Half a Million Clicks on Curry-Heute

Posted on May 27, 2012 by Hector

Today, Sunday, May 27 @22.20 (GMT) the Curry-Heute Website passed

One Half Million Clicks 

In no way does Hector suggest that half a million different  people have read his increasingly popular coverage of  Curry Consumption in  Glasgow, Scotland and the Wider World.  As I understand it, this is a measure of the activity on this Website.  I know I have my regular Readers and regular Commentators.  I thank them else this website would simply be self-gratification.  I would like to think that by now there is enough coverage of the Curry Scene for people to consider this a reliable source of information.

It has taken two years to achieve this, acknowledgement has to be given to Hungry House.  Since reaching their Shortlist as Curry Lover of the Year 2011 the number of visits has soared.  I find myself Shortlisted again in 2012.  One year I might actually win?

There should be a Curry Report (Heute) Today to celebrate, after all Hector is in Yorkshire this weekend a few miles from Bradford, his second Curry Home.  Alas, work commitments find me in charge of a group of Weans; Hector is in effect a Prisoner until tomorrow at Malham Tarn Field Centre.

There will be no Curry until Tuesday (Akash, Helensburgh) and Wednesday (Shahed’s, Glasgow).  The Wednesday Curry-Heute Blog promises to be something Special.  Meanwhile enjoy the landscape of Malham and Kingsdale.

This would be a great time for The Bradford Curry Blogger to come to the rescue…

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Ashoka Shak + Iron Sky over Paisley

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Hector

A trip to Paisley midweek?  And on towards Linwood?  The movie Iron Sky had its general release today.  Today was also the last day of its showing in the UK. Today or bust.

There had to be a Curry-Heute to commemorate the day.  Howard was in tow, he is the only Friend of Hector who would appreciate such an instant classic – the Movie, not the Curry as it turned out.

Part of the Harlequin Chain, Ashoka Shak (Phoenix Leisure Park, Linwood Road, Paisley, PA1 2AB) is adjacent to the Phoenix Showcase Cinema, and opposite the former Linwood Car Factory site. The Proclaimers song  made it immortal:  –Linwood no more…’  Ashoka Shak is part of the award winning Curry Chain centred in the West of Scotland, only Ashoka Bearsden has featured before in Curry-Heute.

It was sunny today in Glasgow, to avoid the sun in our eyes (I believe it was the same Sun shining on Paisley) we sat near a Doris dining with five weans.  Fortunately they were waiting for their Ice Cream.  In the West of Scotland on the occasional day it is Hot some go for Curry, some eat Ice Cream – the fortunate have both.

We spotted three dishes that might appear on our well honed preference list.  Two had Capsicum – well one could ask…  Hector could not ignore the calling of Lamb with more Lamb.   The Ra Ra Gosht was described on the menu as: tender pieces of lamb and lamb mince cooked in a tarka masala base with garlic, ginger and coriander.  No mention of Capsicum.  The waiter was helpful and identified this as the Dry Curry of the three.  Ra Ra Gosht it was.

Howard considered the Lamb Desi: tender lamb on or off the bone cooked with fresh onion, tomatoes, ginger, garlic,  green chilli and coriander and an abundance of onions and chopped capsicum. The Karahi Bhuna was therefore dismissed,  Boneless Desi was the choice.

We had just selected the two most expensive Curry Dishes on the menu – clever.

Two Chapattis (£1.10) for Hector and a Garlic and Coriander Nan for Howard were the Accompaniments.  By the time our Curry appeared the Ice Cream had been served and The Weans had gone – Bliss!

Both Dishes received the thumbs up on presentation, this was not Soup, and no Capsicum had been injured in the preparation of either meal. The Ra Ra Gosht was a very thick looking Feast.  The Lamb Mince occupied the place in the Masala where Onion might typically dominate. The texture of the Lamb was superb – this was melt in the mouth tender.  The Chapattis scooped up the Lamb Mince with ease.  This dish was fun to eat.  The portion size was perfect.  Occasionally a blast from the past emerged in terms of flavour but this is where it did fall down.  Hector knew how it could be improved and would tell anyone who would listen – or read this Blog Entry.

