9 Mar 2012

Lahore Karahi

15 Feb 2012 - Lahore Karahi – Back on The Camel

It was a cold, crisp February night, which only meant one thing, the desire to warm up with some hearty curry and review it at the same time. After the initial curry honeymoon period there had been a lull in the action, but it was time to get back on the camel and visit the bright lights of Tooting to see what the randomly chosen Lahore Karahi had to offer. They were put to the test earlier in the day when an eager Michael Murphy called to check a) if there were television facilities and b) whether we could reserve a spot in line with said television. To be fair they rose the challenge and passed with flying colours, the patron chuckled as if to say, 'Have we got a TV!?' all became clear upon arrival, when we were greeted by a plasma screen TV that dwarfed the dining room; they had even taken the trouble to angle it slightly towards our reserved seats. Well done. It is perhaps worth mentioning at this point that the reason for being so keen to have sight of a TV was not the because of the usual Emmerdale, Coronation Street double header but the hotly anticipated champions league clash between Arsenal and AC Milan.


As we have now come to expect from our friend, colleague and general penguin, ‘Hitch the Stitch’ was unable to waddle her way out of the office on time so missed proceedings. I myself also struggled, but the ever-present Michael Murphy was there on time to use himself as collateral to hold the table. He sat gracefully and sipped gently on the byo beers, for which there was no corkage fee.

Lahore Karahi was off to a flying start, the same could not be said of Arsenal who already languished 1-0 behind.

We all know tardiness should be avoided at all costs, but when it comes to completing game changing concept evaluates, sometimes there needs to be an exception to the rule. I found myself in this very situation arriving several minutes late. A memo had clearly not been received by the waiter who seemed appalled by this poor display of punctuality, demanding our order before I had even removed my winter coat! So despite the rip roaring start with the TV and table, chinks were starting to appear in Lahore Karahi’s armour.

The menu read well, we were exuberant at the prospect of sampling what it had to offer, and were encouraged by the nuances of the Lahore Karahi specials which we hoped would set it apart from the crowd. If there was to be one flaw with the menu it would be this, if everything is on the menu is describes as ‘Lahore Karahi Special’ it dilutes the term ‘special’ take note ‘Lawhore’ Karahi. AC Milan 2, Arsenal 0.

Venue


Lahore Karahi sits down towards the Broadway end of Tooting High Street and is very much a no nonsense set up. Practicality definitely won out over interior design when this place was being put together. Having said that, the main architectural feature of a spiral staircase is a nice touch, despite being unsafe for human use. When it comes to curry we never judge a book by its cover, but if we were then things would not bode too well here either. The TV was a nice bonus but not enough to pull the score up, let’s give it a 6

Sides and Starters


Katlama
Lahori Keema Naan (Special)
Tandoori Paratha
Popadoms
Pilao Rice

Let’s cut to the chase - the katlama arrived alarming quickly, it had been microwaved, and although this alone is not enough for condemnation, the taste certainly was. Imagine taking the sole from a tramps shoe, inserting a layer of lamb mince and then allowing him to continue his journey around the park before removing, warming and serving to a couple of hungry curry critics. Not the best of starts.

The Popadoms came with the usual suspects and were sufficient, as too was the rice, although it did look as if it had been prepared at a Klaxons gig. Very ‘Nu Rave’, there were fluorescent specs running throughout the rice - we don’t know what purpose this served, but we felt it was a nice touch. Both Tandoori Paratha and Lahori Keema Naan (Special) can be summarised together, as they both were okay on flavour, but went from moist, to card, to papier-mâché in texture. We looked unfavourably on advertising the Keema Naan as a reminder of Lahore. I don’t know if the Lahore tourist board are aware of this, if they are, I won’t be visiting, if they’re not, someone really should tell them. Nothing greatly wrong but by no means amazing, let down significantly by the Katlama, so it’s a 6.

Curry


Karahi Karela Bitter Melon Gosht
Chicken Tikka Masala (Lahore Karahi Special)

Let’s start with the Karahi Karela Bitter Melon Gosht, and I know what you’re thinking, what on earth’s that? We were just as perplexed, so thought, what better way to find out than ordering it! It was lamb, with green vegetables and Melon and it has to be said a delectable little dish, subtly sweet from the Melon and yet a balance of richness coming from the lamb. Some of the herbage was a little burnt though and this left a bitter aftertaste (literally).

