Spice Cube – Hector’s first ever Newcastle Curry

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Hector

Why Aye, Man!

When Craig and Yvonne announced that August 20 would be our first ever day trip to Newcastle there was a silent shout of joy. A long standing work related distraction this weekend would be no more, shame. Bier of course was the primary objective (cf Bier-Traveller), others were in charge of that. Hector’s remit was to fit in a Curry at some point.

It is on writing this report that I take real pleasure in what this Website and Blog aim to achieve, genuine and reliable information. Hector had done the research, no Curry Cafes in Newcastle were appearing within the city limits. The most promising location required another train journey, no chance. Surely Newcastle has something to offer? They all win awards, don’t they? Spice Cube (The Gate, Newgate Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5TG) was the most likely venue.

It was close to the station, allegedly. There was a buffet so nobody would go hungry. I had emailed them during the week to establish that the full menu would be available on a Saturday lunchtime. It was.

Mid afternoon

Hector was hoping to step off the train from Glasgow just before noon and march the troops for a Curry breakfast. This was not to be. HTC/Android maps were useless today. If I had chosen to go to South Shields all would have been well. Newcastle itself simply would not display on the phone. After some ten minutes the map acknowledged I was within the Newcastle area, accurate to 1600m. I still did not now where I was. The Forth Hotel opened just after noon and the best laid plans were put to rest. Two hours later we were all in need of food. Hector’s phone map had improved its resolution but was still not accurate as to where we were. Howard’s phone (same system) had us standing half way across a famous bridge. Tracey asked a local, ancient technology. We were now no more than a hundred metres to the shopping complex in which Hector believed the Curry House to be sited. Glasgow’s Xscape is quite a complex, this was along similar lines. Upstairs, opposite Nandos lies Spice Cube. Winner of Curry Chef 2010 (Newcastle and regional), and winner of the 2010 British Curry Awards, the place had pedigree. Hector has yet to win an award. We were seven, five ordered the Buffet. Craig, the Man, opted for a Lamb Tikka dish from the main menu.

Choo ChooThe Indian Railway Lamb Curry is what attracted me most to this venue.

As it unusual name suggests, this exquisite dish was prepared and served in only the 1st class sections of railway canteens and cabins in the days of the Raj. With the tenderest pieces of Lamb gently cooked with baby potatoes in a curry leaf, onion, and mustard seed gravy finished with yogurt, this truly is a dish fit for an Indian cuisine connoisseur.

One of Hector’s ambitions in life is to experience an Indian Railway Curry at Source!

Hector was determined to have the best Curry possible.

What is your best Lamb Curry? – I asked the Doris. She alerted me to The Indian Railway Lamb Curry! I enquired about the use of the word – gravy – she assured me that this was a dry Curry. I do not want Lamb swimming in Soup – I told her. Again she assured me this was not the case.  Doris even offered to exchange it if I was not happy. With five others already munching away at the Buffet Starters this appeasement was within acceptable parameters.

The Buffet Chicken was the only meat on offer. No Lamb Mince as the website had suggested. Those who indulged returned to the table with copious prawns/shrimps, always a good sign.  Those who had the Buffet did not complain at the time.

There were mutterings afterwards: nothing special, bland, very ordinary.  Did Howard and Tracey really order an extra dish of Chips and Cheese?  The food was clearly fresh. The Friends of Hector ate until satisfaction had been achieved.  Hector asks where was the listed Keema Curry?  Tracey squeezed in a Chai which she delighted in, momentarily.

No Bread was available in the Buffet. When the main courses arrived, two baskets of sliced Nan were presented. This was so late, the Buffet Diners thought it was not for them.  As was the case in the Verandah (Edinburgh) last Saturday, Hector believes the Chefs only cut their Bread into portions to mask the fact that not very much is their norm. The Nan Bread was far too sweet. Craig’s Lamb Tikka arrived first. No Rice, he had not asked for any, and a tiny pot of something wet was the accompaniment. He thoroughly enjoyed this. The Lamb was dry, virtually no Masala, the Bradford style, or even Crawley as Craig reminisced.

Then there was Hector’ Curry:

Am I back in Haarlem? –  was my immediate thought. A metal bowl of Lamb in a classic Tikka Masala type sauce was presented. No gravy? Aye right. This was  not what had been described. The Curry Leaves did provide respite. Onions? Where? This Masala was so thin the Onion must have been walked past the pot. The yogurt was decidedly overplayed. Indeed, had I ordered Chicken (sic) Tikka Masala, then this is exactly what I would have expected.  This was indeed Lamb swimming in Soup.  I was not sending it back, there was hunger.

