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!

Posted in Hector's Cooking | 1 Comment

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.

Posted in The Village "Curry House" | Comments Off on The Village : on the third day of…

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?

Posted in Hector's Cooking | Comments Off on It’s a braw bricht moonlicht nicht…

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.

 

 

Posted in [Akash] | Comments Off on Akash, Helensburgh : a home from home

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?

Posted in [Wee Curry Shop] | Comments Off on A Wee Curry Shop Sunday

Glasgow – The Shish Mahal – One of Glasgow’s Original Indian Restaurants

Posted on November 20, 2010 by Hector

Just as Parisians do not ascend the Eiffel Tower every year, Glaswegians probably do not often visit the Curry House that traces its origins back to the days when Gibson Street became affectionately known as the Khyber Pass.  Ironically there are no longer any Curry houses down the hill outside the former Glasgow University ‘Men’s Union‘.  The Shish Mahal (60-68 Park Rd, Glasgow G4 9JF) relocated across the River Kelvin some 200m to Park Road.

Nostalgia

Hector  embarrassingly was last at the Shish Mahal in 1970s or even 1980s when they celebrated a significant birthday.  The prices were put back to those of their opening year: Neil and Hector queued outside  on Gibson St for a couple of hours to gain access.

The wait was worth it.  Not only did we receive excellent food at prices guaranteed to attract even the curious, we made the decision to order just about every Starter on the menu.  In this way the obscure was discovered.

Tonight at the Shish Mahal

This is the too irregular Marg and Hector night out with Alan and Tracy. Cider is usually a feature of the night.

There are big choices to be made.  The online menu looked impressive. The Khadey Masala Ka Salan being the most irresistible dish.  This dish has everything a Good Curry should have.  It happens to be the first in the House Specials.

Fish or Lamb? Choices, choices.  A side dish with Potato and Methi looks interesting.

The Shish was mobbed – we were shoehorned in…

Having assembled in The Doublet next door in time for an aperitif we presented to the Shish Mahal exactly at 8.30.  Our table was ready and we were seated in seconds.  Hector could not believe how busy the place was.  Clearly the reputation of this venue has maintained the interest of the local populous.  I had to squeeze myself into the chair so as ensure I did not encroach on the people behind.  Fortunately for me the table could be pulled a few centimetres towards Alan and Tracy else I would have struggled.  I am not the fattest person on the planet…

We were offered Popadoms and chutneys and these were graciously accepted.  However there is a charge for these and extra onions had to be ordered.  These can be gratis in many establishments.

Drinks

It is only on a Couples Night that Hector tends to order Bier with a Curry.  Cobra on draught was fine, but now begins a critical point of the evening.  Alan drinks Cider.  They only sold it in half pint bottles.  This means that a pint of Cider costs a whopping £6.70!  This cannot be a fair price, perhaps they should consider larger bottles.

Starters


Hector was having no Starter – his meal was planned.  Marg, Tracy and Alan decided to share two between them.  The Hara Bara Malai Murgh Tikka was so appreciated that my fellow diners insisted I taste a sliver of the Chicken.  Yes, tasty but how would you eat a Curry after this? The Rashmei Kebab looked effectively like a Chicken Sikh Kebab.  At least I had my camera to amuse myself whilst the others were gorging.  More Bier + Cider!

The Mains

Tracey agreed with the selection of Hector but ordered hers as Chicken.

The Lamb Dhahi Deghie: Marg chooses a dish with extra onions again, when will she learn?

Alan went for the Chicken Garlic Nashilee.  Three of the dishes were ordered as ‘hot’.

Two Garlic Nans, a Garlic and Onion Rice and a Garlic Paratha were the sides.

The Lamb Khadey Masala Ka Salan arrived with Marg’s Dhahi Deghie, however the waiter presented it as Lamb Karahi – not a dish I can find on the menu – so I verified that was indeed what I ordered.

Hector was instantly impressed by the sight of the Khadey Masala Ka Salan.  The Masala was thick and minimal.  The dish had total Hector appeal.  I was certainly not disappointed by this dish it just lacked that extra special flavour to put it into the ‘superb’ bracket, but this was not very far off.  This is praise.

