The Akash, the best Helensburgh has to offer

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Hector

Tonight Hector is joined by Marg and Eleanor for a midweek Curry-Heute.  The ladies both went for the Lamb Rogan Gosht, Hector’s staple diet at the Akash (45a Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) for many years.  Having been slightly disappointed by the noramlly excellent Lamb Makhni with Spinach on my last visit, tonight I opted for the Methi-Gosht Bhuna, ah, Methi...

Two Vegetable Rice and two Chapattis were the accompaniments.

At the Akash I always have to check on the wonder that is their Chicken Chat, sadly this must have been Chicken Ding this evening as it was not heated all the way through.  Eleanor enjoyed the Fish Pakora and Marg still finds the Vegetable Pakora served here to be the very best, her favoutite Pakora!

The mains arrived, the Bhuna had far too much Masala, but at least it was thick -ish.  This Curry certainly needs Rice so the share of the Vegetable Rice with a solitary Chapatti was ideal.  Where was the Methi?  I cannot say I was overwhelmed with the presence of this fine Herb.

The ladies tore into their normally reliable Rogan Gosht, however, they agreed that tonight the Lamb was on the tough side. Shame, two negative Akash reports in a row.

What is happening?

The Bill

£42.25.  This included three soft drinks and a Takeaway Pakora.  After the joy of Bradford this brings one back to reality.

The Aftermath

The final evening commitment of this session, so perhaps no more Helensburgh Curry-Heute until the autumn…

Posted in [Akash] | 1 Comment

Bradford Curry for Breakfast #2 at the Kashmir

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Hector

?Stan! had a later train booked back to Glasgow today. He decided to join me once more for breakfast at the Kashmir (27 Morley St, Bradford, BD7 1AG). This morning we were the first customers, but not for a long, a family of four soon arrived. I love Bradford, everybody eats Curry at any time of day, just like Hector.

We sat at the same table, in the same seats as yesterday. Mein Host looked at us: ‘You were here yesterday? Lamb Karela!’ Hector has been recognised in the Kashmir at last.

I asked if they had Fish, I only spotted a single Fish dish on the menu yesterday, the Fish Karahi. Fish it was then. ?Stan! ordered Keema Palak. Does it taste the same when it is not in the Kofta form? Admittedly there is more to the Meatballs than simply Mince.

The Chefs could be heard getting into action, no singing today. There is absolutely no ceremony or sense of engagement when the food is presented at the Kashmir. The food does the talking, the young Chaps who bring the food and clear up say not a word. Maybe this is the way things are. The customary ‘how is your meal?’ has never been asked in the sixteen years of visiting the Kashmir. They have my calling card from a visit last year, today my supply was out, a pity as it did bring them to life last time.

And so the plates were placed on the table once more with a pile of inclusive Chapattis. My first reaction when I saw my Fish was that it looked like Squid, all rubbery. How wrong I was, the first Dip brought the exclamation: ‘wonderful!’. The Masala was minimal but gave sufficient moisture. It had a good earthy Bradford taste. The Kashmir has set the standard for what I consider to be a good Curry, the tally on the right column may not be as high as other outlets, but I now I have eaten more Bradford Curry here than anywhere else, that they are always open – even during Ramadan – helps.

The Chapattis once again proved to be filling, a wee bit Rice would have been a good accompaniment but my last Karahi here did not work with Rice. Remember it is morning, the stomach is not yet fully awake and I am forcing in my fourth Curry in thirty six hours. At times like this I do appreciate that I do get to eat this often. For those whose Geographical location means that this is standard fare, the fortunate ones, this is their norm.

?Stan! ate his Keema Palak in perfect companionable silence – not a word. There was an audible ‘hmmnnn’ as he wiped his plate clean.

 The Bill

£13.80. Once again this included two soft drinks. Is this not what I pay in Glasgow when I dine alone?

The Aftermath

?Stan! went to the Sir Titus Salt for a coffee, perhaps Mr Holden may join him before he heads back to Glasgow later? Hector took the train back to Glasgow, well three of them.

