Hector’s Thirty Years Celebration at Cafe Salma

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Hector

The last two solo visits to Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Charing X, Glasgow G3 7PQ) were the build up to this splendid evening.  It was announced earlier this year that possibly the finest Independent School in the West of Scotland would honour Hector’s thirty years of service with a commemorative dinner.  Al, the Depute was put in charge but it was simpler for Hector to do  all the organisation.

Café Salma was chosen not just for the outstanding quality of the Curry but the fact that the downstairs venue could be taken over.  We could have a private meal in a public place.  The ambience downstairs is perfect and as the guests arrived they were thoroughly impressed.  This was a significant breakaway from the usual Helensburgh hotels where such events would normally be held.

From our earliest visits to Café Salma we always enjoyed the atmosphere set by the staff wearing African dress to highlight that this is also a Moroccan restaurant.  ‘One day we will come here and wear our own costumes.’ I remarked to Marg some time back.  Tonight seemed a perfect opperchancity, it brought a smile to everyone’s face as the emerged from the foot of the stairs into the main room.

With last minute call offs and two late additions, Hassan did well to cope with the order.  Last week he was given each person’s order and it was agreed that we would spilt ourselves into three tables and each would be served in turn.

Some were early, some were late, and we were all sat and tucked into the complimentary Poppadoms and Chutneys by 18.50.  Marg, sitting at The Friend’s of Hector’s table was served first.  The table entitled La Maison de Toutou was next and finally Hector’s Table complete with past and present colleagues.  We were thirty-one diners in all.  Quite a logistical task and far removed from the normal choice of three Starters or three main courses served at a hotel function.

I had recommended the Prawn Puri to quite a few colleagues as they had never tried one before, this went down well.  The freshness of the Pakora was remarked upon.  Hector had Kofta Palak as a Starter, this was brave as I did not know how near a full portion I would receive, it was the full portion which came and I managed to suggest that others try this magnificent creation.

The Lamb Lahori Karahi IMHO is the signature dish of Café Salma.  This was the main dish ordered by those who know their Curry.  Some who actually like Capsicum in their Curry had the Punjabi variant.  There was the milder Makhani and other more mainstream Curries ordered by those who do not live in the Curry scene.  Anthony took the opperchancity to sample proper Moroccan food , the Tajine, and not the Vesta variety.  Five portions of Ravi Machi, the Fish Curry, were served tonight to great acclaim.

Never have I seen so many Garlic and Coriander Nan, there was minimal debris left at the end.

All bar one were thoroughly impressed by the Café Salma experience, and having been before one suspects that the mindset of that person was immovable.  Nicki has told me that she will now have Lamb Curry having tried it for the first time; Eleanor too may have had her last Chicken for a while.  Chicken?

The Presentation – Welcome to the inaugural meeting of the Temperance Society

In addition to presenting a quaich, Al made a wonderful speech highlighting the sheer professionalism of Hector in the workplace; he did forget to point out that in thirty years of service Hector has never phoned in sick.  Hector’s speech went down well despite being delivered at a very fast pace, the Biers were calling.  Yes, this was the first ever presentation dinner in a dry establishment.

The Bill

Hassan stated that he had lost track of exactly what had been served and put it to us that we should pay what we thought was due.  £20 per head was my ball park figure when the details were announced, this was accepted, and Hassan was a very happy man at the end of the evening when the cash was piled high.

The Aftermath

We retired to the Bon Accord where Russell had promised me Harviestons’s American IPA, this was quaffed quickly before moving on to Augustiner Edelsftoff, my normal Friday night treat.  We managed to occupy much of the raised area at the rear quite comfortably.  A Buffet was ordered for 22.00, which was put back to 22.30.  By this time the numbers had dwindled and we were all still stuffed.  Whose idea was it to order a Buffet?

Thank you

My thanks to all those who made the effort to leave the coastal resort town and travel up to the big city.  Perhaps in five years something similar will be held again, but in the meantime the plan for another mass trip to Traben-Trarbach has been hatched.

And Finally

My thanks to Hassan for making the evening possible.

As we left Hassan invited Marg and I to dine at Cafe Salma next time as his guests.  I think we made his night too.

