The Tenth Visit to the Punjabi Charing Cross

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Hector

Hector and Steve had a swift half with the Chaps at Hengler’s Circus before the 19.00 rendezvous at The Bon Accord with some Colleagues – we are on vacation – once more – not again – oh yes!  Euan took advantage of the chain’s Thursday Night Curry Offer.  Hector has had one Wetherspoon’s Curry, it was his last.

The Colleagues Curry was for six, Hector went into The Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA) in passing to advise that we would come in an hour or so and that the order would include four of the self titled Lamb Gurmeet (named after the Chef).  For those who are not familiar with the dish which is not on the menu, it is a combination of two Punjabi dishes, features Lamb on-the-bone, has loadsa Methi and the Capsicum is excluded.  It is the House version of a Bradford-style Lamb Karahi.

Marg, whose photograph will not appear in this report due to an incident at hockey on Monday, prefers her Lamb boneless so the Lamb Chilli Ginger was her choice this evening.  Louise the token Vegetarian ordered Vegetable Biryani.

The Complementary Poppadoms and Dips were on the table as we sat down, the order for the Accompaniments was efficiently dealt with, Marg and Hector would share two Chapattis and a Vegetable Rice as is our norm, the Biryani takes care of itself, Steve asked for a Nan and a Chapatti (?), Ian and Anne – two Boiled Rice and a Nan.  Anne also insisted that we have Vegetable Pakora, so we did.

It was a pleasure to have the company of Anne and Ian, the latter being Hector’s biggest critic.  (He is not my brother, but could be my clone.) He has taken my advice on places to visit over the years and has rarely been impressed.  His suggestions have been met with blank states by Hector.  We look for different things in a Curry.  Steve has not been back to the Punjabi Charing Cross since the opening night, he Marg and I were the first paying customers last April.  That I insisted on coming here and not the new Akbar’s around the corner was challenged by Steve.  I had to be in full Hector mode to convince him that the Lamb Gurmeet is one of the best dishes served in the City of Glasgow.  So no pressure on me then. This was Louise’s first visit; the last time the six of us dined together was at Café Salma last October for a certain 30 year Celebration.

With the Starters out of the way the mains appeared ‘Visitors first.’ is how Hari put it as he presented the far side of the table from Hector with their meals.  It was then that Steve realised he had not ordered Rice; Nan and Chapatti it would be then, somehow he ate the lot.

With the table straining, Hari appeared with another Karahi and opened with an apology: ‘This might not be as good as last time, we only had an hour to prepare it.’.  Behold a mass of Karela, the Bitter Vegetable – genius!  This was passed round the table for all to sample, The Vegetarian was reluctant, no comment.

The Vegetable Biryani did not look too dissimilar to Marg and Hector’s shared Vegetable Rice.  There was a Masala, but as it was described as sweet I did not bother contaminating the palate.  This end of the table was dry, with the exception of the largest bottle of Sparkling Water set before the Hector.

The Curry?  Dear reader, I have already related that this is one of the finest dishes served in the City of Glasgow so it was no surprise when the three novices all began to make positive noises.  Ian described the Lamb as ‘excellent’, praise indeed.  Methi is not a Herb that the rest of the table appeared to be familiar with, it is on their radar now.  The KRK grocer on Woodlands Road will no doubt be visited soon.  The thick Masala was sheer perfection, the quantity of Lamb as it should be allowing for the bone debris.  Those who had the Lamb Gurmeet (with extra Karela) were truly indulged.

Let us not forget the Lamb Chilli Ginger.  Marg was delighted with her selection, a piece of her Lamb did appear on my plate but in no way could it compete with the taste overdose that we, the eaters of Gurmeet, were enjoying.

The Bill

£80.90.  A tidy sum, some had Beer.

The Aftermath 

Ian said he would return – !!!!

The end of the first full day of the vacation, time to consider how best to spend day two, day three….

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | Comments Off on The Tenth Visit to the Punjabi Charing Cross

Manchester – Shahi Masala and Al-Faisal Tandoori

Posted on March 24, 2012 by Hector

Marg announced a few weeks ago that she was planning a mini hockey tour for her First XI to Manchester.  I was invited to accompany her, nice.  A pity this may not be the last use of the term nice in this report.  The location of the opposition hockey pitch just happened to be one block to the west of Manchester’s famous Curry Mile, Hector became very interested.

The Travelodge on Upper Brook St. where I had resided back in January of this very year would once again prove to be the perfect place for nocturnal repose.  Speeding down to Manchester last evening at a steady 62mph courtesy of the restricting gizmo in the minibus, it was a somewhat late arrival – would you believe Pizza was the food of choice?

