Any sensible road journey between Sheffield and Glasgow commands a visit to Bradford en route. The journey South was via the M61 and M62, a tedious drive, most of the kilometres in the wrong direction. The A65 at least goes in the right direction, why England does not have a northern Motorway going NW to SE still baffles, the A65 could at least be upgraded to Dual Carriageway. Meanwhile the West Coast Rail Line is closed, until February,…wtf?
The Man from Bradford texted in the small hours declaring his intention to join Hector, Marg, Craig and Yvonne for lunch. The Karachi Social Club (15/17 Neal St, Bradford, BD5 0BX), Bradford’s oldest Curry House, was the agreed venue. It has been a while. A visit was attempted a few months ago, however, they were not open at 11.00 as their published hours claim.
13.00 was the agreed rendezvous time, we arrived at 13.15. Just how many kilometres of our motorway network were stuck on 50mph this holiday period whilst no roadworks were active? Ricky was in situ, he had a special guest today – his Mum!
The Mother of The Rickmeister had been denied her weekly visit to Sarina’s on Thursday, time to make amends.
Three portions of a most Modest Salad-Raita were already on the table. Time to negotiate with the Chap who who would be our Waiter. Where did they find him?
Richard, as his Mother calls him, and Marg both selected Meat Ball Spinach (£6.50). Karachi was the First Bradford Curry House to introduce Kofta I am reliably informed. For Marg it was fifteen hours since her last Kofta. For Hector it would take something totally remarkable to compete with the Wondrous Curry that was served last evening in Sheffield at the Lahori Dhera.
A Fish Curry would be something completely different – Fish Karahi (£7.50) it would be. Craig was on board with this. Yvonne was in the mood for Prawns – King Prawn Karahi (£8.00) with Rice was her choice. Richard’s Mother was set on Keema Spinach Korma (£5.50). There was some doubt as to whether Our Waiter had taken careful note.
As is the Bradford way, all of the above Main Courses come with three Chapattis or Rice.
On arrival, two other diners were present. It was amazing how many more arrived this Sunday Lunchtime. The good people of Bradford must share the Curry-Heute philosophy – Everyday is a Good Day to Eat Curry!
With Chapatti in hand the Fish Karahi was tackled. Wetter than would be served down the road at Kashmir, this version was a wee bit under-seasoned which is unusual for a Fish Curry. The Spice Level was most acceptable, the Masala had a Slight Sweetness. Not an Earth Shatteringly Wonderful Curry, well what could follow last night? However, Most Pleasing, Very Enjoyable.
Fish Karahi
Craig and Yvonne thoroughly enjoyed their first Karachi Experience.
Excellent – was their common verdict. This was despite the non-arrival of the Rice. There seemed little point in addressing this, our Waiter had not filled us with confidence.
Smaller balls (last night) but more numerous – (Ooh err, Missus) was the Marg comment. No need to ask Ricky, he has had this hundreds of times, it must be good. Oh, this is what Hector had on the first visit to Karachi. Is Marg entering her Kofta Phase?
Meat Ball Spinach
The Keema Spinach Korma did look – Soupy. I doubt if Ricky or Hector would ever order this Dish, but it is available for those who desire it. Ricky’s Mum polished it off. She was intent on comparing it to Sarina’s but I never did catch the the outcome.
Keema Spinach Korma
The Bill
£44.50. Six Diners. No Frills.
The Aftermath
The Chef acknowledged us as we departed. No need to give the Calling Card. More famous people than Hector have visited Karachi, indeed there are Rick Stein Specials on the Menu.
Menu? Ricky recalls the days when Karachi had no Menu.