Posted in [Cafe Salma] | 4 Comments

Taj, a long overlooked Clydebank Takeaway

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Hector

Taj (697 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank, G81 4HD) has been in situ since 1996.  Hector did not know this until he was conversing with Mein Host whilst waiting for his Methi Gosht and Special Fried Rice.

The menu comes through my door a couple of times a year.  The frequency that I visit local Takeaways is minimal, however Tuesdays are currently non-cooking nights as cooking for one is at best tedious.  A perfect opperchancity to experiment.  I had also spotted Methi Gosht on the menu.  This is too much for Hector to resist once his mind is set.

Located near the main Dalmuir junction in the west of Clydebank, I wonder why I never knew of the Taj’s precise location, or of its lengthy existence.  Kurdish is the Lingua Franca behind the counter.  Trade was brisk, once again I spotted no plastic gloves in a Clydebank Takeaway.  The Nan Donner looked well handled before a young mother collected her evening meal.

The Rice I was promised would have Mushroom and Peas, the menu also said Onion but nothing about the occasional pieces of Capsicum that fought their way into my container.  The portion was ample, well they have to fill the plastic containers, don’t they?

The Methi Gosht looked the part.  Thankfully this was not yet another Red Clydebank Curry with excessive Onions.  Indeed, for Clydebank, the Onion content was well understated.  The meat was plentiful, the pieces were large.  Who were they trying to impress?

The first few mouthfuls of Methi Gosht and Rice worked very well.   The Lamb was tender, I had selected the smaller pieces on the plate.  I counted the Lamb chunks, twelve in all and most of these were larger than single bite.  This was another Lamb Feast!

The quality of the Lamb varied throughout the meal, my very last piece was decidedly firm and chewy which I do not mind when it is in isolation.  Most of the Lamb was most acceptable.

A single Clove, Cardamom, Curry Leaf, and Methi/Coriander stalk gave themselves up as I ate the meal.  The Methi could have been more evident, or was it the lack of Salt which held the flavour back?

There were moments when I was thoroughly enjoying this dish and thought perhaps I had found somewhere special.

 Overall I cannot criticise too much.  At £7.50 this was good value.  Two people could easily have shared the Curry given the massive quantity of Lamb.  How could anyone eat a Starter before this?

Shall I return? 

I tend to go east and south to eat Glasgow Curry.

Posted in (Dalmuir) Taj | Comments Off on Taj, a long overlooked Clydebank Takeaway

Yadgar! Why are the People of Glasgow not queueing around the corner?

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Hector

Eleanor is a Curry fan.  She possibly eats as much Curry as Hector, but Chicken… Chicken?   We had pencilled in today as her first trip to Yadgar to experience the finest Curry served in Glasgow.  This as every reader knows is the Goshat Karahi (on-the-bone) – Lamb, of course!  Today was Eleanor’s first Lamb Curry.

?Stan! and Howard were appointed as Chaperones for the day.

 The Complementary Popadoms, Onion Chutney  and Salad (complete with Black Olives) were set before us shortly before the official rendezvous time of 15.00.  As always, everything had been booked well in advance.  Three Vegetable Rice and Four Chapattis seemed enough to complement the One Kilo and Two Portions of this very fine Lamb Curry.  ?Stan! and Hector were sharing the Kilo.

 

We were munching our way through the last pieces of Poppadoms when the dishes started to appear.  With conveyor belt efficiency the various components were set before us.  Time for the first dip…

 

My initial thoughts were that this was not created at the hands of Mr Shah, the Chef Hector thinks is the finest Chef in Glasgow.  The normal Yadgar – Goshat Karahi flavour was masked by a the fulsome flavour of Cinnamon.  The Lamb was also darker than the norm, or was that a result of the richness of the minimal Masala?   The Lamb was tender.  No, this needs further emphasis, the Lamb was magnificently tender, no knife was required to cut the larger pieces or separate the meat from the bone.

The large Karahi had been severely attacked, it was towards the bottom that the normal Yadgar taste began to emerge.  This is reminiscent of the other great Glasgow Lamb Karahi outlet (The Khyber) where the flavour at the base of the Karahi really hits home.

 

There was ongoing discussion about the superbness of the meal when Mr Shah appeared to take his bow.

