Musselburgh – Halimah

Posted on February 11, 2012 by Hector

Surprisingly pleasant, but not perfect

This was Hector’s fourth trip to Musselburgh and the first sit down Curry. A taste of Yvonne’s super-hot Yaadgar Takeaway last year would surely be bettered. The Chaps and Chapattis left Marg and Hector in the Staggs and headed home. As we are flying out from Edinburgh at lunchtime tomorrow, a night in Musselburgh extended the holiday. Yes, folks, Hector is on vacation again.

There was a choice of two Curry venues both in the High Street. We passed Halimah to check out the Shish which somehow did not reveal itself despite an advertising board on the pavement. So, back to the Halimah (76 High St, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 7BX) it was. From the outside it did not look too inviting. On entering it became even less so. The music was blaring and we were shown to seat in the heart of the house right under a ceiling speaker. This was declined and we were re-seated near the door in a quieter area. The place was indeed busy, but what were they eating? By this time we had spotted that the majority of the people were female, and a certain age. We soon realised the venue was not licensed, so presumably the ladies had all brought their own bottles. This must be the local gathering pace for whatever one does late in Musselburgh on a Saturday evening.

The menus were delivered and Poppadoms offered. Little did we know that we had now clocked a Bill for £2.25. This is shocking.

The choice of dishes on the menu was not vast and Chicken was to the fore. The description of the Kata Aloo Goshti was appealing: Herbs, Coriander, the avoidance of the Mushy Vegetable. Marg had spotted this too but opted instead for a Creamier dish,  Lamb Kingfisher. A Vegetable Rice and two Chapattis were the accompaniments.

A Sparkling Water and a small glass of Mango Lassi would amuse us whilst we waited for the mains, alas the Lassi did not show. Marg asked again, still no Lassi. We were halfway through eating when it was finally delivered. Wtf? This was not Mango Lassi, they had waved the Mango over the Glass. The glass was also not small. It was sent back, a replacement was promised, meanwhile tap-water was the solution. When the Lassi finally re-appeared it was so thick it was not realy drinkable. On top of a Curry this would have an obvious effect. Most of it was left, it was – On The House – we were told.

So, dear reader, we are not doing too well, fortunately the Curry did impress.

The Kata Aloo Goshti was delightfully dry. The promised blend of Herbs was present, I have to congratulate them on serving this very fine dish. A bit more Lamb and Spice and it could have been perfect. Perhaps the balance had been tipped in favour of the Potato content, however, I do enjoy Vegetables with my Meat so this is not a complaint. The share of the Rice provided an adequate meal, the Chapatti was also the perfect accompaniment for this dish.

Marg’s dish was decidedly Creamy. The Masala was thick and being permitted a taste I have to admit that not being my thing it did have a distinct flavour, perhaps too sweet for my liking. Marg described the Lamb as being impressive, Coriander was to the fore, she enjoyed her meal.

The Bill

£33.85. This is more pricey than anticipated. Indeed I remain unsure as to how they came to this total. Soft drinks are not cheap, £1.75 for a small glass of Coke poured from a 2l bottle, quite a mark up. The charge for the Poppadom’s is something I disagree with, especially when they are offered, not ordered. Maybe the Mango Lassi was not free afterall.

The Aftermath

Mein Host spotted the Calling Card and came over. I congratulated him on serving fine Curry, and especially the texture of my Kata Aloo Goshti. He assured me he believes that his customers should actually be able to taste the variety of flavours that blend to make Curry an experience. I would certainly return here, a pity about the noise. If only they were open at lunchtime on a Saturday.

Update

Halimah closed in 2017.

Posted in [Halimah] | 1 Comment

Lamb Makhni at the Akash, Helensburgh

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Hector

To celebrate the last late night of work commitments this session, a Curry Heute was called for.  The Akash (45A Sinclair Street,  Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, G84 8TG) is the best of the three choices in this Clyde Coastal resort, by far.

