What are your plans for today? – asked Marg, as she tends to do.
I fancy lunch at The Village – I just hung that out there.
And so we headed across the river to The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) where hopefully the Lunchtime Menu would have been restored. Arriving around 13.30, the first thing to note was the change in skyline. Check-in, still required, was duly completed. We were shown by the waitress to a window table, four other couples were sat similarly. It was good to see that something resembling the former seating capacity has been restored. Mr. Baig, Mein Host lingered in the distance.
Lunchtime Menus were provided, a visible tweak in pricing since I last took the opperchancity to have this. A large bottle of Sparkling Water was asked for, no longer available. The thought of paying of paying £3.90 for two half litre bottles felt wrong, yet we have probably paid more for the litre. A well known and reliable source proves we paid £2.95 for the litre here last visit. Glasses of tap water were provided.
The Lahore 2 Course Lunch (£7.95) includes a Starter and a limited choice of Curry, though back in the day when the Glasgow Ladies were running the lunchtime show, there was a knowledgeable flexibility. A Palak Gosht was once served to Hector in what must have been amongst the final – Curry Lunches with Mother. Keema remains an option.
Unsurprisingly, the staff at The Village has changed, the young waitress and chap bringing the Curry were unknown to Hector, and vice versa.
The Order was taken, Vegetable Pakora for us both, Lamb Curry, boneless for Marg, on-the-bone for Hector. There was a surcharge, 50p for Lamb, £1.50 for Lamb on-the-bone. Already I hear people asking why pay more for possibly less Meat? The Curryspondents know that Lamb on-the-bone is in a different league in terms of Flavour. I would have Rice, Marg the two Chapatti option. Two Chapattis? There would be Bread for Hector.
The waitress returned momentarily to ask who was having Lamb Curry on-the-bone? Typically, a Lunchtime Curry is served here with the Rice on the same plate. I asked for them them to be separate – so as to share. What is this – share – word that keeps appearing? Fine for Sundries, no way for Mains, kilos aside.
Vegetable Pakora
Three large – warm-hot – pieces of Pakora and a cold Chilli Sauce. It would have been better if both had been hot a la Karahi Palace and Yadgar. Spicy Pakora, and surprisingly filling. Quantity wise, well judged, after all this is Lunch.
In recent times, Hector has had issues with the size of the Rice portions served a la carte at The Village. Hector always has an issue with something at The Village, as a long established customer, I feel it’s partly up to me to help maintain standards through this medium.
Today, the Rice was comparable to what one could otherwise pay £2.50 for. Marg took what she desired, I was left with more than enough to accompany the Curry portion. After the thin, standard Chapattis of Bradford, the Glasgow, thick, puffy ones were immediately more substantial. Marg as expected, took care of one, I would manage but a half.
Lamb Curry – boneless
Lamb Curry – on-the-bone
The Coriander garnish distinguished them for the serving staff. The Masala in the latter may be a bit darker, both blended. I counted six pieces of Meat, two of which were on-the-bone. In addition, there was a solitary Sucky Bone, no Meat attached. For Lunch, definitely more than adequate, but do compare with my most recent visit to Kabana (Manchester).
Very tomatoey – was Marg’s immediate observation.
Tomatoey, yes, red, no. The Masala at The Village is what had Hector eat here multiple times a week in the early years of the millennium. I couldn’t get enough. Moderately Spiced, it’s all down to the Seasoning which of course matched the Hector idyll. I removed a tiny piece of Cinnamon Bark, Marg didn’t have this. A – Clove blast – took me back to Manchester. The Masala is what sets The Village apart from the Mainstream, ah The Village Curry Taste. This is why I was here, Manchester and Bradford in recent days, The Village can reliably follow on.
Marg had a Village Curry, Hector had this, plus.
The Bill
£17.90 Mr. Baig took the payment.
The Aftermath
I spotted the Specials Board, albeit blank, my cue to ask if they would be making a return. Hector still dreams of the long gone Laal Lahori, though I see that the online Takeaway Menu has Ginger Lahori Lamb on-the-bone. I note also another long time favourite the Tawa and most importantly, Village Desi Korma – Lamb on-the-bone which has been missing from the in house Menu for some time. Also added, Afghan Karahi by the kilo, a future birthday treat?
Mr. Baig acknowledged the Afghan Cuisine and was keen to tell me of the planned reorganisation of the Takeaway area. Kebab and Pizza will be separated, plus, Ready Curry will be available, presumably kept hot a la Manchester model in kettles.
There’s something here for everyone. Let’s hope people will return in numbers.
For the final Curry of this trip, the venue was always known. Curry for lunch in Bradford has to feature 
A jug of tap water, a modest Salad and Raita were brought, no messing around.
Surprisingly – brown – the Keema was suitably Dry with no sign of surplus Oil. Tomato protruded from the mass, with but a hint of Herb, not the dark green that was anticipated.
There was Seasoning, there was Spice. Bradford Curry is by definition Herb-rich, if there was Spinach present it was subtle. Ironically, this is how I prefer it, an overdose of Saag/Palak is not necessarily my cup of tea. 
