A Late Night at The Village

Posted on November 3, 2012 by Hector

The Wrong Restaurant

There was seventeen in the group from Glasgow through at The Staggs in Musselburgh. Dr. Rick enquired late afternoon where we having Curry-Heute, not if. With Lord Clive of Crawley a House-Guest for the weekend there would be three of us. On arrival back in our Metropolis Howard and Tracey bade farewell, but not for long. On hailing the taxi at Queen St. we were suddenly five headed towards the New Karahi Palace (51 Nelson Street, Glasgow G5 8DZ). The Taxi Driver chose to ignore all directions south of the river and stopped further along Nelson St. directly outside The Village (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8BA). It was written.

It was also after 22.00, a bit late for The Village who have traditionally closed early, however that was then. The New Village stays open later, it appears.  we had missed the mob.

Hector had the Half Kilo of Village Desi Korma on his mind but was distracted by the Village Lahori Karahi which for some reason was speaking Laal Lahori to the head. Desi Korma it would be. Clive inspired by the discussion took the Lahori Karahi option, also at the volume to guarantee satisfaction. Chapattis and Nan Bread of all varieties would accompany our selections.

Complementary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney would amuse us whilst we waited for the Chefs to work their magic.

Flat Battery

It had been a long day, the trusty HTC had been stretched beyond its limits. There was no further record taken of who ordered what, fortunately the camera was still functional so with some intuition I have allocated a normal portion of Lahori Karahi to Howard, Keema Aloo to Tracey, and a normal portion of Desi Korma to Dr. Rick. All dishes were Lamb, of course!

Knock-Knock-Knock!!!

There was a tap, or three, at the window, it was Marg. Who knocks once these days? Marg completed the six at the bench table and ordered a Mango Lassi, she had eaten already.

Jonathan meanwhile was waiting for a phone-call along at The Laurieston, fortunately his Rumbly-Tumbly motivated him to call Lord Clive, he was with us moments later. Now was it he who had the Keema Aloo? An extra chair was placed at the end of our table.

The Wrong Meal – by choice

Abdul, who may well be the longest serving member of staff brought the food. He placed a highly seductive Half Kilo on the table in front of me, it was mine. I had a taste, it was wonderful, it was definitely mine, except of course, it wasn’t. Clive ended up with the Desi Korma, he was impressed once again by this superb dish and was more than happy to eat My Other Curry.

I now have to rely on the Usual Suspects to add their comments and clarify their choice and offer their verdicts.

The Bread Baskets

This was the first experience to four of my fellow diners of the new Baskets. They do keep the Breads remarkably hot and fresh. I am sure Ahmed my Pakistan Curryspondent will have something to say on their origin and the proliferation of their usage in the Orient.

The Bill

£82.15. We had a mass of food, all were happy with what they eaten and the price paid.

The Aftermath

Kasif (Master Baig) and the Man from Sri Lanka remarked that since they opened the new premises I have been firstly on my own, then with Marg, subsequently the Two Doctors, and now as One-of-Seven. The Bus-load is the next challenge.

The Official Opening has yet to be held I am assured, here’s hoping…

And now for some updates from my fellow diners…hopefully…

Posted in The Village "Curry House" | 3 Comments

Glasgow – A Warm Welcome at Masala Twist

Posted on October 27, 2012 by Hector

though there was a worrying draught at the doorway…

As reported in August last year,  The Curry Leaf has changed to become Masala Twist (192-194 Byres Rd, Glasgow, G12 8SN). This is not a simple re-branding but a brand new operation. Hector was in no hurry to return to these premises after a disappointing experience under the previous moniker. However, when one gets a tip-off…   John contacted me midweek to inform me that he and his Curry Group had a good experience here  and that he in particular had enjoyed the Lamb Desi. If John recommends a dish it must be worthy of investigation.

I cannot recall the last time Marg and I had a Saturday lunch during term time. We were shown to the same table as on our last visit to these premises. With eight tables seating some twenty eight covers in the fore-room, one felt we were all squeezed in. The Buffet was at the rear of the narrow room opposite the bar. Every time the double doors opened there was a blast of cold air. I pitied those who had to sit at the table immediately in front of the door. (They need the German Door-Blanket.)

Meanwhile the larger upstairs room was evidently closed. The attraction for the majority was the good value Lunchtime Buffet at £6.95. This suited Marg, however the Waitress appeared to be taken off guard when I asked for the Main Menu. This was brought and then she offered me a Lunchtime Menu. I assured her I wished to try a Proper Curry.