There was salivation in anticipation of what was to come.  Having eaten here more than any curry venue on the planet the latest discovery would once again form the dish of the day.  This had to be preceded by the ritual Starter, yes, Hector had a Starter – the Chicken Chat just has to be sampled.  The Lamb Makhni with Spinach (Hot) has been enjoyed on a few occasions now and a Mushroom Pilau Rice was deemed to be the perfect accompaniment.  This Curry is Masala rich, not ideal for Chapattis.

The Chicken Chat came quickly, I was the only customer arriving not long after opening time, yet somehow I missed Alan whom I met at the door, he had been already.  We must synchronise our diaries, for the next two years.

Off-the-bone is not how this dish is served in a typical Curry House; the Akash has always served it as mini Curry.  Tonight it had the full flavour that has been maintained over the last thirty years.  It may be darker than it once was, however I would recognise this dish blindfolded.  If I ever had to eat a Chicken Curry, then a double portion of this with Chapattis would be the ideal compromise.  Hector was ravenous, the Chat disappeared.

The main course came in an efficient manner too, one suspects that Shuel, the son of the owner,   realises that if one is out this early then it is between appointments.  The melted Cheese is what makes this dish significant.  The Spinach, in what looks like a cream-rich Masala, is a bizarre concept, somehow this melange actually works.  The Mushroom Rice was a good sized portion, manageable after the Starter.

Hector’s palate was still marvelling at what had preceded the Makhni.  It took time for the flavours to emerge, a long time.  Tonight I suspect they may have been light on the Spinach, it never really got going.  The Lamb too tasted a bit tired.  The Lamb was soft but required a lot of mastication.

The Bill

£14.60.  For once a Starter accompanied by the usual Sparkling Water.

The Aftermath

A very pleasant evening talking to the parents of my youngest charges.

Posted in [Akash] | 4 Comments

The New Karahi Palace – a Glasgow Gem

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Hector

The Friends of Hector numbered eight today, ?Stan! has not recovered from our Curry indulgence at Yadgar last evening, poor.  Today’s venue The New Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street  Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8DZ) was chosen due to its proximity to the up and coming Laurieston Bar on Bridge St.

A nominal 13.30 start did not suit Hector who turned up in time for an aperitif before the main event of the afternoon.  Neil and Mr Boyd are the star inclusions today.  On entering the Karahi Palace our young Host gave a smile of recognition, we ascended the stairs to the upper room where the festive meal would be consumed.  Garish, would be one description of the décor.  The large family table was eschewed in favour of the large linear set up in the centre of the room.

Mein Host appeared, technically this room is not open at this time of day, somehow one felt this would not be a problem.  ‘Is there Karela?’ I asked.  ‘One portion.’ was the reply: ‘It’s mine!’

Hector was sorted.  The new, rather posh menu was presented to the remaining crew who were left to find their own way.  Hector was on the phone to Traben-Trarbach, the accommodation arrangements for the Wolf Weekend are at a crucial stage.

By the time I rejoined the group Starters had been agreed upon, not a wise move in my book, the portions here are generous. Still, they must learn.  Mr Boyd who normally eats for Scotland took my advice. Not one morsel would enter the Tempel that is Hector’s body before the Karela Gosht.  Sikh Kebab, Lamb Chops (to share) Vegetable Pakora and Mixed Pakora were ordered.  These would be eaten with the plates of Complementary Salad and Dips.  The Raita here is a standout.

Three Karahi Gosht on-the-bone and one off were requested.  Keema Mutter with Paneer, that’s a new one, Lamb Pardesi, Handi Gosht, copious Chapattis, Rice and a Peshwari Nan completed the order.  We were told there would be a wait, the Starters would amuse the table whilst the food was prepared, this establishment is not about reheating the sauce pot.

Two staff were employed to bring the Feast up the stairs.  The food was brought with reasonable efficiency, the best meal was kept to the end, mine.

