cut larger than the norm. Not only this, they were numerous. Having spooned a decent portion on to the plate initially, I was surprised at the solid content remaining. Yes there was a mass of Onion sitting on the base of the Karahi, but there was still Beef. It did not take too long to realise that I had been supplied with twice the volume of Meat that the Village portion was last evening.

I had swithered about whether a Curry-Heute was the way to go, by now I was in no doubt. This had been a pleasing experience.

The Bill

£14.40. With the included Sparkling Water, this was about £1.00 dearer than the average Glasgow Curry Price, however, the volume of food presented was remarkable.

The Aftermath

The paying of The Bill had been put on hold. A bus load of Asians had stopped in the Station Car Park. About a dozen came in, some asked for Coffee (I think), they had forty minutes, they left. The Waiter assured me that they are set up to cater for such moments. He took time to explain that all their Lamb dishes are Lamb Tikka, and all Meat dishes are Beef. A system!  The Calling Card was received with grace. A positive review was promised, this is it.

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Time for Marg to visit The ‘New’ Village

Posted on October 14, 2012 by Hector

Yadgar just over a week ago, The Sheesh Mahal (Bradford) at the start of the week, and the Punjabi Charing Cross last night, not a bad series of Curry Experiences. Such is the way of life when a German Trip has the potential to deprive the Hector of access to quality food. No more (Wiener) Schnitzel!

Entering the new premises of The Village Curry House (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8BA) for the first time, Marg was immediately impressed by the spaciousness of the interior. Around forty Co-Diners were already in situ, there was plenty of room for more.

We were shown to a table for two almost underneath the new balcony, the large black menu sheet sat on top of the black table cloth. Black.

There was a lack of logic in ordering a Soda and Lime and a large Bottle of Sparkling Water. The prices of each were not dissimilar.

Having visited in the first week of the new premises, I knew that the Half Kilo option was open for the Specials. A Half Kilo of the classic Village Desi Kourma was in the mind of Hector. When Marg announced that this is what she fancied I was a bit taken aback, new strategy required. I resolved to still ask for the Half Kilo and order a Vegetable Side too. The Bombay Aloo should suffice. The young waiter was having none of it. His hand-held electronic device had one presumes only been programmed to cope with Half Kilos of the first three items on the Specials list. He offered two portions – I have had issues with the portions at the Village for some time, this did not sound like a good option. I changed my dish to the Tawa, the sister Curry to the Desi Korma as was. On-the-bone was offered and so I took the opportunity. Did I wish my dish to be Desi-style? How else?

Two Chapattis (90p) and a Special Rice would be the Sundries.

Poppadoms were ordered with Onion and also Mango Chutney for the wait. These clearly would not be Complementary.

Mein Host came over to welcome us. He revealed his upbringing in Sri Lanka having read of the visit Marg and Hector made there some years ago. He also assured me that a staff member at the Village reads this Blog every day – what an intelligent Chap!

I had to mention the lack of Half Kilo of Desi Kourma. He was all set to over-ride the order and supply it. However we felt that by this time the order had been placed a bit since. No need to panic the Chef. In future I have to insist. Perhaps. My details were noted electronically, Hector may merit an invitation to the Grand Opening in a few weeks time.

A couple were sat at the adjacent table and did not last long, there was no wine for them to order. We speculated as to how far one would have to travel from Tradeston to a licensed restaurant. But then again, I have not been in the new venue across the street. By this time there were now about sixty Diners.

On-the-bone

Having become used to the appearance of the Desi Korma and Tawa over the years, it was difficult to distinguish them this evening. The Tawa would be on-the-bone. Marg realised quickly that both the Kourma and the Tawa were on-the-bone. Now here the Menu had misled us. It stated a recommendation for on-the-bone with the Tawa but no such statement was inferred for the Kourma. I would suggest that the Menu already needs a re-print – and get the Lal Lahori back on too! Once again there was no point changing the order.

The Meat in both dishes was based on Lamb Chops, there was not a lot of Meat. This is why I keep going back to the Half Kilo issue, then one knows what one is due to receive. Without a Side Dish or even a Starter, I have been known to leave the Village unsated. The Bombay Aloo put paid to any thoughts of not being fed. This was Potato served in its own thick Masala. Although a bit on the Sweet side, this was a pleasant accompaniment.