A Wee Bit Confused…

A large bottle of Sparkling Water was not available. Marg was asked if she desired a large or small Soda and Lime. How big was large? This turned out to be a pint and so a small was ordered. This gave me the opportunity of asking for a pint of Soda instead. In the end two pints came, at least we were charged less for the one with Lime. At £2.50 for a Pint of Soda I think they are certainly making a profit, of em £2.50!

The Tandoori Roti were £1.65 each and so the Vegetable Paratha felt better value. This would turn out to be a good choice. However we had to go through some more confusion in placing the order. The Karahi Bhoona (without Capsicum) is what I would have ordered had John not planted the Desi seed. The Karahi was advertised as coming with an Abundance of Onion and Capsicum, why? My Pakistan Curryspondent assures me this Mushy Vegetable is not part of their Cuisine.

And so I had to ask if there was Capsicum in the Lamb Desi. She appeared not to understand that I desired none, perhaps I was going to get some added? The Vegetable Paratha was recorded as a Fish Dish. I was confused. The Vegetable Paratha was finally confirmed by a Chap, Raman made First Contact and came over to confirm No Capsicum. I did suggest they could add anything else in its place but this fell on deaf ears.

One Buffet, Two Diners

Morally when not having the Buffet one cannot sample anything the fellow diner has before them. And so I sat and watched Marg enjoy her Starters. Chicken Chat without the unnecessary Red Food Dye, Pakora, Onion Chutney… she thoroughly enjoyed what was on offer.

When my meal came, Marg got up to fetch her mains. There was nothing in the Buffet that I would have been impressed by, too many Chicken dishes and no doubt all at the bland end of the spectrum. As I tasted none of them I can only take Marg’s word that the dishes were fine.

The Main Event

The Lamb Desi was presented, a good sized portion. The very Tender Lamb was cut large, there would be more than enough to satisfy Hector this Saturday Lunchtime. The Masala was up to the level of expectation. Delightfully Thick and with a Fresh Herb visible throughout. The Salt content was perfection – Karrah! The Flavours of the melange were able to emerge, a very pleasing dish, perhaps on the verge of – Wow.  Marg took a sample and was shocked by the – Kick!  The Lamb Desi was way Spicier than what was served in the Buffet, I rest my case.  More Fresh Methi or Karela might have put it up there with the very best, but this was well above the average. One would hope that with greater familiarity they could tweak this dish to the tastes of the individual.

The Vegetable Paratha was not there just to be dipped, this was a treat, perhaps the best Paratha I have ever tasted. Normally a Stuffed Paratha features Potato only, this was Aloo and Mutter, Potatoes and Peas. The thickness of the Bread was significant and the too hot to touch factor made the start a tentative one. I nearly managed to eat all of it which is unheard of. The Vegetable content satisfied the Hector requirement for an Interesting Vegetable. At £3.50 this was a better way of including Vegetables than the £4.95 Sides.

The combination of Lamb Desi and Vegetable Paratha is one I would certainly recommend.

The Bill

£25.75. The Buffet was good value as my fellow diners would all agree.

The Aftermath

The Waitress had previously been given the thumbs up when she asked if I was enjoying my meal. She took time to share the celebration of the Vegetable Paratha, she is aware of how good this. The Calling Card was presented and the Website shown on the trusty HTC. Mein Host, Raman then came over and took time to tell us the saga of their arrival on Byres Rd. from a previous business on Sauchiehall St. They have two other premises: The Punjabi Tadka in East Kilbride and also a Spanish Tapas restaurant in the same town. There are plans to open another Masala Twist on Glasgow’s Hope St.

Raman showed an interest in the Curry-Heute Website and my Favourite Places in particular. He then presented me with a Loyalty Card which is valid here and at the Punjabi Tadka. Having had time to look at the Punjabi Tadka Website I have spotted enough interesting dishes to tempt me south. Punjabi cooking is what I have come to seek out most. With a 20% discount guaranteed (except December) this will cover the cost of diesel and another superb Vegetable Paratha.

Masala Twist is staffed by lovely people, the Menu has a few Interesting Variants.  Hector will be back!

2019 update

Today (18.12.2019) I passed Masala Twist and found the premises being redesigned inside and the signage gone.

Banta Wala – the new name for Masala Twist in Byres Road.

Posted in Banta Wala / Masala Twist | 1 Comment

Helensburgh – Curry Club – A Takeaway

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Hector

The Curry Club (2 Old Luss Rd, Helensburgh, G84 7BH) has been in operation as a Takeaway for some nine years the proprietor told me as I waited for my first ever meal from these premises. With the Akash closed (gone?) there is only one sit-in venue in Helensburgh, and having sampled the wares of No. 28 last month, Hector was determined to try something different. The only Lamb dishes on offer appeared to be Lamb Tikka and so I went for the Beef Karahi (without Capsicum) and Vegetable Rice as the Accompaniment.