The Karela Gosht is a dish I first enjoyed on these premises.  I have written much about it in the last few months, as has my Islamabad Correspondent. The culmination was the presentation of a plate of this fine vegetable in the Punjabi Charing Cross in early January.  This Bitter Vegetable brings a new dimension of flavour to a Curry, served with Methi too, it is just off the scale.  I soon realised that I was enjoying two meals simultaneously.  The Lamb was traditional pieces on-the-bone supplemented with Lamb Chops. Tender and chewy in parts this would make any meal perfect.  This was the veritable Meat Feast, and not the pile of bones that one or two commentators have described when eating here.  For consecutive days Hector has been spoiled.  The accompanying Masala was a meal in its own right.  Masala does not do this experience justice.  Thick pulped Vegetables: one could see the dark Karela and mushy Tomato, there was more.  The Spice content was through the roof, the Chef had fun in the kitchen it appears.  Hector had alternating moments – the sheer joy of the flavour of the Masala scooped on to the Chapatti, and the cries of anguish, this was a Vindaloo level meal, perhaps beyond.  Not since Amsterdam have I eaten anything this Spiced.  Heat usually compromises the flavour, not today; this was the creation of a Master Chef.

Some like it Hot

Craig either chooses very well or underestimates his own ability and orders a disappointing Korma.  Today he was bang on, the Lamb Pardesi looked wonderful.  Dark and covered in Ghee, this dish looked the part.  Next time there is no Karela in the House I shall order this.  Craig thoroughly enjoyed his Pardesi even though the Spice content was above his normal tolerance,  he never gives up. A jug of Mango Lassi did ease his pain.

Tracey had negotiated Paneer to be added to the menu’s Keema Mutter.  Genius was how she described her meal. The additional Cheese she described as both Crisp and Chewy.  This was a major success.  The Doggy-Bag was called for, well after Lamb Chops (shared) as a Starter…

The three Karahi Gosht on-the-bone eaters were all totally satisfied.  Howard remarked that this was the Spiciest dish he had ever consumed on these premises; the Chef was having a good day. Mr Boyd found the meal to be exactly how he likes it and will certainly rejoin us. Mags kept telling me how this was way better than her previous visit; she accepts finally that Lamb on-the-bone adds a different dimension.  The Mixed Pakora took its toll, she too required the Doggy-Bag.

Neil’s Handi came in a stone pot, this I had in my earliest visits and is one of the reasons I returned so quickly. The Handi is served with a bit more Masala than the Karahi equivalent but this is by no means a dish of soup.  Neil described his meal as: ‘… very pleasant, the right spice, the meat was tasty, tender…’

Yvonne who had the boneless version of the Karahi was the only person in the company to give a negative report.  She found the Lamb to be too chewy; five out of ten was her verdict.  Nobody’s perfect.

The Bill

£103 exactly, Curry at an average price of £8.  The Lassi and one soft drink totalled £7.

The Aftermath

The walk in the descending darkness to the Allison Arms and the chance to finally enjoy a Bier this weekend.

Posted in [Karahi Palace] | 1 Comment

Yadgar retains The Crown

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Hector

As is normal practice, the order was texted to Shkoor, Mein Host at Yadgar (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP).  He replied asking if I wished Methi to be added to the order of 1 Kilo Lamb on-the-bone Goshat Karahi.  I replied: ‘Methi, Karela, anything dry and bitter, my wit?’  It is good to be known.

Hector arrived ten minutes before the 18.00 rendezvous, time to catch up with Shkoor, friend of Ahmed who is a regular commentator on this Blog. Ahmed has suggested in the past week that I should graduate from Lamb on-the-bone to Lamb Chops.  Shkoor who was aware of this announced that tonight I shall be dining on a combination of both.  Perfect!  Apparently I shall get to meet Ahmed this summer – we shall go for a meal, somehow I suspect we shall not be travelling very far from where Hector dines this evening.

?Stan! arrived, punctual as ever, The Friends of Hector are reduced to this, as I had suggested, one or two of the company are afraid of Yadgar, after this evening we should be too.

Excess, without moderation

The customary Complementary pile of Poppadoms and Onion Chutney and Dips were set before us, a Salad normally accompanies this.  Tonight the Salad appeared to have moved up yet another gear with  lush green vegetation accompanying the Onion and Cucumber.  This would keep us amused whilst the Goshat Karahi was in its final stages of preparation.  Shkoor then appeared with a plate of Fish in Spicy Batter, not simple Fish Pakora; six pieces of appetising distraction, enough to fill any mortal.  Fortunately I had ?Stan! to assist and he is no ordinary mortal.  Remember, Dear Reader, this was hospitality, the welcome one receives when one becomes a regular at this very fine establishment.