Mr Anwar (Snr) had chatted to us in the minutes between Poppadoms and the Curry.  He assured us that his son, Shkoor was pursuing more cerebral pursuits today.  We think he was hiding in the cupboard because Shkoor magically appeared as we ended our ritual feast.  I was able to update him on my Curry exploits in Bradford last weekend.  Shkoor thinks I should contact the Guinness Book of Records as a possible candidate for the man who has eaten the most Curry in the past year.  Flattering, but I am sure the staff do not eat Pizza, or maybe they do.

Mr Anwar invited us to sample the Rice Dessert which had just been cooked, was still hot and would normally be served cold.  Semolina is what any Glaswegian would call it.  Somehow we  found room for this.   Hector had a Sugar High.  School dinners became the momentary topic of reminiscence.  Whatever happened to Sago?

Eleanor was impressed; hopefully she will add her own comments.  Will her next Curry be Lamb?

The Bill

£45.   Between four of us and inclusion of a 1Kg  portion, this was value as always.

The Aftermath

At the Allison Arms the Augustiner Heller Bock, Pyraser Export Landbier and Andechs Spezial Hell were all available.  This was a good day.

Posted in Yadgar Kebab House | 1 Comment

Cafe Salma, Palak Gosht

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Hector

Hector had to see Hassan about next week’s extravaganza, it would once again have been impolite not to have a Curry-Heute.  That I have chosen Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) above all other Glasgow venues for a special evening says much about the quality of the food and the ambience.

Palak Gosht – Desi Hot, on-the-bone, is as masochistic a Curry as man can endure.  This dish needs Bread, not Rice to ensure the full Spinach flavour ramrods the palate. The classic Garlic and Coriander Nan is the perfect accompaniment.

The Complementary Popadoms and Chutney were presented as I sat down.  Hassan spent some minutes with Hector discussing the coming event.  There is no truth in the rumour that  ?Stan! was away bootlegging hence Hector’s solo dining experience on a Friday evening.  Speaking of ?Stan!, I must congratulate my reader who spoke to ?Stan! at a recent Bier event, Cove I believe, and addressed him with ‘You know Hector!’  How ?Stan! struggled to say these words.

After Bradford I have found it necessary to visit only the best of places for a while.  This dish never disappoints.  It is really all about the Masala: thick, black almost a burnt taste.  It is not for the faint hearted.  Like Guinness, I have to admit to having it quite a few times before the concept of enjoyment became the norm.  I began to wish I had ordered the Kofta version; more meat would have been presented.  I had much bone and not so much Lamb this evening.  In the past when I pointed this out another half portion was quickly set before me.  There was enough to attain satisfaction and give me a chance of eating all the magnificent Nan.

The Bill

Undisclosed.  This is between Hector and his Confessor.

The Aftermath

Later at the Bon Accord, Thomas called me over to sort out a Curry dispute.  Around 8pm a massive of group of Chaps and Chapattis entered mostly wearing check shirts.   Was this a lumberjacks’ convention?  Anyway, there was an intense discussion about the content of a standard Curry – Jalfrezi: Capsicum, Tomatoes, never Cream or Yoghurt.  It is written.

Posted in [Cafe Salma] | Comments Off on Cafe Salma, Palak Gosht

Akash, again…

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Hector

There are only two days of September to go, Hector may squeeze in a final two Curries this month. This was expected to be a very brief report, Hector was entertaining overseas customers. This is the only tax deductible expenditure I recall from Tax Law many years ago. Actually Di and Derek are from Aviemore where there is no Curry. They were pleased when I suggested Indian Food.

We were the first customers of the evening at the Akash (45A Sinclair St, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire G84 8TG ). Starters were waved and three soft drinks ordered. There were no Complementary Popadomms or Chutneys.

I made one or two suggestions for the visitors whilst I searched for the Curry Alan and Tracey had ordered on my last visit. They had the Chicken version, well they would. Lamb Makhini with Spinach was verified with Shuel, Mein Host. Derek went for a Lamb Bhuna and Di a Chicken Tikka something. She was concerned it might be too hot.

Three Rice were ordered, Hector ordering the reliable Vegetable Rice.

The food came in good time and Hector recognised the Yoghurt based and Cheese covered Masala. This looked thick and most appetising. Regular readers will know that Hector’s previous Curry was the Lamb Karahi Methi at Bradford’s International. That I described this as probably the best Curry I have ever eaten. It is perhaps fitting that this was followed by the venue where I have eaten the most Curry, ever, by far!