The Lamb Desi was Spicier than the Ra Ra Gosht, I know – I was permitted a sample.  Howard felt it still lacked a Kick.  He also felt that the Masala had not influenced the flavour of the Lamb or vice versa.  On occasions like this I tend to conclude that they have met for the first time on the plate.  Surely not here? Not in this well respected Chain?  However, this is pretty much what I wrote when I visited the Bearsden branch.

Every morsel of Curry and Bread was consumed.  The Chapattis were somewhat wet compared to the norm.

The Bill

£28.90.  This is slightly above the average for the West of Scotland but our selections were from the Specials part of the Menu.  The Chapattis had also mysteriously turned into Tandoori Roti at £1.25 each – sneaky.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was presented to Mein Host – he took it in good heart and stated that he hoped the review would be good.  I took the opportunity to give him my not so humble opinion as to how the Curry could have been better, i.e. suit me!  The Curry was not Karrah.  More Seasoning, more Spice and definitely Fresh Methi would have hit the spot.  The Curry was thoroughly pleasant but we know where to have better.  There are advantages of going to venues regularly – they get to know how to prepare what you want.

Iron SkyNazis on the Moon, where else would you expect to find them? This was ninety minutes of madness; it is amazing that we find Nazis funny these days.

Fear not – Hector is not about to start a Movie Blog.

Update

Ashoka Shak closed @2018

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Bishopbriggs – The Delhi Darbar

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Hector

The Delhi Darbar (4 Woodhill Road,  Bishopbriggs, G64 1JL) was recommended to Hector some years ago by Scott who lives in this northern Glasgow Outpost.  This evening’s visit was Marg and Hector’s third to the Delhi Darbar, all have been on a Sunday and the previous two were on Mother’s Days. Curry Conveyor Days.

We arrived at 16.30, they had been open thirty minutes and already the car park had a dozen cars in it.  Our previous visits were on particularly busy days, but there must still be a Sunday afternoon Curry Kultur in this upper part of Auchinairn.   The customers kept coming, the place remained more than half-full – business here is good, there must be a reason.

It took quite some time to acclimatise to the subdued lighting.  Eventually I was able to actually see the Menu.  The décor is splendid with hanging features and a departure from the once normal flock wallpaper.

The Menu had Methi Gost (sic) under the Chicken Curry list, this was puzzling.  I was considering taking advice when Marg announced that she was having the Lamb Karahi – well that’s it then – two Lamb Karahi – without the dreaded Green Mushy Vegetable.  Rice was dismissed, let us eat the dish in the proper manner: three Chapattis (60p each) were the Accompaniments. 

Poppadoms, Onion Chutney and a Dip were brought to the table even though they did appear on the Menu as chargeable items.  A plate of Bombay Mix came too.

We recalled that on our first visit we had ordered Starters and then a Complimentary Started arrived too.  We have not made that mistake again.  Indeed just as we finished the last piece of Poppadom, a plate of  Chicken Wings was set before us.  These were Fresh and Spicy and fortunately Marg ate her share, else the Main Event would have suffered.

There was a decent gap between the Entrees and the arrival of the Karahi.  The Chaps were kept busy clearing up after the departed and bringing out a constant stream of food. 

When the two cast iron karahi dishes were set before us, the Redness was not that apparent in the ambient light. Marg thought the Masala to be excessive and so immediately ordered Pilau Rice.   Now if Marg though it wet…  Hector had hoped for something Dry and Brown, but here we go.

There was a very strong flavour of Pickle/Citrus, so any thoughts about blandness were dismissed.  Marg felt she was getting a lot of Ginger, I marveled at how the pieces of Chopped Fresh Coriander kept appearing even towards the end of the meal.  The Lamb was tender and there was certainly enough of it. This was a good Curry, I would not call it outstanding.  I wish I could recall what I had on my first visit some five years ago – that was outstanding.

The late Rice order arrived and changed the dimension of what we were eating.  By now we were well sated. 

The Bill

£19.30.  The unit cost of the Karahi was under £7.  With two soft drinks, the added Rice and all that was set before us at the start, this was quite a banquet for a very modest price. 