This morning there was an early rise leading to the game of hockey which the visitors won.  The drive back to the hotel gave the opportunity for Hector to see the Curry Mile by day.  One young lady asked if it really was – a mile.

There was now an hour in which the ladies could satisfy their need to shop.  Hector led Marg to Al-Faisal Tandoori (58 Thomas Street  Manchester M4 1EG) for Curry #1 of the day.  Somehow we had managed to park in Turner St, right in the heart of Manchester’s Curry Cafe scene.   It is strange how these things happen. Having eaten a substantial breakfast, Marg was content to watch Hector indulge himself in a Lamb Karahi.  A single Chapatti would prove sufficient, the lesson having been learned about ordering two on the last visit.

Served in an instant, the meal was brought with Marg’s milky looking tea.

The Karahi was very much in the Shorva style, not quite Soup, but with a very runny Masala.  The pedigree of this Masala was evident; the Onion had been well pulped.  This is the classic 1960’s style Curry which is wonderful to experience on occasion.  Well Seasoned Masala and an adequate portion of Lamb for this time of day, what more does one need for lunch?

The Bill

£6.00.  The Chaps may have noticed that Marg had left half of her cup of tea, too strong for the Lady.

The Aftermath

Bolton Wanderers 2 v 1 Blackburn Rovers

This was Bolton’s first match since Muamba’s collapse last Saturday, an emotional day.   It also involved the drive up to Bolton and back to Manchester, for another Curry!

Curry #2

Shahi Masala (18 Wilmslow Road  Rusholme, Manchester M14 5TP) is a modern venue on The Curry Mile that Hector had spotted by night back in January.      It looked a decent venue to take our young party of Hockey Enthusiasts, some of whom were already familiar with Curry-Heute having nominated Hector last year in his attempt to become Scottish Curry Lover of The Year.  Our table for fifteen was attractively set up.  Poppadoms and Dips were spread out in three batches.  The Poppadoms were evidently not Complimentary, nor were the Dips for which there was apparently a pro rata charge.  By my reckoning we were already £18 into our Bill, smart.

Thirteen Ladies of varying Curry Experience and tastes, inevitably Katy, sitting beside Hector, selected the infamous Chicken Tikka Masala.  Evie took advice and ordered the Chicken Korma on the basis that Spice would be non-existent.

Rogan Josh, Pasanda and Kashmiri were other mainstream dishes ordered by our collective.  Then there were the more discerning diners.  Sophie impressed most with her order of Lamb Chops:  – very nice – was her verdict.  I think our educational establishment should try and expand  the descriptive skills of our charges.  Morven also impressed by her selection of Kofta.  She found her dish to be a bit too Spicy for her tastes, but good on her for being so radical with her selection.

Initially I thought the girls were ordering Curry with no accompaniments; however they had efficiently worked out combinations of shared Rice and Naan.   It just took a bit longer for the accompaniments to arrive. Overall one has to marvel at thirteen willing Curry participants with no mumbles of discontent.  In the early 1970s when Hector was this tender age, there is no way this many homo sapiens of the female variety would ever have contemplated such a feast.  There is hope for mankind.

Marg went for the Lamb Punjabi Special which she was determined to share with those who were sitting nearby and had chosen Chicken.  Fortunately there was a couple of pieces of Lamb coming Hector’s way which enabled me to deduce I had ordered the correct meal, let me experience a second and ensure that the Curry Lust had be satisfied, pro tem.

Hector had been online before the departure for Manchester, the Lamb Desi Karahi, on-the-bone, is exactly the dish that made me believe that this could be a decent place to visit.  I ensured that it would not be served too wet, the waiter was not that convincing with his acknowledgement.

The meals had been brought on trolleys with admirable efficiency, the Rice and Breads did take a bit longer so we were mostly sitting looking at our meals with nothing to dip, hence the aforementioned concern.  Marg and Hector were sharing a Vegetable Rice and two Tandoori Roti.  The Roti were splendid and the Rice more than enough for two.  It was the quantity of my Curry that concerned me, when one takes the bone content into account, this was decidedly minimal.  The flavour of the Lamb Desi Karahi was very distinctive with a predominance of Cinnamon.  Hector loves this, and had tried to emulate this over the years of Curry Cooking but has never managed to bring the full flavour out.  In many ways the overall impression of this dish was an on-the-bone Rogan Gosht with Cinnamon dominating instead of Tomato.  I would certainly return here and order this again, but then there are one or two more places on the Wilmslow Road to visit.

*

The Bill

£177.55.  For fifteen people this is not bad at all, I am still not sure if the Poppadoms and Dips were included.

Laura was evidently more excited about obtaining a copy of the Calling Card than the staff.