The Masala in the Tawa and the Kourma are now different colours. The Tawa has more Black Pepper, though Marg was admitting to the Kick in her dish being on the limit of what she likes. As ever I was able to sample both, they remain similar though far more Oily than they were served in the previous Village Incarnations. The classic Village Desi flavours were all there. These dishes remain a treat. If only I could have ordered the Half Kilo…

The Sundries require a separate mention. The Special Rice, I felt, was a bit towards Stodgy. Marg disagreed. With Peas and Mushrooms, the Rice was hardly Special. Where is the wonderful Vegetable Rice I have been eating for the last five years or so? The Chapattis escaped my notice at first now being served in their own long Basket. These remain impressive, fresh and a decent size.

The Bill

£35.35. £2.75 of this was the Poppadoms and Mango Chutney, then there is the issue of the Chapattis in Glasgow Curry Houses. Marg had Ice-Cream too and informed me that the price here was less than at the Cinema.

The Aftermath

By the time we left there were over eighty people seated, with room for more. I am told that every seat had been occupied on the previous two evenings.

I remind the Reader of the first visit to The Village by Marg and Hector when we found thirty plus people queuing on the stairs waiting to gain access to the original restaurant. Much has been invested in this redevelopment, Mr Baig deserves to do well.

Posted in The Village "Curry House" | 3 Comments

A Chat with Hari, and Curry too…

Posted on October 13, 2012 by Hector

This morning Hector was in Zell (Mosel) verifying that the Taj Mahal was indeed closed – until April a sign on the door said. Business must have been good if they can have six months off.

Steve and Hector made the required rendezvous with our respective Ladies at the Bon Accord. Marg agreed that there was still time for Hector to have a Curry next door at the Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA). We popped our heads into the empty restaurant around 23.00. Ram welcomed us in, there would be one Diner.

My Sparkling Water was brought straight away, Marg had to order something similar. I placed my order immediately in order to prevent the presentation of the Complementary Poppadoms and Dips. The Lamb Gurmeet has been set aside in recent visits in favour of Quail and even Venison. Two Chapattis would be the Accompaniments.

Hari appeared from the depths and what became a very long conversation ensued. This was politely interrupted whilst I ate, but the three of us discussed our chosen topics at length, a very pleasant evening. It was realised that I have not been to Akbar’s – Glasgow’s Bradford Curry – outlet for months. Such is the quality on our doorstep.

The Lamb Gurmeet was on-the-bone. The Masala was thick with Fresh Methi and I guess some other herbs too. The combination of quality Meat and the Masala gave a perfect Curry experience. The Salt content was significant – Karrah! This brings out all of the flavours. The occasional chips of bone made me speculate as to the presence of other meats, had the Chef sneaked in some Goat? Hari confirmed it was all Lamb.

The Bill

£11.45. There was no charge for the Sparkling Waters.

The Aftermath

The conversation continued. Marg and I visited the original premises on Paisley Rd West many years ago. We must make a point of returning.  The quality of the spoken English by Indian Students studying at Glasgow’s Nautical College was described as outstanding.  These Chaps also tend to work part time around Glasgow’s Curry outlets.

Finally, Hari commented on the fact that we have not enjoyed his Mother’s Karela for some time.  This will have to be addressed – soon!

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Olewig, Trier, a Curry of sorts

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Hector

Whenever Hector is in Trier, the ultimate destination is always Hotel Blesius Garten (Olewigerstraße 135, 54295, Olewig, Trier) home of the Kraft Micro-Brewery. We passed the only true Curry outlet, Taj Mahal (Neustr. 56, Trier) en route. This is the sister outlet to the venue visited two years ago – Taj Mahal in Bernkastel-Kues further down the Mosel. The Curry served there is particularly bland…but with the only other Curry-House within the region at Zell (Mosel) apparently not open, the need for Curry was never greater.

The Tageskarte at Blesius Garten stated that a Pork Curry with Pineapple was on offer this very day. This Schweinescurrytopf mi Ananas would have to do. Now when did I last have a Pork Curry?