Indian Railway Lamb Curry

Hector does consider himself to be something of an Indian cuisine connoisseur.  Hector has seen the travel programmes where the Chefs aboard train cook wonderful creations. That is authentic. What was set before Hector was basically a joke. The days of the Raj – the menu cited. Hector knows that the fabled Tikka Masala style sauce was invented at the Shish Mahal in Glasgow some forty years ago. The days of the Raj? – I doubt this very much. Hector’s Curry had a little kick, a modicum of flavour, was far too sweet, Coconut must have been included… Oh, they did warn the Curry might contain Nuts.

This is their best Curry? I came all the way to Newcastle to eat this?

The Bill

£72.00 with five people having the £8.00 Buffet. Does one tip at a Buffet when one serves oneself? We did.

The Aftermath

On our way to the next venue Neil emailed to say that Spice Cube looked the best bet for a Curry in Newcastle. Oh how the Internet can mislead, or is this indeed true? Hopefully, the good Chefs of Newcastle will be alerted. Our group will be back, the Bier was good. There must be somewhere on Tyneside where the Asians go to eat.

The Friends of Hector are keen to return to Newcastle but it will never be to Spice Cube.

Maybe it will be one these places?

Posted in The Spice Cube | 1 Comment

A Hug from Hassan!

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Hector

…and where is Dr Stan?

Hector texted Dr Stan mid-afternoon just in case he fancied a Curry-Heute. With the new term underway, time to restore the normal Friday rituals. The reply was a shocker: ‘Just had Kofta Pallak at Cafe Salma, on way home to sleep.’

And so Hector was once again The Lone Diner at Cafe Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) until a birthday party took over the adjacent window seats.

Hassan was amused that Dr Stan had been there earlier in the day, he knew I would be along soon.

The thought of Spinach had been firmly planted in Hector’s mind, Pallak Gosht (off-the-bone, medium, with a kick) and the excellent Garlic and Coriander Nan, for a change. The joy of Curry is that the array is vast, yet the root ingredients are standard.

Hassan sat with me for a while to chat and the Poppadoms and Onion Chutney were brought over. Two Poppadoms, on the house.

The Curry arrived before I had finished the second Poppadom, maybe just as well.

Tearing a strip off the Nan and dipping it into the thick black Masala is sheer joy. The salt content was high, the flavours blasted the palate.

A Rice appeared

No Rice had been mentioned but a plain Rice was set before me. Well, why not?

This meant defeat was certain, how could one person eat all this? One does not leave Cafe Salma hungry.

Perfect management

Hassan once again checked in at the table to establish all was well with the food. He has a new Chef in place this week who had his own ideas. Hassan was determined that the Curry would still be served to his specifications. In time they will establish what the new Chef has to offer that may be an addition to their range.

Buy one, get one free, with 32p change

The Bon-Accord was Hector’s planned destination, but a text from Robin diverted me to Hengler’s Circus where Jarl (Fyne Ales) was on sale at £1.49 a pint. Jarl was also on at the Bon-Accord where I met up with Dr Stan later.  Time for Edelstoff.

Posted in [Cafe Salma] | 2 Comments

Hector’s Karela Curry

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Hector

The vacation is over, reality bites.  Time for a Curry-Heute!

The fresh Karela (Bitter Melon) bought at the weekend was to be the new experimental ingredient.  Having removed the jaggy exterior, the seeds along the centre were prized out.  The sliced Karela was then salted and left whilst the Masala and Lamb were prepared as in the Recipes above.

This was a quick brew and after half an hour the Karela, Mushrooms and Potatoes were added.  To ascertain the impact of the Karela, no Coriander was included. The Lamb could certainly have done with a bit longer.

Different

Hector did not manage to replicate the bitterness experienced at the New Karahi Palace where this Vegetable was first consumed.  The flavour was decidedly different from my normal creations, certainly not sweet, but I thought very pleasant.  Marg was non-committal but came back for more.

I shall be repeating this experiment again.

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Bombay Duck

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Hector

Bombay Duck has been banned in the EU for some time.  Yesterday at KRK whilst replenishing the stocks it was spotted.  I was told this Dried Fish delicacy is brought in via Italy.  Who cares from where it comes, this is part of Hector’s diet that has been missing for years.  ‘Fry” it says on the packet, well that didn’t work.  Oven baking may create the crispy texture required.