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was left at the bar but The Chaps were really too busy to engage.  I must ask Scott to find out if they still do the Dry Herb Lamb Curry that I enjoyed so much on Visit #1. Then I will definitely be back.

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Venison Curry at The Punjabi Charing Cross

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Hector

Mr.  Holden is in town!  The Man from Bradford needed a Curry to match the quality that he is served in The Curry Capital.  The venue was dictated by a conversation Hector had last week with Raj and Hari  at the Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North St  Glasgow G3 7DA).  They have been promoting Goat as an alternative to Lamb in recent weeks.  I raised the possibility of Venison.

Only once before have I tasted Venison Curry and it was home cooked by Hector himself!  Mr. Holden was slightly apprehensive for reasons I could not fathom – the man eats Sheep Brain’s Curry, and worse than that –  Liver…

Marg and Hector made their rendezvous with Mr. Holden and [Stan.TB] at the Bon Accord and walked the huge distance to the Punjabi.  It must be five paces.  Two French customers were the only people present as we arrived but a table of four Chaps appeared halfway through.  Hopefully business is looking up for this outstanding Curry House.

Starters, this is unusual in an outing for [Stan.TB] and I.  Marg likes to share.  Haggis Pakora was mentioned, it is not a joke but we had to get the Englishman to try it.  A Seekh Kebab and a Fish Pakora also found their way into the order.

Four portions of Venison Curry was the order.  Chapattis and Roti  in an elegant sufficiency too.

 

We were kept amused by the Complementary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney, Marg requested some Mango Chutney and it came instantly.  The Fish Pakora was very fresh and the powdered Spice  gave it a real kick.  Mr. Holden thoroughly enjoyed his share of the Haggis Pakora – Och aye the Noor….  The Seekh Kebab disappeared without coment.

Bambi Curry

A solitary portion was brought to the table.  The portion was seen to be substantial.  A bone stuck up in the middle of the mass of meat.  The pieces were cut quite large.  This looked a real treat.  The remaining three portions trickled up to the dais along with the Breads.  This was a stunning Curry!  The Masala was more plentiful than my normal Gurmeet.  It was thick and oily and was a bit of a throwback.  The Venison was so tender, there was little evidence of Fat in any of the portions.  The meat is porous and so takes in the flavour of the Spices.  Mr. Holden was convinced that this had been cooked yesterday and left to soak in all the flavour, however this is the very nature of Venison.  The Venison then has a payback and gives its own flavour back to the Masala. 

Karrah!

The meal was very well seasoned, in fact to the point of being on the limit.  A sheer delight.  I doubt that anyone who does not prefer Lamb to Poultry would ever enjoy it.  Venison must be the ultimate meat to Curry – unless someone knows anything different…

The Bill

£66.80.  At £11.90 per portion of Curry this was great value.  We expected to pay extra for this premium meat.  Given the portion size we did very well.

The Aftermath

Hari was thanked for setting this up.  Goat is now advertised on the hoarding outside the Punjabi.  How long before Venison makes another appearance?

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Choudhury Indian Restaurant – Bedford

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Hector

Another day in Bedford, another Curry.  Hector was pleased that after the disappointment of the previous evening at the Alamin Tandoori, Howard and Tracey were up for a Curry Lunch before we set of to St. Alban’s with [Stan.TB] who does not feature in any of the Bedford Curry reviews, very strange.

The Choudhury Indian Restaurant (64 Tavistock Street,  Bedford, MK40 2RG) was evidently open at Noon.  Hector arrived first having walked the Trek down Foster Hill Road.  A Lancaster Bomber flew overhead, a good omen for a Curry?

Howard and Tracey joined me just after Noon by which time I had asked the Waiter which was the drier of the dishes between the Balti and the Karahi, he suggested the latter.  This would have been my dish of choice but Howard spotted Lamb Methi on the menu and gave way to me.  He ordered the Karahi on my recommendation.   The Karahi was offered in Tender Lamb or Lamb Tikka – so no confusion here.  A Saag Gosht was another possibility, in fact we were spoilt for choice.

For a modest £2.50 one could add from an array of Sides – the Potato Peas felt appropriate, this was my addition.

