Jai Ho at The Coppingham Arms

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Hector

For fourteen years, Lord Clive of Crawley was the Quizmaster at the Coppingham Arms in Horley (Surrey), that was then, this is now. Having collected Marg and Hector from Gatwick at the end of their Summer Sojourn there had to be Bier and Curry. Clive had heard that a Chef from the Ram Sports Club (Crawley) had now set himself up as has happened at the excellent Downsman (Crawley). Tonight we would investigate.

The Jai Ho at The Coppingham Arms (263 Balcombe Rd, Horley, Surrey, RH6 9EF) was a ten minute drive from Crawley. With Maggie at the wheel and the Blind-man giving directions we were there in twelve. I am assured the layout of the Coppingham Arms has changed, they had to install a Kitchen. The Bier selection was nothing great, but who cares, it is the Curry that matters.

Mein Host appeared and invited us to sit with our drinks and peruse the Menu whilst they prepared a table. He mentioned the Starters, indeed at first look at the Menu it was difficult to find the Mains, there were pages of Starters plus a Special, the Chicken 65 which was not on the Menu. As the regular readers know, Marg and Hector do not normally have Starters, but Lamb Chops we were told came in a portion of four, irresistible. On reading the Menu there was a moment of Hector alarm. The dishes were described as is customary, however the use of the term Gravy was very off-putting. Marg as ever said Gravy could mean anything, I was worried that it would mean the Bisto-Onionless creations that might justifiably be served with a Handi dish, but not otherwise. Maggie found a definition of Gravy, Vegetable Curry could not have Gravy by this definition, and so it goes…

Our drinks were taken next door by the Chap who would be our Waiter. The level of service was already impressive, it was as if they had just opened and were trying to impress. However, it was established that this was their third year of operation. The polite, courteous and attentive service would continue throughout our meal. The staff were never intrusive, they could see when something was required and then approached, sometimes waiters can be annoying, that was certainly not the case here.

Hector and Clive were having the Lamb Methi, how can we not order this when it is too rarely available? Maggie decided that tonight was the night she would have her first ever Fish Curry after years of me singing the praises of this option – Malwani Fish Curry it was then. Marg was keen to avoid Achari which amusingly was on the Menu, the safer option – Butter Chicken – was her choice, would it compete with her favourite? A Mushroom Rice, Tandoori Roti (£1.75) and Garlic and Keema Nans were the Accompaniments. The considered Aloo Saag was dropped as Starters were ordered – the Chicken 65 and the Lamb Chops. Had it been Chicken 66 I would have most certainly refused to eat it.

Four Poppadoms and assorted Dips made an appearance, we were hungry. The Starters came within reasonable time. We began with the Lamb Chops, gosh! These hit the spot, big time. I have had Lamb Chops up and down the country, these were certainly the best I have encountered. The Lamb was amazingly tender, the Spice level perfection, enough kick but not so excessive as to make the Ladies comment. One could have just kept on eating these, but Hector likes Curry, proper Curry. The Chicken 65 had a slight Patia – sweet and sour – taste, but in a more subtle way. This dish would have impressed more if we had taken it first, next time we will know better, however it was also very good. More Dips accompanied the Starters, another positive.

Everyone knows, if the Starters are outstanding, the Curry disappoints

 The Mains

The Lamb Methi had Fenugreek leaves to the fore in a mix of Yoghurt. The Masala was not Gravy as we feared, but a quality thick melange. The Lamb was beautifully tender as Clive put it. This was a very good Methi but the Curry Memory still convinces me that The Ram may have been better, the comparison will have to be made.

Maggie loved her first ever Fish Curry, she could taste Curry and she could taste Fish, and what’s more she felt they belonged. The Coconut content was not intrusive, there was a perfect balance.

Marg’s Butter Chicken was Creamy and Well Seasoned, an unusual achievement. She felt it lacked the required Kick, so when pressed to make the comparison with her all time favourite Butter Chicken source – Mother India’s Café, she declined to comment.

The Nans were fine, not particularly large so when our share was running out I remembered the Roti had not appeared. This was quickly rectified. The Roti was strange, it did not immediately crisp – Half Chapatti Half Biscuit?

The Debris was minimal, we had eaten well, quality Curry, great service, an evening to remember.

The Bill

 £95.25. This is more than our normal spend but there was a few rounds of drinks included.

 The Aftermath

 The Calling Card was received, Mein Host reappeared. He cleared up the Ram connection, it was not a Chef who came but one of the Managers. The two of them had decided to go it alone. Mein Host if I recall correctly was trained as Chef in French Cuisine. We had a wonderful chat about Curry in general – I did say I would rather eat wonderful Curry in a toilet than eat an average Curry in pretentious comfort. This somehow came out after discussing Bradford. I shall have to stand by this, toilet? Apologies to Bradford, but you know what I mean.

To balance this there was discussion of how amusing the Southerners find the Glaswegian Purveyors of Curry when they open their mouths, how did they ever pick up such a glorious accent?

