Hector and Marg find themselves in Birmingham, primarily to see Jon Anderson (Yes, Jon & Vangelis), accompanied by The Band Geeks, a Yes tribute band he considered to be so good, he joined them. Our visit to Symphony Hall is related below, as ever, there had to be Curry afore.
It is ten years since Hector last set foot in Birmingham. Four venues have been reviewed in the formative years of Curry-Heute, all in the city centre, all decidedly Mainstream. Today, the opperchancity to jump on a bus and head south to Ladypool Road in Sparkbrook, the heart of the so called – Balti Triangle. The challenge: to find a Curry more – Desi – than – Balti.
Alighting at the northern apex on Stratford Rd., we headed south along Ladypool Rd. passing a host of possible venues.
Oh to have this many options, on one stretch, in one’s own city.
Hector had chosen today’s venue in advance: Aapke Meizban (154 Ladypool Rd., Sparkbrook, Birmingham B12 8JS England), which did not open until 16.00.
A refreshment was had at nearby Cafe Afreem whilst we waited for the doors to open.
The first customers of the day, we had a choice of tables. The brighter area nearer the window felt like the better option. Marg was immediately impressed by the décor, certainly unique.
Our lady hostess brought the menu. Desi Karahi – Lamb On the Bone (Full) (£37.50) was quickly agreed at a – medium-plus – Spice Level. Marg raised an eyebrow, but she should know by now, unless one asks for something silly, a Curry is not going to cause discomfort.
A Roti (£1.00) for Marg, a Naan (£1.50) for Hector. Tap water would do, Birmingham lies on the correct side of the English chalk lands.
The cost of – the kilo – reflects the current price across the nation, Bread prices should be described as – sensible.
The menu suggested a thirty minute wait for a Desi Karahi. Being the only customers, there was no surprise when our food arrived after twenty.
The Bread was served whole, as it should surely always be. Perforations in the Naan had restricted its rising, Still, puffy blisters were on the verge of forming. A decent Naan, between us we would manage all but a scrap. That, of course, would be after Marg ate all of her Wholemeal Roti.
Desi Karahi – Lamb On the Bone
Sliced Bullet Chillies, Ginger Strips, and Coriander, topped the kilo. A mountain of Meat, but we had starved ourselves in preparation for the moment.
On serving, the abundance of further Bullet Chillies cut lengthways, became apparent. I assured Marg that these do not have a kick, but still, the majority would be left for me, as would the pieces of Lamb on-the-bone.
Minimal Masala, clearly Tomato-based, some Meat Pulp was in there too. The lack of Oil on the base of the karahi was noted. However, once my first helping was secured, there was no escape. One needs Oil, therein lies so much Flavour.
The Seasoning was not pronounced at the start, but was not lacking. The underlying Flavours were therefore not immediately apparent, but built in time. Tomatoey, but thankfully far from Charsi, was noted early. This Karahi was something new, the familiar Glasgow / Manchester Flavours were not here.
Marg was first to find a Sucky Bone, mine arrived eventually. At times there was an eruption of Flavour from the Meat, giving back, always a positive. Comfort eating, especially when one realised the Seasoning was growing.
Our Host enquired about the need for more Bread. Time to let slip that we had one day in Birmingham for Curry and had chosen Aapke Meizban.
I did my research – was proudly announced.
The kilo between two, Lamb Karahi, we would manage all the Meat, but there was a mutual decision to abandon the Bullet Chillies which seemed to be never ending. Marg:
An interesting mixture of meat, with some on-the-bone, as well as an abundance of coriander, green bullet chillies, and strips of ginger. I enjoyed the more gristly pieces of lamb from the bone with the marrow, as well as the smaller tender pieces. The sauce was oily and rich, with plenty of flavour. I used my fresh Roti to mop up the minimal sauce and pieces of lamb. My whole mouth was tingling throughout the meal, and by the end, it was only my lips. I used some of the doughy Naan to finish my meal.
Overall, a wonderful experience.
Wonderful – feels a bit excessive. This was a worthy Desi Karahi, but a good bit short of attaining the – wow! – status.
Marg celebrating marrow bone and gristle, what was happening here?
The Bill
£40.00
The Aftermath
Introductions were made at the counter as I paid. Our Hostess was Aysha who said – lovely meeting you.
Unfortunately, further Curry-Heute conversation was curtailed as a group walked in and needed attending to.
2026 Menu
Jon Anderson + The Band Geeks
July 5th, 2023, the last I time saw the definitive Yes line-up. Something significant had happened on July 4th, and Sri Lanka would have to wait until the 6th. Marg was on board, just as well. Subsequent – Yes – tours without the Maestro have been shunned, though with hindsight, Benoit David must have been a good stand in. His albums with Canadian band – Mystery – are played oft in Hector’s House.
