Declining Standards at The Village

Posted on May 14, 2011 by Hector

The Village, at Yvonne’s Command

Hector was formulating where in the fourth dimension he would have a Curry-Heute, however Yvonne has made it clear that she and Craig will be at The Village (129 Nelson St, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) at 14.00.   Hector finds himself there too by royal command.  The early start may have something to do with the fact that a recovered Olaf has made a delivery of his fine selection of Deutsche Bier to the Allison Arms.

Jaipur Confusion

It was inevitable therefore that Mags showed, and Craig and Yvonne did not.  I had to fend off the waiter for some twenty minutes before it was confirmed that there indeed was a communication breakdown.  They resorted to a Burger in George Square, Mags and Hector had Curry.

The Price Rise

A brand new laminated menu was presented.  Hector realised immediately that the prices have been increased.  8% !, well above the rate of inflation but one is aware that Lamb prices have rocketed.  Lamb on-the-bone is up 14%. A reliable trade source assures me that it is nonsense to charge more for Lamb on-the-bone.   Hector has been calling for The Village prices to be increased and the portion quantity to be restored to its former glory.  I have also been critical that when ones orders Lamb on-the-bone the meat content is significantly less.

More than a Robin

Mags ordered the classic Village Desi Korma and Hector the Tawa (hot), both Lamb of course.  We had waited for the absent friends but even allowing for this, the wait for our meals was lengthy.  Robin would have been ill at ease had he been present.  There was a lot of bellowing in the kitchen, disturbing.  The two new waiters are approaching the inept.  The cola cans which feature in the photograph were on the table for a full thirty minutes and were still there when we left.  Clearing tables is not their forte.  How long does one have to wait for a drink?  My second bottle of Sparkling Water was requested when the meals were ordered.  No attempt was made to bring this until the meals were presented and then it was Still water that was brought.  Pathetic.

The Portions

You do not put up the price and keep the portions small, but yes this is what has happened.  Seven pieces of Lamb.  The Tawa looks lonely sitting in the Karahi.  Was it Tawa?  The Masala was much thicker than the norm, not that this should make Hector complain.  It lacked the Citrus kick, I could have sent it back and made a fuss but why have a Blog and not use the opportunity to record for the rest of time the declining standards at The Village.

Mags’ Desi Korma was very runny and was described as being nothing like that produced so superbly over the years.

We had both ordered Chapattis, just as well, I would have left hungry had this not been the case.  The Vegetable Rice was a little on the stodgy side.

Enjoyment

It is strange to report that we both enjoyed our meals.  To crudely paraphrase Woody Allen: a great Village Curry is indeed great; an ordinary Village Curry is still pretty good.

The Three Great Curry Houses of Glasgow – The Curry Capital

Regular readers will realise that I have managed to visit my three favourite Glasgow Curry Houses in the space of five days.  It is apparent that The Village is firmly now in third place and may not hold on to this ranking for much longer.  Yadgar is clearly the most outstanding source of Curry in the city with Café Salma a reliable second.

There is another Curry House on Nelson St which we walk past every Saturday after our Village visit.  Now could be the time to make a reconnaissance visit.  The New Karahi Palace serves an extensive Handi menu and sells Curry by the half-kilo.  Too tempting not to visit.

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Hector at Cafe Salma

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Hector

With Dr Stan still in Bamberg (allegedly), Hector Naypals dines alone this evening early at Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Charing Cross, Glasgow, G3 7PQ).

There was only one dish on Hector’s mind and it has taken time for my brain to come back from the fourth dimension – where Yvonne  considers it to be most of the time – and work out why Kofta Palak was calling so loudly.  It was a taste of Spinach last Sunday in Köln coupled with the fact that I failed to get a sample of my own Spinach creation some two weeks prior.

 

Hector arrived at Café Salma around 17.00 which is early for a Friday evening Curry-Heute.  The fact that I have not seen most of The Friends of Hector for a couple of weeks had something to do with this.  That ‘The Other Place’ was selling Jaipur at £1.80 a pint may be another reason.

Hassan was immediately around the counter to welcome me with his customary warm greeting.  Hector did not get a hug, the next customers did.  Note, must work on this…

The free Poppadoms and Chutneys appeared instantly no time to lose.  The Kofta Palak (hot) was ordered and appeared in a fraction of ‘One Robin’.  The famed Garlic and Coriander Nan was the accompaniment.

