Bradford – First Solo Visit to The Sheesh Mahal

Posted on September 2, 2012 by Hector

Grey Lady Down were worth the drive to Maltby, now for the drive home, well as far as Bradford for the moment. Scotland was phoned to say goodnight to Marg, Ricky was already asleep back in Bradford, so no Late Night Curry for him. The signs on the M1 said that the M62 was closed between Junctions 26 and 27. Was that east or west of the Junction with the M1? As a solo driver I could not pull over on to the hard shoulder to consult a map – why not give better information? Instead I took the M1 all the way to Leeds and came into Bradford passing Pudsey, scene of a previous life.

It was Half-Midnight when I walked in to the remarkably quiet Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’s Road, Bradford, BD1 2RW). This is only my third visit to the refurbished Sheesh, what have I been doing since February? Omar was nowhere to be seen as I took my table. Mein Host, Taj was sitting in his usual spot in the corner. I had to read the Menu for the first time ever and try and find My Dish. The Menu did not mention The Omar Special by name, an oversight. Mutton Methie it would have to be. As I gave the order Taj got up and passed my seat. There was an air of recognition but as I was not there with Ricky he could not place me – but then obviously he did. Taj went into the kitchen and within seconds Omar presented – Mr Hector! All was well, my order was changed – Lamb on-the-bone was on its way.

My table had by now been covered in Salad, Dips and a Poppadom, all Complementary as they should be everywhere. Taj sat with me as I nibbled my way through the array. The Restaurant had just gone quiet after a steady flow of customers all evening. Taj knows Glasgow quite well, in an early career he used to drive up weekly. He mentioned The Allison (Arms) and knows Pollokshaws Road. It is possible he knows the Khan Family of Shaheed’s fame.

Moments like these are usually included in The Aftermath of a meal, we discussed Curry and various other Bradford Curry outlets. Taj knows that he operates a very special venue. Westgate through the wall are currently renovating, after the Sheesh rebuild they had little choice, we shall see what develops. However, how could anyone eat there knowing what is next door?

The Best Curry of This Weekend, By Far!

A waiter brought my Curry, moments later Taj brought a basket with a single Chapatti – he assured me more would come. This way they would retain their heat. The Lamb Karahi was Lamb Chops in the indescribably wonderful Sheesh Mahal Masala. A couple of pieces of the Lamb were tough, the majority perfect. The portion was so large who could make a negative comment? The Masala complemented the superb Chops, only the Chef knows what combination of Leaves were the basis of this magnificent creation. Dry and Thick, bursting with Flavour. Dear Reader, this was again one of these Bradford Moments when one knows one is eating something that simply is not served elsewhere.

Hector now ate alone and watched the new arrivals take their seats.  A group of four munched their way through a plate piled high with Lamb Chops.  Who knows when this place closes but I am delighted to announce that there is a large poster on the upstairs window stating that the premises are open daily from 11.30. I had congratulated Raj on this decision, Sunday lunchtimes may never be the same again.

The Bill

£8.50. I would happily have paid twice as much, more even.

The Aftermath

It was time for Hector and Omar to engage in conversation. He was amused to see me here by car and also without Ricky. Ricky has not been to the Sheesh Mahal since the time he ordered (singular) Quail.

Posted in Sheesh Mahal | Comments Off on Bradford – First Solo Visit to The Sheesh Mahal

Grey Lady Down – Rotherham

Posted on September 1, 2012 by Hector

The Wesley Centre in Rotherham-Maltby, is a new venue for Hector. The Friday night drive South enabled Curry and Ale with Ricky. The plan for this afternoon was for me to accompany Ricky to the Rotherham v Bradford Football match, alas it was a sell out. Ricky was then to accompany me to the Gig, Ricky likes Prog, but the Bradford Bulls Rugby match was rescheduled for this evening and so we did our own thing today. An extra body at the Wesley Centre would have been appreciated, the crowd was fewer than 100.