The reason we are in Birmingham to see Jon Anderson, and not Glasgow, shall become apparent in due course. There was also the knowledge that at 81, it was unlikely there would be another opperchancity to see Jon live. Now, or never.
Seated in the balcony, outwith the effective range of the Oppo, photos are correspondingly poor. In fact, the camera is visibly dying.
The Firebird Suite (Igor Stravinsky) announced the band taking to the stage, a 19.30 start, no hanging about. Straight into Close To The Edge, a twenty minute epic, might as well get the first of three this evening out of the way.
In 2008, Jon had to leave Yes because of throat problems. All down to dry ice, but that was diagnosed years later. Why he never returned remains an unknown to this commentator. Never the most powerful vocalist, compared to say Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio), his style is his own. Unique, for once is appropriate. It was clear from the off this evening, his voice was fine, and with daily gaps in the touring schedule, recovery time built in.
The Band Geeks, from USA are: Andy Graziano, guitar, Richie Castellano, bass, Phil Castellano, keyboards and guitar, Chris Clark, main keyboards, Andy Ascolese, drums. For me, multi-instrumentalist Richie Castellano, the founder of The Band Geeks, had the hardest task his evening. He mostly played the classic black Rickenbacker bass throughout the show, but how does one step in for the much missed Chris Squire? Squire, along with Jaco Pastorius (Weather Report) and Tony Reeves (Colosseum, Greenslade) I have long regarded as my group of three finest bass players ever seen live. OK, I must add Eberhard Weber. Chris Squire had one attribute that stood him apart, I could never predict his next note. The replication of his high-register melodic bass lines and countermelody, would make or break the show for me this evening.
I get up, I get down – Richie did a decent job.
Back to – The Yes Album – for Perpetual Change, and despite having seen the set-list already, I was trying to recall how much of – Yessongs – would be performed tonight. Two so far.
Counties and Countries – an original composition from the album – True – by those assembled this evening. True, the cd of which is presently lost in my soon to be improved filing system. On first listening to – True – I could not help but smile. The musical phrasings were not quite borrowed, but certainly inspired by the early Yes albums.
And You And I (Close To The Edge) ticked a box, but at the expense of accepting there would be no Yours Is No Disgrace (The Yes Album). Whilst Andy Graziano switched ably between acoustic and electric guitars to recapture the sounds of Steve Howe, the twin keyboard players did not do justice to Rick Wakeman. This was always a standout song in the set, more oomph required. Back to Andy, no pedal steel guitar, just standard slide, thank goodness. I always felt that the pedal steel 
always got away from Steve, as it literally did once on Cruise To The Edge, we were reliably informed by Nick Barret (Pendragon) on board ship, last year. And Yes, Marg and Hector were sporting our Cruise To The Edge t-shirts this evening, which did draw positive affirmation.
Giving Is Giving – a song from the next Band Geeks album. Whilst it was good to hear the future of this ensemble, this was at the expense of a classic. Why nothing from – Jon & Vangelis? The captive audience would surely have loved it.
The first set was drawn to a close by Soon (Relayer), the glorious conclusion to – The Gates Of Delirium. Fitting.
A cup of tea – was to be had during the interval, declared Jon.
Awaken (Going For The One) kicked off the second set, the piano intro, almost a call to prayer. This album, I purchased on the day of its release in 1977, quickly recorded, it was then played on a portable cassette player as the sun set in the Campsies. Hector was guarding a Roman Fort, the set for the BBC’s – The Eagle of The Ninth. The midges must have loved it, they left me alone.
Awaken, my favourite Yes song, played true to the original, Jon on harp, all the percussive sounds and the big organ sequence, which could never have been played loud enough. No – Wonderous Stories, that might have finished me emotionally.
I’ve Seen All Good People (The Yes Album), the penultimate – Yessongs – track to feature, so no Long Distance Runaround (Fragile) and subsequent bass solo. Nothing from Fragile until the finale, that album was not their best.
Once Upon a Dream (True), the final extended composition this evening, and the standout track on the Band Geeks album. Again, this sounded like – Yes.
Just Jon and Andy with acoustic guitar, a dexterous performance, percussive taps as per original, a tune I knew so well, but what was it, where was it going? Leaves of Green (Tales From Topographic Oceans) – the final segment of – The Ancient – or – Side 3, as I have always called it. Not Side 3. This was a joy, the song without the oh too demanding, extended, pedal steel guitar intro. Another opperchancity for Hector to remind the reader that I bought this album on the day of its release, and saw all four sides performed that very December evening of 1973 in Glasgow.