The Bill.

£9.70. Time would tell if this was good value.

The Aftermath #1

The turbaned proprietor came off the phone as I finished my order and so I thought I would try and be engaging. He was up for it. We spent a very pleasant ten minutes discussing the lack of Curry in Helensburgh initially. The conversation widened out to Glasgow Curry, he had been at Yadgar last evening for Sweets. Hector was becoming a fan. The New Karahi Palace was also a place we had in common, expectations were being raised.  Ironically, the more famous neighbour did not rate a mention. He had worked as a newsagent in Lawrence St., Partick before becoming involved in the Catering Trade. Having run the County Hotel next door to his Curry Club Takeaway there has been great development. There was talk of plans to extend the Curry Club at the rear and open a seating area. He certainly knows everyone, well almost, Hari at the Punjabi Charing Cross drew a blank. The Calling Card was received with grace.

Meanwhile, back at Work… The Curry

It was Red and Wet. This did not endear itself to this commentator, but come on, it’s Curry! The Beef was plentiful and in large pieces, a very ample portion. The Masala desperately needed Salt, but at least there was more than decent Kick. As one would expect, the Beef and Masala felt like strangers who had just met in the plastic container. Why so Red?

The Vegetable Rice was excellent. With an abundance of Potato and Cauliflower this gave a decent alternative to the Beef. Eventually I realised that the only way I could finish the Rice would be to spoon on the excess Masala. In the end I was defeated, a pleasing sign.

The Aftermath #2

I spotted King Prawn Methi Gosht on the Menu as I waited. How this can be I know not, next time.

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High Noon at Yadgar

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Hector

 Tonight Dr. Stan and Hector ate for Scotland, and admittedly to excess

We arrived at Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) at exactly 19.00, bang on the arranged time. As has become the norm, Shkoor, Mein Host, was texted and the request was placed 24 Hours in advance – to be fed. Shkoor replied immediately to ask – Do you require a Starter of any kind? … Oh, why not? was the reply.

The Ever-present Naveed greeted us as we entered, Ahmed immediately brought two Cans of Mango Rubicon and two Glasses. Moments later three still warm Poppadoms were placed before us. The generous Bowl of Rough-cut Onion Chutney was accompanied by Mango Chutney and two Dips. The Salad Plate arrived, how much more? This was the Prequel. It was Naveed who then brought out the plate of Masala Fish sat in Foil. The pieces of Scottish Haddock are baked in a blend of Spices which form a Crispy Topping on the beautifully cooked Fish. This is simply a joy to eat, having enjoyed it a few times now, how could we not accept the offer to serve it?

Ideally we could have done with an hour to let all this settle, alas that was not to be. There was time to note that no Menu was offered to any Diner at Yadgar this evening.  There was no discussion of any order.  Everyone must have arranged their meal in advance. It was a joy to see the array of dishes being brought from the Kitchen. But the greater joy was the realisation that the first Kilo of Goshat Karahi on-the-bone to appear from the Kitchen, would be ours.

We know what a Kilo looks like, this still looked like a Mountain. The Chaps were not finished yet. The truly magnificent Vegetable Curry which Mr. Anwar Sr. introduced to Hector earlier this year made another appearance. This was a Side? It was a Portion! Just the three Chapattis, somebody saw sense.

Here we go

This was Dr. Stan’s first encounter with the Vegetable Curry. It received a very loud Dr. Stan – Mmmmm – after the first taste. There was wild enthusiasm, on a Dr. Stan scale as more was appreciated. Hector and Dr. Stan raving about a Vegetable Curry? Who would have thought, however, as Regular Readers know this is Potato, Carrots and Peas taken to a new level.  The distinctive Yadgar flavours and a serious Kick.

The Goshat Karahi needs no introduction, if there is a finer Curry dish served in Glasgow I have yet to discover it. Eating this is like wrapping oneself in a Luxurious Duvet. Not over-Spiced, yet there is a sufficient Kick, from the exceptionally Thick Masala. The Masala has been of course prepared for the Hector-Palate hence its relative minimalism. The Glasgow Curry Flavour at its best. Sucking the Marrow from the occasional Hollow Bone adds another dimension to the flavour from the Lamb. The pile of Bones grew, the Lamb slowly disappeared, superb.

Shkoor made his customary appearance and immediately asked if we were being looked after. Moments before, Naveed had enquired if we needed anything else – Same again, was the ironic response.  Shkoor was willing to comply, aye right.  There lies madness.

In order to guarantee that I could do justice to the food before me, I abandoned the Chapatti. Dr. Stan was relentless and managed to make a good stab at the third Chapatti.