The Support

The small audience were mostly sat on the raised seats watching Sean Filkins. And the five Musicians accompanying him. There was something not quite right. The band were certainly competent and were playing some Good Prog, it was Mr Filkins himself…I doubted that he was capable of holding a tune in his head. A couple of times the excellent young Lead Guitarist’s solos were off key too, he must have been listening to the vocals. This was cringe-worthy, atonal, yet the band were at times great. The instrumental breaks in the War and Peace epic were indeed, Epic. An off night? Others must have felt the pain too.

Grey Lady Down

I have a ticket for GLD at the Herringthorpe Leisure Centre dated 26 October, 1996.  This is in the cover of my copy of the CD Forces.  I believe the last time I saw GLD was in Ashton under Lyne the day Princess Diana was buried, they were playing two nights. This was Mark Westworth’s (who recently left the wonderful IQ) first outing on keyboards with GLD. By this time the third album – Fear – was the featured music. Steve Anderson was also in the Lead Guitar role, Julian Hunt being sadly missed. Louis David (keys) and Julian Hunt were the main writers on the first two albums The Crime and Forces, two absolutely stonkingly good albums. Fear was different, it was only in the drive South that I realised I still knew much of the music form the third album, but I was note perfect with the first two. Ricky had unearthed a fourth album – if there was, I never bought it.

At the interval I spoke to Mark Robotham the Drummer, we corresponded at length in what would be the early days of T’Internet. I was always asking for longer tracks, when he joined Thieves Kitchen the wish came true. Mark told me they would have both Lead Guitarists on stage tonight, the best of both worlds. On Keyboards would be a chap from G2 a Genesis Tribute Band – Piers de Lavison . There would be new – aggressive sounding – compositions with view to recording a new album by Easter 2013. They still have more to write. With Julian back on board things could work out well.

And Finally (Fear) opened the set, it worked. It was also great to see both Guitarists complementing each other, there would be few gaps in the sound with the extra set of hands on offer. Without a Trace (Forces) was next up, ah good, how many of the classics would we hear? The first of the three new compositions – 24 – followed on. This had grab you by the throat moments, it could be wonderful.

The Perfect Dream (Best Years of Your Lives – Live Album) was also new to me. If the memory is correct it was here where the Band missed their cue, the Keyboards went on and on and nobody joined in – they stopped and started again. Strange to see this happen on stage, everyone was amused. Another new composition – Cold Black Heart was next up, again this impressed.

The Battlefields of Counterpane (Forces) is a show stopper, composed by Louis David this must be The GLD song. In at the Deep End, another new one came next. This sounded more technical than musical at times, more work required. Paper Chains (Fear) brought us back to familiar territory before The Flyer (Forces) brought the set to its conclusion. I love The Flyer but never got to hear it often. Back in the days of a C90, this song did not fit into the allotted 45 minutes for one side of a cassette. Three songs from Forces, excellent. The encore was 12.02 (The Crime) the opening song on the very first album, great to hear it live once again.

This was a well balanced set, two of the new compositions grabbed this commentator. The Fear material turned out to make more sense live. I recall how I used to skip through The Cold Stage (Forces) until I saw Martin Wilson sing it live – there is not a weak moment on Forces.

So, GLD are back, I wish them every success, they were a favourite band a decade or so back. Hopefully more people will get to hear about them this time around.

Posted in Odds and Sods | 1 Comment

The International – The First Meeting of the Glasgow and Bradford Curry Bloggers

Posted on September 1, 2012 by Hector

This is an Historic Day for Curry-Heute – Hector finally gets to meet John, The Bradford Curry Blogger. We have been trying to make a rendezvous since the launch of the Bradford Website. Ironically John has often been in Glasgow whilst I have been down in Bradford. This would be a meeting of like minds.

The International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1BA) is one of Bradford’s finest Curry houses, so where better to meet. It also opens before Noon, though Hector now knows that the Sheesh Mahal opens every day now at 11.30, an excellent strategy.

Parking in the usual spot in Wilton St, Hector was a few minutes early. The table was secured and the Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips were set out. John and Family were punctual. John had shown up with wife – Lynda, father -Tony, and daughter – Izzy. John remarked that he found it strange to hear me with a Scots accent having only ever read the words and heard them in his head. There was a definite air of familiarity originating from the many photographs that have been published on T’Internet in the name of Curry.