Time to rock and roll, well almost. Starship Trouper (The Yes Album), this was suitably relayed and extended, each band member being given a moment to star without interrupting the flow. There was recognition from the audience when Andy sneaked in a few bars from Black Sabbath, once of this parish.
Roundabout (Fragile) had everyone on their feet. The hit single?
There was lots of waving throughout the gig. How many lumps in the throat at the end. People around us were going / had been to more than one show.
I shall be buying the next Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks album.
Back to the tried and tested. One could walk from Antwerpen Centraal to
Negotiating my way through the throng of masked chaps on bikes to access the rear of this humble Curry Cafe, I believe there was a nod of recognition from Mein Host. The fourth visit, I keep coming back. The food here is nothing outstanding, just simple, honest fayre at attractive prices.
It 
Chatny? – asked Mein Host as he pointed to the Raita (0.50) on the menu.
Shorva-esque Masala with the red-oily sheen, I have come to like this. Strands of Herb, Coriander assumed, had been cooked in. There was no aroma of Citrus, or Flavour when the Naan was first dipped. Bisto, can be a common Flavour evoked in such a Shorva when packet Spices are involved. This was 
How do I always manage to leave the more chewy pieces of Meat to the end game? Do they hide on the plate?
The five venues reviewed on this trip have featured previously in
Not every Buffet is like the Salad Bar at Pizza Hut, one hopes. Still, the customer cannot tell how long the food has been on display, how many times it has been reheated, and how many of the unwashed have stuck their fingers in it.
My flight home is in two days, time enough to recover from any adverse condition, not that Indo/Pak food ever affects me in that way, unlike a Pizza Hut – Salad Bar which guarantees a disrupted sleep, and a series of short walks.
There was no Bread in the tureen when I started my trawl, a pity, because freshly made Naan arrived soon after I had committed to Vegetable Rice. No Lamb Curry until the evening, I was advised, unless … and no Kofta which was a feature of their publicity seen afore.
Hector, why? I have long established that one cannot do a Curry justice by overloading on Starters. But there was Seekh Kebab, albeit the Chicken variety. And no way had the Vegetable Pakora come from the Cumbernauld (Scotland) factory, one assumed.
Seekh Kebab
With a thick batter covering, too much Gram Flour, it was difficult to ascertain which Vegetables were present. 
Saag/Palak
Mixed Veggies
The Thick, blended Masala again looked the part. However, there was no Citrus aroma being emitted, no Citrus Flavour, hence no sense of this being a Desi Qorma.
Approaching the counter, the pret a manger was on display. Two trays st
Mutton Qorma (€10.00) and Chicken Qorma (€8.00) 
I took a seat at a table in full view of the room. One diner sat at the other window side, he was tearing in already. A stream of people arrived for Takeaway, one chap gave me the nod as he departed. The only standout face in the place, and with the bib in situ to avoid the seemingly compulsory Turmeric stain on the white t-shirt, the Hector may have come across as Caspar Milquetoast. Who cares, the washing lady will thank me when I get home.
A thriving business, after all Mithu da Dhaba was not serving Restaurant Curry.
Last year, having ordered 
The Aftermath
Whilst it is always a pleasure to visit 
The Brothers Alvi were there to greet.
Mutton Qurma (€12.50) 
In eight years of dining at 
I noted that prices at 
No Citrus aroma of a Desi Qorma, I have of course enjoyed this Curry here before. 
With its Oily sheen, the Masala looked the part, however, the level of Seasoning was way below what the Hector seeks. The Spices would have to work even harder to make any impact. Whole Clove, Green Cardamom, and pieces of Cinnamon Bark would be assembled on the side of the plate along with the discarded Bones. 
Dr. Stan – This was a rare, disappointing visit. Although the meat was as tender, as tasty as ever, the sauce was underwhelming and only lightly spiced.
To get Dr. Stan to accompany me to 
As the far side of the room cleared, one photo of the interior was captured. I watched the Order for the family being assembled: so little Curry, so much Bread, the Asian way.
The aroma confirmed all, Desi Qorma. Four masses of Meat on-the-bone were arranged on the Rice. The Masala looked wonderful, just the right amount of Creaminess, the Yoghurt being the root of the Citrus aroma and hopefully forthcoming Flavours.
Super-soft Lamb, erupting with Flavour, Seasoning still to the fore. Whole Green Cardamom then Black Cardamom were set aside. The latter adding a hint of Smokiness. So much going on here, then the uninvited guest.