Posted in Jai Ho at The Coppingham Arms | 1 Comment

Budapest – The Delhi Darbar

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Hector

As we dragged our bags down from Budapest Main Station and finally located the street with the Hotel Zara it was fitting that 50m before it Hector spotted Delhi Darbar (Dohany Street 54, 1074, Budapest), it took until this evening to enter the premises. This was our first visit to Budapest and so our first ever Hungarian Curry.

An Asian family were finishing their meals, two British couples had finished. One couple left, the other, a pair of annoying females sat on and talked incessantly throughout our stay. Whatever happened to companionable silence?

The Waiter brought the Menus instantly and left us to peruse the substantial range of meals on offer.

Hector spotted something new – Sali Bati – Lamb boneless, cooked with chopped onion and tomato jolisyn fried potato flavoured with Indian spices. This sounded like Curry, however, Jolisyn? Who knows what that is about?

Marg ordered her second Lamb Achari in as many weeks. The Chapattis were well under £1.00 each so we ordered two with Basmati Rice. An Aloo Gobi was added just in case.

Complimentary Poppadoms and a Mint Raita arrived soon after we had placed the order. The Main Meals did not take much time after this.

The Sali Bati looked like a Curry, there was more Masala than I would consider to be perfect, but it had least been properly prepared. There was evidence of a good Onion base. The Dish was topped with Onion slivers, possibly caramelised. There was a definite hint of sweetness coming from somewhere and this subsided so I think the Onions were the source. The Lamb, cut small, varied from very tender to tender, so no complaints on that level, however, the Lamb had the very distinctive taste of – Lamb. Once again it is my considered opinion that the Lamb and the Masala had been strangers until very recently, this was a pity. The Chef had prepared a good meal, had the Lamb been marinated it could have been really good.

The Aloo Gobi was unremarkable in terms of flavour. The dry consistency was appreciated but there was simply no flavour coming from this very red creation. The Cauliflower may have been a bit tired.

The Chapattis were a good size and texture. If this was a single Rice Portion, it was very generous.

The Lamb Achari lived up to expectations, it was both Sweet and Sour. Marg has realised finally that this may not be the dish for her. She likes the Sweet but the tangy Citrus after-taste was not her cup of tea. Marg blames herself, not the Curry, though she did comment that the Lamb was not as tender as we have had in recent Curry experiences, elsewhere of course.

One still enters a Curry House for the first time hoping that this could be an outstanding experience, today was fine – good. This puts it well within acceptable parameters.

 The Bill

8040HUF  (£21.95) This is less than we paid for a traditional Hungarian meal last night, so seems like good value.

The Aftermath

The Waiter did not really take to the Calling Card. Marg explained that I had a Curry Website, no doubt much to the amusement of the fellow diners. I would normally say nothing on these occasions, just leave the Calling Card and go.

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Prague – Royal Bengal

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Hector

It is Day 2 in Prague as part of the Summer Tour of Eastern Europe.  I have never had a Bad Curry in Prague, though I have not had many.

Around the corner from a famous Prague Pub – U Vejvodu and a few metres more from Hector’s favourite Prague Bier outlet, U Medvidku lies Royal Bengal (Vejvodova 4, Prague 1). Marg and Hector found it by chance yesterday and noted that it would be open all afternoon today, the decision was made to come for lunch. Well I would have lunch, Marg may or may not participate.

The Restaurant’s website was studied in advance as the list of dishes on display at the door is brief. They do serve a large range of meals, Meat Korai it had to be, although I did consider the Bhuna and the Spinach.

When the Waitress brought the Menu Marg decided that Vegetable Pakora (3 pieces the Menu said) would be a suitable snack. The Korai was ordered with an Aloo Paratha. The Breads were all a reasonable price. I was glad to discover that the Sparkling Water was also sensibly priced, it was too early for Bier, they serve Pilsner Urquell on draught.

We could hear noises off, someone in the Kitchen was now busy. After what felt a sufficient time for the Main Dish to arrive, the Waitress emerged from the Kitchen with a large plate of Pakora, six pieces. Maybe we had been given two portions?

The Pakora was flat, almost pancake like, the Onion and Carrot content were visible. The Pakora tasted freshly made and was suitably Spiced, we were both impressed. The accompanying Dip we deduced was a mix of Onion and Mango Chutney, sweet, but pleasant.

 The Main Event

The Waitress brought the Paratha to the table first, eight slices on a metal bowl, was this all for me? She then returned with a sizzling Korai bowl on a wooden platter. The Curry looked interesting, the Meat may have been Beef, it was cut small. The Masala was not excessive and most importantly was decidedly in the Thick category.

The first Dip with the Aloo Paratha was done with care, so hot was the Paratha. This was a fine piece of Bread, exactly as an Aloo Paratha should be, hot and plentiful, and subtly stuffed with Potato. The Masala gave off quite a traditional taste but was not overwhelming. A bit more Seasoning may have given it the much hoped for Wow factor. Annoyingly, the menu had not mentioned Capsicum as an ingredient, it had in other dishes and so I had not requested the veto. This was an oversight, there was an assortment of Capsicum, this was left.

Hector ate heartily, like the last piece of Pizza, the last slice of Paratha would defeat me. The Curry had gone down well.