The Aftermath

Ten Pin Bowling at the Trafford Centre.  Now there is a very silly building…

Posted in Shahi Masala, [Al-Faisal Tandoori] | Comments Off on Manchester – Shahi Masala and Al-Faisal Tandoori

Yadgar – The Vernal Equinox

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Hector

Consecutive Tuesdays, and Hector finds himself on the South-side again around tea time, there is only one thing for it: Yadgar (148  Calder St, Glasgow, G42 7QP).  Jonathan was up for the return, [Stan.TB] in his latest incarnation, wanted to be part of our midweek indulgence.

We arrived punctually for the 18.30 rendezvous, so punctual we were ten minutes early.  The young waiter brought us the Complementary Chunky Onion Chutney, Mango Chutney and Poppadoms.

The feast was underway.  A Salad appeared, [Stan.TB] and Jonathan got stuck in, Hector was more reserved.  We had no idea what was coming next, no order was placed.  I texted Shkoor at lunchtime yesterday asking him to feed three, no other communication was necessary.

A platter of Spicy Scottish Cod was then set before us, it looked even more magnificent than the pair of Fish Jonathan and I had consumed last week.  [Stan.TB] was taken aback, well that is my interpretation because as the readers know, he rarely passes a verbal comment.  The Cod was once again cooked to perfection with the Spicy Crust being the focal point of interest.  Tonight I added some of the Red Dip that had recently appeared.  Hector was finished the second phase and sat waiting for whatever creation would follow.

[Stan.TB] was still eating the Fish when the large Karahi and basket of Chapattis arrived.  Two of us were ready.  More Salad –  the restaurateurs of Glasgow  must unanimously agree we need more Salad.

We were given a pile of dry Lamb, no a mountain, thick with Methi.  So Methi Gosht it was we concluded.

Hector started, Jonathan joined in, [Stan.TB] was now ready.

The above gap represents the silence that followed.  Jonathan remarked on how tender the Lamb was, it was indeed.  [Stan.TB] said absolutely nothing.  Hector completed the mandatory photographs, we ate in companionable silence.

Shkoor made his appearance as we tried not to be out-stared by the last two pieces of Lamb.  Our enjoyment was confirmed.  Hector then spotted a familiar face, it was Hamsa, late of The Khyber, Scotland’s first Afghan restaurant.  It was good to see that he had found somewhere else excellent to eat.

Once more we sat, motionless and silent, stuffed.  When Shkoor took the empty Karahi away [Stan.TB] spoke: ‘Has he gone to refill it?’  Can we have our real Stan back?

Mr Shah has not been seen for some time.  It was Mr Arshad who has been cooking our still excellent meals in recent visits.  We wish Mr Shah a quick and full recovery.  He is The Man!

The Bill

£40.00.  A nice round sum, who knows what it could have been?  We were too polite to make the calculation, anyway the Fish is not on  any menu we saw.

The Aftermath

Three men waddled out into the first night of Spring.

Posted in Yadgar Kebab House | Comments Off on Yadgar – The Vernal Equinox

Glasgow – Kebabish Grill – Visit #1

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Hector

Kebabish Grill (323–325 Victoria Road, Glasgow, G42 7SA) is a venue I have passed often, especially when heading towards the magnificent Yadgar around the corner in Calder St.  The layout of this restaurant feels more like a Belgian Brasserie than a Glasgow Curry House, but it probably sells more Milk Shakes and will never sell Abbey Bier.  The place has the feeling of being in a chain franchise, but it has nothing to do with the similarly named Kebabish Original who have an outlet a few blocks away on Pollokshaws Rd.  The staff all wear uniform black, there were plenty of them.  It definitely has the air of a chain.

Hector obeyed the instruction and waited at the dias to be seated.  The young waitress seemed surprised that I was here to dine alone, she offered me a Takeaway.  As a regular diner at this time on a Saturday I was surprised at how busy the place was.  I was even more surprised to be sat immediately beside a party of six.  Why do they have everyone bunched up at the rear left of the restaurant instead of spacing their customers out?  I busied myself with the trusty HTC and tried not to hear the conversations beside me.

The menu was presented; I expected to see a Desi section as there is a sign in the window advertising Authentic Desi Cooking,  Karela Gosht on the first page caught the eye, this would be worthwhile test for any restaurant.

More people entered and were sat on the edge of the throng, amazing.  Am I part of some sort of Cosy Curry  Convention?  The meal did not take too long to arrive.  It was preceded by a Salad and Dips which I looked at and was somewhat baffled by.  The presence of Olives made me immediately not wish to eat it until the Curry arrived.  My only other Olive in a Curry experience at the Meghna in Blairgowrie came to mind, this works.

Today I felt like Rice, Mushroom Rice looked the most attractive choice, when it arrived there was masses of it, more than enough for two.  It looked a bit stodgy but turned out to be fine. 

