For reasons that will become apparent later in the week, Hector is en route to Wroclaw. It was well cheaper to take a train to Manchester and fly from here than fly directly from Glasgow this afternoon. Such are the joys of time and a Senior Rail Card. Pensioners Discounts on flights?
The 09.06 arrived punctually at Picadilly at 12.30, at 12.42 I entered Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1LQ England). I calculated I could get here and back to Picadilly by 13.30, my flight was at 15.25. Walking is faster than the Tram.
Rizwan was seeing to a Delivery/Takeaway being boxed and going out the back door. As soon as he was free he greeted me with his usual Warm Welcome. This Monday Lunchtime there was only around a half dozen Diners already in situ, more would come.
The Board had – Lamb Karahi – top of the list, this was good enough for The Hector. Rice would accompany, best to take on as much Bulk as possible given the madness which may follow later.
The Bill
£6.30. Paid in advance, it’s a Curry Cafe.
The Lamb Karahi was photographed – naked – and then – as it should be. To be able to sprinkle as much Chopped Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander as one one wishes is always a treat. To the table….
My luggage was parked under the shelf from where one collects cutlery et al. I had to move the first central table to accommodate my modest frame, how do others cope? Just as well the place was not wedged, else we would all have been. This is all part of the flexible seating that Hector witnessed the unveiling of, back in January.
The Tall Stainless Water Jugs which were also introduced in January have survived. One has to take care, else catastrophe awaits, or a shower, whichever is the lesser. I had starved myself on the train down, time to get stuck in.
The Lamb was on-the-bone, I counted Double Figures below my Floral Canopy, enough, more than. The Masala by now appeared – Minimal – any excess having soaked into the Basmati. A Mountain of Rice, I would eat every grain. Even before I took in a Chilli, the Spice Level was – adequate -, with the Chillies, a suitable – Kick – was achieved. Ah, the Seasoning, absolutely – Spot on. The Tender Lamb having sat in the Masala had Flavour to give back, this was – Simple Curry – Superbly cooked. The Seasoning was all, through this the Distinctive Flavour that makes a Curry – Kabana – came through.
Rizwan sat with me through most of my visit, any other day he would have been far too busy. I had to compliment him on the Fayre. He asked about other discoveries. Ambala Deli Bar (Glasgow) was foremost in my mind being my last write-up. Their – Desi Handi – had to be mentioned as the most Distinctive Flavour I have discovered in the past year. Rizwan told me about a visit to a Curry House, he had to wait for the Food to be served, he could not cope with this, not the way of the Northern Quarter.
I had to mention the number of hits my photos of the Grand Re-opening of Kabana are getting on Google Maps. Rizwan says he sent a link of my Blog to all his friends and connections, I had the photographic coverage of the new layout.
The accommodation upstairs is now available I was informed. I think – The Company – will continue to stay at t’Travelodge. The – Saturday Opening – which was mentioned in January is still planned, as are later opening hours. Rizwan cannot be there all the time, so the atmosphere may change.
The last grains of Rice were scraped from under the – Bone Debris – it was time to depart. Hands were shaken. I do not foresee The Hector dining in Manchester again before the autumn.
The Aftermath
The 13.14 train to Manchester Airport was caught, Hector was ahead of schedule, just as well.
Security at Manchester Airport today was as tight as can be, and this is not the holiday season. Those who had not presented their – Large Electrical Items – on a separate tray, or displayed their – Liquids – in a self sealing, clear plastic bag, were being isolated. The number of bags to be inspected was somewhat OTT, could people not follow instructions, were they all first time flyers? Or did Security know something? Hector missed Lockerbie and Milano Centrale by hours.
What are the chances of Curry in Wroclaw this week? There is at least one venue I have not been to.