One has to be in the mood for Spinach I find; it can be quite a blast.  Hector remembers tastes and the taste of my last Kofta Palak at Mother India’s Café is still in the memory banks.  Whilst this was very good indeed, I now have to admit that the Mother India version has a distinct edge.

Soapy?

Spinach can taste herby, even burnt.  I am convinced this evening that Hector was sensing soap on the palate at times.  Most alarming.   Meatballs still puzzle me.  Why are people apparently obsessed with these?  Next time maybe Keema Palak.

 

 

The Staff

There has been a complete change of staff at Café Salma in recent weeks.  Hector is a stranger in a place he now considers home.  It is frustrating when this happens.  This is why the Alishan in Battlefield Rd and The Akash in Helensburgh remain favourites – at these venues the staff have not changed in years.

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Yadgar – The Genius of Mr Shah

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Hector

Hector is at Yadgar (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) for a Curry-Heute and to take some more photos of Mr Shah, and his very special creation,  something to do with the need to make a presentation in a hurry.  Hector voted for Mr Shah as Chef of The Year in the forthcoming Scottish Curry awards.  The writer of this Blog was shortlisted for an award,  not my favourite Chef, an oversight.  Marg is here too.

Shkoor had been emailed with the order – 1kg of Goshat Karahi – ‘Hector Style’,  …on the bone, dry, hot.  The Mushroom Rice and Aloo Paratha were last minute decisions and were ordered on arrival.

Within minutes the free Starters were making their appearance: Poppadoms, Onion Chutney, Raita and the most elaborate Salad presented yet with large Chillies standing proud.  We are spoiled on every visit.

The Main Event

Yadgar Movie

Hector has a sudden need for a video clip or two, and he has now learned how to get them on this Blog.  Mr Shah made his entrance with the large Karahi, there should be a fanfa re.  Picture this – Mr Shah makes a Curry exactly the way Hector enjoys it – how many Curry Houses can match this for service?  Some say they cook to order, at Yadgar the Goshat Karahi is always cooked to order.  That my own preferences are so dutifully catered for makes Yadgar a very special place.  To think some people still go out for a Chicken Curry with lots of runny Masala…  There is no way Hector can fathom what the tatse of this meal is other than ‘perfection’.

The Curry was on the hot side for Marg.  The Mushroom Rice was also was rich in Peas and Potato, as written before this is a virtual Biryani.  The Paratha was huge and half of it came back to Clydebank.

Shkoor checked on our progress through the mountain of food.  Another stomach would have been welcomed but they do not even hire them never mind sell them.  The strategy became one of judging how much to consume versus how much to take away.

Pink Tea

Marg took the opportunity to order the sweet, pink, milky Kashmiri Tea of which she is so fond.  I had finally reached my limit and arranged for what was a normal full portion to be packed up.

The Bill

Hector cannot divulge The Bill on this visit.  There was recognition of a previous misunderstanding, all is now sorted.  We now have reached a formula to ensure that our insatiable desire for Curry is always catered for.

 

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‘Hector’ unmasked

Posted on May 8, 2011 by Hector

Today the Sunday Post printed the names of those on the shortlist for Curry Lover of The Year in the forthcoming Scottish Curry Awards.  The identity of Hector is now in the public domain – now where does one procure a gagging order? Trampy and The Tramp were unveiled last year when they took this prestigious award.  They too are back on the nominations list along with a major celebrity called Tam Cowan.  I think genuine celebrity status shall prevail.

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Köln – Indian Curry Basmati House – A continuing weeekend of Kölsch and Curry

Posted on May 8, 2011 by Hector

Hector is not a creature of habit.  Oh yes he is….

One suspects that if the Curry word had been mentioned again yesterday late afternoon there would have been overindulgence on this weekend trip to Köln.  Thanks to Mr Stelios laying on a late evening return flight we had another full day in Deutschland.  Gone are the days of the overnight trips and the dawn rise to return to Blighty, it appears.

Fisch Saag

The Fisch Saag at Indian Curry Basmati House (Severinstrasse 40, 50678, Köln) had preoccupied my thoughts since I spotted it yesterday.  Steve went for the same. 

Scharf? –  asked Doris

Genau!  –  was the quick response.