The End of the Prelude

There should have been a Piper present, and someone to address the Karahi.  Tonight’s presentation was way beyond the norm.  Hector knows what one kilo of Curry looks like, (see photo on Homepage) the meat was piled high and it resembled the sculpture in Close Encounters… expletive deleted.

Two generous portions of Vegetable Rice containing enough Potato to end a famine, two Chapattis and all this Lamb.  When one considers that the majority of folk who eat Curry could never afford this much meat in a month, well we couldn’t let it go to waste.  The challenge was on, let’s pace ourselves.

A standard portion was extracted from the Karahi.  This went down with ease, the second portion was already anticipated.  Shkoor came to check that the burgeoning Mr Creosotes were still active.  ‘It’s the bone marrow!’ I exclaimed, that’s what makes the difference in flavour, that’s what makes the Yadgar Curry.  I have eaten this dish two dozen times, this evening I finally sussed it; I know it is better on-the-bone than off.  In no other restaurant have I felt such flavour come from a bone and add to the overall intensity.  Lamb Chops? – this would not happen.  I shall continue to ask for normal bones.

Anywhere else, we would have been finished.  The third helping is when one knows one is having a Feast.  ?Stan! is the only person I know who could match my appetite for Curry.  At no time did he enthuse, he feels no need.  He knows, I know, Dear Reader you know.

We did ourselves proud and ate the lot bar a few grains of Rice and a bit of Chapatti.

The Bill

There was one, it was paid.  I would not even tell a Rabbi how little it was. Hospitality, mutual admiration.  At Yadgar they are as delighted to see their food appreciated as we are to devour it.

The Aftermath

Two Fat Turkeys waddled along Calder St.  For the first time in eleven years the lights were on in the Calder St Baths, as I know them.  The Govanhill Baths reopen tomorrow.  Is Burt Lancaster still alive?  He remains barred no doubt.

A bus to the Bon Accord where the choice of Ale was poor.  A Festival starts next week; there is hope and perhaps even Hops. Marg has never seen Hector arrive home so early on a Friday night.  Tonight was a night about Curry, not Bier.

Posted in Yadgar Kebab House | Comments Off on Yadgar retains The Crown

Satuday night at the Punjabi Charing Cross

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Hector

This evening’s Curry-Heute was nearly an afternoon Edinburgh Curry, alas the lure of The Volunteer Arms in Musselburgh was too strong and the resolve became to visit Hari at the Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North Street, Glasgow. G3 7DA).  It has been two weeks since my last visit to what has become a firm favourite in the Glasgow Curry scene.

Last night I witnessed a Stag Trip, a crowd of Sikhs up from Cardiff. A Piper welcomed them to the premises, they then took over the downstairs room and bar.  Tonight there was a private party in full swing in the main ground floor dining room. Hari said he could put me downstairs, the Lone Diner once more.

No menu was offered, no order was given, they know.  The wait for my Lamb Gurmeet would not be a long one. The Complementary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney were brought to my table, how many Onions can you get in a dish?   Ahmed, my Islamabad Correspondent e-mailed yesterday to suggest that I should graduate from Lamb on-the-bone to Lamb Chops. Dear Chap, is this not what Hector has been revelling in for the last few weeks?

It is a strange feeling sitting alone in a very busy building.  There is a party atmosphere and one is not involved.  I am told the person in whose honour the night was held is a regular at their Paisley Road branch.

Four Lamb Chops is the ideal portion

The Lamb Gurmeet and accompanying Chapattis were delivered promptly; I had popped my head in earlier to confirm my imminent arrival.  This is very much the Hector Curry of choice.  The combination of the Masala and the Methi is perfection, the flavours burst out. The Bradford Taste is there, the flavour from the tender Lamb itself emerges still. There is another background taste which hits the palate, this is just wonderful.  Every morsel was consumed save the Bones, if only.

Hector has visited the Punjabi Charing Cross sufficient times now to add it to the list of Recommended Curry Houses.

The Bill

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

The Aftermath

Hari suggested that next time I try Goat. I shall.