Posted in The Kashmir Restaurant | Comments Off on Bradford Curry for Breakfast #2 at the Kashmir

Bradford’s International once served Hector the best Curry he has ever eaten, but not tonight…

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Hector

What is this that stands before me?

?Stan! had called it a day. The famous Todmorden Black Pudding Pork Pie was deemed sufficient for his dinner. The International (40-42 Morley Road, Bradford, BD7 1BE) was calling, the very venue where last November Hector had three Curries in the same day. Yes, The International is that good. Mein Host #1 appeared to have had a long day, there was little air of recognition, but polite as ever he arranged a table for one.

He took my order: Lamb Desi. This is served on-the-bone and is the only dish that always comes this way. Sometimes, when it is quiet they will do other dishes this way, it varies I have found. The place was full of people who may have been to the pub. At 23.30 my working thesis was proved correct when the chap beside me fell asleep. These youngsters have no stamina. The topography of the Dales I believe had prevented me from making any Facebook posts today. Liz I now discovered was in Leeds and claimed to have had her best Curry ever. There is no Curry in Leeds. It is written.

Mein Host #2 brought my meal and his face lit up when he saw it was Hector. Always a busy man and one who insists that every meal at the International is brought by him, there was only the briefest of chat. I looked at my Curry – I did not recognise it. Yes, there was Lamb on-the-bone, but what was this Masala? Firstly it was excessive, secondly it might never have met an Onion.

I had asked for my Curry to be Hot, medium is the norm, I felt like a challenge. I was given one, this was OTT. Only once in fifteen years of visiting the International have I ever witnessed a poor Curry. This was Marg’s Chicken Korma away back at the start of the Current Era. Yes, Marg used to order this. Hector makes it better – with a kick! Tonight I have to declare that this meal was poor. By definition a Desi can be anything the House wishes to serve, but this bore no resemblance to the last time I had this dish.  The Lamb on-the-bone was perfect, cooked exactly how I like it. I had a decent pile of debris at the end. The Masala was simply shocking. It was approaching Soup, and had virtually no taste, just intense heat. Surely the request for a Hot Curry at 23.30 does not necessitate their standards being dropped? This was a late night Lads Curry, not a Hector Curry.

The Bill

£9.00. I went up to the counter to pay. A new Chap knew exactly what I had eaten, impressive. I paid the modest fee and said goodnight.

The Aftermath

I did not have a meal with wine in the Hilton Bar as I found I had been charged for when I returned to the hotel.

Posted in International | Comments Off on Bradford’s International once served Hector the best Curry he has ever eaten, but not tonight…

Bradford Curry for Breakfast at The Kashmir

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Hector

The drawback for ?Stan! with the Hilton Hotel weekend rate is that Breakfast is not included. This suits me perfectly, why eat anything other than Curry when one is in Bradford? It did not take much persuasion for ?Stan! to join me at the Kashmir (27 Morley St, Bradford, BD7 1AG). We crossed the recently opened Millennium Square, fountains et al and of course found the venue open.  The Kashmir is always open, so if we were to get our planned Bier Tour under-way, an early Curry was mandatory. At 11.30 we entered the downstairs Cafe, we were not the first customers.

My normal fare here is the driest, Herbiest Curry I can find on the menu. The Kashmir has set the standard of what I call a Dry Bradford Curry. I have never reached the end of the menu before, or if I had, the final entry meant nothing. Today was different. I do know a lot about Curry and I know what I like. The very last item was Lamb Karela.

The staff can be a bit reticent, the ice has to be broken. Yet judging by the singing from the kitchen, there are Happy Chaps working here. The waiter had to check in his own language that Karela was available, we were given the go ahead. ?Stan! ordered the same, unsure that he had ever had Karela before. When Ricky was last up in Glasgow we had it at the New Karahi Palace.

?Stan! nibbled on the Complementary Salad and Dips, this was his first visit downstairs. I know the food comes in no time at all. Somehow we were served before the couple who been there before us. They had ordered Rice, maybe that is why their food was served after ours.

