The consensus is that no matter where we go, it has to be via Manchester. An early morning train down from Glasgow for a late afternoon flight meant there was time for Lunch in the Northern Quarter. It’s Saturday, no Kabana, no Rizwan, though I’m sure he told me that he would start opening on Saturdays
Al-Faisal Tandoori (58 Thomas St., Manchester, M4 1EG) is always the fallback, the Quality of the Curry probably matches Kabana, the difference is the lack of recognition. In my years of visiting there has been no attempt at banter. One enters, takes a seat, goes up to the counter, order, pay, sit down with the Curry. Lamb Karahi (£5.50) with Rice (£1.30) was the choice today. Later I heard Keema being offered to another Diner, this was not on the Board, the lack of discourse restricted my choice.
The Bill
£6.80 That was easy to calculate.
A Chap took away the chopped Green Chillies momentarily, I had to wait for their return, an Opperchancity to pile on more Coriander. I took my seat. Where was Marg? Marg decided the Coffee Shops of Thomas Street would provide her sustenance today, Porridge.
The Masala soaked into the Rice, now I had Flavoursome Rice and a suitably Dry Curry. The Meat was in double figures, quite a plateful, and the most Tender of Lamb. The Masalas served in the Northern Quarter are all Thin, it is their Desi-style. The Seasoning is all, this Curry had it, dependable. The Chillies upped the Spice Rating, I had taken enough, no need to go overboard here. The Coriander added so much more to what was essentially a very Basic Curry. The plate was cold, so the Curry was going cold long before I finished, annoying. Eat faster – was the conclusion.
For future reference, Lamb Chops Karahi is available on Thursdays and Kofta on Tuesdays. However, with Kabana open on both of these days, Hector is unlikely to encounter these.
The Aftermath
Time to fetch Marg and rendezvous with Howard at the Marble Arch. There was time for a pint of Lagonda before our flight, this is called – Planning.