 The Bill

537Kc (£16.80)  We had only been charged for a single portion of Pakora, so no problems here.

The Aftermath

The Chap from the Kitchen came out having cooked the Meal and was involved in the payment process. The Calling Card was received without fuss. The Chap was neither the Chef or the Boss – he just works there – he assured me. Next time I visit I hope the Chef is in the Restaurant.

Posted in [Royal Bengal] | 2 Comments

Prague – Indian Jewel

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Hector

The last week has been difficult from an eating perspective, most of it spent avoiding German Pork dishes and Ost-Deutsch Bier. Today Marg and Hector moved on to Phase 5 of their summer Tour of Europe and found ourselves in more familiar territory. Curry-Heute was always on the Menu. On our last visit in 2006 we chanced upon a not too bad Indian Restaurant just off the Main Square in The Old Town. Walking around the block to the East we found nothing, the Trusty HTC was brought into play and revealed  Indian Jewel (Tyn 6, 110 00, Praha 1, Czech Republic). If this is the same venue as before it has been brightened up, I shall investigate further.

We were given a table for two about halfway into the long Dining Room, people were also sat outside. First up was the Drink Order, the customary Sparkling Water was about twice the price of the Bier, so Draught Pilsner Urquell it was then.

The Menu was not extensive, only a couple of Lamb dishes. There was no Karahi or Balti option, so back to basics. Marg went for the Rogan Josh, Hector the Vindaloo. The Rogan Josh was the yoghurt version, I must admit that thoughts of Amsterdam came back – in hope. Roti, Paratha and Nan were all about the same price (just under £2.00) and so two Nan were ordered, Plain, there was no choice of Garlic, Coriander or any variants. Marg spotted that the Vegetable Curry Dishes were available in half portions as Sides, so an Aloo Gobi was included.

Poppadoms or Dips, if available, were never mentioned. I cannot say I noticed their absence until I started this report.

Plates came, then Cutlery, then the Nan and then the Curry. First impressions were good, especially the very Dry – Aloo Gobi, a pity they did not have the courage to sell their Lamb Curry this Dry.

The first Dip of the Nan into the Masala was impressive, a good – strong and tangy flavour. The Masala was clearly Onion-rich and was suitable thick. The Dark-Red Masala was very well seasoned – Karrah! The Lamb was incredibly tender, yet again I have impressed by the Lamb I have eaten in recent weeks, is it the time of the year? A couple more pieces of Lamb would have gone down a treat, however, the Aloo Gobi was more than a plate filler, the simplicity and volume impressed. Hector was approaching his limit when Marg spooned over some of her Rogan Josh.

Marg was excited about her Rogan Josh from the start. It had a suitable kick and tasted – Earthy – she said. The fresh Ginger Strips and the fresh Coriander were giving the pleasures they should. Marg left one piece of Lamb which was too chewy. Indeed I found Marg’s Lamb to be tender but not quite as impressive as in the Vindaloo, strange. To me the Rogan Josh (with not a Tomato in sight as is the Scottish – Indo/Pak custom) tasted like a good old fashioned Lamb Curry.

The Bill

1070Kc = £33.44. Credit Cards were accepted, a bonus.

The Aftermath

Strictly speaking the aftermath somewhat preceded and followed The Bill. The Waitress became excited about the Calling Card, I also had my phone set to the Curry-Heute Homepage. The Waiter came back with the Card, saw the Website and asked to take my phone into the Kitchen. The Owner came out holding my Card and gave me his. Mr Sanjeev Wadehra is also proudly the Director of Prague’s Savic Hotel. He was also proud of his Tandoor. I was invited to take photographs of the Chap operating the Tandoori Oven which they house at the entrance, everyone can see the Bread being made.

I was presented with the cooked-in-my-honour Nan which was wrapped in foil and put in a Poly-bag. Marg and I were both very full.  Someone was no doubt waiting for this impressive looking Chicken Tandoori.

Hector and Marg headed out into the night sky, what else is a man meant to do in Praha of an evening?  We soon found a worthy case for our impromptu Takeaway a block or two away.  He was most grateful.

Hector will be back in Prague in two weeks time, I shall return to the Indian Jewel with a few more people.

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The Indian Villa, Zinnowitz (Usedom)

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Hector

The sole purpose of our visit to Usedom Island on the Baltic was to visit the Rocket Museum at Peenemünde. Staying at a Pension in Trasseneheide was the only economic way of achieving this. The price of Hotel Accommodation in this area is off the scale. We stopped off in Zinnowitz to take in this Baltic or Ostsee Resort. It is stunning, to think some people are impressed by Blackpool. This was Brighton, for the Rich.

Marg spotted an Elephant at the entrance to the Terrace on a Restaurant. The Restaurant was real, the Elephant was not. The Elephant aroused Hector’s interest, some Elephants are Indian, not that they are aware of this. The venue turned out to be the Indian Villa (Neu Strandsrasse 33, 17454, Zinnowitz), a Half Indian, Half Italian Restaurant. This could be the Best of Both Worlds as Marg enjoys both, but we had Italian last night in the very Disappointing – Restaurant Sara (Osloer Strasse, Wedding, Berlin).