Down to Business

The Lamb Karahi Methi served in this establishment is possibly the best Curry I have ever eaten, so the level of expectation was high. On my last visit in February, the Lamb Desi disappointed, so they are human. John chose Lamb Achari, Lynda went for Lamb Spinach Balti and Tony a Chicken Bhuna. A plate of Chips was ordered for the Young Lady. One Nan was ordered, the inclusive Chapattis were sufficient for the majority.

There was time to discuss our origins as we waited for the food. Bier raised its head, indeed both John and Hector write in other Blogs, though John’s Cycle Blog is far more energetic than Bier-Traveller.

When the food arrived I was straight into Hector mode taking notes and of course photographing everything. No photos, no Blog. You have my permission to start.

Some of The Chips were eaten

The Lamb Krahi Methi was Dark and Thick, the Methi Leaves were doing their job. The Masala had the expected Bradford Curry Flavour but the Wow-Factor did not happen. One or two of the Lamb pieces were more chewy than one would like. Scooped with the excellent Chapattis this was still a very fine meal but I have had better at this establishment. Perhaps this early the real Chefs are not yet on duty.

Lynda’s Bucket of Balti looked the part. She described the Lamb as being Tender and there was plenty of it. There was a slight excess of Oil.

Tony has eaten much Curry in his life but cannot really distinguish one place from another. He should start a Blog. His portion did look smaller than everyone else’s, or is that just the vivid memory of last night’s Feast still strong in the mind?

John described his Achari as not being as Sour as he has had here before (I don’t know if that is good or bad) and found some of his Lamb to be somewhat Fatty.

The Bill

£31.00. How can four dine this well for so little?

The Aftermath

The Photographic Ritual was continued outside and we made our fond farewells. Next time Glasgow, and not a mainstream outlet – a better one.

Ricky is already in Rotherham watching Football, it is a sell-out. Hector will mosey down later for the main purpose of this weekend – to see Grey Lady Down at Rotherham-Maltby.

Now what shall I have for my evening meal, and where should I have it?

 

Posted in International | 1 Comment

Bradford – The Punjab Sweet House – Visit #1

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Hector

Punjab Sweet House (122-126 Listerhills Road, Bradford, BD7 1JR) is a name first mentioned by a taxi driver who picked us up from The Fighting Cock on January 2nd this very year – he was taking us to The International. Ricky, our local Bradford Curryspondent had not been, but then he admits to resting on his laurels – time Ricky went exploring. In short, the taxi driver recommended the Punjabi Sweet House.

Ceteris Paribus, there should be a Prog Report tomorrow to accompany the long overdue rendezvous with John – The Bradford Curry Blogger. The main reason why Hector drove south this very day is to see a band (tomorrow in Rotherham) last seen in Ashton-Under-Lyne – the day of a Princess’ Funeral. Tempes Fugit. Free accommodation at Chez Holden and the opperchancity to consume quantities of Bradford Curry was another attraction.. At the time of writing, Ricky unveils a fourth Grey Lady Down CD that Hector never purchased – guess what tomorrow’s Gig will be!

Leaving Helensburgh at 15.30 it was a somewhat frustrating drive down the M74, M6, M61, M62 and M606 to Bradford. Why do people drive at 60mph? Why am I not allowed to drive at 100mph? In the late 90’s this was normal – but the destination was not always Prog…

Hector was just passing Bury when a Hungry Holden called – I was half an hour away. A quick Check-in and a taxi took us to Listerhills Road. The Sweet House has an impressive exterior, we found the door at the third attempt.

Ashdot

There is a waterfall screening the Takeaway from the Restaurant. Wait here to be seated – aye right. A Chap in a Green Polo, OK they all wear that, took us up a stair to the rear. I speculate that more than fifty can be seated here in comfort. Ricky reckoned this place was Posh-for-Bradford. There were no table cloths, nothing pretentious. Suitably-Spartan was my impression.