 This Curry was excellent! I have written before that I have found all of the Akash Curries to taste much the same in recent years. Maybe there is a new Chef, Shuel gives nothing away. The Cheese gave the Masala a new dimension, a heavy one. I know someone who will be down to Helensburgh as soon as to sample this. Where was the Spinach? – this is my only question, perhaps the subtlety is what made the dish. Actually, this is not a subtle dish. I would recommend no Starter prior to this, especially if the very satisfying Vegetable Rice is the accompaniment.

The guests enjoyed their respective dishes. Given their limited exposure to the king of all food this is not surprising.

The Bill

£31.90. This was for three soft drinks, three Curries and three Rice, not bad at all.

The Aftermath

A very entertaining evening at the Victoria Halls, Helensburgh.

Posted in [Akash] | 1 Comment

Bradford, The International! Tonight I may have tasted my best ever Curry!

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Hector

Hector loves Curry. Hector could eat Curry every day but for practical reasons chooses not to. In the course of a week I hope to enjoy one truly great Curry and make do with my own creations or some more ordinary outlet. This was day three of the Bradford trip. I had not yet had anything outstanding, that changed this evening. I shall start my review in reverse. The Lamb Karahi Methi I was privileged to eat this evening was one of the finest Curries I have ever eaten. The International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford BD7 1BE) has been a regular haunt for the fifteen years I have eaten Curry in Bradford. They have excelled in the past, tonight was off the scale. After a day with Ricky (and Geoff) and the ever tolerant Marg touring some of Ilkley, Otley and Rodley’s watering holes, it was time to eat. Marg had already consumed a Pie that made us envious, however, Ricky and I knew what was coming later.

The welcome was as ever warm and friendly. The Complimentary Poppadoms and Chutneys were presented along with the laminated A3 menu sheet. There are two sides to this menu which makes the choice all the more difficult. I wondered if I could order fifty different Curries. I narrowed this down to a dozen. The waiter was happy to serve me twelve Curries he told me. Ricky thought I was buying a large Take-Away. Marg ordered a Vegetable Pakora and a Mango Lassi. Ricky a Mixed Kebab with Lamb Pasanda. Pasanda? Sheep Brains, Tripe… but Pasanda, what was Ricky up to? On previous visits I have had the Krahi and the Desi, the Lamb Karahi Methi proved this evening to be the choice of the many dishes I could have selected. Three Chapattis accompany a main meal at The International. Having avoided the Starter, this should be within my capabilities.

I watched patiently as Marg and Ricky ate their Pakora and Kebab. Tempted as I was to take a nibble I was determined to keep the appetite intact. This proved to be a wise tactic.

Here we go…

Ricky’s Pasanada was indeed yoghurt based, he knows what he is doing. The Lamb Karahi Methi looked the part, a thick and reasonably dry Masala. The moment came for the first dip – I believe I rolled my eyes. Marg could see I was in ecstasy. This Curry was simply perfection.

Make it so

What was in this that made this meal so wonderful I will never know. I love Methi and usually get attracted towards it. The Bradford taste was there, The International taste was there, the taste of Methi was subtle. I managed to eat all three Chapattis, this in itself is unusual. I paced the dish to perfection. This was the perfect dish.

The Bill

£7.50. Well, this was my share; I was not caring about the other bits. I had just consumed probably the finest Curry I have ever eaten and it cost me £7.50 with three Chapattis included.

The Aftermath

Hector will be back at the end of November.

Posted in International | 2 Comments

The Keighley Curry House, fed here at last…

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Hector

Two and one half years ago we had a trip to Yorkshire to celebrate Craig’s 50th Birthday.  Keighley was as close as we got to Bradford on that trip; the Curry House (112/114 East Parade, Keighley, BD21 5JA) was the designated Curry venue.  Early in the afternoon a table for our group of ten was arranged for 18.00, we had a train to catch back to Settle, time was crucial.  The booking was accepted on the basis that we had left the premises by 19.00, there was another large group already booked.  This was perfect.

Needless to say, despite arriving punctually, the venue became greedy and took ages to serve us, the Starter came shortly before 19.00 and by 19.00 we knew we had no time to eat.  Despite our warnings we ended up having to leave.  The Starters and drinks were paid for, some of our group to this day consider this to be over generous.

