Govindam, in a snowbound Köln

Posted on December 18, 2010 by Hector

Govindam, the Vegetarian restaurant at Barbarossa Platz, (Roonstrasse 3, 50674, Köln) is the place Hector headed for in November. It does not open late. This was to be Hector’s first  Curry in a Vegetarian Restaurant in some twenty years.

The restaurant-cafe was a large L-shaped room, Spartan would be a splendid description for the décor.

Today I interrupted a small family gathering and ordered a Bhindi Masala, Okraschoten mit Karttoffelen. A Paratha was ordered too. The place started to fill up. Clearly this venue has a clientèle, but not the sort that Hector would normally associate with, Veggies?

The Paratha came first. Hot, seriously hot. The yoghurt dip made me wonder if the main event was coming, or was this my Starter?

The blend of grated potato and Herbs came to the fore. This is the best Aloo Paratha I have ever tasted.

The Curry then came after maybe five minutes more.  Potato and Okra, that is what I was expecting, it came with Rice as is the German way. Freshly cooked and well presented is the positive statement. It had spice. There was nothing distinctive about the taste other than it reminded me of the packet snacks that KRK (Glasgow) sell.  The use of the term ‘Masala’ was decidedly arbitrary.

The meal was most satisfactory: it was exactly what I was in the mood for. Given the likely events of the rest of the day I did not need anything heavy but did need a filling.

Oh the Gluhwein is Gluh….

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Glasgow – Papa Gill’s (Yoker) : Hector Naypals

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Hector

Neelim (5)Hector’s House is without Marg and refrigeration this evening.  No, putting the food outside in the ice cold West of Scotland weather  is not an option – I am not feeding the local fox.  Papa Gills (2376 Dumbarton Rd, Yoker, Glasgow, G14 0JJ) called once again, there was unfinished business.

The Lamb Saag Punjabi Masala (described as hot and made with a rich and spicy flavoured sauce), the Special Fried Rice and one Buttered Chapatti was what tempted Hector back to this almost local Curry house.

Once again the place was quiet, I was the only customer.  The meal came quickly and the appearance was stunning.  This was another thick, very thick Masala with not too much Spinach and some fresh Coriander draped over the top.  Hector tore in…

I congratulated the waiter on the dryness of the dish, and spent the next ten minutes or so eating all but a few grains of Rice.

One distinct advantage of being the only person present: when the meal is ready it comes straight to the table – steaming hot, no hanging around waiting for everyone else’s meal to arrive.

The Lamb was tender but pink which always puzzles me.  The Spinach did not overwhelm but maybe I was hoping it would.  There was no overwhelming flavour at all.  A good Curry, but nothing sensational.

More snow forecast

If Hector is able to leave for Deutschland on Friday the next Curry-Heute will be in Köln.  If I can track down something as thick and dry as served at Papa Gills this will be reported with enthusiasm.

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Glasgow – Ten Chaps and Chapattis at The Village

Posted on December 11, 2010 by Hector

Unbelievably this was Robin’s first Village visit, he arrived and waited outside The Villagio. Hector was two minutes early, Mr Boyd and Jonathan were already inside.  Let the records show that the person who had to travel furthest was there first.  Unusual.  The place kept filling up, Dr Stan was late, Craig later still.  We were an unbelievable ten.  As Howard remarked, not quite enough for The Last Supper, but this was an impressive turnout just the same.  Perhaps this was because today would be the last Saturday we could all be together until the imminent festivities take us away to our various seasonal commitments.

Starters, why?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chapli Kebab was ordered by Jonathan and Mr Boyd.  There was an inaudible groan; this means it would be a forty five minute wait for the main meals to be served.   Mags consoled herself with a couple of Poppadoms and Onion Chutney.

A Cunning Plan

Dr Stan had contacted Hector earlier in the day to discover if The Village sold their Curry by the kilo: they do not but this is something The Village should consider – it is common in Bradford!

Hector had a solution – let’s order an extra dish and share it… so we did.  The famous Village Board with the daily specials was back in operation.  Kofta Egg did not strike a chord but Aloo Gosht certainly did, and it was on-the-bone, perfect.

And it came to pass that eleven meals were ordered for the ten assembled.  Hector and Jonathan had the Lamb Tawa.  Robin, Mags, Dr Stan ad Mr Boyd had Village Lamb Desi Korma off-the none, Tracey had it on.  Howard ordered the  Lamb Lal Lahori and John had the Chicken version.  Chicken, who orders Chicken?  All of these are from the Desi section of The Village menu, it was up to Mr Vindaloo himself to break the pattern, Craig ordered Chicken Tikka, the baby food.

