More Indian Mango in München

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Hector

Hector had guided the Ladies this morning down to the Englischer Garten by U Bahn.  A welcoming Gluhwein at the Chineser Turm acted as the Hair of the Dog.  Hector was back in the land of the living.  No word from The Chaps.

There was a time slot written into the Tin-Tinerary that permitted the intake of Curry-Heute.  Marg, the ever dutiful wife, agreed to come and watch Hector have his fix.  She had enjoyed the full Breakfast on offer the Hotel Royal, that was at a time which was far to early for Hector’s digestive system to be open for business.   The dinner at Pschorr last night was not cheap and so Eleanor decided her pocket had been hit hard enough and resisted more Curry.  Perhaps she does not eat as much Curry as Hector.

Hector’s navigational skills took us with great efficiency back to the Indian Mango (Zweibrückenstr. 15, 80331 München).  We discovered a Goan outlet around the corner as we turned left at Isartor.

A new Waiter was there to greet us but our Young Host emerged from the back room and came over to acknowledge us.

Lamb Chettinad, well what did you expect?  Now I have discovered something.  This dish is not as good as the Fisch version.  My own website highlights other Lamb dishes from my first recorded visits last year.  The Lamb was on the tough side, it could have done with an extra half hour.  The flavour of the Chettinad remains wondrous so this is still an outstanding Curry.  Maybe the other Lamb dishes will temp me next time.

Marg watched my ritual eating with a bemused expression.  She likes cake, biscuits, sweets; Hector never eats these.  Hector eats Curry.

 The Bill

€15.90.  This was the meal price, no soft drink required today.

The Aftermath

The staff present today were delighted to have their photograph taken.  Sadly, Mr Kunjappu was away and so was not seen on this trip.  The next visit will probably not be until July.

And so day trip to Kloster Andechs ensued, here the Spezial Hell is available.  The full report appears in Bier-Traveller.

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München – Indian Mango

Posted on November 12, 2011 by Hector

It is almost two years since the Lady Eleanor joined our fairly frequent trips to Munchen. On the last occasion the Indian Mango (Zweibruckenstrasse 15,  80331, München) was closed over the New Year period. She was the only person to join Hector for Curry-Heute.  I told our young host in October that I would be back in four weeks, I was.

The Fisch Chettinad is possibly the finest Fish Curry I have ever experienced, so this was Hector’s selection.  Eleanor who probably eats as mush Curry as Hector opted for the Lamb Chettinad.  Hopefully her days of Chicken are being left behind.

We were the first diners of the day, one of the young twin chefs had smiled in recognition as we we entered.  Our Host came back to the table to verify that we did wish our meals to be Spicy.

The wait was not a long one.  The inclusive Boiled Basmati was brought to the table along with the Curry.  Eleanor had suggested that we might share our meals so that she could enjoy the best of both worlds.  Hector does not eat this way, if I order a meal I expect to eat all of it.

I certainly do not mind hoovering up any leftovers.  Today there were none, all the bowls were scraped clean.

I was later asked what type of Fisch I had eaten.  Fish was my reply.  It was white and light.  The crunchiness of the accompanying herbs and Vegetables create a perfect texture.  The slivers of Fresh Ginger are commonplace in the better outlets these days.  Marg must include the magic device that creates these in the xmas stocking this year.

Eleanor was of course impressed by the wonderful experience that is Indian Mango.  Hector cannot deny that a visit here is as important as the other great  München attractions.  I could easily have come back here for tea, however the Pschorr Haus was already booked.

The Bill

€37.80 including two soft drinks.  The Chettinad dishes are almost twice the price of the standard Curry served at Mango.

The Aftermath

Having walked last month up and down the long stairs at the Isartor Bahnhof, the climb was woeful, far better to walk down to Isartor than face this again.  Ironically, the escalators are now working; we jumped on the S Bahn  back to Marienplatz.  The sun shone brilliantly in the blue sky, time to enjoy the other charms of this wonderful city.

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No Crawley Curry-Heute for Hector

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Hector

… but Dom has some Argy Bhaji

Wandering back from the Swan in Crawley, Dom insisted that we go for an Indian Takeaway.  With an early rise, as in really early rise for a ‘plane to  München the thought of Curry sitting in the gut for the next three hours was not appealing.

