Happy New Year 2016
New Year was brought in at the Shakespeare, Sheffield. The advantage of being outside our native Scotland is that in the daylight part of Ne’er Day the Pubs are open! The Kelham Island Tavern was where The Company re-assembled after the excesses of the night before. This evening we found ourselves back at the Shakespeare, Craig and Yvonne were heading for Curry-Heute at the 7 Spices Balti (Mayfair Court, 120 Gibraltar St, Sheffield S3 8PP). Mags and Dr. Stan accompanied. Some twenty minutes later Howard and Tracey joined Marg and Hector to complete another table for four. Jonathan arrived thereafter, three of The Company did not have Curry-Heute, to their sorrow. Kebap.
Hector first set foot in Sheffield twenty years ago and by 1998 was a regular visitor, especially to The Fat Cat. Pale Rider was the King of Ales, the Floods of 2007 saw the end of that. Thornbridge’s Jaipur took over the mantle of Best Ale, ever, we were here regularly. Jaipur lost its Mojo and so the quality of Sheffield Pubs is what maintains. During the Halcyon Days there was Curry taken in Sheffield, all pre-Curry-Heute. Sahib was the stand out, plus a Comedy Curry House (they once tried to serve our Mains before the Starter) at the base of a hotel which was being demolished, imminently. It may well still stand. The site of Sahib was passed by last night, venue not seen. Bradford is the Curry Mecca, as a consequence the coverage of Curry this far south in Yorkshire has been neglected, but no more.
Our Waiter was already dealing with the Advance Party when we entered 7 Spices Balti around 20.00. We took the adjacent table. Poppadoms were offered.
Are you giving or selling?
Selling.
Marg spoke up – One Poppadom please.
A Pile of Poppadoms and Dips arrived soon after. Our Waiter said he couldn’t bring one –
On the House. A good start to 2016.
Starters
Tracey spotted Paneer Pakora (£3.75), irresistible and unusual. Howard agreed to share Tandoori Lamb Chops (£4.95) with Hector. Marg had had her Poppadom. Four of the tiniest Lamb Chops ever seen were set before us. They were Excellent in part, under-cooked in the Thickest sections. Gone in seconds. Meanwhile a half slice of Cheese appeared on my plate. This was Paneer Pakora. Flat Cheese with the most Minimal of Batter clinging. Tracey should visit Omar’s in Bradford for Paneer.
The Mains
Tracey ordered a Chicken Something or Other (£8.50) whilst Howard stayed with the more Traditional Balti Lamb Aloo (£8.50). They would share a Keema Rice (£3.50) and a Naan. Marg kicked off the New Year with Masala Fish Handi (£8.50) and Mushroom Rice (£3.50) to accompany. Hector could not pass the Opperchancity of Lamb Methi (£7.50) with a Stuffed Paratha (£2.95).
Whilst the Base Price of the Curry Dishes was most acceptable, the price of the Sundries was nearer Aberdeen than Bradford. Marg managed to sneak in a Mango Lassi. Just as well we had hurdled the Poppadom Penalty.
Meanwhile, at another table
Craig and Yvonne appeared to be tucking into Something Chicken, Mags and Dr. Stan had – Their Usual, Aloo Gosht and Keema Aloo respectively. That Mags enjoyed her Aloo Gosht was not in doubt.
This could be the best Aloo Gosht in the World, by the way, it’s better than Rashid’s (Glasgow – New Karahi Palace). Not in the World, then, Sheffield. I don’t want to upset Rashid.
So thoughtful. This raised the level of expectation for Hector and Co.
Tracey’s Chicken Masala (?) looked tempting. Yes, Hector has written these words. It is years since the fabled Chicken Tikka Masala has crossed my lips, this looked worthy. Tracey’ verdict:
I haven’t had Chicken Curry in a restaurant for years. The Chicken was off-the-bone and shredded, as I would have done it myself. Buttery, creamy, not over-spiced.
Shredded Chicken, what next?
The Masala Fish Handi impressed Marg. Different, I never have Fish, a lovely change. It did have loads of taste. So far so good.
The Naan looked – a bit strange – no more on this, Howard and Tracey concentrated on the Keema Rice. The Paratha arrived Quartered, always annoying when one hopes to tear of Strips as and when. When ordering a Plan Paratha one hopes for – Flaky. When they come with a Filling the Flakiness is rarely maintained. This Paratha was Excellent, Flaky and Very Fresh, a great accompaniment to the Lamb Methi.
The Lamb Methi was slightly Under-seasoned but well Spiced. The Masala was a Wonderful Mash of Onion and Tomato, certainly along the lines of the aforementioned New Karahi Palace, praise indeed. Any Curry with as Thick a Masala as this will impress The Hector. The Tender Lamb numbered Nine Pieces, of which two pieces were Chewy, the rest Very Tender. If every Curry served to Hector in 2016 is as good as this, it will be a Very Good Year.
Our Waiter came across to ask the Customary Question, Hector got in first.
Where did you find your Chef?
Around the corner.
Howard had a few well chosen words to say about his Balti Lamb Aloo.
I always consider that the best Indian Restaurants are the ones which are able to impart flavour to any Lamb Dish they do. This restaurant was able to do this in a satisfying manner. Good Curry, a satisfying meal, they know what they’re doing.
That’s the last Curry I have with Howard, unless he brings a shorthand-typist.
The Waiter
He confirmed that Sahib has gone. Definitely a Character, he declined the Photo until Marg offered to pose with him, thereafter we had his story.
To Boldly Go….
In his younger days he worked in Mayfair and served many a Celebrity. Telly Savalas and his Brother with their entire Cohort. Larry Hagman (I Dream of Jeannie) gave a $100 tip, good until he noticed it had JR as The Featured Photo. However, one name impressed more than any other – William Shatner – aka Captain James Tiberius Kirk. #Denny Crane.
The Bill
£60.25. Not as bad as was feared given the Sundries.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to our Waiter who introduced me to the Young Chap at the bar, Mein Host. There was finally time to take in the Surroundings. A Substantial Basement Location as close to the Centre of The City as one finds Curry Houses in Sheffield. Who was that Chap sitting in the corner?