The accompanying and inclusive Chapattis were piled six high. Time for the first Dip. There was no big hit from the Lamb itself, I had not ordered my usual Herbs dish, but wait…. the Karela was to the fore. Just how dry and bitter can work this well is no mystery’ cf Bier-Traveller.com for a description of my favourite Biers. This was very good indeed, with Methi it would have been perfection. I need to try harder to communicate with the staff here. They do not recognise me as the Kashmir is usually third in my Bradford pecking order.

The disadvantage of having no Rice is that one gets full very quickly eating Chapattis with a Curry. One is then left eating the Curry in its raw form if one is to finish the meal, however, finish it we did.

The Bill

£14.20. With two soft drinks too. One can pay more for a single Curry in other premises.

The Aftermath

Hector takes ?Stan! For his first visit to Todmorden and ?Stan! leads me away from the station at Sowerby Bridge. Hebden Bridge by bus features too.

Posted in The Kashmir Restaurant | Comments Off on Bradford Curry for Breakfast at The Kashmir

Bradford – Sheesh Mahal – Lamb’s Liver? It must be a Holden Tour!

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Hector

Ricky, our resident Bradford Curry Guru,  phoned three days ago to say that my meal for this evening at the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) was already ordered. Lamb’s Liver in the Hector style as it was put to him by the staff. Hector cannot abide Liver, it is one meat I do not normally eat. As Ricky has been working his way through the Offal menu in recent times,  he felt Liver had to be experienced.  ?Stan! would comply with whatever madness Ricky had in mind.

I was given the task of phoning the restaurant from Haigy’s Bar to advise them that we would be a bit late for our 23.30 booking. Hector is on the phone! I could clearly hear being announced to the colleagues, apparently the warm welcome was already under way.
We arrived in reasonable time and took our seats. The young waiter was confused when the menus were declined. Omar was soon there to greet us as was his father, the owner. The three of us were being treated like Royalty, Ricky’s wind up banter was relentless. The young waiter finally had to come and ask us what we were having so that a bill could be presented one concludes.

The Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips were set before us, Seekh Kebab and Bhaji were there too.  I declined, excessive food on top of the Schlenkerla Urbock and Andechs Weisse consumed previously at the Bradford Beer Festival did feel like a good idea. Liver may also have an unwelcome effect, Uberschuss in Massen – then.

OK, the Liver it is

I had been promised that normal Lamb would also be included with my dish. Ricky and ?Stan! appeared to have Liver only. My dish was mountainous, they had given me my normal Omar Special , a Lamb Karahi done my way, with the Liver mixed in. I was expected to eat all this? Chapattis were the sole accompaniment for us all. The word Chapatti was never mentioned, a pile of the Bradford Bread was put on the table without a word. This is how it is done and they are included in the price of the Curry.

I dipped the minimal Masala, it was as wonderful as ever. The Liver looked well cooked, a start. I ate some pieces, it was better than any Liver I have eaten in the UK. Israel is the only place I have ever managed to eat this foul meat – there it is overcooked and when meat is served on a Kibbutz, one eats it. I ate maybe half a dozen pieces of Liver before deciding to concentrate on ensuring that the quality tender Lamb was enjoyed to the full. My leftover bits of meat were siphoned off to another plate, Ricky’s. ?Stan! was here too, as ever he does not say much when he eats.

Taj, Mein Host came and sat beside Hector and we had a good chat about the renovations and the speed at which they were able to demolish and rebuild. The premises are now top notch, as salubrious as any Bradford Curry Cafe, better than many restaurants. As part of the Royal visit with Marg and Jonathan last month, we were served Sweets for Dessert. Tonight these were declined in anticipation of them being offered. How does that work? You had to be there.

The Glasgow Curry scene was discussed and the opening of the new Akbars near Charing X. Apparently I have been to their original premises on the Leeds road on more than one occasion, but in a previous life. Ricky spoke favourably about Curry in Glasgow, I announced that we have maybe five restaurants that can cook as good a Curry as is served in this city. (The highest ranks on the right column!)