It is never too early to eat Bombay Duck.

Hector also purchased his first ever Karela.  Having seen the so called Bittter Melon on the shelves and never having known what to do with it, this week’s Home Cooked Hector Curry will feature this very dry tasting Vegetable.  Mein Host at KRK gave me clear instructions on how to prepare it.

Hector is still on vacation!

Congratulations to The Tramp who was married this morning.

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Edinburgh – Verandah – The Far East, a Curry-Heute Odyssey

Posted on August 13, 2011 by Hector

After a splendid afternoon at The Staggs Bar, a Musselburgh Curry-Heute was calling.  We had passed the Yaadgar Indian Takeaway (57 Eskview Terrace, Mussleburgh, EH21 6LX) whilst coming down from the station; to capture a takeaway for the train was Hector’s plan.

Dr Stan, Robin and Mags had opted for the bus route back to Embra, Howard and Tracey had disappeared, Craig and Yvonne had departed as Craig’s bedtime approached.  It was a solitary Hector who marched back up the hill at pace towards Musselburgh Station in the perpetual rain.  Yaadgar was busy, nobody was buying Curry.  I asked how long a Curry would take, twenty minutes was the reply.  That was it, onwards and upwards.

I had by now received a text from Yvonne stating that she was eating the Hottest Lamb ever.  From where she did not say, but on arrival at the station, the Four Disparru, were assembled, Yvonne was considering the remaining Masala.

I was offered taste, I did not refuse.  The Masala was thick and very Spicy, Ferocious! – said Craig.  This merely whetted the appetite.

 The Curry of Edinburgh

This is a topic that Hector would not choose for Mastermind.

 

The immortal Dinnis (Akash, Helensburgh) recommended Verandah (17 Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 2BQ) to me way back in 1989.  This is the only Edinburgh Curry House I have visited in all this time.  The food has always been good to excellent.  They are open early on a Sunday which suits morning arrivals from Germany which is when I have tended to visit.   They sell/sold bottled Budvar!   Verandah was straight on to my list of Recommended Curry Houses from the inception of the Blog.  This is the first visit since then.

Two diners sat at separate tables, both had left by the time Hector was served.  The place was full on my last (evening) visit.  The décor was plain, gone was the more traditional style.  I was later informed that this has been the style for over a year now.  Methi Gosht looked the most appealing choice, some of the dishes were decidedly pricey.  The Vegetable Rice was £3.75, extortionate, and so I opted for two Chapattis  at £1.25. each  At this point, dear reader,  one thinks of Mr. Holden negotiating up to three free full sized Chapattis in any eatery in Bradford.

The customary Sparkling Water arrived in a 0.2l glass; no bottle was presented so one may conclude that this came from a 40p two litre bottle.  At £1.75, and served flat, this certainly did not impress.

Methi Gosht

The Curry arrived: the first dip of the Masala immediately impressed.  The taste was tremendous, perhaps sweeter than I would prefer.  What I dipped with was not.  The two Chapattis were the smallest I have ever seen.  They were no larger than a saucer and they were Poppadom thin.  I asked for another.

The Lamb was on the tough side, and  there certainly was not very much of it.

I was asked if everything was ok.  I stated the meat content was minimal, the Masala, very good and the Chapattis a joke.  By this time Mein Host was engaged.  He has been cooking Curry for twenty years he told me, so have I was the quick reply.  In fact, Hector has been cooking Curry for over thirty years, though will admit only those created after the Cookery Course should count.  There was discussion as to the difference between Roti and Chapatti.  There was a suggestion that Glasgow and Bradford were getting it wrong.  One may now sense that Hector could have become riled.

The Bill

They took £13 for a bill that was over £14.  It was agreed that I would only pay for two of the three Chapattis.  I presented my calling card and informed Mein Host that his establishment has been on my Recommended List.  He asked if I would be taking it off.  No way could I do this, yet.  This establishment is the only Edinburgh venue Hector can comment upon and the food here has impressed over twenty three years of visiting.  Will I return?  Only if I am invited…

I did a survey last year of the other venues (see below) of outlets between Haymarket and Rose St, there are a few to choose from.  One day,…

Update:

Yaadgar (Musselburgh) – has been rebranded as – Village Tandoori

June 2021

Verandah has gone.