For once Hector refused a Curry-Heute

The event is posted because I was there.  The Chaps serving had a great sense of humour and most importantly they claimed to hail from Bradford.

Dom took the food back to the hotel and propped it down beside Al.  Alas, what he ordered is unknown and we shall never find out if this particular Curry was of quality or not.  It was never eaten.  Perhaps the locals will give advice, soon?  (Lord Clive?)

 

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München via The New Karahi Palace

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Hector

When Marg suggests we cross the river, Hector always suggests it’s time for Curry-Heute.  The time had come to introduce Marg to the New Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street,  Glasgow G5 8DZ)  and the delights of the Karahi Karela Gosht.  We entered @19.30, were acknowledged by the young host and then ascended the stairs to the Ice-Cream Parlour sorry, seating area. Two Chaps were seated at the window; a portable heater was located beside them.  It was an unseasonably mild day in Glasgow today.

The order was verified. An off-the-bone version of what Hector currently considers to be his favourite Glasgow Curry was procured for The Lady.  A single Mushroom Rice and Two Chapattis were the accompaniments.  More than enough Rice.

The Complementary Salad was not so tired looking as it has on previous occasions.  This was definitively not the one I didn’t touch back in June.  For the first time I actually sampled it.  The Raita was not too shabby either.

Mein Host assured Marg that the food would be brought soon.  Marg had been primed that there would be a short wait.  Our suspicions are always raised when the main event is brought within five minutes of ordering.

After the ritual photos, permission was given to eat.  ‘It is salty!’ was Marg’s initial comment.  But this is Karrah, the Salt brings out the flavours of the Herbs and Spices was my answer.  The fact that Marg commented on the Salt content at least three more times suggests that this Curry was indeed salty.  It was, salty as salty as the Erlangen experience.

We assumed the Lamb was the source of this dominant flavour, then I realised it was the Karela itself.  Now I was told on the only occasion I have purchased this Prickly Vegetable that one assaults it then leaves it to sweat, this was indeed sweaty.

Hector ate to his satisfaction.  The portions are more than adequate.  As ever I was able to finish the end of Marg’s boneless version too.  The presence of Bone certainly adds to the overall flavour.  However, this naked Lamb was damn good too; did anyone mention the Salt content?

The Bill

£20.90.  This included one soft drink.

The Aftermath

We retired to Byres Rd and the further treat that is Ice-Cream at the University Café.  Pure decadence.

München?  This should be the next Curry-Heute report, very soon.  It is the November Holiday weekend, good old St Andrew…

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Glasgow – Motörhead via The New Karahi Palace

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Hector

November 5th, a famous date, the day Motörhead make their annual visit to the O2 Academy in Glasgow.  Noddy is in town, not since the late 1980s has he, Alan and Hector been to a Motörhead gig together.  Noddy doesn’t have a ticket.  We buy one from a tout, it is expensive.  But this man has flown to Australia to see Motörhead (from New Zealand) so any price is cheap.  Is the security holograph kosher?   Oh well, we’ll worry about that later.  The Curry is calling.

 New Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street  Glasgow G5 8DZ)  is my favourite Glasgow Curry House at this time.  On entering I immediately mentioned Karela, there was a positive reply.  This would have otherwise been a disappointment.  The Mysterious Vegetable was available.  We went upstairs to the Ice Cream Parlour that this room resembles.  Who designed this?  We were the only customers, why?  Dear Readers, get yourselves here, it is absolutely worth the visit.

 

 I ordered for the three of us. It was at my insistence that they come here and try this magnificent creation.  Mein Host reappeared moments later – the Chef wished to know which version we required – the Handi or the Karahi.  Having established on my previous visits that the Karahi is the dry version this was confirmed.  Why was there doubt?  So three Karahi Karela Gosht (Hot), three Mushroom Rice and three Chapattis it was then.

 The twenty minute wait passed in no time.  Actually, it took twenty minutes.  I do not think the complementary Salad was touched.  The Rice was brought upstairs, three very large portions, enough for six people.  And why not?  The main event was then set before, faster than one could say where are the Chapattis?, we were off.

 

 I have likened the Karela Gosht served here to being a combination of the flavours experienced at The Village and Yadgar.  Tonight it was Yadgar meets The Khyber.  Such was the way the pulped Vegetables clung to the Lamb.  This is a wonderful dish.  The flavour bursts out onto the plate.  I could eat this every day no problem.