Karela Gosht

The Karela Gosht looked bountiful in the karahi.  The thick and dry Masala looked perfect, there appeared to be a lot of Lamb but as I progressed through the meal I discovered the base of the karahi was all Karela, excessively so.

The texture was perfect, the appearance was perfect, where was the flavour? The wow factor was not there.  This was a competently prepared meal but it did not hit the spot.  What did impress was the varied texture the contents of the Salad provided, bits of gherkin along with the raw Onion and Olives did make the meal more memorable.

By the end I had a mountain of Rice and large slices of Karela.  This did leave a very bitter taste on the palate, but I suppose that it what is meant to do.  It also highlighted once more just how bland the Lamb and Masala actually were.

The Bill

£14.10.  The bottle of Sparkling Water must have been expensive. I presented my calling card to the waiter who took my cash. There appears to be no banter in this venue.

The Aftermath

An orange coloured seed was wedged in the teeth, just how bitter was this?

Posted in Kebabish Grill | Comments Off on Glasgow – Kebabish Grill – Visit #1

Punjabi Charing Cross – another warm welcome, and excellent Curry too!

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Hector

The Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA) is located next door to the Bon Accord.  With Tempest’s ‘Long White Cloud’ as the promised Ale of the evening, what better way to kick things off than the guarantee of an excellent Curry?

Ram was at the door to greet his latest customer.  I was shown to a small table on the far left.  The Complementary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney were set on the table the instant I sat down.  It is some weeks since I last ate here, a Bradford trip had been squeezed in and of course Bradford is very much on everyone’s mind in this area with the opening of Akbar’s around the corner.

My order of Lamb Gurmeet (‘why not Goat?’) and two Chapattis was almost incidental, indeed the words came out of Ram’s mouth, not mine.  He was definitely interested to hear what I thought of their new competition.  I gave a synopsis of my first three visits.

Hector ate one and a half Poppadoms; the second one was only started because I had so much Onion.  It is a strange custom throughout the land that two people get to share one portion whilst a solo diner gets the lot.

The self titled Lamb Gurmeet did not take long, it was different this evening.  Usually Lamb Chops are to the fore, if these were Chops originally then they were Gigot Chops. The Lamb was therefore on-the-bone, so the extra flavour the bones give was flooding  in to the Masala.  The Masala itself was dark and thick with fresh Methi, in fact the appearance was more Palak in nature.  The Lamb this evening was slightly more chewy than the norm but not significantly so.  Once again Chef Gurmeet has excelled in producing this well seasoned and moderately Spicy Masala rich in Herbs.  The Ghee at the base of the Karahi gave an extra dose of flavour when the wholesome Chapattis were dipped.  As regular readers now, this is exactly how Hector likes his Curry.

The Other Hari appeared as I started to eat, but realised I could not talk and chew.  Hari himself entered the premises at the end of the meal; he too was interested in my views on Akbar’s.  Hari had been and found it too Spicy for his taste.  This is the second Glasgow restaurant proprietor this week I have mentioned the dual menu system at Akbar’s to, it is difficult to believe that they serve their meals differently to the ‘English’ and the ‘Asians’.

The Bill

£12.65.  This is lower than the norm, perhaps because my Sparkling Water did not come from an individual bottle.

The Aftermath

The Tempest ‘Long White Cloud’ has become sweeter in recent weeks.  Why do brewers do this to a winning formula?

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | Comments Off on Punjabi Charing Cross – another warm welcome, and excellent Curry too!

Yadgar – In The Glasgow Style!

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Hector

Hector found himself having to cross the river midweek, this presented the opperchancity for a visit to Yadgar.  Shkoor was contacted yesterday with the remit: ‘Please feed us.’.  Liver was outlawed, Chicken was offered but declined.  We settled on Fish, something far removed from our usual Goshat Karahi.  Exactly how this Fish would be cooked and presented was the decision of Mein Host and his Chef.

Arriving at the scheduled time, Shkoor was in the serving area awaiting our pleasure.  ‘Do you have any food?’ I enquired.  The reply was positive so we took our seats, the Lone Diners.  It is a Tuesday night and most folk at 18.30 are buying Takeaways, as ever the trade is constant.

We knew Fish was on the menu, that was all.  Two soft drinks were supplied then all was revealed, but slowly.  We would be served with Salad accompanied with Fish followed by Lamb.  Simples.  The only consultation was as to whether we desired Rice or Chapattis.  We chose the latter, this was confirmed as the correct choice to accompany Punjabi Curry.

The Fish was presented as two foil packets – ‘A nice piece of Scottish Cod’ – was the introduction to our Starter.  Shkoor then served each of us with our very generous Fish Platter.  Hector has had Fish in this style in other outlets, it has never looked this good. At a typical £6 per portion for half of what was before us, we once again  knew that we in for a treat.   The Lemon was squeezed over the mass of Cod: to add a Dip or not, no let’s taste it as it comes.