The Menu had a twin pricing structure – if only The Village (Glasgow) would introduce this. A standard portion of most Curry was around £7, the Large £10. No prizes for guessing what Hector would order. Ricky decided that for control purposes he would have the basic Karahi Gosht – oh to be in Bradford and consider this the norm. Hector had spotted Karela Gosht on the Takeaway Menu in the momentary wait for our table, it had to be. No Chapattis on offer – Four Roti (60p) were the accompaniments.

The Best of Both Worlds

Starters were discussed. Four hours fifteen minutes in a Passat and only three Grey Lady Down CDs played – the appetite was fierce. Shami Kebab I thought, Seekh Kebab thought Ricky – two portions each – share.

The Kebabs came not immediately, but soon enough. The Seekh was standard, Spicy. The Shami (my choice) was the Perfect Burger. I was imagining it served with Bacon and Cheese – Kosher and Halal – NOT! They don’t know what they miss…

Ricky and Hector had time to go for a pint between Starters and the Main Course – we didn’t. Enough time to let the Starters go down, then we thanked ourselves for having ordered them, we would have been champing had we not done so.

Another waiter in a Green Polo arrived with a Laden Tray. Ricky was impressed by the portion in his standard Karahi Gosht, then The Hector saw his Large One – ooh err, Missus. This was a Curry Portion. If only all establishments would employ this system.

Ricky was a Happy Chap, he was impressed by the Portion, The Flavour, the Quality of The Lamb, a Big Thumbs-Up from Ricky. However he did concur with Hector’s negative statement.

One Dab please, and maybe more

Hector’s Karela Gosht is captured well in the photo – it was swimming in Ghee.  I have to admit that it is here where I usually find that The Bradford Curry Taste manifests itself, some Oil is necessary. The Bradford Curry Taste was there. The Lamb was cut in small pieces – In The Bradford Style – the Flavour Ooozed – but so did The Oil. I draw the Reader’s attention to a Blog entry for Akbar’s (in Glasgow) when Shabir Hussain owner of the Bradford based Chain of Curry Houses took me on a tour of his premises and showed how the Chefs Dab the Curry at least three times to remove the excess Ghee. The Bitter Vegetable was certainly present but did not have the impact that Hector has experienced in the off-the-planet Glasgow Outlet – yes the New Karahi Palace serves the best version of this I have encountered. How often has Hector favoured a Glasgow Outlet over a Bradford one? A first! Times they are a-changing?

The Roti are worth a mention too.  They did not crisp up as they tend to in most outlets.  They were edible to the end, most impressive, indeed the sheer quantity defeated the Hector.  The Curry portion was more than adequate – a less than subtle way of stating that satisfaction was  attained. I’m in Bradford, eating Curry. This makes me a Happy Old Hector. The Punjab Sweet House may not rival The Sheesh Mahal or the International on my first sampling, maybe I shall be invited back. I put these statements in to plant the seed.

The Bill

£24.95.  Ricky thought it would be more. This is still a Bradford Curry Café, no way as Posh as Ricky suggested. Good food, value too.

The Aftermath

Paying with Plastic necessitated at trip to the Takeaway Counter. The Calling Card was presented. I shall show this to The Boss said another very well spoken Chap in a Green Polo. I hope he does.

To The Fighting Cock, after all, it is a Friday Night…

Posted in Punjab's / Punjab Sweet House & Grill Centre | 1 Comment

Hector is treated to a Superb Curry at Cafe Salma

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Hector

In the aftermath of another successful Bier-Traveller Tour, Craig and Yvonne, as has become their custom, wished to treat Hector for organising Hector’s Heroic Homecoming. Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Charing X, Glasgow G3 7PQ) is a venue neither has attended, at Yvonne’s insistence this would be the choice for today’s Curry-Heute.

Assassin

Before getting down to the business of reviewing the Curry, let the Hector address the matter of an abusive comment left on this site shortly after 22.00 last evening. The Author did not have the courage to leave a name and managed to provide an Email Account which cannot be contacted – hence its removal.