Tonight was of course a case of unfinished business.  Bradford was our intended destination; however, we had such a great time in Huddersfield at The Grove with Judith and John we knew Keighley would be a more comfortable venue at which to eat.  A taxi thereafter back to Haworth would be no inconvenience.

Marg was not in the mood for the Full Bhuna and so decided a couple of Starters would be sufficient.  I have noted a Mixed Lebanese Starter accompanied by Chicken Pakora.  Inevitably this proved to have more eating than any Curry.  Marg enjoys Starters.  Hector likes Curry.

The Lamb Tava was chosen: (“This appetising medium spice dish which is cooked with tender chicken or lamb marinated in green masala which consists of  green long beans, cherry tomatoes, garnished with touch of lemon juice and fresh coriander.”)  The Vegetable Rice was ordered as my accompaniment.

Whilst we waited there was time to count the number of seats, 42.  So this is a medium sized venue.  Given a couple of famous names up the road, this place was doing good business.  The signs were encouraging.

Marg’s Mixed Kebab was pronounced to be dry.  I asked for some Raita which appeared immediately, they had forgotten to bring it.  There were apologies at the end.

As asked, Marg’s meal was timed to arrive with my own.  I was presented with the hot plate on which a sizzling platter was placed.  The plate for the Vegetable Rice was also too hot to touch.  Going well.

I examined the Curry – is this dish not a Stir Fry?  Now where does Stir Fry end and Dry Curry begin?  I dislike intensely when I am given a plate of Soup, this is at the other rend of the spectrum.  The overall flavour was very pleasant but did not pack too much of a punch.  I must declare that I became much more positive about this dish than when I first gazed upon it.  The Cherry Tomatoes numbered two, one ended up on the floor.  The Green Beans were an interesting diversion; I may employ this as a future ingredient myself.

The Bill

It was Marg’s turn, a gentleman does not look.  I believe it was modest.

The Aftermath

On presenting my calling card the was a bit of interest.  Hopefully the chaps will read this review and take on board the events of 2009.

Posted in (Keighley) Curry House | 1 Comment

Bradford – The Sheesh Mahal has closed, hence an overdue return to Omar’s Balti House

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Hector

This is the Glasgow September Weekend, what finer way to spend it than in Bradford, Glasgow’s arch rival to the title of Glasgow Curry Capital? Hector chooses to abstain from any voting, I know where the best Curry is served.

Four and a half hours it took to drive from Clydebank to Haworth. This is nonsense. Having chosen the scenic Skipton  (A65) route, it was hold up after hold up. A quick coffee in Haworth and we were off to Bradford for the Curry ritual.

This was to be Marg’s first visit to the Sheesh Mahal (6 St Thomas Rd, Bradford BD1) the Curry House Hector currently believes serves the best Curry ever experienced. As I drove past in the autumn twilight I spotted scaffolding. Parking at the adjacent venue I went out to investigate. The building was derelict. There was a sign on the door stating that – Opening  very soon – was promised, aye right. The building work is so far from completion it will take months. Meanwhile where are the Chefs? They must work, will they return? Does this spell the end for the Sheesh? Presumably the ambience will be greatly enhanced on re-opening. It looks as though the premises will be significantly larger, but the Curry is most important. Mr Holden had given no prior warning of this disastrous (re-)development. There will be a long interrogation when we meet up on Sunday

Omar, where are you? Contact Hector, tell me what is happening.

And so I drove on to the normal Wilton St car park. I spontaneously decided to make a return visit to Omar’s Balti House (46 Great Horton Road, Bradford, BD17 1AL) once my favourite Bradford Curry venue. As we passed the Russian Vodka House, Marg relived her fond memories of when it was a Curry outlet. Change is not always for the better.

Omar’s is as famous for it’s ridiculous Nan Breads as it is for the Curry. We knew to avoid these. The place has been done up since my last visit some five years ago, or so.

The Complimentary Poppadoms and Chutneys were presented. I ordered a Fish Pakora, I was starving.

In many Bradford venues the Chapattis are free, here they are 30p each. We decided on three along with our customary Vegetable Rice to share. Omar’s is where Hector had his first ever Curry with Paneer, it looked as though Cheese would feature this evening. All of the Specials appear to have Cheese.  Omar’s Special proved irresistible: – A special balti dish cooked with Chicken, Meat, Prawn, fresh onions, herbs, garlic, ginger and garnished with fresh coriander and cheese. Marg opted for the Shashlik Lamb Karahi – Choice of Chicken (boneless) or lamb, marinated with spices and garlic, coriander, green chillis, tomatoes, ginger and garnished with cheese. How she has come on since her first Bradford visits, this was my alternate selection.