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | 2 Comments

Glasgow – The Banana Leaf – A Southside South Indian experience

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Hector

When ?Stan! suggested we try the Banana Leaf this evening I assumed he meant the original venue in the West End, alas it was the newer Southside  restaurant (105 Albert Drive, Glasgow, G41 2SU) he had in mind.  Dr Rick and Hector arrived punctually, ?Stan! was slightly late, unheard of and further proof that the man we used to know was kidnapped by Aliens.

This gave Dr. Rick and Hector more time to come to terms with the strange language that is the South Indian Curry Experience. ?Stan! was issued with a menu by the young Doris who then took a long time to take the order.

Hector was ravenous, tradition would be broken and a Starter was declared.  I also recalled that the portion size in the West End outlet was not that large.  Tonight I could eat for Scotland. The Chaps decided that the Vadai range sounded appealing, Hector chose the Masala Tawa Fried Fish.

There are fifteen Non-Vegetarian main courses available.  By the time one eliminates Chicken and Coconut the choice was reduced to four.  ?Stan! asked for the memorable Attu Erachi Kozhambu – Lamb curry made of special ground chettinad spices with a touch of pepper.  Hector ordered the more straightforward Lamb Chettinadu, the difference between this and the previous dish was not clear.  Dr Rick went Vegetarian – Kadali Gassi – Chickpeas cooked in Mangalorean special spices.

The accompaniments could only be Chapattis, the Rice dishes were not straightforward and £4.70 for Rice felt excessive.  Six Chapattis were ordered.

A Diffident Doris

There was time to take in the surroundings.  This venue is much more aesthetically pleasing than the small café premises in the West End, very bright, very new.  A couple entered and was sat right behind us.  A family came in and was given space.

The wait felt significant which I cannot complain about when it is hoped that the meals are being individually crafted.  Doris brought the Starters, The Chaps had essentially Patties with Dips, nothing that I found to be particularly appealing.  The Fish was excellent.  There was no Masala, this was a dry dish.  The Fish were indeed spiced and the flavour although not distinctive was pleasant.  Four small pieces were enough to whet the appetite for the Mains. This was a good choice.

There was another wait before Doris brought the Mains.  Chicken Korma? – She asked.  My heart sank, surely she has not cocked up the order?  Dr. Rick was given his Chickpeas, simples.  I reminded her that I had ordered Lamb Chetttinadu, she gave ?Stan! the darker of the two remaining dishes and me the lighter, then she changed her mind and swopped them back, worrying.  Doris was determined that the side plates would remain on the table, whatever their purpose was lost on Hector.

 Dr. Rick stated that his dish did not actually need the Chickpeas in order to taste them.  Profound.

The Attu Erachi Kozhambu had Coconut, so I am glad I did not go for that one, Hector prefers bitterness to sweet. ?Stan! found the taste pleasing and so was content.

The Lamb Chettinadu had the very distinctive South Indian flavour with Curry Leaf to the fore.  The Masala was thick and full of flavour, most enjoyable.  Given that this is the same dish as I had ordered last year in the West End it was night and day.  Somewhere I read on the menu that they do not use Cream, to create this texture is down to the pureed Onion, superb.  The Lamb was poor, in fact the Lamb was dreadful.  It was either undercooked or was of a very poor quality, only the Chef could answer this.  What made matters worse; there was not very much of it.  The Main courses were served in the same sized karahi as the Starters.  Had I not had to chew so much I would have been finished in seconds.  The Chapattis too were on the small side.  I was glad that the Starter had taken the edge off the appetite.  It was a pity that the quality of the Lamb did not match the Masala.

 Dr. Rick had given up trying to attract Doris’ attention.  The schoolteacher voice had to be utilised in order to procure the Bill.

The Bill

£31.50.  This was appreciably less than anticipated.  The Chapattis did not appear, so perhaps Rice and Roti are inclusive? 

Authentic South Indian cuisine at affordable prices – indeed!

The Aftermath

Somebody mentioned Bier. On a Friday night?