…the reviews are pointless and the style is offensive to read… was the conclusion to the rant. Writing in the Third Person appears to be the cause of the offence. The Ranter simply doesn’t get the joke. As Neil remarked – If it’s good enough for Hercule Poirot…

Who is Hector? The writer has only known him for five years, we are still finding our way. First person plural, Bazinga!

Apparently Hector does not review the Curry or the Restaurants in half of the almost 400 Reviews to date. Whether the Ranter actually read half before his Mother said it was time to put out the light and go to sleep we may never know.

Comments and suggestions are always welcome, abusive rants – not.

Hassan, My Son! (Hint – A Curry/Restaurant Review)

This visit to Cafe Salma puts the total in last two years in touching distance with Hector’s former place of residence – The Village. Arriving early, Hector was given the customary warm welcome by Hassan, the Proprietor. You are my Mother – said Hassan as he shook both my hands. Que? He had said Brother but it was lost in translation.

Craig and Yvonne arrived bang on the arranged time of 15.00. Both had been to their respective Schnitt-Haus. Craig’s hair was lovely, Yvonne’s wasn’t too shabby.

What to have? Having perused all the Curry, Craig stated his intention to have the Seekh Kebab as a Main. But what would it come with? Yvonne took my advice and opted for Karahi. As she does like the dreaded Capsicum in a Curry the choice was the Lamb Punjabi Karahi. Hector had Kofta Bhuna on his mind once more, but as Meatballs in Sauce is not really considered a full Meal, a Side of Aloo Gobi would provide the Interesting Vegetable.

Hassan came over for introductions and to take the order. By the end he had made two new friends. The Seekh Kebab would be presented on a Nan which suited Craig. Yvonne chose a Chapatti to accompany the Karahi. Medium with a kick? Was Hassan’s suggestion to Yvonne, this was accepted with vigour. Hector went for the always outstanding Garlic and Coriander Nan to mop up the anticipated abundance of Masala.

The Chefs were already busy completing the order for a family at an adjacent table. It was soon our turn. The Seekh Kebab was a quadruple serving. I was reminded of Craig sitting in Nürnberg eating his Sausages. Craig likes this sort of thing, he thoroughly enjoyed his meal, very tasty – not too Spicy.

Medium with a Kick. Yvonne would come to repeat this phrase for the rest of the day. The Punjabi Karahi hit the spot. Yvonne loved the flavour, the tenderness of the Lamb, and the fact the Spice level was exactly to her liking. You wouldn’t cope with this – Yvonne remarked to Craig, true.

This was only Hector’s second Kofta Bhuna at Cafe Salma. On my last visit I ruined the experience by ordering a Lamb Bhuna but was carried away and ordered it – Hot. The flavours were lost, so today no chances were taken. The Kofta Balls were large, much bigger than those served in Bradford! The Coriander and Methi were to the fore in the outstanding Masala. Now to persuade [Stan.TC] to share one for Dessert on our next visit. The G&C Nan was slightly thinner than that served normally. This may actually have been an improvement, there was more chance of finishing one, alas this was not to be. The Aloo Gobi had more Cauliflower than Potato, the Kick was significant. An excellent Complement to the Meat and Sauce.

The Bill

None of my business. Yvonne did remark that it was value for money.

I was a very Happy Old Hector. Thank you, Craig and Yvonne.

The Aftermath

Once again there was an summer afternoon deluge in Glasgow. We sat hoping… Time to engage Hassan once more. We were speculating as to how long Cafe Salma has been open, it is in its fifth year. Hassan could not believe I had only been coming for two. Today marked Craig and Yvonne’s first visit, it will not be their last.

Medium with a Kick, it was perfect…

Posted in [Cafe Salma] | 2 Comments

Yadgar! Dinner with The Establishment

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Hector

Ahmed, a resident of Pakistan, is a friend of Shkoor at Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) and was responsible for establishing the Shkoor-Hector Connection. In the last two years Ahmed has become the Islamabad Curryspondent for Curry-Heute keeping Hector right on many things Curry-Related, tonight we met for the first time.

Arriving promptly at 19.00, Hector found Shkoor outside Yadgar taking a phone-call. I entered The Humble Establishment and was warmly greeted by Ahmed who had the advantage of being able to recognise Yours Truly via this medium.