Tracey ordered the Ceylon Prawn dish.  A Garlic Nan and a Rice were ordered to share, Hector tried a new trick: one Chapatti and one Tandoori Roti.  Somebody sneaked in a Lager Shandy.

[Stan.TB] had called to verify our location.  He would eat later, here as it turned out.  He dropped by and took our photo, a nice man, sometimes.

The meals were presented by our ever so Charming Waiter.  Tracey was slightly put off by the abundance of Red, however the potent Spice warmed her and she only had positive things to say.  The Prawn content of the dish was remarkable, I too have never see so many Prawns in a Curry.  The Nan was also a standout, I am told.  Soft and Fresh, I too would find the Bread very satisfying.

Howard’s Karahi looks as if it is Chicken but as I was permitted a piece of his Lamb for sampling purposes, I am mystified by my own photo.  Howard found the dish to be medium strength and perfectly acceptable for a Sunday Lunch.

The Lamb Methi was very good, not outstanding.  Methi of course is one of Hector’s favourite Herbs and could not be resisted.  The Lamb was indeed Tender, as described.  Of course there was the Side, the Potato and Peas gave the meal an extra dimension – a sweeter flavour to dip into – very fine.  The portion was ample for the three of us to try.   Two Roti can be disappointment, the second tends to crisp too much.  The Roti was therefore devoured with the Chapatti as a superb follow on.  This worked a treat.

The Bill

£37.95.  Including the early morning Shandy.

Overall, the Three Diners left feeling very satisfied.

The Aftermath

We made our rendezvous with [Stan.TB] at the Railway Station and headed to St. Albans, another first, but no time for a Curry.

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Alamin Tandoori – Bedford

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Hector

Five of our party of six were up for a Curry-Heute.  [Stan.TB] had eaten a mass of Potato and Bits at the Corn Exchange.  We asked our taxi driver to recommend somewhere, he couldn’t.  He suggested that the Bedford Curry Houses are all pretty much at the same standard.  He did not invite us to go and eat at his Mother’s who is the best cook in the area, allegedly.

The Alamin Tandoori (51 Tavistock Street,  Bedford, MK40 2RF) is directly across the road from the Saffron where Hector had consumed a very impressive Lamb Balti for lunch. We were placed at a table for eight which gave us lots of space, a good start.  Five Poppadoms and Dips were requested, a solitary Shami Kebab completed the Starters.  This was for Lord Clive, who along with Lady Maggie is just back from India.  It would be interesting to see what they ordered.

Howard and Hector spotted the same dish as being the most likely one to satisfy our needs.  The Naganzi had three Chillis and was described as Tender Lamb in a special Naga Chilli Pickle and Exotic Spices with Spicy Texture and extremely Flavoured.  I checked with the Waiter that this would not be Soup and was positively assured.

Tracey chose the Gosht Pata which was again Tender Lamb with Roasted Onion and Cream.  Tracey enjoys a Creamy Curry, and Cheesy ones too for that matter.

Maggie had the closest dish to what she enjoyed in India – the Lamb Chops Special.  Clive ordered; wait for it, a Chicken Dansak.?

A couple of Nans were to be the Accompaniments along with Mushroom Rice.  Keema Rice was a new encounter and so two portions of this were added.  Hector would have a plate of Rice!

The rest of this report will split the company into those just back from India and those who recognize that Curry is a British invention best served in Glasgow and Bradford.  The Shami Kebab was made short work of.  Clive’s Chicken (no comment) Dansak was the classic Plate of Soup that the majority of The Friends of Hector cannot abide.  Clive accepted the Sweetness and described it as very nice.  One  can hardly expect a more erudite comment from somebody who orders a Chicken Curry.  Maggie got tore into her Lamb Chops.  A pile of Bones was all that was left, she was certainly satisfied, the Flavours had thoroughly permeated the Chops – of course ‘Yvonne would never have eaten like that…’

The three Visitors from Glasgow were not amused by what had been set before us.

Moments after starting my far too wet Naganzi the Waiter came over to make the customary check on our progress.  I had to ask if this was indeed Lamb.  Once again an English Curry House has served up Lamb Strips which is not possible for Tender Lamb.  I was told that the House does not serve Beef.