Posted in [Banana Leaf (Southside)] | 1 Comment

Caspian, The Manchester Curry Mile

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Hector

After a day trip to Sheffield, only ?Stan! (two lunches) and Hector were left standing. One of us had been saving oneself for another visit to the famous Manchester Curry Mile. A taxi took me to the top end of Wilmslow Road, the driver had nowhere he was determined to take me to, and so I set about making my choice. The Shahi Masala looked impressive as I approached, but this is not my sort of place. I am suspicious these days of the great Curry Palaces where the crowds gather and all eat their bland Chicken Curry. Hector was in the mood for something different.

I photographed yet another exterior, the Caspian (61-63 Wilmslow Rd, Rusholme, Manchester, M14 5TB) caught my eye. Caspian, not a part of the Indian sub-continent I deduced. Hector Holmes has been busy of late.

As I entered, what turned out to be Mein Host was sitting eating a Dessert and immediately questioned me as to the purpose of my photography. I told him I photograph everything and would tell him why once I was fed. A laminated A3 menu was set before me, as is becoming my norm I asked Mein Host what he had for me. The mention of Lamb on-the-bone caused him some stimulation. He said it would come with Salad and Rice. Hector has not had Rice for a while, good.

We chatted away, by the time my meal came he knew where I came from and why I was in Manchester. I explained the perverse logic in choosing to eat in a place directly opposite what may be the biggest Curry outlet on the Mile. Curry-Heute had not been mentioned.

The Salad was fresh and it is just as well I like raw Onion. I nibbled, one can be a rabbit on occasion. As I waited I studied the menu – Borani: chopped fresh spinach with onions, garlic, in yoghurt. Had there been two of us dining I would have ordered this just to try it. One starter had the name Shirazi as a prefix. I know this name well, it is Iranian. I would ask at the end.

A young waiter appeared with my Lamb and Rice. There was more Rice than two people could eat. The Lamb was a single mass on a bone that could have been Spinal. As I ate I read the menu to work out what I might be eating. The Caspian Special is Lamb neck in a tomato sauce served with rice. Tomato Sauce was an honest description, the Masala word would not be appropriate. It was flavoursome but thin.

The Lamb was wonderful. It came off the bone with ease, my knife was abandoned. Tender would not do it justice. The full flavour of the Lamb was complemented by the humble Sauce. I ate heartily knowing that half the Rice would be wasted.

Mein Host was by now sitting with other customers. I was not ignored. I confirmed that the meal was enjoyable. I would probably not have picked this from the menu myself, I am glad my tactic paid off so handsomely.

The Bill

£7.00. To think that I had the equivalent of seven pounds worth of Rice on my plate, one is left to wonder. Great value.

 The Aftermath

I handed over my card, this was well received. Mein Host asked how to contact me but then spotted the email. He confirmed that this indeed was an Iranian outlet. This was  a pleasant experience, across the road how many would have claimed that?

 

Posted in Caspian | 2 Comments

Macnhester – Al-Faisal Tandoori – Hector returns to the Northern Quarter

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Hector

It is a thirty five minute walk at Hector’s not too slovenly pace from the Travelodge on Upper Brooke St. to Thomas St. in the Northern Quarter. I had budgeted for forty.

?Stan! was waiting, punctual as ever. Howard and Tracey had tried Yadgar Cafe across the street last evening and had not reported it to be anything outstanding. Kabana remains closed at weekends, one day. The rest of the troop had already headed off to Sheffield, far too early in my book to think about Bier when Manchester Curry is there to be had.

Al-Faisal Tandoori (58 Thomas St, Manchester, M4 1E) was guaranteed to be open for business, the perfect rendezvous. One therefore concludes that the other places make their money during the week. This a modest Café establishment with a menu listed on a chalk board. ?Stan! and I approached the counter and eliminated Lamb Tikka. Last year Lamb Karahi was on offer, today it was simple old Lamb Curry. Now when was the last time I had a Lamb Curry?

By the time we returned to our table the meals were plated and delivered. They have the food on a hot tray, during the week when people have limited time for lunch this must be ideal. Today it was just amusing. Two Chapattis each was the order, I should have remembered. These are not the wafer thin nonsense served up by too many establishments, these were the fuller, chewy versions made with a darker flour. One would have been more than enough.