By the time Shkoor joined us, introductions were no longer necessary. Not only would tonight be a veritable Curry Feast, Hector would get to spend the evening with two Curry Experts.

The customary Welcome Salad was soon accompanied by a bowl of Dahi Bhalley. Hector has experienced this Yoghurt-based, almost Spicy-Cake dish, once before, but now knows the moniker, thanks to Ahmed of course.

Ahmed had chosen the venue and that the main course would be Chops. Shkoor had suggested that the Chops be Achari based, a new Yadgar experience for Hector.

The first Dish to arrive was a Vegetable Green Mush, interesting. Spinach – Shkoor announced, it would turn out to be so much more.

The large Yadgar Karahi was presented, the Chops smothered in the wonderful Dry Masala which has made Yadgar the Curry Venue most visited since the birth of this Blog. Chapattis were the Accompaniment of choice, after all, who eats Rice with Curry – this is 2012.

Hector the Veggie?

The first Dip in the Spinach dish revealed a familiar flavour – Bradford! This did not please Shkoor who feels I should recognise it as Yadgar’s own. You have mastered the Bradford Flavour – was my attempt at stopping the dig of the proverbial hole. As would be divulged in the course of the evening, this Spinach dish contained the Leaves of Five Herbs – Spinach, Methi, Mustard Leaves and more. It is apparently a very difficult dish to prepare, this was perfection. For once the Spinach did not dominate, this was a true Herb Melange, why have I not had this before?

Lamb Chops – After you, Sir

The Pickle was evident and pleasant without taking away from the flavour of the Lamb Chop itself. As Shkoor remarked – One can tell the quality of the food by the lack of conversation. Mmmmm.

Alternate spoons of the Five Herb Masala and the Wonderful Chops drew to a close. Something was muttered.

What is better than a Kilo of Lamb Chops at Yadgar?

A further Batch was presented! More came with more Chapattis, start again.

Shkoor was first to stop eating, as Ahmed remarked, when you work with this food all day one is less inclined to crave it. Ahmed subsequently waved the white flag leaving Hector to polish off the last pieces. Ahmed knows that Hector loves his Curry, now he has seen the Curry-Hound in action.

The Aftermath

Ahmed and Hector were left periodically to discuss Curry experiences from all over Britain and beyond. He has recommendations for me in London, Delhi and Lahore. We discussed Pakistan – Earthquake and Flood, Afghanistan, Jordan and more.  He and Shkoor plan a visit to Glasgow’s Bradford Curry House – Akbar’s.  I advised them to order their food – In the Asian Style – just to ensure they get The Right Stuff..

Great Food, Great Company, a night to remember. Until next time.

Posted in Yadgar Kebab House | Comments Off on Yadgar! Dinner with The Establishment

Oban – Light of India – First Oban Curry in a Decade

Posted on August 19, 2012 by Hector

This was the last day of the vacation, we were determined to enjoy the day and so we drove to Crinan to see the Canal, then crossed the Atlantic to Easdale, and onwards to Oban, for Curry-Heute.  On our last visit to Oban, Hector and Marg had a wonderful Curry Experience, could we repeat it?

I remembered the Curry House to be back off the front and main street. Light of India (43 Stevenson Street, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5NA) fitted this description best. On entering we soon realised that this was not the same venue, it must have gone.

At 18.00 on a Sunday evening Light of India was filling up. Throughout our visit it was most apparent that there were regulars, many fellow diners were making positive noises at the end of their course choices, Hector had an air of optimism.

Marg announced she felt like Chicken Tonight…Light of India Chicken Supreme (£9.90) was amongst the dearest dishes on the Menu. It was described as Chicken stuffed with Mince but came with Pilau Rice, which may well have justified its comparatively inflated price.

Marg predicted my choice – Methi Gusth – where on Earth did they get that spelling? Methi Gosht is not to be shunned. As the Lamb dishes were a modest £5.90 I considered the possibility of the portion size being minimal and so ordered a Side Dish – Aloo Gobi Masala, priced at a sensible £2.90. Three Chapattis (80p) completed the order. We opted not to have Poppadoms etc, these were not forthcoming as complimentary offerings.