Many photographs were taken, the staff like the idea of their photos being published.

The Bill

£25.00. Less 10%! Ricky insists that there is a 10% discount for CAMRA members. Well there was in the previous incarnation of the Sheesh Mahal, perhaps not so now. I believe we deducted 10% then added it back on for the tip. On Holden Tours, one is never quite sure what is happening.

The Aftermath

There is a Curry House (it is reportedly worth a visit) and a Taxi Office next door to the Sheesh, so we were soon whisked down the hill and dropped near the Hilton.  Only Ricky knows why the taxi could not drop us off outside the hotel.   Long may the Hilton insist on selling their weekend rooms at prices commensurate with a Bradford Curry.

Posted in Sheesh Mahal | 1 Comment

Mother India Cafe – Marg’s Choice

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Hector

Hector is off to Bradford this weekend, something to do with the Ale Festival, allegedly.  Mr Holden has already booked me a Lamb’s Liver Curry in the Hector-style, as the good people at the Sheesh Mahal put it.

Tonight I was surprised when Marg suggested we go out to Mother India’s Cafe (1355 Argyle Street  Glasgow, G3 8AD).  Perhaps the demands of last night’s Lamb Chop domestic experience had whetted but not satisfied her Curry desires.  Butter Chicken certainly would.

I have been taken aback by the positive reaction to my first attempt at Lamb Chops, we have Iva from Singapore I believe, and our regular Curryspondent, Ahmed from Pakistan, both making favourable comments.

Meanwhile back in Glasgow

The restaurant was quite empty I thought for 20.00 on a Thursday evening.  We were allocated a small table for two, other couples had larger tables, why?  The Specials did not look that Special this evening, I resolved to break from tradition and order two separate Lamb dishes, the Karahi and the Saag.  A Paratha felt appropriate.  Marg knew Butter Chicken would be her main entertainment but ordered Fish Pakora and Mushroom Bhaji too.  The normal Rice with Nuts was not on the Specials and so Plain Basmati was ordered to soak up the rich, creamy and runny Masala.

The Fish Pakora I felt was better without the Dip, the spicy batter to the fore.  The Lamb Karahi arrived next complete with the dreaded green mushy vegetable.  The Paratha was dipped, nothing, the Lamb was then sampled, too tough.  Things were not going well.   Marg’s Mushroom Bhaji arrived in a strange looking pan, it bore no resemblance to a Bhaji by normal expectations.  It was a Vegetable Curry and a bland one at that.  The Mushrooms appeared to be from a tin which is inexcusable in the West of Scotland.

The Lamb Saag was brought, it looked the part,  but it tasted soapy! How can Spinach taste Soapy?  The Lamb was much more tender than it was in the Karahi which was puzzling, surely they had been prepared together?  Maybe the presumably less popular Spinach dish was from a previous batch.  I was not having a good time.

Marg stated, almost to my annoyance, that the Butter Chicken served here is her favourite Curry served anywhere!  We shall be back.

 The Bill

£31.15.  This included a Coffee and a large bottle of Sparkling Water.

The Aftermath

I was tempted to let my lack of enjoyment be known but I did that in their main premises two years ago.  I also recognised the waiter as being the one pictured back then.  It is not my intention to create a scene, this is my outlet.

On a brighter note

I drove home in the wrong direction initially to see how the new Akbars (formerly the Tiffin Rooms) was coming along.  I was informed of this development last month and immediately contacted Mr Shabir Hussain the owner. I congratulate him already on being on the correct side of Charing Cross.  This new venue for the Bradford chain looks as if it is open.  Next weekend, ?Stan!

Posted in Mother India's Cafe | Comments Off on Mother India Cafe – Marg’s Choice

Lamb Chops @ Hector’s House

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Hector

Hector does not normally consider Lamb Chops to be a worthwhile buy in the supermarket, overpriced and undersized.  Regular readers will know that Lamb Chops have been fed to Hector on an increasing number of occasions in recent times: Manchester, Bradford, and of course locally in Glasgow’s Yadgar and Punjabi Charing Cross.