The Lamb Curry was basic and old fashioned. The Masala was thin and splashy. Hector was back in his Curry Tardis, it is always good to get back to the roots. ?Stan!, as loquacious as ever was impressed by the simplicity of the whole event. There was enough flavour coming through to make this a pleasant experience, many would have been expecting Spice rather than flavour.

Concentrating on eating the Bread and soaking up the Masala, I did let the Curry get cold. My fault. Still, there was enough to make the return visit memorable.

 The Bill

£12.00. We need more places like this in Glasgow. Let’s hope for Manchester’s sake that as the Northern Quarter becomes Yuppified, venues like this can still afford the rent.

 The Aftermath

?Stan! had looked across the road and noticed 57 Thomas St., the Marble Bar  micro-pub. We tried the door it was locked, it then was opened by Mein Host. The start of another Bier-Traveller day out.

Posted in [Al-Faisal Tandoori] | Comments Off on Macnhester – Al-Faisal Tandoori – Hector returns to the Northern Quarter

Punjab Tandoori, The Manchester Curry Mile

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Hector

?Stan! and Hector were the last of the group to leave the New Oxford, the rest retiring after a long day before the pint glass. Having only arrived at 21.00, Hector had much to catch up on. Foremost in my mind this evening was a first ever visit to the famous Manchester Curry Mile. I had strategically booked myself into the Travelodge on Upper Brooke St which was walkable from the eventual destination, however it was a taxi which took me from Salford to Wilmslow Rd. ?Stan! headed in the other direction.

The taxi driver was from Rochdale and had nothing to trump my intended destination the Punjab Tandoori (177 Wilmslow Rd, Rusholme, M14 5AP). This was not a random choice but based on the research I had done in the previous days. Many state that the real Curry in Manchester is served in the Northern Quarter which I visited last year. I had read enough to convince me that this place was worth a try.

This looked to be Hector’s sort of place, a decent looking layout and not pretentious in any way. There was a bar selling the full range of drinks one may desire, alas as the readers know, when Hector is focused on Curry, there will be no distraction. A bottle of Highland Spring Sparkling Water made me feel at home.

The menu was offered, I glanced at it and decided to adopt my preferred method of asking what was available. The Lamb Chops Karahi (without the dreaded mushy green vegetable) was agreed upon. One Roti and one Onion Kulcha were the accompaniments. Kulcha, this would be a new experience.

I sat with my toy and amused myself. The waiter then spotted me sitting arms crossed and must have realised I had now been waiting quite some time. He assured me the meal was coming, I replied that I was happy to wait in order to have something worthwhile prepared.

Two Chaps sat at the table adjacent to the bar going through the receipts for this evening, business must be good, their expressions certainly conveyed this.

The meal was brought to the table and instantly impressed. Two Lamb Chops sat with their bones hanging over the edge of the Karahi bowl, two more were covered by an interesting looking Masala.

The Onion Kulcha and the Roti were both halved and were well presented. The Kulcha had to be tried for the first dip, oh yes.

The Kulcha was shiny suggesting it had been cooked in oil rather than just a hot plate as per the Roti. Sadly the Roti turned out to be like cardboard and so I focused on this new bread treat. An oily Matzo may be a fair description, I shall certainly have this again.

The dangling bones were cold, very cold, I picked one up and the other end of the Chop was hot, very hot. I deduced that this meal must have been heated in the Karahi as the title would suggest, however the bowl was touchable. The Masala too was magnificently hot and revealed a flavour that was a brand new experience for Hector. There was no Methi evident, or Coriander, there was a subtle sweetness therefore. This was most impressive, I was in my element. Gnawing on the bones I began to wish I had stronger eating weapons, one dental visit after a Curry last year was enough.

As I am able to remember the flavour/taste of most things I eat, I shall call this the Manchester Curry Taste. I must also make time to become a pedant and become strict about my careless usage of taste and flavour, I know they are not the same.

The Bill

£13.10. For what I consider to be a top of the range meal I was happy with this, of course in Bradford the Breads would have been inclusive.