A second Waiter said the Lamb had been Marinated and Baked in a Clay Oven.  This was Tikka Lamb then, not the Tender Lamb that the menu clearly stated.  The Naganzi lived up to its Spice rating but there was no Flavour at all from the Masala.  None.  The Keema Rice was very Dry, not a bad thing as far as I am concerned, the Mince was well integrated, there was a hint of fruit – Flavour at last.  That I was finished the lot in a matter of minutes suggests that the overall portion was not generous.  I should have ordered the Khorai not the minimalist Plate of Soup.

Howard at least had Nan to spin out his meal.  We both concurred that if the menu says Tender Lamb, then that is what they should serve.

Meanwhile Tracey was disappointed that the Onions  had merely been sprinkled over the top of her Soup-like dish.  There was no evidence that the quoted Cream had been added either.  She too found the (Tender) Lamb to be unacceptable.

The Bill

£65.25.  This was well within acceptable parameters, but then three out of five of us had not been impressed.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was presented and graciously received.  Wed Woses were presented to the Ladies.  Two Bedford Curry Experiences –one very good, one disappointing, perhaps there has to be a decider?

Posted in Alamin Tandoori | 1 Comment

Saffron – The First Ever Bedford Curry

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Hector

It is the weekend of the Bedford : Bamberg Spring Fest.  The Corn Exchange is hosting this great concept of bringing the  Bier of Bamberg to our shores.  Why it has taken Lord Clive three years to discover the existence of this event has yet to be established.  Bier-Traveller has an excellent account of the proceedings.

Last night Hector bade farewell to is travel companions and headed up The Broadway and Tavistock Street in the hope of securing his first ever Bedford Curry.  Yes, Bedford, not his beloved Bradford.  The Cluster of Curry venues along this half kilometre stretch of road would surely provide oodles of choice.  In the end it was established that all sitting in venues were closed by 12.30.  One waiter rolled his eyes when I asked for a table – I could not order a Takeaway as I was faced with a twenty minute walk into the unknown.  The Brickhill Rd Travelodge was somewhere to the North-East.

Rested but hardly refreshed, Hector and [Stan.TB] strolled down Foster Hill Rd at breakneck speed.  [Stan.TB] went off for a Wetherspoons Breakfast, Hector renewed his Curry quest.

The number of venues is impressive, but how many would open at lunchtime?  The Saffron (64 Tavistock Street,  Bedford, MK40 2RG)  had a board on the pavement stating that they were open.  Technically they open at Noon, but Hector was welcomed inside at 11.40.

The Lamb Balti in Leamington Spa went down well last Saturday, so whilst in England why not stick to their Speciality? Two Chapattis (40p each) were negotiated after I had enquired as to the size of the offering.  The Chef was dispatched to the Kitchen  for the first serving of this fine day.

The wait was within acceptable parameters, the Chap emerged from the Kitchen with what looked like an impressive Curry.  The Masala was minimal and thick.  The first Dip revealed an array of pleasant flavours.  The Lamb was tender, there was plenty of it, Hector already knew that he had found a decent Curry House.

This was my first ever Bedford Curry, I was impressed.  I also knew that there would have to be at least one more Bedford Curry consumed on this trip.

 The Bill

£12.50.  This included the a bottle of Sparkling Water.

 The Aftermath

I wandered down to the Great Ouse, my first ever glimpse of this river I learned so much about at school. There was a rendezvous for a continuation of the main purpose of our visit.

There was also the choice of where to go next:

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Punjabi Charing Cross or Spanish Football?

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Hector

Hector the ever-professional only sneaks out for the occasional mid-week aperitif in the summer term once all the certificate nonsense is taken care of.  Athletico Spain v Spanish Athletico in the Bon Accord proved not to be sufficient entertainment.  Between the Bon Accord and Charing X Station lies danger.  One could not help but cast one’s eyes left as the five paces between the Bon Accord and safety were strode.

There was a Wave

Young Hari caught the eye, it would have been impolite not to go in on a quiet Wednesday evening and exchange the time of day.  Once I was in, the trap had been set.  How can Hector stand in one of his favourite Curry Houses and not eat?  There was a brief enquiry as to what was available and to be precise – was Chef Gurmeet on duty?  This was confirmed and the infamous Lamb Guremeet was underway.