Eventually Shkoor was consulted – Permission to stop eating, Sir? The Debris was Bread and Bones, sheer indulgence. Shkoor suggested we should only order the Starter again when there is a Blue Moon.

Take another Look at This Wonderful Food

The Bill

£35.00 was asked for, significantly more was given.

The Aftermath

See you at the next Full Moon.  I was the The Gym today, another visit will be mandatory tomorrow.

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The Two Doctors and The Master Materialise at The Village

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Hector

Doesn’t Everyone have a Masters?

Hector arrived at The Village (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8BA) some twenty minutes before the scheduled rendezvous of 17.30. Two Poppadoms and the Onion Chutney were presented to keep me amused whilst I waited. This was the second visit to The Village this week, just like old times. Dr. Stan and Dr. Rick were both early too and more Poppadoms and Chutney were immediately brought to the table, a good welcome.

Mein Host was challenged by Dr. Stan and Hector ordering off-Menu. The Laal Lahori has disappeared from the Menu but I have been assured that it can still be ordered, I did so by the Half-Kilo and on-the-bone. Dr. Stan could well be the first person on the planet to order a Half-Kilo of Village Lamb Desi Korma off-the-bone, again not on the Menu. Dr. Rick considered the standard portion of Village Lamb Desi Korma on-the-bone to be sufficient. Four Chapattis and two Tandoori Roti were the Accompaniments. Dr. Rick also requested a Jug of Salt Lassi – a brave man.

Once again the Restaurant was filling up nicely. The number of people present already would simply not have fitted into the previous premises. One can only imagine what business will be like here when Tradeston is redeveloped.

The Joy of the Half-Kilo

Half a Kilo of Curry may sound excessive to some. Regular Readers will know of the sense of disappointment that has been reported over the years when the eating of a Village Curry comes to a conclusion. Dr. Stan and I have even ordered an extra portion on occasion to extend the pleasure. Given that Bones feature in the dish, this is a significant part of the portion served. I still don’t know why the Lamb on-the-bone costs more than the Boneless. The satisfaction comes from eating a Wonderful Curry and knowing that when one reaches the end of the standard portion there is still that bit extra to go. Without a Starter, the Half-Kilo is still within the Comfort Zone.

Laal Lahori no more?

The Curry came, Hector’s Curry was quite simply not a Village Laal Lahori. This dish had a significant Tomato Content and a Flavour that was unique to The Village. What I was given was the Lamb Karahi, a dish I would welcome in any Restaurant. Perhaps the Chefs have forgotten what the Laal Lahori was all about – in a month? Or, is it that the new hand-held technological device used by the Waiters to record the order is not capable of coping with Off-Menu?

The Curry presented was of course a worthy offering. The Flavours from the Rich, Thick Masala remain wondrous. The Lamb was soooo tender, there was no cause for complaint. The new Chapatti Baskets were once again provided. Dr. Rick and I had both ordered a pair. The Chapatti Basket kept the spare Chapatti warm, it was delightfully fresh when called upon. A great system, why has nowhere else introduced this? One knew exactly where the Standard Portion would end and the Overtime begin. The only thing better than eating Curry is eating More Curry.

Dr. Stan with his off-the-bone Desi Korma did have a Feast. He did consider the possibility of this being excessive but then having seen him eat Breakfast in dozens of Hotels around Europe, there was little chance of defeat. This dish is well known to us both, we have eaten this regularly in the years we have dined at The Village. The Flavours were reported to be in place, however Dr. Stan was disappointed at the lack of Bight. Next time he will ask for it to be Spicier. The Roti and the Desi Korma were devoured, the avoidance of Rice also enables the true Joy of The Curry to be the Focus.

Tissue Time?

Dr. Rick considered the Spice level in his Desi Korma to be excellent, but then went on to realise that he had not been made to sweat. No Tissues required. He was surprised at the level of Sweetness (normally this Dish has a Citrus Flavour). He remarked that the Lamb fell off the bone and had clearly been cooked in the Masala with which it was presented – not just slapped together – was the eloquent verdict.  The Chapatti Basket was also pronounced a success.

The Bill

£59.95. The Bill revealed a 95p surcharge for having Lamb on-the-bone. This appeared four times, we had two on-the-bone Dishes, so OK they charge twice for the Half-Kilo. But the fourth? The Salt Lassi was charged at £6.95, ouch. This was a Pound more than the Menu suggested, but then Salt Lassi was not there as such. We convinced the Waiter that his Tip would be enhanced if he sorted – The Errors.

The Aftermath

The Laurieston Bar is just along the road. They have been selling Fyne Ales from Cask for the last year or so. This has become a regular Friday night rendezvous pint. When was Hector last out in Glasgow on a Friday night?

Posted in The Village "Curry House" | 1 Comment

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…

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