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!

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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.

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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…

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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

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.

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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.

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