Strange sides

The Garlic and Cheese Nan has not been on Hector’s radar before, two appeared today.  A Curry with Pizza in effect.  Not for me.  Tracey for the second time in as many weeks struggled to get a cup of tea.  Maybe she should carry a flask.  Various Rice dishes were ordered: Vegetable Rice, Egg Rice, Pilau Rice.

The table began to heave with food.  It did take quite a while to appear, it was amusing how one either had Rice or the main meal, eventually everything was brought, even Mags’ entire order.

The Aloo Gosht to supplement the Lamb Tawa was a quality decision.  Why pig out on Starters?  It is more Curry that takes Hector to a level of complete satisfaction.  This time I may have left a grain or two of Rice.

The Bill

Now this may be difficult to believe so take a seat all you readers who think that  – ambience – or a  – tablecloth – is what dining out is all about. Ten people, Curry for eleven, plus sundries, plus various soft drinks:  £107.00 ! 

Afterwards

There was a discussion later that Hector was not present to hear.  Which is better – Yadgar or The Village?  The man who has suggested Café Salma was not present either.  Howard summarised the sentiment beautifully: his words are so eloquent: ‘When I am at Yadgar I prefer Yadgar, when I am at The Village I prefer The Village.”  What about Café Salma?

As is written, that Glasgow has three such outstanding outlets is testimony to the quality available in the city.  I am told that the  – Curry Capital of Britain –  title has been regained.

Where is the next new  – Outstanding Glasgow Curry – venue  to be discovered by our happy band of enthusiasts?

A legend performs in Glasgow

Tonight, Manuel Göttsching the guitarist in The Cosmic Jokers and Ash Ra Tempel made his first ever appearance in Scotland at Stereo (Renfield Lane).  The track  – Galactic Joke – set Hector on his odyssey through the then so called  – Krautrock –  leading to his love of CAN.  The rest as they say… is written in Biertoday:

What’s that coming over the hill? It’s a Münster!

(April 2010).

Posted in The Village "Curry House" | 1 Comment

Dining In, or Mother’s Indian Sunday

Posted on December 5, 2010 by Hector

Marg had a sneaky first visit to The Den at Dining In (1347 Argyle St, Kelvingrove, Glasgow) a couple of week’s ago.  Dining alone and going for a Curry, two simultaneous historic events.  The choice of venue was therefore on Marg’s recommendation.

*

Lunch with Mother

Regular visitors to Curry-Heute will know that the Mother of Hector is responsible for his exposure to this staple food in his formative years.  We like to take her to new and interesting places, Dining In should fit the bill.

This is another in the Mother India chain in Glasgow.  Hector has the greatest of respect for what has been achieved in this city since 1993 when the core restaurant was opened – alas as is written, April 30 was not a good experience and he has not returned.

Essentially Dining In is a delicatessen and a take-away outlet with a small seating area, the Den, hence Dining In.  A double ‘n‘ is what Hector thought logical but as with most of the cafe style restaurants in Glasgow, this shop is not licensed.  In no way is this a problem.

An Invitation

The take-away menu is extensive.  There is a pre-ordering service.  With five days notice they will do their slow-cooked specials.  A Desi Style Lamb Dish at £25 for 2kg is meant to feed 8 – 10 people.  If Hector’s Curry Cohort express an interest we could arrange this, although I think about six of us may be sufficient.

A single sheet menu was presented as is the style in the Wee Curry Shops.  There were only two Lamb dishes to choose from.  Mother went for the Lamb Curry which described itself as a simple straightforward dish and Boiled Rice.  Hector was attracted by the Pan Fried Lamb with Chickpeas and Mushrooms – alas after the order was given I was informed this was not available and so I kept Mother company.   A Radish filled Paratha could not be resisted.  Marg chose a brave dish – Keema Lamb with Raita and a Roti.

Marg’s dish arrived without the Roti so there was a momentary hiatus as she considered her next move.  Then a puffed up bread was presented, magnificent.  The dish was Bradford-dry and Marg found the combination of Meat and Raita to be pleasant.  The Roti was popped and the meal devoured.  Hot, spicy and filling –  were Marg’s well chosen words of appreciation.

Mother enjoyed her Curry, the plates were hot and for her this is always a good start.  The Rice portion was larger than a lady of years could manage.  Hector has high expectations, one can only say that  this dish was unremarkable.  It was indeed a Lamb Curry.  It was nothing special at all.  Through the wall in Mother India’s Café others were no doubt consuming the Lamb-Okra dish which is one of the best Curries served north of the Clyde.  I was wishing I was with them.  The Paratha was superb.