With expectations low the normal photographic coverage was not considered. The dish on offer turned out to be more satisfying than anticipated. OK, the Pork was in strips, as in a Stir Fry, the Pineapple was tinned and the Masala could easily have been from a jar. However, there was a distinctive Kick from the Black Pepper which must have been an added extra. A sense of normality ensued.

Steve decided he was now hungry and was happy to accept my favourable statements. He too found this version of a Pork Curry to his liking, within the parameters outlined.

The Bill

€8.00.

The Aftermath

We made our rendezvous back in town at the Wirtshaus-Glocke before somehow finding ourselves at the Wittlich Oktoberfest. Now there’s a story…

 

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Bradford – Sadaqat’s Challenge at The Sheesh Mahal

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Hector

The weekend in Chester came to a conclusion, next time stay in the Travelodge.

Speeding along the M55, M6 then M62 we contacted Ricky to advise him of our estimated time of arrival in Bradford. Ricky was just back from Budapest, he needed Curry too. The Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’s Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) is now open from 11.00 every day, what a wonderful idea. Today would be our first daytime Curry-Heute at the Sheesh Mahal.

We entered just after 14.00, we were not alone, though it was quiet. Sadaqat, Mein Host, recognised us. He has won the the privilege of working the day shift instead of the long nights. The Menus were brought and the Complementary Starters trickled to the table. Firstly the Salad, then the Dips and finally the Poppadoms.

Hector knew that without Omar’s presence the normal Omar Special would be hard to secure. I asked for Lamb Methi on-the-bone, Ricky asked for it off. Marg would accompany us with a Vegetable Pakora, supplemented later by a Mango Lassi. As ever the choice of Inclusive Breads saw Hector take the Chapattis, whilst Ricky chose Roti. If a fourth Chapatti is required, this costs an extra 30p. How come Bradford gets this so right?

The Lime Pickle was vicious, and tempered by the Yoghurt Dip. The Poppadoms were devoured. There was time to go upstairs and take a photo of the empty premises. What a huge change the redevelopment has made to this venue. The ambience is much better, the quality of the food maintains.

Marg enjoyed her Pakora and her very large Glass of Mango Lassi.  There was plenty of Yoghurt Dip and Salad left to accompany the Pakora.

The Lamb Methi presented to Hector was much more Oily than the Dry version set before Ricky. The flavours were sublime, the Chapattis were being wolfed down too. Give me three Chapattis and I will eat three Chapattis. Ricky’s Roti inevitably were on the Crispy side. Marg ate her Pakora and watched two Curry Nuts enjoy their Feed. The Curry at the Sheesh Mahal is beyond description, this is Bradford Curry at its absolute best!

The Challenge

Sadaqat brought a side plate to us and announced that these were samples of two Meat Dishes – the Challenge was to work out what they were.

Pieces of our Plentiful Breads were Dipped, Gosh! The intensity of flavour was remarkable. Ricky spotted Tripe right away. The second sample had small Disk-like pieces that looked like Lentils, but Mein Host had insisted it was Meat. It had to be Brain – Sheep’s Brain. We were asked again what else was in the Masala with the Tripe?  The Masala was Dark, Thick and very Rich in flavour, I had guessed it was another (unknown) Herb. Sadaqat came back to end the Challenge.  Mein Host took great delight in informing us that we had just eaten Liquidised Goat Testicles cooked in the Stock from Paya (Trotters). I don’t know why we hadn’t worked this out, or even managed a decent guess…

This was the Staff Curry, it does not appear on the Menu. Ricky had Brains once before, a mistake. Trotters was on our radar until Ahmed, my Curryspondent, described the cooking process to me a couple of months back. Fortunately we had not eaten Meatballs.

The Bill

£16.47. Que? There was a 10% discount for being an Afternoon Customer. So no more CAMRA discount?  But then, how small can a price be?

The Aftermath

Sadaqat announced that he is Omar’s Uncle! No wonder he recognised us, but had we recognised him? I suspect Sadaqat will be clean shaven next time we meet. He was reluctant to pose for the Photo initially, but when he produced another plate of the Staff Curry, he felt more at ease. I hope he enjoyed it.