After a wander we returned and sat outside in the late evening sunlight. Menus were secured and Marg’s attempt at ordering a Soda and Lime produced Weinschorle. For once I had a Bier, a local Brew.

Marg suggested Fisch Pakora, why not? Mango Chicken was once again too irresistible for the Lady. The Menu was not to extensive, there were only three Lamb dishes from which to choose. Punjabi Mutton Masala (scharf) sounded just about the Perfect Curry for Hector, just how realistic this would be would create the necessary suspense. There have been some very good Deutsche-Indien Curry served over the years, one never knows until one tries. Mix Gemüse at €2.50 is exactly the Side Dish at the perfect price that Hector has come to seek in recent times. This should guarantee an Interesting Vegetable, or three.

 Poppadoms and Hot Dips

Marg had watched a family at an adjacent table visibly suffer when they applied their Dips to their Poppadoms. I was warned. Carefully spreading the Oily Green Leaves and Brown, Chutney-like, Sauce over my Seeded Poppadom there was a moment of uncertainty. There was a Subtle Blast, nothing The Hector could not handle. The Poppadoms themselves were poor, neither Crisp or Stale. I did see a pile of them later stored in the open, they must have been lying out all day.

 The Starter

The rather Bland Pils was a momentary distraction, the Fisch Pakora came within a brief period of waiting. This immediately impressed, it simultaneously rang the Alarm Bells, how often does an impressive Starter give way to a disappointing Main Course? The Fish was in Batter, the latter is no doubt where the Spices were. The Fish was Fresh and packed a Punch, there was also a minimal Spiced Sauce. The Dish was completed by the usual Lettuce, The Plate Filler. The Lettuce was covered in Mayonnaise, a strange accompaniment.

One hates when the Main Course comes straight after the Starters, there was no such fear at the Indian Villa. Marg was Slightly in Despair at the lack of efficiency manifested by the Staff. New arrivals took ages to be issued with a Menu, Marg as ever felt like fetching them. There was plenty of time to inspect the Facilities and see the indoor part of this eatery. The Main Dining Room would no doubt prove to be sufficient on colder and wetter days. We are in The Baltic, this could be many.

Our plates were brought, a good sign. The plates were cold, a bad sign.

Three large Bowls of Curry and a fourth of Boiled Rice arrived, eventually. By now we were ravenous again. The Waiter spooned some Rice on to both our plates and left us to get on with it. The Lamb Dish looked Creamy, Yoghurt one presumes. Marg’s Mango Chicken I had already seen being brought by the Waiter to other tables, it was not Soup, but close to it. The Mixed Vegetables was served Dry, this looked to be the most visibly pleasing of the three Dishes.

There was no Bread order, the only Bread I had seen on the Menu was neither Chapatti or Roti and cost €2.50, what could be worth this? And so, Lamb, Masala and Rice together – not bad, not Spicy at all. So much for Scharf. There was a single Flavour, a weak Cinnamon possibly, this Dish lacked so much. The Lamb was reasonably Tender and there was enough of it. The base price for each Curry was around the €14 mark, so a skimpy portion would have been insulting. There so called Punjabi Mutton Masala did contain Potato and Peas as did the Mix Gemüse. The latter also had Broccoli and the inevitable Capsicum, but Yellow ones for a change.

Did I enjoy this Curry – yes! It was a bit below average, nothing Special, but the alternative was another Lump of Deutsche Schwein, one can eat that any-time. Hector would rather eat an average Curry than a German Dish, end of.

Meanwhile Marg was chewing her way through the Chicken. Her first remark was how chewy the Chicken was. It was clearly not Halal. The Fruity content appealed as did the Sprinkling of Chopped Almonds. In the end Marg left two large pieces of Chicken, I have seen Curry served with this amount of meat to start. Hector took one and tried to cut it with his fork, no success. The knife was employed. I put half a chunk in my mouth, bloody hell, this was tough. The Lamb had just improved beyond all recognition retrospectively. I left the other half, I do not know the majority of Diners could have eaten this. This was Chicken?

The Bill

€44.30. It took us a while to get The Bill, not surprising given the lack of efficiency manifested by the Waiters. The Bill was produced from the Waiter’s Handheld Computer-Thingamybob. The Paper emerged from the bottom. All this technology – ‘No we don’t take Credit Cards’. Aye right.

 The Aftermath

The Calling Card was accepted after the briefest (Deutsche) explanation. I doubt if the Waiter was that bothered, so it goes. We were offered Schnapps but on realising there was a two hour gap in the train service back to Trassenheide, the offer was graciously declined.

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A Welcome Return to the Naveena Path, Wedding

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Hector

Twenty four hours in Berlin and no Curry-Heute, this had to be rectified. Today is Wedding Anniversary #9 for Marg and Hector, which some may consider a miracle – because Hector was not born until Prague -2007. All will be revealed – for those who do not know the saga – before the end of the month.

Marg had Breakfast at the Kaufhof in Alexanderplatz, Hector saved himself for a return to the Naveena Path (Tegeler Straße 22, 13353, Wedding, Berlin). The Garden Suburb of Wedding is looking better on every visit. The Block on which this modest Curry -Haus finds itself is being done up, our Pension has been let alone as the Vegetation on the Facade may well be holding it together.