Meanwhile Yvonne was on the phone to say that she and Craig (in Birmingham) had just had their best Curry – ever.  This on the very day when Steve Harris (Ark / Paul Menel Band) was exchanging Curry venues – in Birmingham.  This man insists that Birmingham Curry is better than Bradford Curry. Is this possible?  Hector has only had one Birmingham Curry experience.

The Complementary Poppadom and Onion Chutney were consumed with vigour.  It was after 21.00.  Young Hari brought the goods – the Lamb Gurmeet looked as mean as ever: the minimal but thick Masala with the obvious overload of Methi – but not so excessive that it becomes a Saag /Palak variant, and enough flavour to send Hector into ecstasy.

With two typical Glasgow Chapattis the entire dish was scoffed.  The Lamb was partly on-the bone, how else could it be served? This is perfection.  One does tend to become excited when this level of dish is presented.

The Bill

£13.10.  This included the customary glass of Sparkling Water.

The Aftermath

This is when the evening took off.  Hari (Sr) resplendent in off-duty red polo-shirt arrived to greet Hector.  The update on the Glasgow Curry scene (as perceived by the Hector)  was continued with Young Hari .

We discussed the last visit with the Goat and how I thought the portion had shrunk.  Hari shared my belief that this should not happen.  If the dish costs more to present then put the price up!  I also suggested that more places should sell by weight thus guaranteeing the size of the served portion.

Young Hari was well aware of Shorva and he mentioned Turnip.  Have people been reading these entries?

I offered the wonderful idea as experienced last Saturday in Leamington Spa – the £2.50 additional Interesting Vegetable to top one’s Curry.  This would work as long as the Chef does not interpret the order –  a Lamb and Potato Curry.

Hari suggested Chicken.  Is there something I do not know?  Venison had been mentioned before.

Hari re-appeared.  We agreed that Venison could be the ultimate meat to Curry.  Hector knows this to be true. I cooked a Venison Curry once – it was remarkable.

Hari dared to suggest that with the number of Blog entries and Restaurants visited I could eat out for free.  This would never do.  I enjoy the freedom of critique without pressure.

[Stan: TB!] texted between the Punjabi and Charing X Station.  Our man from Bradford is in Glasgow next week – he needs Glasgow Curry.

The task of taking a man from Bradford to a pleasing venue in Glasgow  is always our challenge.  Hari was phoned – the Venison Curry is on order for Wednesday.

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A return to Leamington Spa for Curry and Pendragon – and a portion of IQ too!

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Hector

Normally the Curry-Heute write up appears before the Gig, but not tonight.  Marg and Hector were set for a Curry just after 18.00.  The plan was to collect the tickets from The Assembly, the venue in Leamington Spa but on arrival there was a queue.  It became apparent that there would be an early kick-off, but as usual nobody can ever give a definitive schedule.

Paul Menel Band

It was March 17, 1989, when I last saw Paul Menel perform with IQ.  Tonight the Support could easily have been a Headline Act.

We entered the hall and within ten minutes The Paul Menel Band, or tonight’s configuration thereof, took the stage.  Paul Menel was accompanied this evening by Martin Orford (keyboards), both are former IQ members, the latter having only left in the last three years.  Paul Menel featured as vocalist on the third and fourth IQ albums back in the late 1980s.  Eventually IQ split only to reform and record the mighty Ever and Subterranea albums.  Paul Menel disappeared into obscurity.

Tonight’s set featured the songs from these two classic IQ albums – Nonzamo and Are You Sitting Comfortably as well as featuring two non IQ tracks.

No Love Lost was performed as a duet before Steve Harris (Ark) took to the stage with his guitar for Promises and Nonzamo.  A new Menel song – Ray of Hope interrupted the IQ Nostalgia-Fest, and then an acoustic guitar was brought on.  Could this mean the intro to what remains one of Hector’s all time favourite tracks … the opening notes confirmed Common Ground … this was worth the trip from Glasgow alone.  Hector is not big on lyrics, however this song is an exception.