Strange how our timetable permitted this final Bradford Curry. Hopefully I’ll be back before the end of the year, if not, January is guaranteed.
Sheesh Mahal
It was 22.45 when we entered 
Marg was only having Lamb Chops (£4.95), for Hector, the Curry which Steve found to be – 
Hot, Asian style – said the waiter as he made his notes. 
The counter had four empty tins of Bier. Chaps sitting at the window table opposite me plonked four tins on the table as they took their seats. I do not recall this being a feature of late night dining at 
A pile of Lamb Chops sat before Marg, the count was four, they appeared to be scrawny. The latter proved to be wrong. Marg observed that they had been folded and skewered, so the Chops were appreciably larger than they first looked. 
The round Naan was shiny, but as requested, no Garlic Butter had been used. This was an excellent Naan, the Chilli would enhance the Spice Level of the Curry, the Coriander add to the overall Flavour. Light, not too doughy, we both tore in. Marg was having this as a second course. 
The – fresh coriander – garnish was decidedly minimal. I always appreciate a wedge of Lemon, Citrus can add a new dimension. The Meat had been cut – Bradford small – 
I took another photo at the halfway point. This looked more like a classic Bradford Curry, suitably drier. Full of Bread, it was time to attack the neat Curry. It was only at this point that the Herb Flavours were realised, The Bradford Curry Taste at last. 
An enjoyable Curry indeed, but where was the Pickle?
The Rickmeister has had a bee in his bonnet regarding the possible relocation of Sultan Restaurant (219 Manningham Lane, Bradford, BD8 7HH England) to Frizinghall opposite the former – Turf – pub, of course we all know where that is. The premises are a former Italian Restaurant, The Man from Bradford was worried that Sultan may be going posh. Then there was the possibility that this was a new outfit altogether.
Arriving at Sultan this afternoon around 16.00 just before the heavens opened, all would be made clear, in time. The new address was given, premises some two kilometres north of their present location. But when will the move be? Still questions to be answered. 
Ricky suggested that he and Dr. Stan have the Koftay (£8.00) if available, or Keema Karahi with Spinach (£7.00) otherwise. Marg was definitely having Keema Karahi (£7.00), her second Curry of this trip, two in three days, so far. For Hector on his fourth visit, it had to be a return to the impressive Handi Gosht (£8.50) enjoyed on 
Ricky talked Dr. Stan into sharing a Starter, Seekh Kebab (£2.00) would have been Hector’s guess, but no, Meat Samosa (£2.00). Chapattis for all, included in the price it’s a Bradford thing.
A young waiter came to take the Order, the availability of Koftay was confirmed, we had happy chaps. Medium-plus was requested for the male diners, medium for the lady. I was specifically addressed – on-the-bone? It had to be. Next it was Marg – Peas, Potato? Marg opted for – The Works.
A simple Salad was brought accompanied by a bottle of Raita which I was assured would be Spicy. A jug of tap-water was the provided liquid, no messing about here. 
The Mains arrived, not the largest portions ever seen, and definitely on the small side compared to the mountains that Hector has been served at the 
Here it was, the definitive Bradford Curry staring up at me. The rich brown, thick Masala had but mere traces of Oil. I didn’t count the Meat, even allowing for the bone content, this would more than suffice.
The Meat was giving Flavour, something one cannot take for granted. It had the – right level – of chewiness. Sucky Bones too, the Flavours, oh how rich the Flavours, this Curry was stunningly sensational. I feel like another trip to Bradford has to happen soon, just to have this again. With 
Study the photo, observe how the Minimal Masala simply shrouds the Potato. Again, the Herb content was visible. The quantity also appeared to be an elegant sufficiency.
… 
The Bill
Wednesday is – Quail Day – at 
Introductions were made, the brothers may sound the same, Mani is more handsome, by far. That’s one boat burnt. 
With an appropriate quantity of – foliage – added, I took my seat. Marg had chosen a table at the front window. The staff member who had looked after Steve and I so well 
The Curry looked paler than the Karahi I am used to having at 
My first mouthful was off the top of the mound, somehow I had managed to scoop up a spoonful of sliced Chillies. This shocked the palate and may well have wiped out the taste-buds. Not the best of starts. 
I had a mountain to get through, Marg observed the struggle.
Well stuffed, it was back down the hill towards Victoria. How many times have I walked up/down Cheetham Hill Road? Strangeways, so close, close enough.
Two days in Manchester, first stop as always – 
Rizwan brought the Keema Peas followed by the three tubs of – foliage. Ah, the foliage, help yourself, a significant feature of Curry in Manchester.
The naked Curry is tasty enough, the smothering of Coriander Leaves adds a a new dimension to the overall Flavour, then there’s the added bite from the finely chopped Ginger and sliced Green Chillies. 
Line up Curry from a hundred restaurants, and Hector will pick out the 
I positioned a large Clove beside the pile of bones. The chap who clears up was amused, I told him that the Cloves are fundamental to what makes this Curry. The Meat being served on-the-bone, for those who wish it that way, adds even more. Spectacular Curry, yet Marg ordered Mince.
Behold as Dry a Keema as one can encounter, and no sign of peripheral Oil. Rice would not work with this Curry. 