At the end of the meal the waiter asked if I had found my Curry to be too Spicy.  Not at all. I had time to study the rest of the premises.  There was a fridge with an array of take-away meals for reheating at home, tempting.  There was another Lamb dish under the counter in a large tray – why was this not offered?  One could easily see into the kitchen, Chefs were present, so why the limited choice of dishes on offer?

Five days notice

One concludes that given the pedigree of the chain, the meals cooked to order should compete with the best on offer in Glasgow.   Time will tell if Hector returns to confirm this.

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Chilled Pyraser, Hot Curry-Heute

Posted on December 4, 2010 by Hector

“O’ zapft is!“

The Fass has not been in the fridge.  ‘Warming’ the Bier was not necessary.  The temperature in the entry vestibule to Hector’s House has not been above zero all week.  The Chaps and Chapattis are assembled to reminisce about how the cooling Pyraser Landbier was so wonderful on a hot summer’s day at Hilpoltstein.

The Preparation

The Aloo-Dudi-Gosht has been maturing for 40 hours.  The adjacent photograph shows the state as of Thursday evening – the Lamb beginning to absorb the magnificence of the two separate blends of spices and herbs: one for the Onions, one for the Meat.   The Vegetables are to be added twenty minutes before serving.  This is not for babies.

The Event

The Rice was rinsed in running water for a full ten minutes, still the starch persisted.  On cooking it looked ok but after rinsing it was evident that a stodgy mess was all that could be expected.  The Rice was kept warm and dry in the oven all afternoon.  Tracey said she likes Rice this way. Tomorrow Hector will go back to KRK (Woodlands Rd) where I get my supplies and hope that this time the shelves are not bare – Basmati please.

The Curry was reheated and Potatoes were added to the pot around the time of the tapping.  It was hoped that they would cook in the heat as the pot cooled.  The Kadu and Okra were then added some fifteen minutes before serving, alas the tactic had not worked.  The Potatoes were still on the hard side – edible but not the level of perfection one strives for.  In a restaurant they would have been sent back.

 Fortunately the Curry itself had worked to perfection.  Half a pint of oil had been previously scraped off the top.  The Masala was thick, the Lamb cooked to perfection.  Not standing on ceremony, Hector led the way and managed to give himself an almost Vegetable Curry since these had floated.  Seconds are the norm and more Lamb was liberated from the pot.  The spiciness was strange.  Hector knows that he put in proportionately less Cayenne than the other Spices and Herbs, yet the heat was creeping up.  Everyone made approving statements.  Dr Stan even managed a double grunt of approval.

‘The Vindaloo Man’

Craig was last to emerge from the kitchen.  There had been strange noises, was he lying on the floor in agony?  Apparently he was wrestling with the Rice spoon.  Craig ate his meal, slowly.  He liked his Curry, and went back for more.  This Curry was certainly not for babies.

Loaves and Fishes

At the end of the meal, and yes Hector’s Curry Cohort did eventually stop eating, there was still sufficient for at least two more servings.  Marg may yet get to taste this – and have it served with Basmati!

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The Village : on the third day of…

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Hector

3 French Hens may be traditional : Hector will not be having Chicken!

Dr Stan and Hector change the tried and tested Friday evening autumn formula and revert to a rendezvous at The Village (129 Nelson St, Glasgow, G5 8DZ).  It is as if the summer has returned… as if… this photograph was taken at noon.

Nearly a month has passed since the last visit.  This must speak volumes for the competition.  Cafe Salma and of course Yadgar have proved themselves to be more than adequate distractions.

A disappeared train – no announcement, no apology, made Hector 12 minutes late.  Dr Stan was early and so was just finishing a Chapli Kebab as I arrived.

The  Village Lamb Desi Korma and Vegetable Rice was the choice of us both – yes Dr Stan and Hector ordered the same meal!

The Curry arrived.  Today it was the orange version.  We sat in silence.  We ate the meal; every last grain of Rice was scraped off the plate.  When the lovely new waitress took the plates I told her the meal was terrible.  ‘I can see that.’ was the reply.

For hours afterwards the Citrus flavours permeated the palate.  The sadness at completing such a magnificent Curry is balance by the knowledge that the taste will linger.