Company ‘A’ to Company ‘B’ “Morale is high here, sir, but I don’t think it’s safe to go” Company ‘A’ from Company ‘B’ “Mister you have your orders and you must obey” So the first line rose, and the first line fell And a poet who survived later wrote about A “Sunlit vision of Hell”

Steve’s own interpretation of the guitar outro gave the song a new slant.  If one has never heard this, it is on the Nonzamo album.

A Martin Orford composition, Chair then followed and sounded more IQ-like than some IQ material.  Still Life in a blues rhythm completed a fine set, or I wish it had.  For some inexplicable reason we had to stand through Comfortably Numb as the closer.  When one has written material of the strength of War Heroes, Wurench and Nothing at All, why play this?

(Thanks to Steve Harris for providing the set list)

Pendragon

The changeover between the bands was minimal.  The word had gone round by now that we were all to be out by 22.00.  Pendragon were on stage by 19.30 so a full set was in the offing, but not the three hours we were treated to at the same venue a couple of years back.

Passion and Empathy were played sequentially at the start.  This had not been the case on last year’s tour as presumably this much new material at the start of a set could prove difficult.  But come on, we are all die hard Pendragon fans, here to show our appreciation for the music and witness the only gig this year in the UK.

A Man of Nomadic Traits (Not of This World) was followed by Alaska from the very first album The Jewel.  Nick likes to mix the old with the new and ensure the set always stays fresh. Back to the Passion album and the track that has won all the awards in the last year Green and Pleasant Land.

The first of only two tracks from the previous album – Pure began without introduction.  Freak Show is superb and is only upstaged by the track which closed the main set. Skara Brae and Your Black Heart (both Passion) completed the new material. Nostradamus (Window of Life) is always used mid-set to get everyone bouncing again after a quiet ending to a song.

Nick Barrett has composed two pieces of music that any man would proud of: Breaking the Spell (Window of Life) and Indigo (Pure) were played to close the main set.  Twenty minutes and more of sheer pleasure.  Hector’s favourite Pendragon tracks, one after the other.  It was worth the drive from Scotland, oh, I’ve written that already.

The banter between the songs is very much Nick chatting with his mates.  ‘Are there any Germans in the crowd?’

‘Nein!’   ‘Nein!’   Nein!’

There was a Polish guy who blocked Marg’s view so she moved to the side. This was seconds before the Bier started to fly.  What is it about my Tegernsee fleece that attracts Bier?   Hector was soaked.

The encores were World’s End (Not of This World) and Masters of Illusion (Masquerade Overture).  It could have been any two of over a dozen choices such is the quality of the music of Pendragon.

Nick left us with ‘See you when the next album comes out.’

Same time next year?

(Thanks to Rachel Wilce for providing the set list)

This was Marg’s third Pendragon concert in England plus a couple now in Glasgow.  Last time we stayed behind to meet The Chaps, but Curry was calling.

This is a Curry Blog!

The area around Leamington Spa Station has an abundance of venues to choose from.  King Baba was the choice – the décor and ambience was more appealing to Marg.  On his own, Hector would have been in at least one of the Cafes.

After last night’s disappointment in Appleby there was a feeling that anything would be better.  The menu had an array of Balti dishes.   Marg chose the Lamb Balti Rogan Josh and I went for the Lamb Karahi Balti with Aloo and specifically no Capsicum.  There was a nice touch to the menu where for an extra £2.50 one could add any combination of vegetables to one’s dish.  This is a great idea, I hope others read this and consider it as the way ahead.    As last Saturday’s discussion at Yadgar will confirm man cannot enjoy Curry with meat alone – bring on the Interesting Vegetable!

Two Chapattis and one Garlic Nan were the Accompaniments.  Marg was taking no chances either after the miniscule offerings the night before.

When the meals arrived there was instantaneous gratification.  These looked like Curry!  The first dip revealed all that is Curry.  A wonderful, but minimal Masala and the tenderest of Lamb.  The flavours emerged and satisfaction was once again achieved. The added Potato and the Onion slices gave great diversity.  This was a very good Curry.