Once again the place was serving other customers before us.  Trade must be very good here indeed; other places are not open mid-afternoon, their loss.

As I sampled at Kamasutra (Barbarossa Platz) last November, Deutsche Saag is fresh Spinach not the beautiful melange that the better Glasgow and Bradford houses concoct.  The result was a far less pungent experience.  The Fish was not in any way as Spicy as yesterday’s Lamb dishes.  The experience was still a very pleasant one.  Steve was particularly impressed, and as the discoverer of München’s Indian Mango he has tried many a German Curry in his time.

Hector’s calling card was on the till where I had left it the previous day.  I trust Mein Host will appreciate the very positive comments.  I am looking forward to my next visit late September, when I really …

Spargel Wochen

Late Spring in Deutschland means Asparagus.  The white Asparagus served over here is way better than the green variety that graces our supermarket shelves – why?  Just to prove that Curry is not eaten 100% of the time…

easyJet flight delay – not their fault!

Who else was on the flight back to Edinburgh this evening and was held up by the most obnoxious chap who refused to get off the inbound?  Hector has the video.

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Köln – Indian Curry Basmati House – A weeekend of Kölsch and Curry

Posted on May 7, 2011 by Hector

27ºC! Hector feels the sun on his back, it is good.

Steve and Hector are in Köln courtesy of very generous flight prices from Mr Stelios. Dr Stan was waiting for us in the Früh am Dom Keller last night. When the locals were permitted to – light up – around midnight we decanted to the new Gaffel Haus and onwards to the Gilden Haus. It was a late night and so there was no breakfast for Hector, not that there was anything on his mind other than what time would the Curry-Heute be?

With Dr Stan Bamberg bound, Steve and Hector walked around the ring road to Chlodwigplatz and the Altstadt-Sud. There was a brief stop at the real Pfaffgen Haus en route.  Früh em Veedel was the first major pit stop of the day. After an hour and the litre we walked the few paces past the city gate to the Indian Curry Basmati House (Severin Str 40, 50678, Köln). The same Doris was serving, again her wean was stuck playing on the premises.

The menu seemed to be more expansive than I remember it from the February trip. Everything is available in Huhn (Chicken), Lamm, Rind (Beef), Ente (Duck) and Krabben (Prawn). One can never have too weniger Ente. Wait a minute, over the page is Fisch!

Having sampled the Karahi last time, the Lamm Chilli Masala took the fancy. This had the hot Chilli Sauce highlighted and a doze of Lemon, sounds good. Steve went for the Lamm Madras. Doris confirmed the dishes were – Hot – we shall see.

At €8.50 with Rice this Curry Cafe is good value. We passed Jaipur later in the day and everything was €13 plus and extra for the Sundries. Sounds like Hector may never get to sample that outlet.  Whilst we waited, a member of staff brought out a wonderful looking Vegetarian creation a Chana Masala.

The Curry was  indeed – Hot. For Germany this is quite a feat, like trying to get a steak without blood. The Lamb was perfectly cooked, just chewy enough and very tender, not the pulp Hector served his guests last week. The Masala still had  a touch of what I call the – Bisto – taste, as if packet ingredients had been used. This is not the case, one watches Chef prepare the dish and sees all the add ins. There was an underlying Cinnamon which certainly added to the experience.

*

In no way is the Indian Curry Basmati House at the level of the magnificent Indian Mango in Munich, but as far as Köln goes, it appears that this is the place to be.

The Fisch Saag is now on my mind. Steve likes his Curry too, we shall see…

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Mr India – Thali, open tonight!

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Hector

Hector finds a midweek opportunity to get out for a solo venture and on John’s insistence, drives across the city to try and gain access to Mr India – Thali (470 Paisley Rd, Glasgow, G5 8RE).  I had to drive past The Village to get here, what does that say?

The place is certainly the most basic of Curry outlets.  Four bench tables and two individual tables were on offer.  Given the photographic intentions I selected the small table behind the pillar, let’s not make a scene.

Hector had to go back up to the counter to order my meal.  Karahi Methi Gosht,  just the six Karahi dishes to choose from, superb.  A young lady with her coat on took the order.  She left the premises immediately afterwards.

I could hear intensive scraping coming from the rear of the room.  That familiar ‘old fashioned’ Curry aroma of the late 1960s wafted, this was promising.