A new Canopy adorns the exterior of the Naveena Path, a significant number of people were sat underneath – waiting to eat Curry! A group of four were also sat inside. We took our seats, Hector facing the action.

One of two young Serving Ladies gave us the Menus. A Laminated Yellow Sheet had numerous Vegetarian Dishes, I was tempted to have one as a Side. The Lamb Subji was enjoyed last summer, but I thought I had better keep to my own script and have Fish as I resolved to do in my last Naveena Path write-up. So – Fish Subji – it was then. This Fish dish did not mention Coconut but being a Sri Lankan Restaurant all Curry will have at least Coconut Milk as the key ingredient. The Subji promised an inclusion of Interesting Vegetables, sorted. As Boiled Rice is inclusive I considered the Solitary Chapatti (€1.50) to be an Elegant Sufficiency.

Marg ordered a Modest Poppadom and Mango Chutney.

We had plenty of time to watch the action, indeed Mein Host was being worked off his feet, no sign of his Wife who was helping out on the last visit. One of the Young Servers assured me that my Dish would be along soon, we had waited some time. Most of what was being taken outside was Chicken and Spinach. The locals may know something. The Spinach was plentiful and not the skimpy inclusion I have experienced in some Köln Curry Houses.

Marg’s Chutney and Poppadom was brought some time after another Poppadom had been set before us. There was some concern that Marg was not eating – I had to resort to English to explain all was well.

Eventually the Fish Subji and Boiled Rice were brought in two brimming Metal Dishes. The Vegetable Array was indeed impressive save three large pieces of Capsicum. I deliberately had not made any attempt to exclude this.

The Fish tasted Fresh and was in sufficient quantity. The Rice portion was excessive – who could eat all this? The Masala was Thin and very Light in Colour befitting the Coconut Milk. There was a sufficient Kick and the Flavour was most acceptable. I could not eat this all the time but one is aware that this is the genuine food of the Indian Subcontinent, not the impersonations that too many European Curry houses serve up.

The Chapatti was a stand-out – a very Earthy taste. I was in my element – this was a most enjoyable meal. The Carrots being slightly under-done could be the only criticism.  One cannot really compare this to the Glasgow-Punjabi Cuisine that Hector is used to.  A South Indian Curry is worth experiencing, once in a while.

Marg enjoyed her Poppadoms and remarked that the European version complete with Cumin Seeds are worthy items.

The Aftermath

Normally this section comes after The Bill. Mein Host had looked across more than once whilst preparing the meal. As I finished eating he came over to enquire as to our level of contentedness. I had the Curry-Heute website set up on the Trusty HTC just in case. He had remembered us. We were offered Sri Lankan Tea but declined. Mein Host then Waved The Bill an offer we could not accept.  Leaving and paying nothing (?) so we accepted the Tea. Hector drinking Milky Tea? This turned out to be splendid, the Cinnamon and other Spices making it a pleasant experience. We continued to Chat. One of the Young Servers was his Daughter, a Singer.  The other Young Lady we conclude was neither, a pity.  A Local Naveena Path Curry Fan sat at the adjacent table – he asked for Food. Now this had a familiarity about it and so I related how I do the same at Yadgar in Glasgow.  The German Curry Scene was discussed – I did mention the Indian Mango in München and their Chettinad Cooking.

Business has been very good at the Naveena Path in the past year. There are regular lunchtime customers from the nearby offices. Wedding is an area that is coming back. Given the clean-up campaign of the last year or so this could be prove to be an excellent location. …and with Eschenbräu around the corner…

The process of internal re-decorating was under-way, there are plans to re-design the Bar area. I shall be back – in three weeks, further progress will be reported.  It was suggested that I should phone in advance and give notice of my arrival, a Special Sri Lankan Meal could then be prepared.  Ein Schöner Tag, vielleicht…

The Bill

€17.10. It was an honour to pay.

Posted in Naveena Path | 1 Comment

There I was, on a July Morning… not anticipating Curry-Heute…

Posted on July 1, 2012 by Hector

Four months since my last visit to Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall Street  Glasgow, G3 7PQ), unglaublich! There is a certain Calendar which on the turn of the month revealed a new photo – Marg and Hector at Cafe Salma last October – and dressed in Costume. Marg decided there had to be a Curry-Heute and that it would be at Cafe Salma. Why would Hector disagree?

That Hector and Marg are on Holiday, until August 20, may become unbearable in future Blogs. We are in a most happy mood, it is July, Untouchable!

The Lone Diners entered Cafe Salma @16.0o. A Solitary Poppadom and Chutney/Dips were presented. Where was Hassan?

Marg swithered between a Spicy Korma (*) and the Achari Handi. We (?) have always believed that the Core Chef was ‘invited’ from The Village when Cafe Salma was established, so this (*) could be a Village Desi Korma variant. As the Achari was selected this thesis is as yet not-proven.  Chicken was justified, for the second successive Sunday. So it goes.