The Fish Pakora was wolfed down, perhaps it was a bit on the dry side. We then amused ourselves at the presentation of the super-sized Nans to other tables. One table of four  diners had ordered two Nan, what a mistake to make. Another table had brought in their own wine whilst a couple had clearly consumed their wine before entering. A couple of girls ordered a platter of sizzling Tikka Meat, a mountain. Another mountain of Chips was presented too, no skimping here.

The Curry arrived

Very Red – was our immediate observation. Instead of the traditional small cubes of Paneer, the Cheese had been grated and was piled on the side of the Balti dish. This suited Hector who has issues with Cheese. The word projectile is one that Hector associates with excessive Cheese.

I stirred in some of the melting Cheese into the very rich Masala. The first dip with the Chapatti was encouraging. Adding the Rice to the Balti dish seemed a better idea than transferring all to a new plate. Very good, but not outstanding would be my verdict. Prawns make a Curry sweet, the Chicken was bland, the Lamb pieces the best bits. I should know better but how could I resist a dish called Omar’s Special.

Marg described her Curry as very rich and enjoyed the consistency and the kick. Her Chicken was sliced which puzzled her. She prefers normal cuts.

The Bill

£25.90. This was inflated by Ice-Cream, Coffees and the general fact that one had to keep the lady happy. The actual Curry content of the bill was at its usual  Bradford minimalist level.

The Aftermath

On presenting the Curry-Heute calling card, the waiter thought I was trying to sell him a website. Fortunately I had loaded the page from the Recommended Curry House list on to my HTC and was able to show him where I was coming from. A staff member was quite chuffed to see himself. They commented that Omar’s has been in its current modern format for a few years now.

Given the competition nearby one wonders when Hector will next return.

Posted in Omar's Balti House | 2 Comments

Köln – The Indian Curry Basmati House – Visit #4

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Hector

Hector found himself in Köln for the afternoon en route home from the Wolf Strassenfest.  There was another Festival taking place in Severinstrasse today in Köln Sud.  Lord Clive, Maggie and I fought our way through the crowd from Früh em Veedel to the Reissdorf outlet  Zum Altes Brauhaus.  Today’s Festival is the Severinsviertel Fest.  This meant that Severinstrasse was simply wedged, so was Reissdorf.

This was good news for the Indian Curry Basmati House (Severinstaße 40, NRW, 50678) who had their dishes on display in the street outside their premises.  I took my seat inside at one of the three small tables at the door.  The larger tables to the rear were basically full.

On studying the menu I decided to try something different once again.  Lamm Labra was to be Hector’s dish of the day.  I could see that Spinach was featured but as Saag was also on the menu I deduced that this would be less extreme.  Other Interesting Vegetables were also listed, Ingwer I now know is Ginger.  Split Peas, Green Beans were part of this creation.  As only Plain Basmati is on offer, this would satisfy my desire for diversification.

Whilst waiting for my meal, I could not help note that every person who passed the premises looked at the dishes on display and then looked into the Café.  A few stopped to buy Takeaways. some came in.  This was a busy day for the Chef.

The Doris brought my meal and glass to go with my Sparkling Water.  There was more than enough to fill.

This venue does not make Curry to rival Glasgow/Bradford, but in terms of a Deutsche Curry this is up there with the best.  There is a unique flavour which I cannot identify; perhaps it is the direction of Cinnamon?

I took my time, and savoured the moment.

The Bill

 €10.  Or £8.70 at the present rate of exchange.  Not a table cloth in sight, great Curry at great value.

 It will be three months until my next visit, I shall certainly be back.

Posted in [Indian Curry Basmati House] | Comments Off on Köln – The Indian Curry Basmati House – Visit #4

Essence of India, Harlow

Posted on September 16, 2011 by Hector

Lord Clive had contacted Hector during the week to ascertain if there was a Curry House in Harlow of note. The best report I could find was at an outlying address. Pot luck was my verdict. Clive knew that Maggie would drive us to a worthwhile venue, so having collected Hector at Stansted and checked in at The Green Man (there is no truth in the rumour that this is a down at heel, celtic establishment), we sped off in the darkness to the award winning Essence of India (Oasis Hotel, 2 Hart Rd, Old Harlow, CM17 0Hl, Essex).