John had raved about the array of Starters and the availability of Tiffin.  Picture this: £120 per month for Special Non Vegetarian Tiffin: one’s lunch on a daily basis.  Those who live nearby could right scunner themselves.

A young chap I had only caught glimpses of, the Chef presumably brought the meal to the table.  The Karahi was on a plate, no pretensions.  A large dinner plate of Nawabi (Egg and Peas) Rice was the presented accompaniment.  This looked impressive.

The Negatives

Where is my Fanta?  Am I to eat with my fingers.  This was resolved whilst I busied myself with the new camera.  Do I get a glass?  Perhaps.  The table was covered in something sticky when I sat down and as nobody had come out, this remained the scenario throughout the visit.  Cutlery and a glass were issued.

The Curry

The Lamb Karahi was certainly served in a sufficiently sized portion.  The Meat was in large-ish pieces.  The Masala looked absolutely perfect; the Methi gave it that Herbal appearance I crave.    The taste was not as overwhelming as I hoped.  This was certainly thoroughly pleasant though not outstanding.    Would there be more to report?

Indeed, I was a hungry old Hector and wolfed down the meal.  In the second half the tastes were slowly emerging.  These were indeed very good but I could not place this dish as highly as other outlets.  I shall return for the Karahi Bhoona and ask for it to be served hotter.

The Endgame

I took my meat plate, scraped clean, along with the dinner plate on which not a single grain of Rice remained – back to the counter.  This is not normal behaviour but as the only customer I was determined to make the most of the visit.  The calling card created an interest in Hector.  I asked what I should try next time.  A variety of suggestions were offered – Paneer, alas this could come up faster than it would go down such can be my problem with Cheese.  Chana was mooted – not a Chickpea Starter but as a side dish.

The Chef introduced himself – Abby.  Abby was on duty with his Aunt.  She smiled graciously.  The Uncle was on holiday in India, it is his venture but Abby is the Chef.  Abby made the visit memorable not just in his cooking but in the fact that he did take the time to make me a welcomed Hector.

Hector will certainly be back.  On the drive home the ever increasing score from Inverness made the palate savour more.  The aftertaste was coming through.  Ah, Karra!

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Happy Birthday, Hector!

Posted on April 30, 2011 by Hector

Today is a semi-significant birthday for Hector

The largest Curry-Heute ever cooked at Ashdot will be presented at 16.00.  An attempt at mass production of my own version (cf Hector’s Curry Recipes in menu above) of Lamb Desi Korma inspired by The Village has been underway since Tuesday when the Lamb was placed in the Yogurt and Mixed Spice Marinade for two days.

Two versions are being presented: the Man’s Curry and the Baby’s Curry.

At the time of writing the Lamb appears to have pulped somewhat.  KRK, my usual supplier of Lamb is currently closed and so the quality of meat purchased may not be up to scratch.  What is certain, the Rice this time will not be stodgy.

As one guest does not eat Lamb, Tracy will have a (hot) Murgh Palak (above).

Spud-You-Don’t Like

There is a collective preference in this company for Potatoes to be served with Curry (Steve excepted).  To this end two bags of New Potatoes were added to the three incarnations.  Despite being checked for softness, they were in the majority still too hard on serving.  Very poor.

The Curry-Heute

The Baby’s Curry certainly ended up with the most mushed Lamb.  Those who tried both could not tell much difference.  The Man’s Curry certainly had the best of the Lamb.  A huge dent was made in the pot so a fair share was consumed by all.  The Chicken Palak  was devoured so I never had the chance to taste any.

The Day After

Both leftover Lamb Curries were combined into a single pot and the Potatoes carefully removed.  The Potatoes were boiled for another twenty minutes and checked – perfection!  Lord and Lady Clive of Crawley accompanied Hector for a Curry breakfast/lunch.  Still the Potatoes were hard… how can this be possible?

The Lesson

Do not add New Potatoes to a Curry.

…and make sure you spell it out: this is not a ‘fancy dress’ party…

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There’s only one Cafe Salma!

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Hector

Lord and Lady Clive of Crawley  joined Hector and Marg (Später), at the strategically sited Cafe Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Charing Cross, Glasgow, G3 7PQ).  This was courtesy of the direct no. 9 bus from Paisley Town Hall where Scotland’s most significant Beerfest takes place; annually, as in once a year, but over four days, daily.  The dearth of good Bier-Traveller type Blogs restricts reporting.  Boon Kriek on draught was a highlight.