After such an absence, Hector had no choice but to go for the Lamb (Boneless) Lahori Karahi – medium, but with a kick. This was guaranteed not to have Capsicum. (Plogies if, Dear Reader, this is becoming repetitive, but one does have standards…) Our Host for the day, the Charming Nepalese Waiter was cooperative as ever, a Vegetable Rice and two Chapattis (at a sensible £1.00 each) were the Accompaniments.

The Single Poppadom proved to be sufficient, the Onion Chutney was sampled, not devoured. The sense of anticipation meant we were both preserving The Appetite.

 Cafe Salma Curry

Both servings had identical looking Masala, not out the same pot, surely? Marg’s Achari Handi was described as having Garlic Butter, Warm Spices and Coriander. The Lady described her Curry as being Fruity, with a Citrus after-taste. The coherence of the superb Halal Chicken was appreciated. Justification, indeed. After Hector had devoured his Karahi, I was permitted to sample the final piece of Chicken. Two reviews, good value for the Reader. I could sense the Pickle, the Achari, giving the expected Tangy Taste, but it was still too sweet for the Hector palate. But then, not everyone seeks the Perfect Hector Curry. There are times when Marg chooses the identical Hector Dish, there are times when she is the Antithesis. Someone should demand the Marg Page? It will never happen.

The Lamb Lahori Karahi has been the standard order at Salma for the last two years. That the Masala looked no different from Marg’s alternative Dish did make the mind wonder. The Vegetable Rice was suitably shared, the Aloo Gobi content thoroughly appreciated. The Classic Interesting Vegetable(s). Rice is not our norm of late, but at this venue it is a must. The first Dip with the impressively Generous Chapattis revealed a familiar Cafe Salma flavour – but a minimalist version thereof…  A 20% Cafe Salma Distinctive Flavour is what I recorded at the moment of the first sample. It did improve, as far as 40%? I have recorded how Hassan has instructed his Chefs to ‘make it special’ on previous visits. Disappointment would be too strong a criticism, underwhelming more apposite. Do I hear The Village calling after a gap of seven months. Seven months without a Village Curry? Try telling Hector that would be the case two years ago. Parking outside Akbar’s, one realises how few visits have been made, despite the overwhelming magnetism? Such is the quality of Glasgow Curry on offer that The Recommended List is hard to maintain. Picture this: on the equivalent weekend last year I was in Bradford with Mr. Holden.  There’s more…

The Bill

£25.70. This is well within acceptable parameters, and with Chapattis and Rice at an Equitable Price, sensible.

 The Aftermath

Mein Host admitted that Hassan was at home – in Morocco. He deserves a holiday.

Marg and Hector retired to the Allison Arms to join the BBC. Bier on a Sunday? We must be on vacation! Until August 20!

In the next 40 Days lookout out for Postings from Berlin, Prague, Budapest, Ceske Budejovice, Passau, Erlangen, München and who knows where else…

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Charcoals, The Award Winning Glasgow Curry House

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Hector

Charcoals (23a Renfield St, G2 1LU, Glasgow) is a Curry House that every Glaswegian has passed. The Renfield Street location is on a prime site a block away from Glasgow Central Station and also on the main North-South Bus Route through the City. Charcoals as a Restaurant is easy to miss as it looks to be yet another Takeaway venue, Hector admits to more than one Pakora purchase before a late train home.

Tripadvisor have it ranked very highly on their Site, The Herald did a review some time back which was not too complimentary. However, Charcoals won the Best of Glasgow Award at a certain event which Hector and Marg attended at the start of this month. Hector last set foot on these premises sixteen months ago, I was in a hurry, so any Curry was acceptable. Today would be different.

The entrance is adjacent to the much more obvious  larger Takeaway opening. Two individuals sat at tables in the narrow passageway, one would turn out to be The Boss, the other, a  young lady disappeared. I was taken to the larger main interior and given a small table at the back wall. A young Waiter who be Mein Host for the visit was very polite and brought me the Drinks Menu and the Menu. I had time to peruse the food on offer and take in the fact that the room felt much brighter than on my last visit. The décor is fine, one can forget the strange entrance once one is in the near-Tardis venue. I estimated there was seating for thirty.

The Sparkling Water was ordered and I then challenged the presence of Desi Karahi in the Pre-Theatre section but not in the Main. I was assured that Desi Karahi was available and so thought I better order it. I did not feel inclined to pay £1.30 for a Chapatti and so ordered the Aloo Paratha at £3.50. There must be logic in there somewhere.

There was a sign advertising free Wi-fi, Mein Host wrote down the Password for me, service!

The trusty HTC kept me amused whilst I waited for the Curry. Mein Host came over and advised that the meal would be a couple minutes more – it was being prepared ‘fresh’ – as he put it. I was in no hurry and did not feel I had been waiting a significant period. I was the Lone Diner, so save any Takeaways being served, the Chef had no distractions.

The Meal was brought, the Paratha was pre-sliced and was in a Basket. The Lamb Desi Karahi was served in a decent sized metal Bowl, it looked to be just the job. Mein Host insisted on laying the Linen Napkin on my lap. This was a far cry from last Saturday’s Curry Experience.