Hotel? We gave that the body swerve

 The hotel appeared to be more Chinese Restaurant. We were greeted as we entered, in fact in the car park. The venue was attractive, well laid out, draught Bier on offer and the the inevitable two coloured table cloths. This place was at least trying to look better than others have described it online. This is now, no problem with the ambience at all.

 The drinks menu was on the table at the window as we squeezed in. Well Clive had to squeeze in. Has he put on more pounds of late? Too many Olives?

 Mein Host was soon upon us. The menu was complicated, too many Specials? There was an extra laminated sheet of Specials. The Lamb in all of these was Char Grilled. This sounds too much like like Lamb Tikka for Hector’s comfort, where was the regular Lamb?

 I gave my description of the Lamb I sought: dry, not soup….Mein Host was straight back with the Mithali Mossala. This also happened to be the cheapest meal on the lengthy Specials lists. He offered to change it if I was not happy. This was good enough for Clive who jumped aboard.

Lady Maggie stuck to her guns and ordered the Lamb Dansak.

Many Rice

 

One Pilau, one Mushroom and one Vegetable Rice were the accompaniments. Clive sneaked in a Keema Nan. The time was budgeted, The Green Man shut at 23.00, it was already after 21.30 when Hector put a pint of Cobra to his lips. First Bier since last Saturday, the joy of being Professional.

Maggie’s Curry had a wonderful rich, brown hew. She thoroughly enjoyed the meal save the fact that she found the Lamb to be on the tough side.

“Full of flavour, lovely consistency, Meat needed to be more mouth watering. The Rice was great, I would have licked the plate.”

As Clive had the same main meal as Hector, there was no need to bother him for a quote on the Curry. We both like exactly the same thing. His Keema was pronounced to have “a wealth of Keema.”

Hector’s Curry Heute #2

OK, I was spoiled. My lunchtime Kofta Palak is one of the most flavoursome Curries served anywhere. Better than Mr Holden took me to sample in Bradford. So, the Essence of India was up against it. It was seven hours since my last Curry exhilaration.

The Curry was a bit on the red side. The Masala was thankfully not soup as I had made clear I did not want. (are you reading this in Newcastle?) There were evident Bay Leafs in the Masala. A significant piece of Cinnamon Bark was also contained therein. Green Cardamoms were to the fore. There had been a clear attempt at producing a genuine aromatic Curry. As I ate the dish some of the individual tastes emerged.

The Vegetable Rice was something else.

Butter Beans, Celery, Peas, Potato and fresh Mushrooms. I have rarely had such an impressive accompaniment. This makes a meal. Some Curries as I know to my cost are better without Rice. This was the perfect complement to the dish presented. What I did not get was an overwhelming, this is wonderful, sensation. ‘It was alright’ was my callous judgement on completing the meal. The meal was actually much better than this. The meat was certainly on the tough side which was a negative but the blend  of what was presented was certainly worthy of praise. A mainstream Curry House had tried to present a piece of home cooking. Maybe if it had sat overnight in the pot it would have notched up a few more taste decibels. (That is a new phrase, please note: Harlow – new nomenclature.)

The Bill

 The total was under £40 and this included four Cobras. This was good value.

 The Aftermath

Mein Host had clocked the photo diary being recorded. He then joined in and took the group shot. (Who is that expanding guy in the blue t-shirt? So much for the new gym regime.) I told him about a certain website.

If we were not happy he would change it.

This was a genuine offer as it was repeated halfway though our eating. He accepts he is a mainstream restaurant, so perhaps should not be judged too harshly. Whilst paying the bill, Clive suggested he open a branch in some lesser named Spanish resort. I think he should move to Belgium and embarrass every Curry House in what remains of their nation.

This was a thoroughly pleasant visit. We were made very welcome. It was an accident of Geography that took us to Harlow this evening. Maybe on the equivalent weekend next year, Mr O’Leary or Stelios will provide a usefully timed flight on a Friday evening out of Scotland to Rheinland Pfalz or Nordrhein Westfalen.

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