Marg made short work of her late lunch:
After 
The Aftermath
Kebab Mahal
As we approached Nicolson Street, Marg spotted an interestingly named shop on the opposite side of the street.
A plate of Mince with Oil collecting around the periphery was presented. It did look a bit plain. I asked Marg why she hadn’t ordered the version with – Peas – which she had last time, her preferred Curry is Keema Mutter. She hadn’t spotted – Keema Matar Curry (£7.85).
OK, so I like Masala with Methi, not a mass of Herbs, but I was in the mood for this today. The pinkish, columnar Lamb was into double figures, large pieces too. I piled the Methi Ghoust high on top of the Rice, a Curry Tower? 
This was a first, and proved just how Dry-Thick this Curry was. Was this actually Curry? The Methi Mash had no features of being a Masala proper. I started with the Rice.
The Rice itself was bursting with Flavour, the various Vegetables added the required variety of Flavours and Textures, then I reach the Potato – Wow! My first – wow – at 
Black & White? The population of our fair city belongs in one of two groups: those who know how wonderful the Curry is at 
With more time at my disposal, I should have turned left and gone to 
Have you ordered? – asked Mags, there being no secret as to what she was having. I had elected to wait before ordering the inevitable: Karahi Kamb and Aloo Gosht (£8.00). The latter is now firmly part of the 
I should make a video – I said to the waiter when he placed the karahi before me. In the past, I have. Hot – does not begin to describe the temperature. The Oil and Masala sizzled for more than a minute. 
Mags marvelled at the size of the portion. When visiting 
Still the best Aloo Gosht served anywhere, and I’ve had a few – Mags declared, and not for the first time – and today’s is the best ever, I don’t know how Rashid does it.
The Bill
Curryspondent David contacted me last week to recommend Times of Punjab (63 Hairst St., Renfrew PA4 8QU). A fellow Bankie, he too had taken to crossing the water in search of a worthy Curry. 
With the far left dining area clearly busy, we were shown to the quieter right. A waitress brought the Menu, the drinks order was taken, a large bottle of Sparkling Water (£3.50) sufficed. Times of Punjab may be a bar, I saw nothing to tempt me, but then the 
Our selections would come from the House Specials, many Dishes contained – 
Rather than reproduce a list of endless variants, the Menu shows a £8.95 for Chicken Tikka Breast, Pan Fried Machi and Prawns, or £9.95 for Tender Lamb. Fish the same price as Chicken? Wonderful, I have questioned for years why venues consider – Fish – being worthy of a supplement. That – Tender Lamb – was the standard for the House Specials also encouraged. Again, many venues resort to Lamb Tikka, surely best enjoyed without a Masala? 
Having studied the Takeaway Menu also, I note the availability of Karahi and Punjabi Korma, not on the Restaurant Menu. If these are served in the truly authentic style, I would love to sample these. Karahi Gosht may well be Hector’s #1 Curry, then there’s a Desi Korma, a stalwart Curry of 
Plenty of Fish was the first observation as I decanted the solids. White and in oblong cuts, possibly Monkfish tails. But then, apart from being Masala Fish, what does Hector know? The brown, blended Masala contained signs of Herbs, in time I would unearth Green Cardamom and Cloves, though the latter may have been in the Rice. A Fish Curry, expectations are always high, Karahi Gosht may be my go to order, only because it is so difficult to find outstanding Fish Curry. 
I had asked for – above medium spice – this had been noted and was duly delivered. The Seasoning I registered as – low – initially, but as the Flavour of the Fish came across, not a problem. The Fish felt unusually soft, I highly recommend this Curry to anyone who has difficulty in chewing. The Masala intrigued, something different, something new. I relayed to Marg that I was particularly enjoying this Curry. Had this Curry been in Lamb, it would have been a completely different experience. The aforementioned Cardamom and Cloves, in conjunction with the solids in the Special Rice, added to the Diversity of Flavours, and in terms of the edible bits, Texture. 
The inclusion of – tarka – had made Marg hope for Crispy Onions. Instead, more of the large cut Onions protruded from the Reddish, Thick Masala. Marg is an Onion magnet. Having taken some of the Rice, Marg had to decant, the result looked quite familiar. I took a sample of the Masala, familiar indeed. 
Renfrew is metres across the Clyde from Clydebank, somehow, The Clydebank Curry Taste has crossed the river. A – Reddish Sweetness – is how I can describe it. All down to the Onions, I conclude, bring on a Tomato-based Masala!
Large pieces of tender lamb in a rich, red sauce with plenty of onion – began Marg – and a perfect spice level for me. Worked well with the Special Rice and the Chapatti, an enjoyable meal.
Marg announced that Coffee was required. As a new waitress came to clear the table so Dessert was mooted. Apparently new Desserts had arrived this afternoon, being uncertain as to exactly what, she went off to fetch a sample. Cue a Salted Caramel Ice Cream (£4.25) and an extra hot Latte (£2.45). 
We were here – to dine. Hector had to settle for the remains of the Sparkling Water. The Coffee was suitably – hot – the accompanying mint, the final indulgence.
The Aftermath