Noddy confirmed that there is nothing like this being served in the land of the Kiwis.  He wolfed it down.  Alan, who does order some bizarre dishes, was not overly impressed, too many bones for him.  Perhaps he is too accustomed to Chicken Soup?

The Bill

 £34.40.  We asked Mein Host if he works seven days a week.  He is always present.  We were told that Saturday is his day off, but today is Saturday…  I made further comment as to who else on the premises can actually speak English, I was assured there is a stand in.

We applauded the Chef as we departed.

The term plate of bones was not mentioned in my company…

The Aftermath – Motörhead

There was a quick visit to The Laurieston Bar, this iconic pub is caught in the 1960s.  The decor is mixture of the sublime and the ridiculous.  Ricky and ?Stan! took me there recently on the off chance that Fyne Ales may be on offer, they were not.  Tonight the Piper’s Gold was on.  It was no real surprise when ?Stan! appeared out of the freezing gloom.

And so to the annual ear bleeding competition.   The tout had gone; he must have sold all his briefs.  Others stopped and asked us if we had spares, no chance.  It was a sell-out.

At 21.30 the noise increased and for the next ninety minutes there was no respite.  Bomber, Metropolis were played at the start.  There was enough of the old stuff played to keep the causal fan happy.  Orgasmatron in the customary green lights, Going to Brasil, and the track Hector will have played at his funeral: Killed by Death.

The encore is quite standard these days – Whorehouse Blues, Ace of Spades and an extended Overkill.

The sound was perfect tonight.  Viv Campbell remains unintelligible at the mike. However, his wah-wah during Overkill was clearer than I have ever heard it.

One day Lemmy will stop coming to Glasgow.  Until that day, Hector will be there.

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Another Akash visit

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Hector

One way or another I was going to end up at the Akash (45A Sinclair Street, Helensburgh, G84 8TG). this evening   It was Eleanor’s (76th?) birthday to which I was invited, but sadly a funeral took my day in another direction.  Marg had been dropped off leaving Alan, Tracy and Hector out on the town.  The Curry had to be a feature of the evening.  It was no surprise to find Eleanor and co sitting resplendent in the middle of the restaurant.   Everyone appeared to be having Chicken Soup.  I thought the lady had learned.  Their extra Popadoms were offered up, nice, but we had no dips.

One very strange looking Pakora was brought to the table.  Hector once again restrained himself.  There was no Rice order, A Garlic Nan and a Vegetable Paratha were the accompaniments to our three diverse Curries.  A hot version of the Lamb Makhni with Spinach was once again Hector’s choice.  Tracey ordered the Chicken Sag Bhuna, and Alan the Chicken Garam Masala.  What is it with people and Chicken?

Both Breads were perfect in size, texture and flavour.  Alan’s Garam Masala turned out to be a classic Plate of Soup.  Only he knows why he ordered this.  When one compares this dish with the version served at Café Salma, one is left to wonder.

The Lamb Makhni was superb.  It really has to be served Spicy Hot.  I must admit that there is excessive Masala served with this dish too, but it is the Cheese content that makes the experience.  I cannot recommend this dish enough. I am surprised we did not all have it.

There was a doggy bag.  Alan and Tracy do have a dog.

Hector went to inspect the facilities.  The waiter opened the front door.  Is there something I should know?

The Bill

 £39.40.  Somebody had Cider.  Alcohol with a Curry, whatever next?

 The Aftermath

The part-time Barman asked about this website as he left bearing his Cargo.  I gave him the Calling Card.  Hello!

Tracy retired for the evening, Hector and Alan toured the bars of Helensburgh.  They do stay open late.

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Glasgow – Assam’s – ‘Let us change your perception of Indian dining’

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Hector

This evening Hector and Marg were meeting up with the Curry–Virgin Claire, yes this was her first Curry.

From Queen St Station, Assam’s (57 West Regent St, Glasgow, G2 2AE) was nearby and long overdue a visit. I have been on their website a couple of times and have been impressed by their self belief that what they serve is worthwhile eating. Such venues are not my favoured eating places, table cloths…

We approached the entrance, all was in darkness, the place was locked up. Hector’s brain was conjuring up an alternate venue when Claire spotted the new location a couple of doors up the hill.