The Curry came very quickly, a bit too quickly, my suspicions were raised. Marg’s Chicken Supreme was large pieces of Chicken in a Soup-like Masala, there was no sign of the Mince. Marg found this to be enjoyable, and never found any Mince.  I had a dip of the Masala and had to agree, this was indeed a tasty dish. The Rice would have soaked up the Shorva but Marg ate little of the Rice, she prefers Chapattis these days.

The Methi Gosht had a suitably Thick Masala, perhaps a bit too Oily. The portion size was more than adequate, so this dish was certainly good value. The Wow Factor was not there, however there was some flavour. The quality of the Lamb varied throughout, a couple of pieces were decidedly tough, most pieces tender, a pity.

The Potato and Cauliflower Side was pleasant, again not outstanding. It did provide the required Interesting Vegetables and complemented both our meals. One of the Chapattis had not been cooked properly, but by the time we had finished two this mattered not.

Trying to manipulate all the component parts to our meal was tricky on the small table. Once Marg had emptied her karahi a waiter was straight over to remove it, this helped. In fact the staff were very attentive and as the Regulars rolled in  the banter was to the fore.  When my camera appeared, a waiter was straight over to take our photo.  This was a very friendly house.

Marg ordered Coffee. It was served with Cream. The Cup was small but as soon as she was finished the waiter was straight over with the Coffee-Pot to offer more, a nice touch.

The Bill

£25.20. with a Side Dish and a Coffee this was very good value.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was accepted with little comment. Then there was the drive south behind a car doing no more than 40mph…

I wonder how many years it will be before I return to Oban?

Posted in Light of India | Comments Off on Oban – Light of India – First Oban Curry in a Decade

A Seabass Snack at the Punjabi

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Hector

In the course of the discussion last week leading up to the Quail Curry, Hari suggested I must try the Seabass. This is but a Starter and somehow [Stan.TC] had already sampled this some weeks prior. I was happy to have [Stan.TC] as Co-Diner once again.

The Complementary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney were presented whilst the Chef prepared to tickle our fancy.

The new young waiter brought the Fish which was lying on a bed of Spiced Mashed Potato.

The Seabass was beautifully Spiced and Lemon Juice had been drizzled over it prior to serving. This gave a lovely Citrus Bight which complemented the Spice. Meanwhile the Mash must rate as the best Mashed Potato Hector has ever experienced. [Stan.TC] concurred – Mmmm…

Mussels in a Punjabi Sauce must be the next treat.

There we are, short and sweet for once…

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | Comments Off on A Seabass Snack at the Punjabi

Pyras, Keesmann and Kebabish Original

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Hector

Two months after our last mass Takeaway from Kebabish Original (677-681 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2AB). The same order for Sixteen was placed by Craig and Yvonne, once again our Hosts. The Bier Today was Pyraser Landbier and Keesmann Bock. Marg was making a rare appearance at a Barrel Party whilst Simon and Kirsty were making an inaugural, but too brief,  appearance.  The Duke of Hamilton was back for more.

The Delivery Chap arrived punctually, Hector decided to assist in the opening of the large meal parcels. As luck would have it the first bag I opened contained the Lamb Karela and so with a generously sized Chapatti and a piece of Chicken Tikka, I retired to the garden. Howard followed close behind with an identically composed platter. It was good to see Howard finally get his first choice of Curry. He has missed some splendid meals in the last few days however.

Marg took a selection from the array of available meals, this I am informed was the pattern followed by the majority.  Ricky (I’m having a Fish Supper) and [Stan.TC] were also on Curry for the fourth consecutive day.  Bring it on.

Dr. Rick enquired about the Karela, this version was nothing like that enjoyed so much last evening. The Masala was still Sweet, only on biting into the Sliced Vegetable was there any sense of Bitterness.

The appetite sated I returned to the kitchen to check on the progress of the others. There was still plenty left for Neil, our late arrival. Loadsa’ Chapattis, Pakora of differing varieties, Curry for All, Simples. Yvonne soon came to realise that her Rice for Fifteen was not required.