Posted in [Yaadgar Indian Takeaway], [Verandah] | 2 Comments

Cafe Salma, Hassan returns!

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Hector

The end of the vacation is nigh, but not yet…

Steve and Hector were having a quiet Bier in Helensburgh when the Bier became warm.  ‘Shall we go up to Glasgow, Curry?’  asked Steve.  He knows the rule…

An hour later we were at Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) both ordering  Lamb Lahori Karahi, one on-the-bone, one off.  Veggie Rice, Mushroom Rice and the classic Garlic and Coriander Nan were the accompaniments.

We were asked if we wished the Rice to be Hot?  This is new.  I am glad to see that Rice is becoming regarded as an integral part of the overall flavour and experience and not just something to stop the Curry running off the plate.

Being an impromptu Curry-Heute, the usual camera was not in my possession and so the phone had to be employed.

The Complementary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney/Raita appeared before we could draw breath.  (Why do we have to pay for this elsewhere?)  Then the highlight of the day, apart form the Curry itself, was a familiar head surfacing from behind the counter.

Hassan was around the counter in seconds and the warm greeting associated with one’s arrival at Café Salma was restored.  He has returned from his month long vacation in Morocco, the homeland.

Superb

With over twenty Blog entries for Café Salma plus their dedicated page (above) there is little new for Hector to write.  This is one of the best Curry experiences, anywhere.  The richness of the Masala, the quality of the Lamb, the wonderful Veggie Rice, …  the magic ingredients which make up the perfect Curry experience.  Steve ate the Nan, …

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Glasgow – Cafe Serena – The Return

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Hector

Well it was predictable, was it not?

It was still pouring down when Marg and Hector arrived for a late evening meal, in what I had promised would be – something special. Marg was unable to wear her brand new trainers, due to the underfoot conditions.  She is proud of the fact that she is one of the few people in the UK to actually have bought a pair of trainers this week. My conclusion on the first visit last week was that Marg would love this place.  Café Serena (328-340 Maxwell Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 1PJ) is a Curry Café with ambience, but the Café intimacy is not lost.  The music of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was playing at a moderate volume.

With a brisk takeaway business there is always activity at the counter.  Tonight our Chap was resplendent in head gear whose significance is lost on me.  Ramadan is coming to an end, I know this much.

More than just a Glasgow Curry Blog

The TV on the wall had the news channel, our Chap commented during our meal that he was appalled at what was happening down south, and had no understanding as to why.  Hector commented that there was never any chance of this nonsense occurring north of the border, Glasgow has a significant Asian community, the Afro-Caribbeans who appear to have been leading the disorder are not present in Scotland in any great number.  Those who are here tend to be better educated and typically involved with the NHS as was Hector’s first (Yoruba) wife.

There is an apocryphal story to explain this: Glasgow Corporation Transport advertised in London in the 1960s for workers.  There was a reading, writing and counting test; the Pakistanis were able to pass, the rest is history

Curry Matters

Unlike Yadgar, where Hector has been stuck on the same dish for over a year, I was determined to find something different.  Lamb and Spinach caught the eye, but there are two versions.  The Desi Karahi version on-the-bone was chosen over the – normal – version.  There was definitely telepathic communication between Marg and Hector, she subliminally opted for the Desi version of the Mince Mushroom Curry.  This had been recommended, not my style necessarily, but I note there is also Koftae Karahi – perhaps Dr Stan and Hector may have this for Dessert one day soon?

Two Chapattis and one portion of Special Fried Rice were the accompaniments.

The wait was not a long one, Lychee Rubicon was a new experience in the interim.   Marg sampled the Lassi, Poppadoms and Onion Chutney and Raita passed the time.  I have had fresher Poppadoms.

Behold the Curry!

Lamb and Spinach Desi KarahiGiven the rubbish that I was served in Belgium when I ordered a Lamb Spinach Curry, there was no fear that this would in any way be similar.  The Masala was excellent, truly impressive.  Once again I was left pondering as to how long the Lamb and the Masala had been in each other’s company.  The fresh Chapattis and the wonderful Vegetable Rice were perfection.

Mince Mushroom Curry

The Mince Mushroom overwhelmed Marg somewhat; she was only able to eat about half of the portion, too much Rice.  The Rice is that good!  This meant Hector was able to experience my third Café Serena Curry in a week.   The taste was a dry as Marg had described,  she loved it. There was more than a hint of Bradford’s Kashmir Restaurant about this dish.  There was a Doggy Bag.