It was now Marg’s turn to enjoy the delights of Bradford. There is a shop in Haworth…

Posted in Sheesh Mahal | 1 Comment

Karai Lounge – Chester

Posted on October 7, 2012 by Hector

It is the Biennial Weekend Long Weekend Trip in the company of Marg, Sister-in-law – Marion and the ever faithful Graeme. On the third third night it had to be Curry-Heute, finally. There was a choice of venue, Google had revealed some, however Brook St alone boasts four outlets which Hector would have considered had this part of town been visited sooner.

Chester Tandoori Curry-Heute (2)

The Karai Lounge (10-16 Brookdale Place, Chester, CH1 3DY) is adjacent to Chester’s Curry Street and had seduced us by being close to a Micro-brewery Outlet and us being in possession of a Voucher guaranteeing Free Poppadoms and Dips. Such Entrées should always be free anyway.

The table was booked for 19.10, we were the only Diners, but then I realised the Buffet Diners were upstairs. Perhaps a dozen people were taking advantage of the £9.95 offer. This was a substantial venue, but quiet. It was a Sunday night.

The Drinks order was taken, a solitary Bier, and Water in various guises. The Poppadoms were brought, five in all. There was sufficient Pickle and Dips to satisfy our needs. This is when the Lone Diner always wins out, the same quantity of Dips is normally provided for one as is for four.

The Hector choice would have to be one from Balti, Karai or Methi. The Lamb Methi was slightly more expensive than the other two dishes, I had formed a theory as to why. In order to avoid the dreaded Green mush I would order the Lamb Methi, Medium with a kick. I asked the Waiter if the Lamb accompanying the Methi was Tender or Tikka – Tikka was the reply. I was about to change the order when he offered it with the Tender Lamb. Marg ordered Lamb Methi too, the proper way. Tarka Daal, there I have written it, Hector ordered his first ever Lentil Side. This is the lasting effect of the experience of Chana Daal in Europe this Summer. Marg went for one Chapatti, Hector the Garlic and Coriander Nan.

Our Co-Diners have opposite views of Curry. Graeme is always happy to experiment – Machi Gulfam – an interesting sounding Fish dish was his choice. Marion felt brave in ordering the Butter Chicken. This meant a Special Pilau Rice was ordered along with a Peshwari Nan for the other side of the table.

The Chef must have wondered what was up as he was no doubt concentrating on ensuring the Buffet dishes were topped up. Now how many Pots do mainstream Curry Houses operate? Two is the figure that is normally quoted, all dishes being variants. This could well have been the case here as Marion’s Curry was Yellow in the Korma style, the remaining Curry dishes could easily have had the Masala taken from the same pot.

The Lamb Methi – with a Kick – was distinguishable from Marg’s normal version by having a single Green Chilli on top. The Masala looked very rich and clearly Onion based. Had more Tomatoes been added this would easily have passed for a Rogan Josh. Sadly the Methi was not that evident, the anticipated strong Herbal flavour did not emerge. I found the Lamb to be quite tough, Marg disagreed. She had expected the dish to be Drier than presented – who is this Lady? She enjoyed The Kick in her dish, I was permitted to finish what Marg couldn’t, had we been given the correct dishes? I will admit to polishing off the Green Chilli as I completed my meal and so the palate was in full Sprinkler Mode as I sampled the extra Lamb from Marg’s plate. The sharing of the Chapatti and the excellent Garlic and Coriander Nan worked well.. The Nan was a decent size and was Fresh and Puffy.

The Tarka Daal

I spend much of my Curry Life avoiding Soup. I had in effect ordered a plate of Lentil Soup. There was the presence of the Lentils obviously, a texture I enjoy, however it did not really add much to the overall eating experience – too bland. Who will be the first in the UK to match the wonder of what was served in the Czech Republic?

Across the table Marion was finding her Butter Chicken to be Spicier than her norm. The Chicken was of the Tikka variety. The Masala appeared to Hector to be the classic Korma Soup. Marion tried not to describe it as – Coconutty – as no such word exists, but there, it does now! The Masala was Smooth and Sweet, I did not try it, not after a supposed Methi.

Graeme polished off his Fish served in a Masala very similar to that accompanying the Methi dishes. Very flavoursome and well cooked was his verdict. The Peshwari Nan also impressed, I could not help but notice the quantity of Rice left over, no need to order a Rice portion per person at this venue.