Taking photographs of everything one eats does tend to attract attention, especially when the venue is on the quiet side as it was after midnight. The waiter had offered to take my photo as my meal was set before, a nice touch I thought. I made my positive post-meal comments to my excellent waiter and gave him my card. The Chaps who had been counting their takings appeared, one was the owner. The card and my humble website were discussed, I admitted to being a Manchester Curry Novice but my Glasgow pedigree went down well. Everyone wanted to be in the photograph, how did I end up behind the bar? Instinct? Fate? I bade farewell to a great group of Chaps and headed out to explore Curry Vegas.

The Aftermath

At night Wilmslow Rd is Hector Heaven. The place is well lit with an array of Curry Houses one could only dream of. They cater for all tastes and budgets. An Afghan outlet instantly caught my eye, I wonder… Taking a photo of one establishment led to a conversation with presumably Mein Host standing the the doorway. I said I had already eaten but still a good chat ensued. He took my card, I promised to visit.

A taxi driver then hailed me. Seeing I was photographing all in sight he asked if I was looking for somewhere to eat. I asked for his recommendation, he assured me the place he was parked outside, the Lal Qila, was where he dropped most people. He booked me in and took me home, we discussed Curry at length, Hector likes Manchester.

Posted in Punjab Tandoori | 2 Comments

The Sheerin Palace, Part 2

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Hector

Sheerin Palace (300 Allison St, Glasgow, G42 8HQ) serves authentic food in the style and with flavours that have largely disappeared (from Glasgow) in the mist of time.  Cheap and Cheerful – is an apt description for this Curry Café.  There is no menu, one looks to see what is on offer and basically that’s it.  They reheat portions taken from the large trays on display at the counter and these are brought through to the small dining area.

Today the choice was Kofta and Egg, Fish, Chicken Saag, Cauliflower, Daal and Chickpea.

Having arrived first I had time to develop a strategy.  The Kofta and Egg has been enjoyed in the past and is not always available.  The Fish looked stunning.  I knew Howard would find these both appealing too. I would put it to Howard that we share an extra portion of whatever dish he did not want as his main. Simples.  Craig arrived having wandered all over Allison Street, the Chicken and Spinach was his brave choice.

On my last visit I spoiled the dish by having a generous portion of the Biryani as an accompaniment.  Today is Chapatti day. I ordered seven in all.

A Complimentary Salad and portion of Raita each were presented whilst we waited.  The food came in no time at all, the Chaps were already enthusing.  The Masala is definitely not what I look for in my normal Curry outing.  This is thin, red and oily – but the flavour has that aggressive kick which can catch the throat if one is not careful.  I felt as if the Curry Tardis had taken me back to the days of the Green Gate on Bank Street.  Superb.

Howard and Hector both ate their Kofta and Egg first, four Roti were set before us.  I had ordered seven no way would we need that many.  The Roti were large and thick.  I ordered two more, madness.  I knew I could take the leftovers away, this fresh they would reheat no problem at all.

Craig loved his Chicken, it was on the edge of his tolerance level and was packed with flavour.  I dipped the Spinach, had it not been a Chicken dish I would have been tempted.

The Fish turned out to be Salmon.  This time the flavour of the Fish had infused into the Masala, a new dimension, a new wonder.  The level of satisfaction was increasing by the second.  This was a good call; the single portion would not have been enough, the extra share was perfection.

Initially Craig took nothing to drink then I asked if they had Lassi.  A glass was expected, a jug came.  This went down very well.

The staff wandered past as we ate, they could hopefully sense our level of enjoyment.  I think after four visits I am now being recognised.  I left the Calling Card just to remind them that I would be writing very positive things about their modest establishment.

The Bill

£28.50.  The Lassi cost more than the Chicken dish.  The wonderful Roti were 50p each making a mockery of what most places in Glasgow charge for basic Chapattis.  This was a four Curry bill.

The Aftermath

The walk back along Allison St towards the Allison Arms set Hector thinking if this was really the start of Glasgow’s South Side Curry Mile if one adds a disjointed Albert Drive to the other end.  The Chaps are now keen to go exploring, Albert Drive may well be our next port of call.

Posted in Sheerin Palace | Comments Off on The Sheerin Palace, Part 2