The Chap Helping Out

Another Chap appeared from the kitchen to establish all was well.  I asked if he was the Chef, alas no.  He normally works in a Takeaway at Glasgow-Clydebank Boundary.  I did the double take.  This is Hector’s local takeaway shop; I tried it some twenty years ago and never returned.  Hold me back.

Our main Chap, I will establish a name on the next visit, of course recognised me since it was only a week since my last visit.  He comes across as a genuine guy who is eager to please.  One suspects that with him fronting the operation, the investment in the refurbishment will certainly pay off.

There is a table for eight with our name on it.  This is where Yvonne tells me that she has never heard of the place.

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We could have walked the length of The Khyber…

Posted on August 6, 2011 by Hector

All’s well that ends well

Tracey and Howard were missing from The Friends of Hector’s  return to The Khyber (221 St. Andrews Road, Glasgow, G41 1PD). This was due to the cooking of a Bradford style Curry midweek which Howard had (allegedly) declined in favour of his reported day out with Hector at Café Serena. It is good to see a Chap who has his priorities correct.

The promise of Kipling at The Other Place saw Hector collect Craig, Yvonne and Mags, and with the aid of a Fast … can one still use this term?, taxi to the South-side.

Dr Stan arrived moments after the 15.30 rendezvous.  Jonathan had already telegraphed that he would be late, he was.

Telephone Line

One is left to wonder what is the point of phoning in an order the day before if nobody at the other end bothers to write it down.  Our regular MC, Hamza, was not there to greet us.  Instead a young Chap who looked still wet behind the ears seemed puzzled by our arrival.  The relating of a booking with an order for six Lamb Karahi rang no bells.  From the kitchen there were loud mutterings in Afghan, if that is what they speak.  The bottom line, my attempt at avoiding a wait was in vain.

Start again

The order was given in full.  One Seekh Kebab (for Dr Stan), six Lamb Karahi (half kilo, on-the-bone is standard here), five Boiled Rice and three Roti. There was an apology.

Ten minutes later our Chap was back: ‘Can I have the order again please?’  This time he wrote it down.  One was left to wonder if he had actually understood a single word that had been said to him from the moment of our arrival.

Jonathan arrived, on informing him that we were here for a long wait he ordered a Mixed Kebab.

The Full Robin, and more…

In any other establishment we would have walked by now, Robin certainly would have.  At The Khyber they cook the meals fresh.  Of this they are very proud.  We knew the wait should be worth it, but what exactly had the young waiter recorded.  He kept emphasising Starters… what was going through his mind?

A Chef appeared and promised us that everything would be ‘fresh’.  This was reassuring.  By this time Craig was counting the quantity of Kipling he could have consumed.  But who would the waiting on his behalf?  It was Craig, the new Curry Man, who had called this trip.  Having had a ‘Baby’ version last time, he was ready for the full assault.

More time passed, and even more.

Yvonne noted that the Complementary Salad had not made an appearance.  For those of us who had starved ourselves all day in anticipation of what was to come, well the stomach was rumbling.  I speak for myself.

 At 16.20, a full fifty minutes after we presented at The Khyber, the Salads appeared with the Raita. The Two Starters were then brought to the table. Two people now had something to eat.

At 16.25, five Lamb Karahis were brought from the kitchen, even Chef lent a hand.  Dr Stan and Jonathan were left eating their Starters and wondering if a sixth Karahi would appear.

 16.30

A full hour after our arrival, we were all tucking in to what is a magnificent creation.  As has been written by Hector before, this is not the normal Curry served anywhere else.  This is something very special.  It is Stew like in appearance, but these thought do not linger.  The flavour is unique.  The normal array of Spices have clearly not been employed.  This is slow cooked Lamb, in its Juices, the Vegetables and Peppers then add to the brew.

The quantity is something else.  How my friends can eat a Starter and then this I know not.  The Lamb is so tender, it is light.  The Masala is sheer perfection.

The young waiter came over to the table: ‘We are happy.’ I informed him.

It took a full half hour to eat the food set before us.  Two dissidents dared to suggest that they now prefer The Khyber to Yadgar.  This is quite a statement.  One cannot give the food any higher praise in Hector’s book.

The food is wonderful. Today the service was poor.

The Bill

£85, between six.  This included two Starters totaling £7.  The tip was modest.  No Drinks at all were consumed, had the Chap forgotten to offer us any?