It was difficult to really see what the USP of the Chicken Tikka Masala was - certainly in terms of its status as a Lahore Karahi Special, but, as we know, ‘special’ here is used so liberally its sentiment is lost. At first it was a little repugnant, with a strong taste of paneer, this didn’t sit well with the chicken. However, as the flavours mellowed together the creamy edge started to come through and it was actually rather pleasant. As always the chicken was succulent (we make no apologies for using this word again). The lamb definitely outfought the chicken in this battle and perhaps deserves a ‘special’ of its own, with this in mind it leaves the overall score as a steady 7. AC Milan 3, Arsenal 0

Service

Now, there is prompt and there is prompt, unfortunately the waiters were the latter. I have already mentioned the incident upon arrival, but this continued throughout the meal with my plate being removed while Mike was still knee deep in Karahi Karela Bitter Melon Gosht. There was very little engagement when we tried to explore the menu, with a couple of barked responses. There was also no consistency between waiters, I appreciated the need to all muck in, but of the 9 members of staff present, we must have had 8 at our table at different intervals. So, despite the promising start from the excellent telephone conversation, we were a little disappointed - overall this leaves them with a 6.


Value for Money

As we now know when it comes to a Tooting curry, VFM is always a favourable metric, and Lahore Karahi is no different, a thoroughly good feed for £27 (£30 with tip). However we need to calibrate this not against London as a whole, but the competitive universe that is Tooting’s selection of curry houses. So, with this in mind, it is good, but falls short of some of its competition - Spice Village being the first to spring to mind. We initially thought of awarding 8; however this had be marked down ever so slightly due to some underhanded bill tampering. A mysterious 80p was placed on the bill; we racked our brains but just could not put our finger on it, and thus have had to assume foul play. If there is anyone out there who can shed some light on this please get in touch, and if you manage to solve the mystery you will be treated to a complementary curry and blog mention (complements to Mike for agreeing to put up the cash to do this). Overall VFM 7. AC Milan 4, Arsenal 0

Summary

I’m pleased to announce the award of our first ever X Factor point, this goes to Lahore Karahi for accommodating our request to be placed in line with the TV and having it not only angled towards the table but, the champions league playing at a nice volume. This award, however, is not enough to boost the overall scores which come in at a rather average 33/50. They have rolled a 3, and this leaves them lying bottom of the leader board. Not cheap enough to rely on VFM alone, and not classy enough to be considered a pleasant restaurant; Lahore Karahi is caught between a rock and a hard place and must work harder if it wants to be likened to its cultural capital namesake.

Post Script:

Michael Murphy Supports Arsenal – He was not a happy man

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5 Mar 2012

Masaledar

11 Feb 2012 – Masaledar - Birthday Bhajis

As it was my birthday on 6th February, I did the only logical thing and organised a curry to celebrate (albeit on the following Saturday).

Attendees were as follows:

Me (Birthday Boy)
Andrew ‘The Ace’ Campbell
Emma ‘Scopey’ Copestake (AKA EC)
Angela ‘Ang’ Farrell
Alex Knight (AKA AK)
Henry ‘Harry’ Stead
David ‘Bubaloo’ Jeremiah
Lisa ‘Brunty’ Brunt
Matt ‘Lisa’s BF’
Angus ‘Gus’ Chadney
Greg Burgess (AKA GJ)
Pudding

Notable by his absence: Co-blogger, Tom Scrimgour (went to see Annie Mac – a poor decision always)

(Anyone reading this now who wasn’t invited, I kept numbers down purely for organisational reasons and not because I don’t like you, unless I actually don’t like you, in which case hard luck you missed out on being my friend and on curry)

Given the nature of the event, and amount of alcohol consumed this review will be less than comprehensive and an officially unofficial review….