Marg’s Rogan Josh disappeared quickly too.  I was permitted the last piece of Lamb, another fine dish.

I made my pleasure known to the Chap who cleared the plates, there was a positive reaction to this.

The Bill

£27.35.  With two soft drinks this was exactly what we would pay in Glasgow.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was received and I could sense the other staff taking interest.  I promised a good write up – here it is.  I can certainly recommend King Baba in Leamington Spa.  Hector will return, one day.

Now for a short drive to Coventry where the only affordable hotel room in the area was located.

Posted in King Baba | 1 Comment

Ashiana, Appleby-In-Westmorland

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Hector

Hector and Marg find themselves in Appleby en route to Leamington Spa to see Pendragon and two former IQ members appearing as the Paul Menel Band.  Quality Bier was meant to be available and a surprising choice of two Curry Houses in such a small town.   The Desi  Spice was Hector’s intended venue for  Curry-Heute, however the owner of our excellent B&B   advised against this and spoke very favourably about the Ashiana (9 Bridge Street, Appleby-In-Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6QH).  One has to bow to local knowledge, or should one follow one’s instincts and realise that a place with Desi in the name may have something more to offer?  We may never know, our table was booked, we would arrive at 20.00.

The menu had the fall back basics and some new names that caught the eye.   There was no Karahi or Desi style dish on offer.  Was this really an Indian Restaurant?  The engraving on the window said Asian. Hector chose the Shorisha, Lamb of course, because it was one of the few dishes that did not list Capsicum, the dreaded mushy vegetable, as one of the ingredients.  An interesting blend of Spices was claimed.  Marg opted for another new name – Imlea which read like a Tamarind flavoured Patia.  It was agreed the Chicken version would be more suited to this style of dish. Three Chapattis were ordered as accompaniments.

Moments later the table to my right was served.  I spotted an impressive looking Aloo side dish so sprang up to secure this add-on.  Bombay Potato it was then.  The table to my left was then served.  What could only be Chicken Tikka Masala was set before the Lady, the classic Chicken in a Bowl of Soup. Her Beau was served with an impressive platter of Chicken Tikka.  The third dish on the table was a dry Lamb dish.  What was this?  Why had I not seen anything matching this description on the menu?  Would I get something like this, or the Bowl of Soup?

Perhaps, Dear Reader you can predict the answer?

The Shorisha was red and wet.  Cue the look of disappointment.  The Lamb was in strips which would not be maintained by boiling.  This, I concluded was Lamb Tikka, not my preferred option.  The Masala not only contained Green Peppers but Red Peppers too.  A double whammy against the Hector.  These provided the only flavours in the dish.  The Masala was tasteless, how they managed this I know not.  That the Capsicum dominated is commensurate with my entire campaign against this needless addition.

On a positive note

The Bombay Potato was impressive.  The minimal Masala was thick, full of flavour and there was more kick from this than the very bland Shorisha.  Three portions of this would have made a very Happy Hector.

Imlea

Marg may well be easier to please than Hector.  She enjoyed her meal in which Mango was the dominant flavour.   The brown colour of the Masala was more appealing  than the off-putting red.   Being permitted a sample I did find this certainly more flavoursome than the bland Shorisha, but too sweet.

Now what?

It soon became apparent that the three modestly sized Chapattis would not be enough.  Being spoiled by Glasgow/Bradford sized Chapattis one cannot know what to expect when one is in The Sticks.  Given the amount of liquid set before us a Pilau Rice had to be ordered halfway through the meal.

As the waiter cleared up he asked if we had enjoyed our Meal.  ‘One of us did!’ was the reply.

The Bill

£31.15.  This included one large bottle of Sparkling Water and a Coffee.  The Calling Card was presented with little acknowledgment.

 The Aftermath

The staff made no attempt at any discourse about their food.

Marg later admitted that she was puzzled as to why I had not walked out when the menu was presented.  Indeed, we could have had a better Curry elsewhere.  Anything would have been better this, and I would not have had to compose such a negative review which frankly I do not enjoy.

Should I find myself in Appleby again, the Desi  Spice will be the port of call, it must be better, surely?

Time for a Bier…

Posted in Ashiana | 3 Comments