One concludes the Cod may have been partly baked, hence the foil, before being grilled to make the crispy topping.  By this method the Spices were now encrusted on the top layer while all below remained moist.  The dish was well seasoned, Spicy and most satisfying, and this was just the entrée.  Surprisingly light, we were not too worried about managing what may follow.

Jonathan confirmed his pleasure.  The ritual photographs were dispensed with before the arrival of the main event.

There was time to discuss Hector’s most recent Curry experiences at a new Glasgow outlet.  At Yadgar the food is cooked the way they like it and they hope that is what their customers like too – all of them.  Is Hector stirring controversy? And why not?

A large Karahi was then brought into the dining area – this was for us.  The full Kilo of Lamb on-the-bone, superb.  The style?  This was Lamb with Karela and Methi. Now I wonder how this combination of Special Ingredients came to be added to my Curry, there are positives to be gained by writing a Blog.   There was a suggestion that instead of trying to impersonate other styles we should consider this to be their own – The Glasgow Style?

The joy of sharing One Kilogramme of Curry is that one can spoon the quantity one’s eyes think is appropriate, watch the fellow diner do the same and still realise just how much more there is to follow.

Chapattis were presented and topped up with more.  One instinctively knows when a Curry is going to be special.  That one is eating at Yadgar is also a bit of a clue.  The Lamb was cooked to perfection, well they had plenty of notice.  The Masala was minimal – as it should be.  The texture was dry and thick.  I have written this description quite a few times in recent months, this is Curry, as it should be served.

Karela and Methi, whose idea was this?

The Karela was quite visible having been cut longways, the Methi had disappeared into the mix.  The flavours could only impress, the Lamb, the Spices, the Herbs, the added Bitter Vegetable – a tour de force.  I think Jonathan was glad he was around to enjoy this rare midweek feast.  ‘Excellent, you can’t fault it.’ was Jonathan verdict.

Shkoor rejoined us to share our pleasure.  It was time to wave the white flag.  Dessert was declined, why cover the palate with sweet after the delight of the Bitter Vegetable?

The Bill

£Undisclosed.  We paid an amount that we felt was appropriate whilst ensuring we were recognising the hospitality.   The Fish alone was worth £20 in any restaurant.

The Aftermath

I once again wonder why this venue is not queued out 24/7.  We thoroughly appreciate the food and the service, the staff appreciate their customers.  Mutual respect:

– is this The Glasgow Style?

Posted in Yadgar Kebab House | 1 Comment

Glasgow – Akbar’s – In The Asian Style

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Hector

When Mags heard about the quality of the Curry served to ?Stan! and Hector at the newly opened Akbar’s (573–581 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) we arranged another Saturday outing for The Friends of Hector.  At our rendezvous this afternoon, Mags stated that she was now worried given the very negative report written about last Sunday’s visit to the same venue.  Which version of the Curry would be served?  Numbers were diminished by a CAMRA AGM and two of the players being in Yorkshire. Eleanor suggested last evening that she may come; Neil was a last minute addition.

Akbar’s opens at 16.00, 15.00 is our normal starting time.  Eleanor was there sharp at 16.00 and was not the first customer.  She had managed to negotiate a drink at the bar whilst she waited for an unknown, to her, number of folk to arrive.  A few of the staff recognised me; well this is my third visit in eight days.

Waiter #1 introduced himself and was promptly replaced by Faruk when in full Hector mode I showed the photographs of two disparate meals pertaining to be the same dish. Faruk promised he would ensure that we would receive our Curry the way we like it.

We declined the Poppadoms and Dips, that was £6 off the Bill already.  Not ordering Poppadoms appeared to upset more than Faruk, four times in all we were either offered Poppadoms or were asked to confirm that we indeed did not wish any.  Staff can be attentive, invasive is something else.

In The Asian Style

This expression was first uttered to Hector eight days ago by the waiter on my first visit.  This expression was not used last Sunday.  Faruk was quite open that they serve meals differently – to the English – as he put it, than they do to the local Asian community.  I suggested that two menus would be a better option than leaving people to guess as to what they might be served with.

Hector negotiated the potentially stunning Roshan Lal (without Capsicum), Eleanor and Neil followed my direction but ordered Special Rice and Pilau Rice respectively, two Chapattis for the Hector.  Mags chose the Lamb Potato Karahi, a Chapatti and a Mushroom Rice, the latter was not on the menu but proved to be no problem.  We were advised there would be a fifteen minute wait, and no, we did not need Poppadoms.

