Shall I book a Curry House for a meal on Saturday? … asked Judith by text a few days ago. John and Judith were taking Marg and Hector on a Tour of Yorkshire Pubs in the Huddersfield area: Marsden, Slaithwaite et al. Curry would complement a Perfect Day.
Hector’s First Curry Experience in Huddersfield was Poor, expectation have been raised by better discoveries at the start of this year. The Venue chosen for Hector was LaLa’s (5 St George’s Square, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 1LG). The Friends of Hector had checked this out at New Year but due to it being stowed we moved on. The Booking was for 19.00, we arrived at 19.05.
The Restaurant, a former Bank and so spacious, was full. We were shown to the holding area which only had Two remaining empty seats. There was quite a queue. The Ladies sat down. After Ten Minutes John and Hector were restless. We approached the Dias. A Waiter asked us to wait Five Minutes – then we’ll have waited Twenty.
Two Minutes. Good to his word we were led across to the far corner and given a Table which sat Six.
A New Waiter introduced himself and offered us Poppadoms.
Are you Giving or Selling? He did the double take.
Are you Giving or Selling?
So, we didn’t have Poppadoms. Starters were dismissed too. Sparkling Water was Hector’s Drink of choice. The Price and Range of Bier on offer were not attractive. John was in the same frame of mind as Hector, why pay over the odds for rubbish? Cut to the chase.
John ordered Chicken Tikka Masala. We are still Friends.
Marg opted for Karahi Fish with a Single Chapatti (65p). Judith ordered Mr. LaLa’s which gave me no clue at all. This turned out to be a Karahi with Chicken, Keema and Lamb listed in the Desi section, as was Marg’s. At the top of this List was Hector’s Curry – Karahi Gosht. A Keema Paratha felt justified, especially as there had been no Starter and only a Small Plate of Kedgeree consumed earlier. Does Kedgeree deserve a Curry-Heute Report? John and Judith would share a Plain Naan, a Family Naan was also available. Just how Big would that be?
The Waiter took instructions – No Capsicum should be included in either the Fish Karahi or Karahi Gosht. They were not mentioned on the Menu, but it is better to be safe. This proved not to be a problem.
We settled down for the long wait. Having declined the Starters I felt we would be some way down the list of Dishes being prepared in the Open Kitchen which lay in front of me. I was surprised when the Food came well within a decent time period. The Karahi Gosht was clearly going to arrive last and so Judith insisted I sample her All-Sorts. Gosh! The Bradford Curry Taste was right in my face. This was Excellent. Marg invited me to sample her Fish Karahi. Gosh! Note to Hector – come here for Lunch next time I’m in Huddersfield. Note to Mein Host – Why are you not open at Lunchtime?
The Karahi Gosht was Voluminous, a Very Decent Portion for £8.25. The Lamb was cut small – In the Bradford Style, with Absolutely Minimal Masala. The Bradford Curry Taste was Screaming at the Palate. The inclusion of Large Green Chillies maintained the Heat, the Seasoning and the Spice Levels were Perfect.
The Paratha was Sheer Joy. Stuffed, it was Thick and passed the – not filled with Donner Meat Test. Flaky, exactly how Hector likes his Paratha. I would tell the Waiter later – This is The Best Paratha I’ve had in Six Months.
This was one of the Best Karahi-Paratha Combinations Hector has enjoyed in some time. Outstanding Curry.
Meanwhile, at the opposite side of the table, John had declared the Spice Level in his Chicken Tikka Masala to be OTT. He ate the lot, but did not suffer in Silence. The Waiter provided some Yoghurt to calm his Palate this appeared to do the trick. Hector was intrigued, but not tempted.
Marg had chosen well. The Karahi Fish was also thoroughly enjoyed. Marg even felt Brave enough to sample the Lamb. Judith also polished her Karahi. Three Very Satisfied Customers including one Very Impressed Hector. I had to thank John and Judith for choosing this Venue.
The Bill
£40.10. A Voucher for 15% Reduction had been applied before this Total was disclosed. Excellent Value, if one stays off the Poppadoms.
The Aftermath
Hector asked The Chaps at the adjacent table if a photo of their Family Naan could be taken.
The Calling Card was given to the Young Waiter who took the Cash. The Calling Card was passed up The Chain of Command. Our Appreciation was expressed.
What was Marg up to? More Ale.