Oh, there was the Aloo Methi side dish: I was convinced this was Aloo Palak but they could have been using leaves instead of the anticipated seeds.  Sharing this proved to be a blessing as those opposite found this appealing also.

Marg enjoyed her Dhahie Deghie but failed to finish it – too much Starter.

The other side of the table

Tracy’s Chicken Khadey Masala Ka Salan was unrecognisable.  It looked nothing like the Lamb equivalent across the table.  Alan did asked the waiter for verification of this dish but we received no satisfactory response.  ‘Dipping’ my Masala with some Naan verified this was not the same dish.   Nor was the dish ‘hot’.  In the end, much of the Chicken was left.

A disappointment, followed by another

Alan’s Garlic Nashilee turned out to be a Sweet and Sour dish, not what was described in the menu and not what he wanted.  Having scoured various menus for Nashilee prior to Blogging this, it is quite a rare dish and is usually described as being served with wine and sometimes cream.  No other outlet known to Hector has a Nashilee presented as a Sweet and Sour. Alan evidently does not like Sweet and Sour.  Most of his meal was left too.  It was not ‘hot’ either.  Major disappointment.

 The Bill

£113.00  How much?

£113.00!  Alan did the honourable deed and coughed up for his share of the very over-priced Cider.  An expensive night out.  Maybe we should go to Yadgar next time and spend less than half as much.  Does a table cloth really merit these prices?

The Aftermath

We retired to The Doublet to discuss the meal and drink with ‘The Stars’ of Scottish Screen and Theatre.  This was the place to be.

Alan stated that if he were to return to the Shish Mahal he will order the dish enjoyed by Hector.  Hector had done his homework in advance; but who orders Chicken?


 
Posted in Shish Mahal | 1 Comment

Cafe Salma, the Friday Night Ritual?

Posted on November 19, 2010 by Hector

‘Same time, same place?’ was Dr Stan’s reply to the Curry-Heute invitation.

Hassan resplendent in a light coloured African garment was at the door to give a warm welcome.  Nadeem told me that ‘the friends of Hector’ were present last week, he was proud that he worked out who they were.

Hector did read the menu on this visit and contemplated a change but the Lamb Lahori Karahi proved to be too irresistible a thought this evening.  Dr Stan ordered the Punjabi equivalent to test the volume of added Capsicum.  We both ordered off-the-bone but in the end they brought me an on-the-bone and actually presented me with Dr Stan’s meal.  A quick swop and all was well.

Comfort eating

Not a lot is discussed during the act of eating.  It is very much of taking in all the pleasures.  Hector was very much in the comfort zone despite a seasonal ailment which was limiting the agility of the taste buds.

Kofta Palak

Nadeem as ever was full of his chat: would we be having ‘Dessert’?

We had decided to wait and see how hungry we still were after the main event.  Given the pace at which Hector consumed his Curry there was going to be plenty of room for more.  The Kofta Palak was ordered with a ten minute delay built in.

Nadeem assured us that they were just adding the extra chocolate sauce…  When it was presented Dr Stan and Hector were more than capable of destroying this with the aid of a shared Chapatti.

This is possibly approaching gluttony on our part.  When one considers that Starters were not consumed and they tend to limit the ability of a normal person to finish a Curry then this is the perfect end to the meal.

There is always a feeling of sadness at the end of a Curry-Heute, more Curry is what we want.

Posted in [Cafe Salma] | Comments Off on Cafe Salma, the Friday Night Ritual?

Köln’s Kamasutra

Posted on November 14, 2010 by Hector

A tasty Lasagne in the middle of the day saw Marg eat her dinner at the Sünner Brauhaus whilst Hector waited for a Curry-Heute.  There are a few Indian restaurants around the Barbarossaplatz area.  The Bombay (Am Weidenbach 21) has been visited a few times due to its proximity to the Reissdorf  Brauhaus.  Tonight something new was called for.