This is still quite a young restaurant finding its way.  One hopes they do not put people off with such slow service.  However, for those who persevere, the rewards are worth the long wait.

An elegant sufficiency

The six of us each polished off our Half Kilo of Lamb Karahi.

 

 

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It has been one hell of a day…

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Hector

Howard contacted Hector midday to inform him that Bier-Traveller.com had been hacked. It was no surprise to find Curry-Heute had fallen victim to the same sad person. These pathetic geeks who sit in their bedrooms, have probably never had a girlfriend, and mostly likely will never have one,  and get off on trying to disrupt the lives of others, well, sod them.   Get a life.

With Curry-Heute restored to its visually stunning and informative best, the only thing to do was go out for a Curry.

Hector has not been to The Village (129 Nelson St, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) since the end of April.  Steve reminded me the other night just how good the Curry is.  I have never questioned the quality, but certainly the quantity.  It was time to make a return visit.

The Village remains in its temporary location across the street.  Temporary?  They have been there some sixteen months.  I was assured that the workers were across the street in the new unit and that by October everything should be in place.  We shall see.

The place was certainly doing good business

The Curry order could only be The Village Lamb Desi Korma (hot) off-the-bone with Veggie Rice.  It came in minutes, the joy of dining alone.  The Yogurt rich Masala and the magical citrus aftertaste, one could pick this Curry out of a hundred if someone could find a way of lining up one hundred top Curries.  Hector is becoming delusional.

The Vegetable Rice was as modest in portion size as the Curry. There was enough, just.  At £10.50 including the bottle of Sparkling Water, not hard on the pocket. I still think I would prefer to pay a couple of quid more and secure more Curry.

Posted in The Village "Curry House" | 1 Comment

Glasgow – Cafe Serena – A Tip Off

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Hector

Harmony amongst the Bloggers

It was the Chaps at TATTGOC who made Hector aware of Café Serena (328-330 Maxwell Road, Glasgow, Scotland G41 1PJ).  Their experience has been limited to takeaways and mostly of the Tandoori variety.  Today Howard joined Hector to go and investigate the quality of the Curry proper.

Being Ramadan, the venue had opened slightly later so there was relief when the phone was answered just after 13.30 thus confirming they were open for business.  We were the first diners of the day.

I gather the place has been given a face lift in recent months.  The dining area sits twenty with a large table for eight which may prove useful if we return mob handed.  Throughout our visit the place appeared to be a two man operation, the Chap in the kitchen and the Chap out front dealing with the takeaways and ourselves.

The Lamb Karahi was available on-the-bone or off. No surprise then that we both chose the former.  A Special Rice, a Mushroom Rice and one Chapatti were the accompaniments.  We amused ourselves with some Rubicon Mango during the wait.  This fizzy, fruity drink is spreading around the Curry Café circuit.

We were treated to a freshly prepared Salad and Raita, so far so good.

The Curry arrived with very impressive looking Rice portions.  Visually this was already impressing.  The Special Rice had the Biryani look to it, coloured and lightly Spiced with a melange of Vegetables: Chick Peas, Onion, Peas, possibly Spring Onion too, and the smallest pieces of Capsicum.  The latter were not intrusive and so I have to give this the thumbs up. 

Lamb Karahi on-the-bone

The Karahi looked superb, the Masala was Onion rich and looked enticing.  A strip was torn off the very appealing Chapatti and the ritual dip revealed a Masala with a truly impressive flavour.  Gosh.

The Meat was an acceptable mixture of on-the-bone and off-the-bone.  My first sample was a piece of boneless Lamb.  It was decidedly Spicy as we had asked, but the flavour of the Masala was not there, just heat.  I tried a piece of Lamb on-the-bone, much better.

I could be wide of the mark, but I was left with the distinct feeling that two different pots had been sampled to create this dish.  This was a great pity, half of the Curry was superb, the other half not so.

The Chap came over half way through our feast to ensure all was well. I could only tell him – good – it could easily have been a – wonderful.

The Bill

£25.00   and this included four cans of Rubicon Mango.

Overall

This is certainly another welcomed addition to the Glasgow Curry Café scene. The Chap serving was most amenable and shook our hands as we left.  The décor is certainly a cut above the usual setting, a Café with ambience? The portions were more than adequate; a shared Rice would probably do most people. I shall return with Marg, I suspect she may love this place.

Posted in Cafe Serena | 2 Comments