Serious Competition

Meeting up with John at the Bon Accord afterwards he came straight over to relate the tale of his Curry Cohort’s visit to Cafe Salma on Wednesday.  They covered the entire Curry menu between them.  He was thoroughly impressed.  John has declared that he thinks Cafe Salma is better than The Village.  Now John basically ‘lives’ in The Village :  we shall see.

How lucky we are to have such a choice of Curry-Heute.

Next Saturday – it is written – Dr Stan and Hector are going exploring whilst others go the The Pantomime.

The Grand Re-opening

The new premises are nearing completion.  Young Mr Baig assured me there will be an opening night.  How does one get an invite?

Hector has given his calling card – I live in hope.

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It’s a braw bricht moonlicht nicht…

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Hector

This is proof that the culinary tastes of Hector and Marg do stray beyond the best food in the World.  Yesterday on a day in which the snow kept coming we decided on a return to one of Glasgow’s finest Greek establishments – Zorba  Mediterranean Taverna (25 High St, Glasgow, G1 1LX).  Marg had a Chicken Lemonato which speaks for itself, Hector had Stifado – his favourite Beef and Onion Stew which proved very difficult to source in the Halkidiki area of Hellas in 2009.  This dish is better than many Curries that Hector has encountered.  A larger portion would have enhanced the experience.  Perhaps next time we will have the Meze…

Tonight is Curry Night

The only way to thaw out properly was a homemade Machi Masala.  The Trout was defrosted and the Masala prepared on return from work.  Marg was appreciative as ever.  Hector thought his creation was under-seasoned.  Tonight there was an experiment with dried Methi leaves.  I killed a Curry with Methi once.  I am getting some idea of the balance now.  The Okra was added late as I have enjoyed on recent German trips, this is better than cooking it to a pulp.

Hector needed the practice – a big Saturday is scheduled.  I will also apologise in advance about the Rice – just what was it I bought 10kg of?

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Yadgar! Has it really has been three weeks since the last visit?

Posted on November 27, 2010 by Hector

The Minus 7, on a very cold day in Glasgow

This is the penultimate Saturday afternoon Curry-Heute rendezvous of 2010.  Today Robin joins the ‘The Cleek’ (sic), the man who possibly eats more Curry than Hector.  He has heard us rave about Yadgar so the time has finally come to join the merry band on a Saturday afternoon.  This is Steve’s second visit : he last came during Ramadan and the place was stowed.

‘The Bradford Style’

The Curry, Goshat Karahi – what else – has been pre-ordered with Mr Shkoor Anwar, 1kg Karahi (hot)on-the-bone and one off, plus one normal portion ‘on’ for Mags.  Not only will our wonderful Chef will have the Curry waiting for us it will  also be  prepared with minimal Masala.  This is service!

Punctuality has been an issue on our last two visits, so Hector has ensured that he is on time today.  Mags with her new technology will be there to verify the automatic posting of this Blog at 15.00.  Jonathan contacts Hector at 14.15 to say he is somewhere around Dunblane and will be late.  Surely not?

It was cold, very cold – indoors and out

We sat shivering as we assembled, except for Steve who had the seat beside the radiator.

The orders for Sides were given, lots of Mushroom Rice, Pilau Rice, Chapattis and a Garlic Nan.

The Mushroom Rice deserves a special mention today.  It is always good; today it was decidedly spicy and had micro pieces of other Vegetables mixed in.  This was indeed truly excellent.

Kashmiri Tea was advertised so Howard and Tracey ordered this to accompany their meal.  It took an age to arrive, when it did – it was pink!

The two Curry Karahi were presented and Mags’ individual not hot on-the bone.

Still no Jonathan.

Here we go

In full Hector mode taking the required photographs, I was last to start eating.  Superb, sublime,perfection: this is Curry Heaven.  Steve acknowledged that this was way better than he had experienced on his previous visit.  Robin was the silent one.  Did Robin really have his lunch before he came out?  He enjoyed the meal but did not eat to excess unlike the rest of us who demolished the 2+kg of Lamb.

Jonathan arrived – he went away again – he came back – he ate.  We had left him sufficient for a feast.  He was finished at the same time as the rest of us, he must have been hungry.

Mr Sha came out to ensure that all was well.  Our congratulations were once again expressed with sincerity.  The pattern of our visits to Yadgar strangely coincides with Mr Sha being the Chef of the day.

Hector studied the other dishes on display at the counter.  Liver Curry – not for me!

Posted in Yadgar Kebab House | 3 Comments

Akash, Helensburgh : a home from home

Posted on November 25, 2010 by Hector

It’s that time of the month…

.

