The Man from Bradford was pestering The Hector from the moment we found each other at The Manchester Beer Festival – when and where would be – The Curry?
I have just eaten – sufficed for the first few hours, by 22.00 The Munchies had arrived. Ricky disappeared into the night, Howard and Hector took a taxi to Rusholme, Howard’s first visit to The Manchester Curry Mile. Lal Qila (123 – 127 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, Manchester, M14 5AN) was the chosen destination, tried and tested.
The road was dug up in all directions, indeed Manchester is pretty much dug up with tramlines being realigned. Trams, in the UK?
Lal Qila was empty, strange. Both Waiters were able to give us the fullest of attention, one I recognised. Assuming his photo was on a well known and reliable Curry Website. I accessed my review from last January, no staff photos. I was convinced that I had staff photos. Apparently not. What was muddling the memory – Mad Cow.
In January 2014, Hector was here alone. The Fish Karahi was – Wonderful. Steve and Hector dined here in January 2015, the Lamb Karahi was also a standout. With this information relayed, Howard went for the Fish, Hector the Lamb, both were £8.90. I asked for both Dishes to be served – Asian style – just in case this was a requisite for Quality Curry. I recommended the Kulcha Naan (£2.90) as Howard had never experienced this slightly sweeter and firmer version of Naan, two please.
The Poppadoms and Dips were brought with no exchange other than – Thank you. It is good when they are brought rather than the haggling about charge. Bring them, they are Complimentary, understood.
The Fish Karahi did not look to be Wonderful, little sense of Karahi.
Overwhelmed by spice, masking the flavour. (Indian) Mango never hide the basics. Howard was hoping for the – Wow – it never came. A Piece of Fish came my way. I agree, this was nothing special. A pity, they can do better.
The Lamb Karahi did look the part, the Thicker Masala, well certainly Thicker than the Shorva served in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. I had asked for – Extra Methi – this had been included. The Fresh Coriander Topping was the obvious Herb. The Seasoning and Kick were Fine. The not-excessive Masala had a good Oil Base. The Lamb was mostly Tender, one or two rubbery bits. One kept waiting for the – Wow – the back of the throat was where this occurred, unusual. At least this was a Lamb Curry with Methi as opposed to Saag. It was nearly there, by no means poor, again one had hoped for Better.
The Kulcha Naans were Poor. Far too soft, no seeds, were they in fact Kulcha?
The Bill
£28.70, why? £4.10 for two Soft Drinks, plus a Mystery £1.00. The Poppadoms and Dips, very rude. We did not make a fuss, they were ordering us a Minicab back to the Centrum.
The Aftermath
Was this Strike #3 for Lal Qila? Time to try a new venue? Our taxi driver assured us we should go to Lahori Dera and Lahori Karahi, both on the Stockport Road. This was uncanny, the second recommendation for these today.
Meanwhile The Man from Bradford had resorted to visiting a well known Hamburger Chain, to his sorrow.