A Salad appeared as it had done on my first visit shortly before the arrival of the mains, a good system.  Four splendid Karahi were brought to the table with the sundry items.  Hector already knew by the look of the meal that this was going to be a repetition of Roshan Lal #1.  This was Neil’s first ever Bradford style Curry, as a regular commentator on this Blog he knew he was in for a treat.  The Karahi were filled to a level of more than adequacy, the Lamb again cut small in the Bradford style.  Mags now knew she had ordered too much food, but there is always the doggy-bag.  Eleanor expressed pleasure in what she was eating; needless to say I was in another place.

Once again I had been served with a magnificently dry dish, with oil sitting at the base of the Karahi.  The flavour of the highly seasoned Ghee is part of the overall experience, this coupled with the blend of Spice and Herb makes the perfect Bradford Curry.  I have been asking Bradford Curry House owners for years to set up in Glasgow, finally it has happened, Hector is once more in Curry Heaven.

Mags described her Lamb and Potato Karahi as ‘bloody marvellous’.  For the Roshan Lal, Neil chose more sober words: ‘very tasty, rich and salty’ whilst Eleanor stated that the Roshan Lal had added to her ‘Health and Wellbeing’.

On completion of the meal Faruk reappeared and apologised for having not been with us for the last ten minutes or so, he had been at a meeting with the owner.  Is that Mr Shabir Hussain? – I asked rhetorically.  I told our waiter that I have been in touch with his boss by email in the last couple of months and would be pleased to meet him.  Minutes later the very young and handsome Bradford Entrepreneur presented at the table and introduced himself.  Eleanor had been primed with the camera.

The next twenty minutes

After some pleasantries Shabir was making his farewells when he changed his mind and took Hector away – we are going to talk Curry!

Hector was lead over to the kitchen hatch and shown where the meals are prepared in their final stages.  The oil is allowed to rise to the surface and is drained off about three times before the meal is declared ready.  The Chef appeared and shook the hand of Hector.  By now every staff member had clocked me and was wondering who one earth…

Shabir showed me the side area where Marg and I had sat on Sunday and related that to the size of his first premises.  With branches around England he has made his name in the World of Curry.  Mr Hussain has been approached by other businessmen offering to set up franchise versions of his Bradford Model, these offers have been rejected.  This man is hands on and will be staying in Glasgow for the next few weeks to ensure that all goes the way he desires it.

Having received a congratulatory email from Hector last Friday and then a critical one last Sunday, Shabir was keen to get to the bottom of what had happened.  He is convinced that I was given the wrong meal.  Part of the problem could well be related to the policy of dual versions of each dish.  For those who want a Buffet and a pint of lager, the Koh-i-Noor around the corner should satisfy these minimal needs.  Surely anyone going to Akbar’s is there because they know what the place stands for?  I related the saga of a taxi driver dropping me off at Yadgar, one of my favourite South-side Curry venues: The food here is good, but my wife cooks better at home – he told me – Driver, take me to your house! – was my reply.  Shabir is determined that when the Asians dine out they will be treated to food better than they can have at home.

I returned to the table expecting to find three skeletons waiting for me, I had been away a long time.

The Bill

£52.15.  The cash had been assembled and I took it over to the Cashier’s desk.

The Aftermath

We were escorted from the premises. Not in that way.  There was much shaking of hands, the Celebrity Diners were leaving.  The Maître d’ at the door was the Chap who had been on duty on Sunday: he asked if my meal had been better than on my previous visit.  I assured him all was well.

Hector will find it difficult to eat anywhere else for the next few weeks, but I have promised Jonathan a trip to Yadgar midweek.  What we have learned from today is that when one is dining at Akbar’s one has to ask for one’s dish to be served:

– In The Asian Syle!

Posted in Akbar's | Comments Off on Glasgow – Akbar’s – In The Asian Style

The Return to Cafe Salma

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Hector

?Stan! and Hector at Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall Street  Glasgow, G3 7PQ) on a Friday evening, this was almost a ritual for the best part of last year.  We have not been since October, how could this have happened?  Café Salma is one of Glasgow’s consistently best Curry Houses and not forgetting the Moroccan menu which is available too.

The reason of course is quite simple, competition.  With the excellent Punjabi Charing Cross around the corner in North Street, and the discovery of the wonder that is the New Karahi Place across the river in Tradeston (near that other venerable curry House, The Village), the last thing Hassan needs is yet another potentially wonderful outlet on the same block as Café Salma.  More on Akbar’s later, but with every Asian in Glasgow seemingly piled into his next door neighbour in the past week; Hassan has his work cut out.

To say the greeting was warm would be an understatement.  ?Stan! shook hands, Hector went straight for the open arms approach.  It took time for the male hug to become part of my armoury, but come on; it is the warmest of greetings.