Welcome

The welcome from Hassan and his staff at Cafe Salma is always warm and genuine.

With or without Capsicum

Hector ordered the favoured Lahori Karahi (hot) on-the-bone, Clive the Punjabi equivalent off-the-bone.  Maggie boldly went straight for the Lamb Palak.  Mushroom Rice and two Vegetable Rice were the accompaniments plus the highly recommended Garlic and Coriander Nan.

The complementary Poppadoms, Dips and Onion Chutney were presented.


 

 

 

Effo Marg?

Marg was joining us, eventually and so we got stuck in.  Maggie was thoroughly appreciative of her Spinach Curry from the start.  This was not out of order.  Hector had a little dip with the Nan: this is as good as it gets.  Mr Holden and Dr Stan had overdosed on Kofta Palak the previous evening and for the man from Bradford to be this impressed, says lots.

Clive just ate. Having dined here before he knew exactly what he was getting and disappointment was not on the menu.

Hector loves the warmth and smoothness of the Masala as well as the rich ‘Karra’ taste that emanates from the meat. This was on-the-bone with minimal bone.

The Rice portion were immense.  No way could we finish these.  Now given what has been written in previous Blogs about another favourite venue, this is significant.

Ecce Marg!

Marg joined us slightly out of breath halfway through our feast She ordered Vegetable Pakora and was in her element.

 

 

 

The Nan

Hassan pointed out that the Coriander was now being cooked inside the Nan and not spread on top as before.

 

The Bill

£40 which worked out at £12 each for those of us who had the main courses.  How do places roundabout get away with charging so  much more : ah, the tablecloth phenomenon…

The aftermath

Hassan discussed the price and quality of Lamb on offer of late.  The price has rocketed but we are  in agreement that it is better to be honest and raise prices than cut the quality of the dish, or worse still, the portion size.

 

 

Cafe Salma remains one of the finest Curry Houses in Glasgow.  It is a pleasure to re-affirm this statement.

 

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Mr India, a recommendation…rescued at The Khyber…

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Hector

Having come to regard John as a virtual resident at The Village, he too has come to terms with declining standards and is exploring pastures new.  It is on his recommendation that Hector finds himself a few blocks further west at Mr India Thali (470 Paisley Rd, Glasgow G5 8RE).  Before arriving there is eager anticipation – just the six Karahi dishes to choose from plus an entire page of Chef’s Specialties and a Connoisseur’s Selection.

Open 11am until 11pm

But not at 15.45, so where now?

The Khyber, that’s where. They will be open and they will serve Hector a unique interpretation of on the bone Lamb Karahi. In the ten minutes it takes to walk up to Pollokshields the salivation process will be well underway…

Bang on 16.00 : I was surprised to see two other diners being served as I entered. I was greeted by Hamza, three visits and we are on first name terms. He was expecting a large group to arrive later in the day, being a Bank Holiday most people would be out for the day. Hector was of course out for Curry before meeting up with the rest of the gang, some of whom had disappeared to Loch Fyne. More about this on Saturday.

The Khyber once again served up a meal which made me wonder if I was eating Curry. The first couple of mouthfuls felt very stew-like on the palate, then the tastes slowly emerge. The fresh Chillies are only partly responsible for the wave of heat. The flavours are never compromised and the pulped tomatoes at the base of the Karahi are testimony to the fact that no puree or any sauce has been added. What Masala there is has come from the meat. There is no debating the presence of Lamb here either. The whole animal could well be on the plate.

The half kilo portion is immense, a veritable feast. Normal diners could share this especially if they had the Starters. Hector was there for the Curry-Heute.

One could never leave The Khyber feeling hungry, and at £14.50, worth every penny.

The Postscript to Mr India

John came into the Bon Accord this evening: ‘I was there, they were closed’. He replied: ‘I was there, they were open.’

They had been open at 14.30, I had missed John and a new Curry experience by minutes. Once again he was impressed, today by the Puri and the Aloo Gobi.

There are no photographs today, the trusty pocket camera has given up the ghost, so here is another shot taken from the last Khyber visit as taken by Stephen of Motion and Stills.

Posted in [The Khyber Restaurant], [Mr India - Thali] | 1 Comment