There was ladies present

Three Desserts from the Frozen Pre-Packed Universal Menu were ordered along with two Coffees. WTF? This was eating into VDT!

The Bill

£72.00. The Bill of course had been inflated with nefarious Sundry items.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was presented and received with considerable indifference. This venue clearly has a Marketing Budget as it promotes itself in the Guide to Chester given to all Hotel Residents. The overall experience was fine, but if I was going back to Chester I would be checking out the smaller venues around the corner.

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A Yadgar Feast for Hector

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Hector

Hector prefers not to cook for one, so with Marg away pro tem, a Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) visit felt overdue. I have not eaten here since the enjoyable evening late in August spent with Ahmed from Islamabad and Shkoor, Mein Host.

The Curry order was placed last evening giving twenty four hours notice.

The Goshat Karahi had to be the dish of the day. If the wonderful Vegetable Curry that Mr. Anwar Sr. introduced me to some time back was available, then I must have this as a Side. Shkoor replied quickly enquiring if I wished my Lamb on or off-the-bone. If the Vegetable Curry is available then on, otherwise off – was the reply. This was a precise enough answer for Shkoor.

The Suspense

I entered the Calder Street Venue some fifteen minutes before the agreed 17.00, Naveed as ever acknowledge my arrival. Does this Chap take a day off? Naveed appeared from behind the counter shortly after I took my seat with a pair of Poppadoms, a Bowl of Onion Chutney and the recently improved Salad with Dips. The Yoghurt Dip was really creamy, the Salad was adorned with Black Olives and a couple of Fiery Green Chillies, not for the faint of heart. This Entrée is always On-the-House, it gives the Chef time to perfect the finishing touches to the wonderful food being prepared in the Kitchen. Having missed Lunch this did not last long.

The Main Course was brought along with the required two Chapattis. Behold the Mountain of Curry, this was not a single portion, it was nearer the Half Kilo, yet Yadgar do not normally serve the Half Kilo. The Vegetable Curry Side dish was then presented, I felt as if I was about to embark on a Feeding Frenzy, Three Curry Portions in effect.

The Lamb was on-the-bone, for once I was hoping to find one, or two bones. The Lamb was as tender as Lamb in a Curry should be, and even allowing for the Spices, still tasted – of Lamb! The Masala was Dry and Thick, precisely the way I enjoy it. The distinctive Yagdar Flavours to the fore. Young Ahmed then brought out the Side of Vegetable Curry. Now Hector could never become a Vegetarian, however this dish defies description – I shall try – Potato forms the bulk with Peas and Carrots as back-ups. The Kick is intense, the flavours even more-so, a slight Sweetness is evident. One could pick this out as a Yadgar Curry blindfolded.  The Sprinklings of Fresh Coriander are another source of flavour. If there is a better Vegetable Curry anywhere, then someone please advise.

One Chapatti (of this size) would have been enough, but then I did not know exactly what I was on the receiving end of.

Whilst I indulged my senses, Mr Anwar Sr. departed and waved goodbye. Chef Arshad came out of the Kitchen also to take his bow. He asked how I was enjoying my meal and then informed me that the dish had been cooked especially for me. This will explain the sheer volume, perhaps Mr Arshad, like Hector, prefers not cooking for one.

The Bill

There was one, it was paid. The Bill did not equate to what I had consumed, soft drink too.

The Aftermath

There was a sprint across town to visit the recently opened Inn Deep at Kelvinbridge. If they maintain the quality and range of Ales – i.e. to our Special Tastes, then this place will certainly be a success in the way that Bruadar was not.

Shkoor contacted me later to enquire as to whether I had been looked after well enough at Yadgar. He knows full well that the Yadgar Curry – the Goshat Karahi in particular – consistently remains IMHO The Best Curry served in Glasgow.

Posted in Yadgar Kebab House | 1 Comment

Rasoi Indian Kitchen

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Hector

The Barrel of Vierzehnheiligen Silberbock was empty, it was time for Curry-Heute. The Chaps permitted the Hector to select the venue.

The Rasoi Indian Kitchen (120 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G11 6NY) tends to be closed mid afternoon when I seek Curry, however I was confident that they had to open late Saturday afternoon. Six of nine took their seats at the far end of the room, two further Diners were finishing off nearer the door.