The venue was chosen as Masaledar, a decision made due to its slightly nicer décor (it was my birthday and only a curry house with a waterfall was going to cut it) and its proximity to Tescos (good for giving pre-event directions). Having enjoyed a few beers earlier in the day whilst watching England barely beat Italy in the rugby, most of us had built up a good base appetite for curry (I say most of us, but I can only really speak for myself). The stage was set, the time was 19.30. I had expected late arrivals so wasn’t on time myself, but to my pleasant surprise a few of the lads were tucking into some pre-match popadoms when I arrived, no doubt eager to celebrate the birthday of one of their most valued friends.

Venue

As mentioned in the summary, this venue wasn’t chosen haphazardly. This is one of the curry houses in the area that would fall strictly in the restaurant category, as opposed to the more canteen-style venues. In this respect, it is ideal for celebrating events such as anniversaries, engagements, Bar Mitzvahs or even birthdays. The aforementioned waterfall inside is a lovely touch, as is the mood-lighting, and glittery wall that adds to the sense of occasion. The entrance is decked with a wooden facade and the clock above the door is helpfully stuck on 5 O’Clock (maybe the universally recognised ideal time for a curry – who knows?)

As you enter there are some small tables and some bench seating for those waiting, but the main eating area is upstairs, elevating the diner to (quite literally) a new level. The furniture is tasteful and contemporary, echoing the general interior design. All in all, this is a very pleasant eating environment, with size enough for large parties such as our own (but always book ahead, as it’s only sensible). For venue, I’m giving an 8/10.

Sides and starters

Numerous poppadoms
6 Pilao rice
3 Peshwari naan
3 Garlic naan
3 Portions of Bhaji (2 in a portion)
2 Mxed Grills
(I think?!)

I remember the popadoms being strong (in general, not in flavour or material) and the mango chutney being equally satisfactory, so nothing to complain about there. The mixed grills contained an assortment of chicken tikka, lamb chops, chicken wings, seekh kebabs and tandoori chicken (apparently). The naans were distinctively buttery and... that’s all I remember...oh, and of course, rice is rice. I do not recall any complaints – 7 for sides.

Curry
We had seven, which I think were the:

Daal Makhani
Lamb Masaledar
Chicken Malai Murgh
...and four others

The array of curries were ordered with all tastes and persuasions in mind. Notable dishes were the Daal and the two specials - the Lamb Masaledar (presumably a signature dish) and the Chicken Malai Murgh. The Daal Makhani was a nice creamy, black lentil dish that was a favourable, vegetarian diversion to the other meat dishes. The Masaledar lives up to its billing as the house dish, and the Malai Murgh – tandoori chicken cooked in Malai sauce – was memorable. Whilst the other dishes were less so, I remember thoroughly enjoying them all at the time. In general the portions were ample and all twelve of us were satisfied with the amount ordered. With not much to go on it’s a 7 for the curries.

Service
My experience with Masaledar staff has always been slightly sloppy service that doesn’t befit the relative class and sophistication of its aesthetics. In this instance I was too busy enjoying myself to notice, although I do recall being told there would be a 20 minute wait at one point. However, given it was a Saturday night I’ll go easy. I’d give a 7, but as I wasn’t paying any attention so I’ll go by previous experiences and give a balanced 6 for service.

Value For Money
Generally speaking with Bring Your Own venues, you’re already half way there on the value front. We certainly got our money’s worth as a whole bottle of Jagermeister was quickly consumed between the lot of us (thanks Lisa). Regarding the restaurant’s offerings, like with most curry houses in the area (and I can only assume worldwide) there were economies of scale with such a large group dining together. The final bill came to £13 a head which is certainly great value, as all party members were left full and satisfied, and considering the wide array of dishes that had been consumed. 8 out of 10 for VFM.

Summary

In general, I had a great night and was again impressed by Masaledar on what was my third visit. For those interested we went on to Tooting’s most famous nightspot – the Tram and Social – for more drinks and I’m sure some silly dancing. We think Greg got lucky as well, so, well done sir.

Sadly, given the lack of contribution from other attendees, and my own lack of any attempt to take notice of proceedings, this review has to remain unofficial, but, based on the above, the total score comes to a more than decent 36/50. Unfortunately, no X Factor points this time, despite my temptations to give one for the waterfall and glittery wall. We will be back to do an official review.

Lahore Karahi review coming soon...

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