‘No we haven’t booked.’ How pretentious is this? A Thursday night, 19.30, how many Curry Houses are mobbed at this time? We were taken to a table, I couldn’t sit down, the young Doris was in the way.

The menu is minimalist, a good sign. I talked Claire out of Saag Paneer, this would possible put her off Curry for life. I suggested the Chicken Tikka Chasni, a sensible crossover from another nation’s food style. I put it to Marg that the Butter Chicken should be sampled, there was compliance. This left the coast clear for Hector to have the Lamb Karahi. I asked for it to be hotter than medium. This caused the Doris a problem, ‘hot’ was the compromise.

A single Mushroom Rice and a Garlic Nan were the accompaniments, having spotted a Nan, one would be more than enough.

One portion of Pakora was ordered, this came quite quickly. The Pakora was flat, pattie style. I restrained myself, I was here to sample the Curry. The ladies enjoyed the Pakora but stayed clear of the Red Sauce.

Here comes the Curry

Would a single portion of Rice be enough between three? There was enough, a positive start. The Nan certainly was impressive in size, however I prefer mine to be more doughy, and wet-ish from the Garlic. This Nan was too dry.

The Lamb Karahi looked the part. Some pieces of the Dreaded Capsicum were present, but not many. I decided to ignore their presence. I dipped the Karahi, nothing. Taking a fork full of Lamb and Rice, still nothing. This was really bland. There was no kick, no apparent flavour, just blaaaand. Fortunately, after I had spooned more of the perfectly minimal Masala on to my plate, some taste finally emerged.

‘Let us change your perception of Indian dining’

So says their card. Is this it, all they can do? The other two Curry Dishes looked like Plates of Soup, the antithesis of everything Hector looks for in a Curry, but then the ladies had ordered Chicken.

I was permitted samples of the Chasni and the Butter Chicken. The Chasni was full of flavour, but far too sweet. People eat this? Was it really Chicken Tikka?  I remain to be convinced.  Claire realised that she was eating Chicken served in Tomato Soup. The Butter Chicken was sickly, rich, maybe excessively so. Marg is right, a small Tapas size portion is more appealing. There was no kick. (Mother India’s Cafe still produces the best Butter Chicken found in Glasgow.)

Marg had remarked on the size of the Chicken pieces. They were large, very large. Fancy having to use a knife to eat a Curry… well there was a table cloth.

The Bill

£57.40. There was a Starter, two soft drinks, two Ice Creams, two Coffees and one Tea. The Curry content of The Bill was well within acceptable parameters. Did I mention there was a table cloth?  No extra charge.

The Aftermath

The ladies loved the ambience. They enjoyed their meals. I kept waiting for the after-taste to reveal itself. Having had such little fore-taste this was not a surprise. Marg was happy that we had tried somewhere new. Claire asked if I would return. ‘No’ was the reply.

This was a very ordinary experience.  Hector’s perception of Indian Dining was changed years ago, I have been to Bradford.

Bradford, the Curry Capital

What better time to congratulate the Curry Houses of Bradford for winning back the title of Curry Capital of Britain.  Glasgow has won it enough in the past decade.  I know that overall, Bradford sells  Better Curry.

Update

Assam’s ceased trading. To the best of my knowledge, this was around the end of 2018.

 

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A Curry-Free Weekend, so Home-Cooked Kofta Palak it is…

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Hector

Meat Balls?

The supermarkets are throwing Meatballs at us it appears these days.  With a two-fur-wan offer I couldn’t refuse some Beef versions found their way into my basket.  Spag Bol tomorrow then?

The purists may cry out in horror but it is the quality of the Spinach laden Masala that makes a good Kofta Palak, I think.  We shall see.

I felt that the Meatballs were better fried than boiled and so I held back putting the tinned Tomatoes into the pulping Onions.  This left a dark rich Onion-Meatball-Vegetable Oil base in which to spread the Spices. Some Za’hatar Israeli Herbs found their way in too.  The Spinach was cooked separately as is written in the  tried and tested recipe for Palak Gosht.

Hector was all set to add the eveil looking Spinach to the very friendly looking Masala when Marg phoned, so all was put on hold.  Time then put in the Mushrooms.  Mushrooms?  Well they need to be eaten soon.

Too Oily!

This was Hector’s verdict.  So  I have knocked off 100ml from the recipe.