The Masala was Brown and quite thick. The Onion base was complemented by just the right amount of Tomato. The latter had not changed the colour to bright red, thankfully. The first Dip with the Paratha revealed a very pleasant, but not overwhelming flavour. Fresh Coriander had been sprinkled over the dish. When the Coriander was encountered there was a Blast! A highlight. The Lamb was plentiful and very tender, Hector has done well with Lamb of late, or is it re-discovery after the distraction that is Venison? The Paratha was disappearing fast. Aloo Paratha is my favourite. Normally I can never finish one, today I was carefully calculating when it would be no more. It could have been larger.

Mein Host appeared once more to check on my progress. A new Waiter came on duty and immediately came over to check if he could do anything, all was well.

As I made my towards the end of this Curry it struck me that although well above the average, it did lack the ‘wow’ factor but also seemed very familiar. This was the classic – when it works right – Hector Home-Cooked Curry!

The Bill

£14.20. This was within acceptable parameters.

The Aftermath

Hector does not normally issue a second Calling Card, however how else was I to introduce myself as a Curry Award Short-listed Candidate to Curry Award Winner? Mein Host told me he has been here a year and had insisted that the décor was improved and the Menu choices kept at a realistic length. This explained the Desi Karahi phenomenon. The Card was taken to the Chap who had been sitting in the doorway as I entered, The Boss. The Boss was familiar with the Curry-Heute Website having read about it in an Asian Magazine. We discussed further their market niche. They know they do not have the premises to compete the the flashier joints in Glasgow but feel they above well above the basic.  There are plans to expand, I suggest they do something about their entrance.  How many must think this is just a Takeaway?

 My next visit may well be for the late night sneaky Pakora, their Curry I can taste any-time, at home.

Posted in [Charcoals Indian Restaurant (Renfield St.)] | Comments Off on Charcoals, The Award Winning Glasgow Curry House

Ayr – Ayr India – By Invitation

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Hector

Gagandeep, from Ayr India (1A Alloway Place, Ayr, KA7 2AA) contacted Hector at the start of this month and said good things about the Curry-Heute Website. He extended an invitation to visit his Restaurant in Ayr. As this is one of the main purposes of running this Labour of Curry Love, the invitation was willingly accepted.

There are two Ayr India restaurants, the seafront premises serves Traditional Indian food, by this I interpret as what the Scottish expect to find in a Curry House. Alloway Place is the newer outlet and has the addition of more contemporary cooking – or more Traditional Desi style dishes. Confused?

Marg and Hector drove down the M77/A77 for the first time in over a year. Mr O’Leary does not fly anywhere from Prestwick that entices us there any more, this used to be at least a once a month. Alloway Place turned out to be at the main square up from the Pavillion, familiar and easy to locate.

On entering, Gagandeep approached: – Hi, Hector! – gosh, people read this Website.

Dismissing the Lunchtime Menu we went straight for the Real Deal. Such is the harmony, we both narrowed the search down to the page with the section on Home-Style Cuisine. Marg selected Chicken Masaledar which was described as sweet’n’spicy. As Marg declared, this style of dish works better with Chicken, true. Hector has decided to ignore the tempting Karahi option in favour of Lamb Dal Palak – lentil laced wit spinach. Daal is not something Hector would normally consider, but the combination of Lentil and Spinach struck a chord. Two trusty Chapattis (£1.60 each – ouch) were included along with Vegetable Rice. This should guarantee the Interesting Vegetable.

The Soft Drinks were ordered and the waiter suggested Poppadoms, fine.

The only other diners were a family who were nearing the end of their session. They left making positive comments to the waiter. The music was ambient, Prog Ambient? This made a pleasant change from the norm.

The Poppadoms and an array of Dips arrived smartly. The Pakora Sauce, as it was described,  Brown and different, very tasty. The Onion Chutney was not covered in the customary Red Food Dye, good. Marg took care of the Mango Chutney.

Spicy Chicken PuriWe had not ordered a Starter in case we could not do the Mains justice, however the waiter appeared again with a plate of Spicy Chicken Puri – a Complementary offering which could not be refused. This was a thick, dry creation whose flavour immediately took me to the unique Chicken Chat served at Helensburgh’s Akash. Regular readers will know that this is one Starter I must order – the Chicken Puri at Ayr India is in this league,  it was superb.

The Main Dishes were brought after a decent break. The Vegetable Rice was presented as two portions when one had been ordered, – it looked complex, this indeed was a Vegetable Rice. Peas, Mushroom, Chickpeas and slivers of em, Red Capsicum. This was a perfect accompaniment, Marg remarked that there was a pleasing gritty texture in parts – the Chickpeas one assumes. This was an excellent Accompaniment. Such was the volume of the Rice, the Chapattis were relegated to second place.

Lamb Daal Palak


 

The Dal Palak looked just the job. The Masala was thick and looked mean.The first Dip of Chapatti into the Dal Palak revealed a new set of flavours for Hector to experience. Normally, any dish with Spinach becomes dominated by this aggressive Vegetable, not here. The dry-tasting Lentil gave a balance and somehow this was a true melange of both players. The Lamb was plentiful and cooked such that it was so tender. How do Chefs achieve this? This was a very good Curry, a bit more seasoning and it would most certainly have hit the – Wow-factor – level.