Imagine the pleasure when the local supermarket decided to sell over a kilo of the said beasts for pennies because it was late on a Monday and they know that after Coronation St, nobody goes shopping.

The Lamb Chops were defrosted overnight and cooked in the Wok with solid Spices: Coriander Seeds, Cloves, Cumin Seeds, Bay Leaves, and Cardamom.  The normal Hector Masala was prepared separately.  Once the Onions were suitably pulped the Chops were added to the mix and allowed to simmer for over an hour.  A tin of Karela, my first ever tin, was added late on along with some fresh Methi Leaves, another first. Plain Rice and some leftover, and whole, Chapattis from Yadgar would be the accompaniments.

When the feast was set before Marg she commented that this was as dry a Curry as she had encountered.  Now this was not going to be a meal Marg would want added to the normal Curry repertoire. Lamb on-the-bone can only be tolerate don occasion.

I hate to say it but the meal was superb.  The dry, thick Masala complemented the Chops.  The now familiar combined flavours of Methi and Karela I have come to recognise and crave.  This combination will meet again and the tinned variety of Karela works well; the brine means I do not have to worry about the salting.

There was a single Chop left, Robin was considered, and sadly for him the leftovers have been stored.

Posted in Hector's Cooking | 2 Comments

When Hari met Crawley

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Hector

Lord Clive and Lady Maggie are in Glasgow this weekend, there must be a Barrel of Bier or two being served at one of our castles.  The turnout at the Bon-Accord at 21.00 to greet the intrepid travellers was impressive, same old faces.  Hector had already placed the order for three Goat Gurmeet, we would retire next door to The Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA) once the current Yorkshire-Lancashire Alefest had satisfied our liquidity crisis.

It was just after 23.30 when we decanted, Hari had stayed open for us, the promised Capra Fantastica was now three hours in its preparation, nothing but the best is served in these premises.  Introductions were made and we soon settled down to the Complementary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney. ‘We don’t get Onion Chutney like this in Crawley.’ Maggie remarked, more was summoned, more came.

A Keema Nan, Mushroom Rice and an indeterminate number of Chapattis soon followed.

A Karahi with a Rose was put on the table, not for Clive or Hector, a nice touch.  The Goat Gurmeet looked the part, big chunks of meat on big bones.  This was a dish to eat with one’s fingers, and the odd Chapatti or two.  Maggie took care of the Rice, Clive always enjoys a good Keema Nan, don’t know where he puts it…

The texture of Goat is significantly different from our usual Lamb, definitely more chewy. The meat is as absorbent as Lamb so the full flavours of the Spice from the minimal Masala come through well.  The Methi adds a further dimension to the experience.  ‘It’s like Chicken v Rabbit.’ Clive concluded, in fact he may now have a preference for Goat.  He also appreciated the lack of the Soup experience, a good dry Curry is what The Friends of Hector seek.

The Bill

£42.85.  This included two Sparkling Waters, somebody had a pint of fizzy Lager.

The Aftermath

Crawley was discussed at length.  Hari’s son Ram we realise has the same name as the Ram Sports and Social Club, or the Lal Akash in brief, where truly wondrous Curry is served.

The 62 took us west, it was quiet upstairs, yes a double decker, but downstairs was the usual mayhem.  After Athens at the start of the week, this felt a bit tame.

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | Comments Off on When Hari met Crawley

Athena – Indian Masala

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Hector

Indian Masala (129 Ermou St, Thission, Athens) was first noticed by Hector and Marg during our brief but dramatic visit to Athena last summer.  As is recorded, the Dhaka Palace has been the venue of choice on previous visits, on this trip there was time to experiment.  That Indian Masala opens at noon each day was to our mutual advantage, this was the final feed before returning to Scotland.  The much sought after Stifado were consumed last evening, the Greek target had been met, time to return to the main priority – Curry.