Dr. Rick, Dr. Stan and Mr. Boyd all took the Tiffon Route – three palate titivating selections presented in the classic Tower of Aluminium Tins and served with Rice. Dr. Stan and Mr. Boyd had the Desi Tiffon whilst Dr. Rick opted for the more elegant Old Favourite Tiffon. The Desi version was comprised of Chicken Desi on-the-bone, Lamb and Pindi, plus mas de Daal… what? The Posh version was South Indian Chilli Chicken, Chicken Korma and Lamb Bhoona.

Howard and Hector were of similar minds, is this our first Curry together since Deutschland? The Tender Lamb Pardesi was described as rich in Onions, Mushrooms, and Spinach with a hint of Garlic and Ginger. I asked for it as Dry as they could make it and two Roti (95p) as the Accompaniments. Howard asked for the Standard Version and expanded the order to include Mushroom Fried Rice, a Keema Nan and somebody ordered Pakora. Meanwhile Tracey would nibble on Tandoori Ribs.

Complementary Poppadoms and Bowls of Onion Chutney were set before us – gone in an instant.

The Pakora portion was not huge, however it was soon passed around the table – this had to be sampled. This was seriously Fresh Vegetable Pakora, the Potato was still on the edge of soft – wonderful. Tracey enjoyed her Ribs so much, she ordered more!

A Suitable Adjunct to Our Takeaway

Tracey described the Ribs as very fresh, not reheated as is the norm. Two portions proved to be too much and so the Doggy Bag was commenced.

The Pardesi were brought – this is the Dry one said the Waiter who presented virtually two identical dishes. Howard described his version as again very fresh, an excellent Curry, and voiced an appreciation of the Tender Lamb. Tracey had summed the dish up before I managed my first Dip with the Roti – it needs Salt! It also needed a bigger Kick. The Pardesi was most enjoyable, tweaked to the Hector style and who knows this could have been outstanding. Next time I shall ask.

The Three Tiffons

To bring the Traditional Takeaway Tins to the Table may have some merit in authenticity, but really, what is the point? The contents of each Tin was a Tapas-sized portion. The Chaps got tore in, there was nothing left at the end. Dr. Rick stated that there was – an amazing blend of flavours with a great range of Spices. The Lamb was succulent, the Masala in the Bhoona was Hot. I had a sample, it was seriously Spicy with a strong Achari flavour. A full portion of this would certainly be worth a try. Dr. Rick washed his meal down with a Salt Lassi, now how is one person expected to put away a full glass of this stuff?

Dr. Stan described the Desi Tiffon as – interesting, with curious different flavours, the Daal has gone. Indeed the Daal took me back to the superb Chana Daal (?) served up this summer in Europe. I have yet to track this down in Glasgow.

Mr. Boyd, The Orator, was as verbose as ever – fine, I agree with Dr. Stan and disagree with Holden, who is not here anyway.

Dr. Stan was able to reassemble the Tiffon Tins, well this wasn’t Rocket Science…

The Bill

£84.40. Pitched at the Cafe end of the Market, and thankfully not a tablecloth in sight (correction below), this was a fair price.  The Calling Card was accepted in good humour.  A very favourable review was promised.  The Rasoi Indian Kitchen is certainly worth a visit.

The Aftermath

A trip on the Subway to Inn Deep. Great Bier, pity about the Noise the DJ thought was interesting

Update

Tracey spotted a plethora of tablecloths in the photos, Howard may have spotted this tablecloth too…

Final Update

This Restaurant changed hands in May 2013, it is now under new Management/Ownership as is renamed the Indian Cottage.  Perhaps the laundry bill was uneconomic?

Posted in [Rasoi Indian Kitchen] | 1 Comment

No. 28, again….

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Hector

Hector finds himself in the same Curry House with the same Fellow Diner on consecutive days, yes Eleanor would willingly eat Curry every day too. Once again I have to hang on in Helensburgh for an evening appointment and the only place for Curry in this town at present is No. 28 (22-28 East Princes St, Helensburgh, G84 7QA ).

This was now Hector’s third visit to this venue. The Chef’s Curry had not particularly impressed on Visit #1. Last evening the Lamb Methi was fine, not outstanding. Hector really needed to find something that would leave a lasting impression. Achari Balti Gosht was given the task. Vegetable Rice was selected as the Accompaniment.