Chicken Masaledar

The Masaledar was the antithesis of what I look for in a Curry these days, but then I was not eating it. Marg found her Masaledar to be more Spicy than she anticipated. It was indeed Sweet, I had a taste. Those who like that sort of thing…

Still, Marg thoroughly enjoyed her meal.

*

*

A single white Coffee was ordered, Marg found this to be remarkably enjoyable, hot and milky – just how she likes it..

 The Bill

 £26.75. Hector suspects one Main Meal was scored off The Bill, if so, thank you.

The Aftermath

 We had a good chat with Gagandeep. His Cousin has the New Cafe Punjab (Clydebank), my local. He remarked how British Curry influences are now heading back to the Homeland whilst at the same time people such as myself seek out the authentic home-cooked food.

Marg and I had a pleasant stroll along the Promenade, Ice Cream had to procured. Signs said people should not enter the water as the quality was not assured. The sand on the beach had been scraped clean, whilst a strange scum washed up along the shoreline. Is there something we have not been told?

Posted in Ayr India | Comments Off on Ayr – Ayr India – By Invitation

Glasgow – Shahed’s – The Return

Posted on June 23, 2012 by Hector

Hector has eaten a lot of truly magnificent Curry in the past few weeks: the feast at Yadgar last Friday, Hari’s sublime Venison Curry at the Punjabi Charing Cross and of course the evening spent at the Kahn’s eating Zora’s home cooking. Zora is the Mother of Shahed (78-80 Union St, Glasgow, G1 3QS).

Today Hector felt like something more down to Earth, it was also the chance to thank Shahed once more for his family’s hospitality, alas Mein Host was not on the premises.

Taking a seat in the corner I glanced at the literature provided, no menu. There is no table service here either and so I approached the counter and found a menu. The displays advertise Special Offers but these are not available until 16.00. Last time I eschewed the menu and Shahed cooked me a worthy Curry himself. Today I selected the Curry closest to my norm: Shahed’s Special Karahi with two Tandoori Roti at an acceptable 80p each. I opted for Lamb, of course, and ensured no mushy green Capsicum would be included. The menu gives a full description of this dish and Green Peppers are not quoted, but bitter experience has taught me to double check. I am also reminded of a Berlin menu where the waiter insisted the Capsicum would already be in the Curry and therefore could not be withheld.

The Bill

£9.90. This is an early posting of The Bill, but as one pays in advance… A can of 7Up was the liquid refreshment, no Sparkling Water.

I took my seat and watched the displays reveal an array of wonderful Dry Curry, one can hope. I had time to savour the description of my meal from the menu which I took for reference: ‘Meat or poultry cooked in a Indian wok with green chilli, tomato, garlic, then served with lashing of coriander and freshly sliced ginger strips, creating a lovely dry and spicy dish.’

Shahed, My Apologies in Advance

The Chap appeared with a tray – there was a large Paper Bag containing the Roti. The Curry was in a plastic container, complete with lid. Plastic utensils were on the tray along with the can of 7Up and a straw. Hector’s heart sank. Not since my first visit to Nando’s in Earl’s Court (their first branch?) in 1994 have I been given a Takeaway to eat at a table. Nando’s have certainly changed their style and appear to be doing well.

I removed the lid, horror! At this point I could have sent it back, it was nothing like what I had ordered. But still, it is Curry and I love Curry, it couldn’t be bad, after all I was not in Bamberg. That this even came to mind was unforgivable.

The Curry was red, Tomatoes were very much to the fore, I have to wonder how much Onion had been used in the Masala, perhaps none as the description suggests. The only Onion present was slices of Spring Onion which had been sprinkled after cooking. The – lashing of coriander and strips of ginger – were nowhere to be seen. And as for – dry -, this was was far from Dry, not Soup thankfully, but I mention again the photos of magnificent Dry Curry on display.

The Clydebank Curry Taste

The Masala had a very familiar flavour, the Tomato and Spring Onion were responsible for this. I was missing the Coriander and Ginger, I had also paid the penalty for not ordering an Interesting Vegetable as a Side, but to do so would have meant ordering a separate Vegetable Curry.

The Roti were superb, piping hot, perfect thickness and texture, an excellent accompaniment. I had to search for the Lamb which was lingering beneath the mass of Masala. Although very tender, it was most apparent that the Meat and the Masala were Strangers on the plate, sorry plastic container.

A couple sat at an adjacent table. When their meal were brought they were in larger polystyrene containers. I was puzzled as to the larger dish but realised that the Rice was in here too. So here comes the punchline – I have been advocating the opening of more Curry Café outlets in our City – how often do I frequent the old and tired places with tablecloths? – rarely! This venue has taken the Café aspect excessively towards the basic. On my last visit I was given a plate from which to eat. Available after 16.00?

Update 2015

This venue has now closed.

Shahed, our acquaintance was brief, but most memorable.  Thank you.

I wish you will with your remaining outlets.

Posted in [Shahed's (City Centre)] | Comments Off on Glasgow – Shahed’s – The Return