Located just down from Monastiraki Metro Station, Indian Masala is very easy to find if one wanders around the small streets which comprise the Flee Market.  On Lower Ermou St the restaurant is passed the guys selling junk and spray paint, is this where they get it?  Sadly for Athens just about every wall is covered in Graffiti, even the glass doors of  Indian Masala have not escaped.

We entered just on noon, a young Doris was perhaps surprised to find customers so early in the day.  A Chef appeared from out back, we were in business.  Marg considered an Onion Bhaji to be sufficient at this time of day, Hector had previously ascertained from the menu posted outside that Lamb Karahi was available.  Now for the accompaniment.  Roti were €2 each, steep.  White Rice was €3 and Pilau €4.  Adding Vegetables or even Mushrooms would put another €2 on to this, just how much Rice would be served to justify this?  I decided that a Paratha at €3 was the sensible compromise, if it was a half decent size it would be sufficient.

We managed to communicate that the Onion Bhaji should be served with the Curry, Doris’ English was tuning in.  The Chef busied himself in the kitchen that was visible through the glass windows which ran the length of the restaurant.  Taking in the surroundings, the décor was simple and could sit around thirty covers.  The toilets were pristine, there was an air of newness about the place.  Marg believes she spotted an award dated 2011 so it unlikely they have been there too long.

The Kitchen door opened and Doris emerged with the food.  The Onion Bhaji was two flat Pancakes accompanied by a Creamy Garlic Dip.  Marg ate this in its entirety before turning her attention to what I was eating.

The karahi was very large and so was only filled about half way.  Those who do not like Tomato-rich Curry should look away now.  The Masala had pedigree and was based on pulped Onion.  The fresh Tomato had also been pulped and had been added later with the Lamb.  The colour of the dish was an impressive natural red rather than the synthetic colour achieved by nasty food colouring.  There was an oily sheen to the dish, Olive Oil I wonder?  Time to eat.

The Paratha had been cut into quarters, it was hot but touchable.  The first Dip was a winner.  I decided not to decant the Curry to the provided plate, why give up the heat from the karahi?  I instantly knew that this Curry was going to be a pleasing experience.  The Tomato-rich Masala impressed,  there were slivers of Fresh Ginger in the mix which added significantly to the overall flavour. A couple of pieces of Eggplant had found their way into the dish along with four pieces of the dreaded Capsicum, the latter were left high and dry.  The Spice content was perfect, a decent kick without being the talking point.  The Lamb was cut quite small and was buried.  This turned out to be very well cooked.  That I found myself counting the pieces suggests that I could have done with one or two more pieces of meat, however nobody would go hungry eating dish.  The more I ate the greater the pleasure.  I would certainly return and have the Lamb Karahi here again.

The Bill

€18.00.  I took their card and presented mine.  Suddenly Doris was in full flow and asked if I was a journalist.  She was then shown the Curry-Heute website on my phone, in return she promised to tell her boss.  I asked if the Chef was her boss and was told he was in fact the second Chef, the Main Man would be in around an hour or so.  Maybe next time.

If the young waitress does leave a comment in this report then I shall be able to change her name from Doris…

The Aftermath

We walked part of the way around the Acropolis one last time to a Cafe visited yesterday, Chocolat.  It was Marg’s turn to pursue pleasure…

Posted in [Indian Masala] | Comments Off on Athena – Indian Masala

Athens, The Dhaka Palace – Superb!

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Hector

‘Why are you going to Athens?’ Dr Rick asked us last Saturday. ‘I’m going to eat!’ was the firm reply. Hector loves Greek food, fortunately Marg is quite partial too although she does not cope too well with my favourite dish – Stifados which are heavy on the Onion. I think I have written about Marg balking when being presented with dishes containing large pieces of Onion more than once.

On Sunday night we were forced to take refuge in our hotel, The Plaka, right in the heart of civil unrest. Hector had no dinner.