… when Hector has to stay late in Helensburgh for an evening meeting.  This gives the opportunity to visit the Akash (45 Sinclair St., Helensburgh, G84 8TG) Fortunately, Marg realises that if she joins me, she gets fed.  We were the first customers of the evening but it was there was a considerable take-away trade being conducted.  Hector is told that the rival Flamingo Takeaway shop may not be what it was.

Chicken ChatThe Chicken Chat starter is a must.  So we had it.  Perhaps not as wonderful as it used to be.

Hector thinks he knows this menu blindfold, so it was humbling when Marg discovered  the Methi Gosht Bhuna.  I had committed to having the Lamb Gulap, a dish that ticks all of the Hector Curry boxes: a dry Masala, no Capsicum and a claim to have all the correct blend of ingredients.

Mushroom Rice and two Chapattis were the accompaniments.

Lamb Gulap

The Gulap arrived and was decidedly oily.  Hector does not mind this.  It was perhaps under salted; however this could be a thrown back to the days when Hector painted his food white.  It is twelve years since Hector added salt to any meal.  (..others have carelessly added salt to my chips, but now I cannot eat more than half a dozen chips at any given time…)I cannot say that this meal was in any way outstanding.  This is a case of over familiarity with the Curry presented at the Akash.  One is never presented with a poor Curry but that magical something is missing at present.  Maybe this is the Yadgar/Village/Salma effect?

Methi Gosht BhunaMarg enjoyed her Methi Gosht Bhuna and left me a couple of pieces of Lamb, what a Lady!  This was much sweeter than one would expect a dish with Methi to be.  The Masala was dark and rich.  Hector suspects this will be tried in full on the next visit which is not due until February, twice.

 

 

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A Wee Curry Shop Sunday

Posted on November 21, 2010 by Hector

Hector suspects that Marg is becoming a ‘Curry Fiend’

After dropping Hector in town on Monday evening Marg felt ‘the call’ and stopped off at ‘Dining In’, the latest Mother India incarnation in Glasgow.  On Friday evening it was Pakora from Freddies the local Kebab shop, Saturday the Shish Mahal, and today she suggested our Sunday constitutional should be rounded off with a Curry-Heute.

Wot me worry?

For a brief period a few years back the Wee Curry Shop (41 Byres Road, Glasgow, G11 5RG) was the favourite eating place of Hector and Marg under the moniker of ‘Mrs Majhu’s.  They made a ‘Hector’ Curry – the driest Lamb dish I had ever encountered.

We arrived as the first customers of the evening (I wish they opened earlier) and  much to Marg’s disappointment I opted not to sit in the balcony area.  Fear of heights, moi?  Two menus were offered the main one and the Early Evening menu.  The former was not particularly extensive, both had the Lamb Karahi but only the evening menu had what attracted Marg : Chicken Breast with Fenugreek Potatoes.

At £8.50 for a Starter followed by a main course and sundries this was a wise option after the excess of the night before.

We both chose the Herb Crusted Salmon as the Starter.  This arrived in foil with the token Salad.  OK, the portion was small but Hector knows too well how filling Salmon can be.  This was ideal.  The Beetroot in the accompanying Salad was sufficient to provide a distraction and complemented the Fish very well. A good start.

We were asked on clearing the table if we were ready for our mains.  Yes we were.  This is always appreciated.

Once again it was clear that we had smaller portions than one might have expected had we gone al la carte. This early in the evening this would prove to be ideal.  The plan was to share the two Chapattis and the Rice, in the end Marg felt the Potato content of her dish was more than sufficient.  Hector had all the Rice, and a Chapatti.  Permitted a dip at Marg’s Masala, the Methi was to the fore.  Very pleasant.

The Lamb Karahi

This to Hector is the signature dish of many Curry houses today.  This did not disappoint.  The Masala was minimal.  The taste of Cinnamon was the first to emerge.  This was an excellent meal.

The Bill : £20.55 For two meals and two soft drinks this is excellent value.  We left both satisfied with what we had eaten but sad that the weekend Curry extravaganza was over.

The shape of things to come

I do not refer to the possible expansion of waste lines but the fact that with no winter Indoor Hockey commitment  this could become a normal Sunday out for Hector and Marg. To what extent Marg has acquired ‘The Curry Bug’ shall be revealed to all our readers in the coming weeks and months.

We did go to a Chinese supermarket this afternoon, back to the norm of home cooking tomorrow.  Oh, and Dr Stan was met  by chance on the canal bank at The Firhill Basin.  Is this an omen?

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