Marg was dropped of at the Ibis and Hector went a hunting.  The Govindam (Roonstrasse 3), a vegetarian restaurant was the intended venue, but had closed.  It was getting late.  Having spotted the Kamsutra (Weyerstrasse 114,  50676, Köln)  on the way there was a speedy return.

‘We are closed’

‘..but I can offer you one or two take-aways…’

Hector declined and left.  However the boards outside caught my eye.  There were testimonials from various local publications.  The menu looked a bit different.  Prepared to eat humble pie if available, Hector re-entered and the remaining customers told me I could have one or two take-aways.

The waiter realised I was seriously needing a Curry.  I was offered a seat and provided with a menu.  He was willing to go through it with me but I spotted the Spinach.  After Bernkastel this was the logical choice, a safe one.

Gosht Hariyali , ‘Luxuriant lamb pieces cooked with lightly spiced spinach’.

What is Methi?

The meal arrived in some ten minutes during which time the waiter and I had quite a chat.  ‘Methi’ is evidently not used by the purveyors of Curry in Deutschland…’Fenugreek’ it will have to be in future.    The Curry-Heute calling card can break down barriers.  It also does its job in Deutschland which was the plan.  I was told that the restaurant had been open for 33 months and during that time had become recognised as the most outstanding Indische Restaurant in the Köln -Bonn region.  This was a very proud man.  Hector was in his element too.

Curried Ibis


With a plastic fork Hector had a midnight feast.  Once again the Masala was not Onion rich.  Here we go again.  This was not the Palak Gosht served in Glasgow or Bradford, more of a Curry with strands of Spinach mixed though.  The flavour was not at all instant in revealing itself.  However, halfway through the meal there was certainly a most pleasurable flavour emerging.  Cardamoms, Cinnamon and Cloves were picked out as necessary.  The Salt content was also high, this is a positive feature and one which Dr Stan and Hector have recently realised is common to the Curry we like most.

The Kamasutra will be visited again.

Posted in Kamasutra | Comments Off on Köln’s Kamasutra

Bernkastel-Kues – Taj Mahal

Posted on November 13, 2010 by Hector

What’s that coming over the hill?

It’s Hector and Marg, covered in mud but not as hot and sweaty as we were before cooling down over a glass of Sprudel at the well placed Café between Traben-Trabach and Bernkastel-Kues.

Having spotted Taj Mahal (Hebegasse 1, 54470, Bernkastel-Kues) earlier this year it is no secret that this was Hector’s reason for making the 7km walk.

Arriving just before 14.00 the only customers were just finishing their meal.  We would be the last for this session.  The restaurant is spacious and has Bier vom Fass, but this was not the purpose of the visit so more mineral water was ordered.  Marg had a Mango Lassi which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Marg decided that she would only have Starters whilst I completed my ritual Curry-Heute.  Complimentary Poppadoms (with Cumin : the good ones) and chutneys were presented.  The middle pot had a red thick paste like spicy sauce which was wonderfully dry.  I complemented the waiter on this.

The Chicken-Daal Soup was praised and the Fish Pakora praised even more.  Marg had an excellent experience.

Hector studied the menu which was impressive. The Lamb was called – Gosht – and so was the Beef which strictly speaking is correct.

The Lamb Karahi won over the Palak Gosht.

Lamb Karahi

This was indeed spicy as was ordered.  The Masala was the normal German thin sauce which had minimal, if any Onion present. 

There were plenty of largely sliced Onions and Tomatoes accompanying the Lamb. The promise of Herbs on the menu was lost on Hector.  This was a very bland meal.

Hector has to ask some basic questions

Why does this pass for Curry throughout Deutschland?

Is this what the Germans expect in a Curry?

Do the Chefs generally know how to make a Curry?

Hector suspects that the answer to the last two questions may supply the answer to the first.

There will be no need to return to the Taj Mahal in Bernkastel, unless the Palak Gosht calls me.  One cannot make that a bland meal, surely?

Posted in Taj Mahal | Comments Off on Bernkastel-Kues – Taj Mahal