Eleanor chose a Goanese dish, the Kali Mirchi Masala, Lamb of course. This was described as being Hot, and containing Tamarind, Chilli and Black Pepper. Once again the Vegetable Rice was chose to accompany.

Last evening we both had Vegetable Sides to make the meals more interesting, this evening Eleanor suggested Vegetable Pakora. The Pakora had all the signs of being double cooked as deduced by the dark exterior. Oh to get freshly cooked Pakora… The Pakora was dry, the wrong dry. This was a pity as the accompanying Dips were well above the average. The very thick Yoghurt/Raita was a worthy complement to the thick Chilli Dip. A pity the Pakora was not up to it.

Oh no, Lamb Tikka!

Hector was presented with the Curry. The Masala was Dry as had been asked for, it was indeed Spicy, Sour, and Tangy – the full blown Achari experience. Then there was the Lamb.

The pieces were cut flat, the red food dye was visible. Hector will eat Lamb Tikka alone, it does not work for me in a Curry – well until this meal. For the first recorded time This Lamb Tikka was soft enough to match most Tender Lamb dishes. How has No. 28 managed this creation? Finally, I have found a dish here that I would have no hesitation in recommending.  And the Vegetable Rice was sound too!

Eleanor’s Kali Mirchi Masala was also Lamb Tikka and again Soft and Tender. She described the dish as having a very pleasing taste, with just the right level of Spice. Another success, it appears.

The Bill

£29.40. Within acceptable parameters.

The Aftermath

There was a presentation this evening, the Pub of the Year Award to the Commodore for serving the finest Ale in Dunbartonshire. The email said 8pm, why did I arrive at 8.50?

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Helenburgh – No. 28

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Hector

The Akash remains closed!  There is currently only a single Curry venue in Helensburgh where one can sit down to enjoy Nature’ finest Gift, or is it Man’s finest Creation? – Curry!

And so Eleanor decided to keep Hector company in his otherwise lonely vigil. It is the start of the Thursday Night Season once again, x6 Curry-Heute sessions in Helensburgh between now and the end of April.  We entered No. 28 (20-28 East Princes Street, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, G84 7QA) just before 18.00, two other diners were present.  The Akash would have had more than this but for reasons yet to be verified, they remain closed.  Hopefully Mr Ali will be back soon.

The possibility of Marg joining us later put the Waiter off, his magic recording device had to know immediately how many diners would be at the table, ah technology.  Last time I had a Chef’s Curry which did not overly impress, tonight I found Methi Gosht on the Menu, there was more hope.  Starters were waived in favour of a Side vegetable Dish.  I asked the difference between Mixed Vegetable Curry and Indian Vegetable Curry, the answer literally was – The Vegetables!  I went Indian, for a change.  One Chapatti (£1.50) felt enough.  As is becoming the norm, I asked for the dishes to be as Dry as possible.

Eleanor chose the Lamb Ceylonese, she debated Lamb for long enough, worried that it might not be tender enough.

 Eleanor buys food here regularly, but from their Takeaway venue next door, The Flamingo.  This dish was described as being – Fiery Hot, it also contained Coconut, Herbs and Spices, different. Bombay Potatoes was Eleanor’s Side with a Plain Pilau Rice as Accompaniment.

Both Main Courses were presented in Dry and very Thick Masala, so we were off to a good start.  The Lamb was Tender, not as soft as I have enjoyed of late but more than passable.  The Masala did not have any significant Kick or burst of Flavour despite the inclusion of the Methi, perhaps it needed more? The Vegetable Side was possibly more impressive, I am finding myself enjoying Vegetable Curry more and more of late.  This did have a distinctive flavour, a slight sweetness, not excessive, well balanced. The Okra was on the soft side but overall this did impress.  One Chapatti was indeed more than enough – as is an Egg…

Eleanor describe her Ceylonese dish as a New experience.  It was indeed Hot and water had to be partaken of, always a mistake.

 The Bill

£38.05.  The two Sides were £5.50 each which is £2.00 more than necessary, it was only Vegetables.

The Aftermath

The Victoria Halls, a talk from the Ice Warrior.

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