The Café was busier than normal at our normal 18.00 rendezvous.  We offered seats downstairs where a larger table would have been available, but we prefer to be in the thick of the Indian style cooking and took a small table in front of the Chefs. The Complementary Popadoms and Dips arrived immediately, so did a copy of the Daily Record.  Hassan was proud to show us the review written by that Chap who is officially the Scottish Curry Lover of the Year, 2011.  Not that Hector has any resentment, no…  Mr Cowan had eaten what Hector considers to be Starters, he did not have a proper Curry.  Fortunately his Lady had something excellent and so the review was very positive.  Hassan is a proud man.

?Stan! could not resist the wonder that is Kofta Palak, the Vegetable Rice also proved to be foremost in the Big Man’s mind instead of our usual Chapattis.  The Vegetable Rice at Café Salma is indeed irresistible and so I ordered some too with a single Chapatti which ?Stan! instantly put dibs on to share.  Who is this man?  This is not the Dr Stan of years gone by.  The main course had to be the Lamb Lahori Karahi, the thought of this had me salivating all day.

With the nibbles and reading matter removed, the meals were brought to the seemingly shrinking table.  The Veggie Rice looked a bit on the stodgy side this evening, very unusual, but the Rice was fine and the array of Vegetables is what makes it a compulsive eat.  Spooning on some Lamb and the very light and almost sticky Masala I put myself in a dilemma: to dip the Chapatti in the Karahi or eat a spoonful of Lamb and Rice.  The former ritual held and we were underway.  The flavour from this Masala is truly wonderful, slightly sweet, but only very slightly.  The Lamb pieces looked huge in comparison to where I have been eating of late, this is certainly not the Bradford style.

?Stan! tucked into his Kofta Palak which I still thinks works better without Rice.  I was tempted to lean over and steel a bit but that would have been out of order.  It may be Friday evening, Shabbat, but one does not eat that way in this city.

We both felt a bit shattered after the ordeal that is eating superb food.  How to get an Ale or two on top of that at the Bon Accord?

The Bill

£27.45.  Wherever we eat in Glasgow these days we find a meal somewhere over the £13.50 mark each.

The Aftermath

We explained our absence once more to Hassan and described the competition.  He did not appear to be too aware of the Punjabi Charing Cross, Akbar’s however he dismissed instantly.  Hassan says his regular customers have been and have returned.  In effect we did the same this evening.  However, tomorrow is A-Day – I have arranged a small rendezvous at the opening time of 16.00.  This is in itself a minus mark, why so late in the day?  People do eat Curry for Breakfast, especially in Bradford.

Posted in [Cafe Salma] | Comments Off on The Return to Cafe Salma

Glasgow – Akbar’s fails the Hector Curry Test

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Hector

It did not take too much persuasion to talk Marg into her first visit to Akbar’s (573–581 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) and consequently Hector’s second visit in three days, yes it was that good.

A restaurant of this size, full on a Sunday evening?

The place was stowed, the raised area facing Granville St housed a private party. The main area on Sauchiehall St was full with those who had turned up presumably without a reservation.  Tonight’s Maître d’ greeted us with a warm welcome and asked us to have a drink at the bar whilst a table was sorted, yes this is the Sauchiehall St experience.

The Chaps at the bar could not serve us until we had a receipt.  Marg paid for the drinks at the cashier’s desk and as soon as our drinks were poured we were taken to a table, with four places.  Given how busy the place was this was appreciated.  There was still a substantial group waiting at the bar.

One of the waiters who served me on Friday evening recognised me, a smile, Hector is recognised, and all is going well. Our new waiter for the evening sat us down and took the order for the Poppadoms and Dips.  When he returned Marg was ready with her order: Akbar’s-e-Balti, a combination of Lamb and Chicken served in a karahi.  Hector could only order the Roshan Lal – this is the Hector Curry Test, can the venue provide the same dish to the same very high standard on consecutive visits?  The Village, for example in Glasgow, does not.

Our waiter was from Bradford so we had a good chat rhyming off the famous Bradford Curry Houses.  He asked if I was from Glasgow such was my knowledge of his home town.  A good guy.

As we were tucking in to our Poppadoms we spotted two familiar faces – Steve and Juliet.  They had just eaten and were totally impressed by what they had ordered.  Steve has been to Bradford with Hector and knows what to expect, this was Juliet’s first Bradford Curry.

No Salad tonight, but a Chap dressed in a Chef’s outfit appeared with our meals and the accompanying Special Rice and two Chapattis.  This is when the bubble burst…

Hector’s dish was like a plate of Soup compared to the wonderfully dry masterpiece set before me two nights before.  Still, the distinctive Bradford flavour must be present – I dipped the Chapatti, nothing.  This was so average I can only describe it as poor compared to the previous experience.