On Monday after a passable lunch we had a very poor dinner comprising of grilled Pork/Chicken. Our Valentine’s Day trip to Aegina (One goes to a Greek Island for lunch, does one not?) saw us order Spaghetti, Bolognese and Carbonara respectively. We have passed many places serving Souvlaki but to my mind this is not proper Greek food. I like the various Stews which are slow cooked and are as good as any Curry. Many restaurants in Greece these days are simply glorified Fast Food outlets. I am determined to get my Stifados, however this evening was to be dedicated to the best of all food: Curry.

We had an aperitif at the Craft Brewery and took the Metro back to Omonia. From here the Dhaka Palace (26 Geraniou St, Athens, 10552) is a short walk down a very dodgy street. Being our third visit we knew not to be put off. Tonight the street was emptier than on our summer visits and in total darkness. Arriving at the Dhaka Palace I thought it was closed, there was little light coming from the premises. There were people inside, watching tv. On entering it was the classic Cowboy Movie scene, the place stopped, we were ushered through to the back room as is now customary.

See what the boys in the backroom will have

On our previous visits we have both had the excellent Lamb Karahi. Tonight Marg was still full after her massive Carbonara, she opted for a portion of Samosa. Hector felt that it was time to try something different. The Lamb Sag would be a good test. Two Chapattis would be the perfect accompaniment, Bier was planned for afterwards so no Rice.

Mein Host brought a large bottle of Mineral Water, still. I instantly recalled how quickly I devoured the equivalent last July after our forced march from the Police Station. Tonight I was still in possession of my phone and my camera and in a much more relaxed frame of mind.

Let Hector not mislead his readers, this is a very seedy joint in a part of town where the white man is very much the minority, reminiscent of Bradford? The premises have a toilet which us usable, the place would pass hygiene tests one hopes. It is Spartan! (Sorry, even I think that was contrived…)

Marg’s Samosas were brought with a Sweet Chilli Dip. Four pieces meant that Hector was permitted a sample. I do not normally order these but I could not let Marg eat all four. There was definitely Potato and not much Meat evident. The kick was decisive.

The Chapattis were brought on a traditional basket plate – they looked pale but had clearly been made fresh. I know from the previous visits how big and satisfying they are. Mein Host brought the Lamb Sag, gosh!

In the dim light the meal looked as dark as any Spinach based dish served at home. The camera flash illuminated the Curry and the Fresh Green Spinach stood out. The Masala was next to catch my eye, this had never seen an Onion. If one does not like Ghee then this is not for you. The Lamb and Spinach were sitting on a bed of Ghee which tasted wonderful. I took pleasure by just dipping the Chapatti before trying the Curry. The Spinach was unlike anything I have encountered before. There was lots of it, it seemed fresher than that encountered in the UK, it did not dominate the overall experience either, the strands were visible rather than the Sag Masala typically served. The Lamb was absolute perfection. One encountered the occasional sliver of bone, but the texture was exactly how Lamb should be cooked.

This was unlike any Curry I have ever eaten, it was more than a Lamb and Spinach Stew. The Spice content was significant, the flavours from the Lamb and Spinach were in balance. Marg watched, she could sense the pleasure.  She had been provided with a cup of Peshwari-style Tea which she always enjoys.

Mein Host appeared once more to seek approval, I think he remembered me. Having established where we were from there was the question as to whether Glasgow had any Curry Houses, perhaps he should open one?

The Bill

€18.00. The Bill felt incidental as by this time Mein Host and Hector were continuing our conversation. He could sense I was a Curry enthusiast and asked for my aforementioned card. I showed him the entry on Curry-Heute of my last visit. Somewhere in the excitement his name was lost, but we had the ritual photograph and parted on great terms.

The Aftermath

This is very much my favourite Curry House in Athens, it may also be the only one I have been to (eh?) so far, but I do have a cunning plan for Thursday lunch… When one finds something this impressive one returns if a Single Curry is all the trip permits. Applying similar logic we retired to Beer Time one Metro stop away at Monastiraki.

Posted in Curry Palace / Dhaka Palace | 1 Comment