 

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The Akash, always reliable

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Hector

The ubiquitous Hector is at a Halloween party this evening, as the Invisible Man.  This gives me the opportunity of slipping out and having something decent to eat.  The Akash (45A Sinclair Street, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) is too much of a temptation when I am stuck in Helensburgh of an evening.

The Lamb Makhini with Spinach has made Hector excited about visiting the Akash once more after thirty years of regular dining at this venue.  To think a few months back,  I actually contemplated visiting the other place on  the front which is known to be very poor.

The order selects itself:  the Chicken Chat here (always off-the-bone) has evolved through time but is always worth sampling.  One of the few times Hector has a Starter and risks not finishing.  It could be on these very premises where I had my first ever Vegetable Rice.

The Chicken Chat portion is impressive, a larger meat content than some venues serve in their main courses. Hot, Spicy, and balanced perfectly by the slivers of Cucumber.  I cannot resist this.  I have eaten this Starter more than any Starter in any Curry House.

There was not enough of a gap between courses this evening. The joy of the Chat was still on the front of the palate when the Cheesy Curry was set before me. This melange of Yoghurt rich Masala, topped with Cheese looks awful but has a unique flavour. I should have asked for it to be hotter.  The Vegetable Rice included Almonds which gave a worthy gritty texture, adding to the overall experience.

The Bill

£14.40.  Well the Chicken Chat is not free.

The Aftermath

Now who actually believed Hector was attending a Halloween Party?  It is the monthly RSGS talk night fortunately now relocated back to the Victoria Halls.  But wait, Howard is sending me a text, even Robin is flagging something…

Hector’s Ale

Being a Professional, Hector does not consume Ale midweek. This did not prevent the biggest wind up in the history of the Bon Accord. Thanks, Paul. This is the photo that was posted on Facebook/Twitter today. My own Ale and I was not there to taste it. Alas, John tells me it has gone…

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Bring on the Karahi Karela Gosht!

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Hector

Mr Holden is in town, he expects nothing but the best. One does not leave Bradford and come to Glasgow to consume inferior Curry. The choice of venue must be a new experience selling something very special. Ricky has already experienced The Village, Cafe Salma and Yadgar. Hector’s current venue of fascination is ready for another test. The New Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) is on an upward spiral in the eyes of Hector.

On my previous visit, all of five days ago, the Curry was very good but they did not serve the dish I had hoped for. Once again I arrived early, the news was good. The Karela Gosht was on – three portions please. A Mushroom Rice for ?Stan! and Hector plus a Chapatti, three for Ricky, no Rice. At 50p each, this is within acceptable parameters. Ricky still expects  Chapattis to be inclusive.

Non Starters

Ricky and ?Stan! were decidedly hungry. However, the promise of a Glasgow portion kept the Starters at bay. They nibbled on the Complementary Salad.

Twenty five minutes after the order was placed, three white bowls of sheer delight were set before us. With the Rice already plated and three of the five Chapattis presented, we got tore in.

The Man from Bradford says yes…

This dish is magnificent. That I have let months pass without this experience  is now unfathomable. The Masala was both thick and minimal, fitting for the Man from Bradford. There was a small gathering of Dark Ghee at the base of the bowl, perfect for dipping. The flavours from the blend of Vegetables complemented the Lamb which was done to perfection.  Karela rules.

We piled the Bones on a spare plate, there was still more than sufficient Meat. ?Stan! made further comments about the tastes, Ricky the quality of the Lamb. All the noises were positive. Ricky also complemented the Chapattis: ‘Real Chapattis!’

Dare I suggest that if the quality of this dish can be maintained then I may have to re-evaluate the current holder of the accolade: Hector’s Favourite Glasgow Curry. (Don’t worry, Shkoor, I’ll be back…) I have eaten some stunning Curry in the past six weeks or so, this stands amongst the very best.

The Bill

£29.00. This gave the opportunity to engage Mein Host in conversation. The thumbs up were given to the Chef who is very much rear of house. I asked the difference between their Handi dishes and the Karahi. The former is wet, the latter dry. So this confirms it was indeed the Karahi Karela Gosht.

The Aftermath

The New Karahi Palace will be shouted from the rooftops. On my way home I attempted to add balance to a website which had desribed this venue with a single word (negative) banner. As Ricky says, the real test is turning up for a Take Away. Is what they pack as good as what they prepare for in house consumption? I shall probably never find out, a matter of Geography.

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