Tonight’s Roshan Lal is on the left, Fridays’s version on the right. I told our waiter and he said he would inform the Chef.  Is it possible I was given somebody else’s meal?  Lucky person, if so.

Meanwhile Marg’s very Dry Balti was going down well, she was very happy with her choice despite it being somewhat Spicier than she prefers.  Potato did feature significantly.

So, Akbar’s has failed the Hector Curry  Test.

The Bill

£29.00.  Unfortunately this included the – previously paid for – two soft drinks, so who knows how their bar system is meant to work?  This was sorted quickly.

The Aftermath

There was such a feeling of disappointment as we drove home.  Hector is due to accompany some of The Friends of Hector on Saturday.  We shall see.

Posted in Akbar's | Comments Off on Glasgow – Akbar’s fails the Hector Curry Test

Bradford’s Akbar’s opens in Glasgow.

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Hector

Hector’s Dream – Bradford Curry on his doorstep!

John, the Bradford Curry Blogger, informed me a few weeks ago that Bradford’s Akbar’s restaurant would be opening a branch in Glasgow. I got in touch with them to seek further information.  Mr Shabir Hussain replied and informed me of their scheduled opening on Sauchiehall St  (573–581 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) at the end of February.  The name Akbar has not been used in the Glasgow Curry scene since the demise of the wonderful restaurant that was in Cochrane St.  Where are they now?

Akbar’s grand opening was at the start of this week I gather, Hector was not invited.

This site is at Charing X, right in the hub of the Glasgow Curry scene.  With Café Salma (sorry, Hassan I will be back…) on the same block and the excellent Punjabi Charing X around the corner, there is stiff competition.

?Stan! was waiting for Hector in the former Tiffin Rooms at 18.00, punctual as ever.  The Chap on the door led me in to a small table for two.  ?Stan! had already been asked if he wanted Popadoms, these were on the table.  A large laminated menu was given to us and we set about finding the dish that would hit the spot.  I had three dishes that looked as likely candidates.  Under Chef’s Specialities was the Roshan Lal: A spicy lamb dish cooked with onions, tomatoes and peppers in a rich sauce, garnished with onions and coriander.  ?Stan! went for the Karahi Lamb Palak, he likes his Spinach.   Our young waiter had difficulty writing down our order, and sought help.  The next Chap asked us if we wished our meals ‘in the Asian style?’  I wonder what he meant by this, are we not in a Curry House?  Four Chapattis were the accompaniments.

The Poppadoms, Dips and Chapattis had now set us back £5.80, in Bradford these tend to be inclusive.  However, it is apparent that given the amount of money they have spent refurbishing the premises they will need to recoup their investment.  A large table for twelve was set up beside us, with another similar table behind.  I was commenting on the likelihood of these being filled when the party arrived and occupied all forty eight seats.  The place was now buzzing, ?Stan! and Hector were the only non-Asians in the very large room.

Our waiters were keen to be helpful, we were advised that our meals would take fifteen minutes.  No problem and good to tell us.

What felt like ten minutes later, a Chef appeared with a plate of Salad.  He then returned with our waiters and the main meals.  We were under strict orders not to touch the Karahi as they were hot.

The plates were abandoned and the Chapattis dipped in the Karahi – Gosh!  This was one of those magical Damascus-like Curry moments.  Not since my first visit to Yadgar have I witnessed such Curry pleasure in Glasgow.  This was truly wonderful – the distinctive Bradford flavour which I believe comes from the perfect balance of Spice with Methi was most evident.  The Lamb was cut small as is traditional in Bradford but not as small as in the Kashmir.  There was a lot of it too! This was the veritable feast, every mouthful was sheer joy, exactly how I like my Curry.

?Stan! was shifting in his chair.  I have come to realise that this is how he expresses his sheer pleasure.  He made his normal positive ‘hmmnnsss…’ and then pronounced it as most enjoyable.  The Lamb and Spinach dish looked impressive but now I am stuck in the rut.  If the Roshan Lal is this wonderful, is there something better on the menu?  It will take me a few visits to experiment further.

Our waiters were attentive throughout our visit. They asked if our meal was ‘OK’, ‘no’, I replied , it is wonderful!’

The Bill. 

£27.70.  We were anticipating the bill to be higher, with two soft drinks included.

 The Aftermath

I gave my card which had made it to the door by the time we were leaving.  I told the Maître d’ that I had been in touch with his boss previously and he should pass on my congratulations.  The staff have clearly been imported from down south, there were no familiar accents to be heard.

There will be a return – as soon as possible.  The ultimate test is to see if they can replicate this wonderful food on a consistent basis.  We all know that when it’s Chef’s night off the food can vary in some restaurants.

Posted in Akbar's | 1 Comment