The Bill

As the order was the same I assume the price was the same – £8.00 per head. £128.00 is what I deduce the total to have been.

The Aftermath

Craig was seen in the kitchen hoovering without his Dyson. The Chicken Tikka was very much to his liking and there still appeared to be plenty of it.

Posted in [Kebabish Original] | 1 Comment

New Experiences at the New Karahi Palace

Posted on August 11, 2012 by Hector

Not another Curry! Was Ricky’s plea. The Man from Bradford who claims to eat Curry just about every day was even suggesting we eat at a C-Place, in the end sense was seen. [Stan.TC] was always up for it, is the real Dr. Stan coming back to us? After an afternoon on CAMRA business came to a conclusion, Dr. Rick, with the Higgs boson no longer a challenge,  decided it was Curry-O’Clock too.  (sorry, Dr. Rick)

The New Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) was long overdue a visit.

Karela, Not Sweet

Do you have Karela today? was the first thing Hector asked the young waiter who oversees the operation. The reply was positive. The usual Chef was in situ, we should be on for an excellent meal – Karela Gosht for Hector.

The Menu appeared to be new, more extensive and informative. Ricky had been looking at one of the Boards. What on Earth is Paye? Not a tax, we concluded.

Trotter ye not

As is written, Ricky is always keen to try the most obscure offerings. He has been talking about Trotters since his arrival on Thursday, he is determined to try it in one of his Bradford outlets. Well, perhaps until last night when we discussed Trotters with Hari at the Punjabi Charing Cross. He described them as being cooked for hours, days even, to get all the Gelatine and Flavour from the Bones.         Trotters = Paye.

In another display of normality, [Stan.TC] having surveyed the entire Menu spotted Lamb Desi Korma. Now this is the Signature Dish of the nearby Village, was it an impersonation, a variant? [Stan.TC] and Ricky went for this.

Dr. Rick, having solved the mysteries of the Universe, chose Shahi Haleem – slow cooked Lamb in Lentils. This was described as something well beyond the normal Lamb and Lentil Curry, another mystery to be solved.

Two Aloo Paratha and two Nan were the Accompaniments.

Cooked to order

We nibbled on the Complementary Salad and Dip whilst we waited for the dishes to be prepared. There were fellow diners upstairs and three more downstairs. Although this venue is never busy the Takeaway Trade is seemingly continuous, or more precisely, the Delivery Service.

Tried and Tested

The Karela Gosht was everything it should be. The Lamb was on-the-bone, tender, Spiced, perfection. The Masala was so Dry. The Karela may be an acquired taste, its bitterness to the fore. Nobody should ever try to eat this dish with Rice, it is very much a meal which has to be eaten with Bread. The good sized Aloo Paratha provided both Bread and another Interesting Vegetable – Potato.

Variations on a Theme

The Desi Korma was again served with Lamb on-the-bone but with way too much Masala. [Stan.TC] announced that it did not contain the dreaded Coconut that a Korma would normally contain, thankfully. Ricky acknowledged the excess of Masala but said the meal Passed Muster. [Stan.TC] described the Desi Dish as very tasty but no direct comparison to The Village version was forthcoming. So, I shall have to try this someday. And not have Karela Gosht?

Shahi Haleem

We all looked at this rarity with interest, it was a Mush. Dr. Rick had to eat it but in the end offered to let us all sample this Novel Curry. Lamb Stovies is how I described it. The Lamb had been cooked to a pulp, the light fawn colour must have come from the Lentil content. There was Spice, there was Flavour, but nothing like we have ever experienced before. The sheer Volume defeated Dr. Rick in the end – Very Heavy, he said. So Mass does have Weight!

We shall see if anyone in the company ever orders this again…

The Bill

£36.80. Under a Tenner each, Great Food, Great Value.

The Aftermath

There were smiles all round as we left. As I have written before, this place needs more of an up-front presence. The Food is wonderful, the Service is fine. More Communication would be advantageous, the new more detailed Menu is a start.

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