There might only have been a solitary Mosquito on patrol in Aachen this evening. It of course found its way to 
Happy with that – was Dr. Stan’s initial post Curry comment.
Just the two visits to 
The Hector does turn up in some out of the way places. 
Arriving at 12.40, Ahmed was front of house to greet. He offered me the choice of an inside table, or in the enclosed patio to the rear. I chose the window table at the door. All other diners chose to sit outside, additionally on the pavement out front.
Whilst the prices had not changed since 
It took Ahmed a few minutes to recognise me. Having done so, he went to the counter to fetch the 
Any ! – I was able exclaim.
An impressive array of Dips and Sundry items were then set before me. The pot of Pickled Chillies and Olives stood out. In the past I have been known to add Lime Pickle, when already on the table, to rescue a bland Curry. Today, having ordered the Achari, surely no need?
A Roti, needlessly cut into four, was also part of – the meal. What is it with Wholemeal Flour, has White Chapatti Flour doubled in price? The Hector is becoming haunted by this lesser ingredient. 
Seven pieces of Meat, a couple on-the-bone, did look a bit on the miserly side. Once decanted, I accepted there was a plateful. Should I really need more than this?
The Masala, with the Oil separating, had that special sheen that effuses quality. The first dip was a definite – wow! – moment. Chefs who know the secret of producing a blend of Spices that can create these Flavours will always be celebrated in 
As with last month at 
Time to experiment. I added some of the Pickled Chillies and Olives, if anything more bulk. The Hector seeks 
Milky Tea, except this was different, else I would have abandoned it. Also, I realised that spending another ten minutes here would optimise my departure from Kaarst.
Final words with Ahmed. He described the Curry as having – Achari Masala, not pickle.
This also means that the next time I encounter a Tarka Daal, recognition will be given to the fact that this refers to the Onions which have been fried in Oil, not the Onions themselves.
Arriving at 13.000. Aklaq, Mein Host, was sitting in his spot in the otherwise empty restaurant. There were diners outside, Curry on the pavement, I don’t get it. 
Fish Kalkata (€18.90) was
A 0.4l glass of delightfully chilled Sparkling Water (€3.80) would keep me amused whilst Chef got to work.
The aroma of the South was apparent as I arranged the Fish, Vegetables and Masala over the Basmati. 
The Masala was powerful, well Seasoned at a medium Spice Level. There were Big Flavours emanating from this sauce. 
Rice became questionable as the optimum accompaniment to this Curry. The powerful Flavours from the Masala were being filtered by the Rice. This highlights the fundamental issue of inclusive Rice: who is going to order Bread? Not the solo diner.
With the ice broken earlier, I was keen to show Akhlaq the dedicated page for 
Wha’s Like Us 2 – suggests there was a Wha’s Like Us 1, but probably it was just called Wha’s Like Us. There will be a Wha’s Like Us 3. In no way does next year’s published lineup at this Glasgow Prog Rock Festival match the quality we had the privilege of attending today at Drygate Brewery.
The menu showed no sign of the 
The most expensive item on the menu – is how Marg identified this Curry.
These are London Bread prices. It’s just flour and water, though I suppose there is the upkeep of their marvellous Tandoori ovens front of house.
A turbaned chap, with a keen sense of humour, brought the food. Marg declined a plate, she would eat straight from the bowl. Steve and Hector took a plate, to use as a larger base…and not make a mess of the table cloth. 
The Roti, served whole, looked to be somewhere between the traditional white Chapatti and the Wholemeal Flour version which is taking over. I didn’t see it turn to crisp, it didn’t last long enough, so possibly more Chapatti than Roti.
The thick, viscous Masala was instantly pleasing, a deep red colour, but not unnatural in appearance. No Whole Spices, this was not Desi Curry. One piece of cooked-in Tomato stood out, as did the Herb content. Everyone noted the size of the cuts of Meat. Counted into double figures, there was a lot of eating here. I was now able, partially, to come to terms with the cost of the Curry.
Tangy, and Tomatoey, evoking the surprisingly wonderful Achari had at 
Apart from the missing piece of Tomato, it was difficult to tell this Cury apart from the Bhuna, a similar consistency. The camera caught a lighter hue, the added Yoghurt the likely cause. In a departure from the norm, Marg had a Soupçon of my Masala and pronounced it to be – more Earthy. More from Marg:
I ate from the decorative dish and found the lamb in large pieces, with the sauce full of flavour. A blended mixture, with coriander tomatoes, and a tangy flavour. I was expecting a strong taste of mint. I had to break up the large pieces of lamb which were tender and tasty. I used up all my Rooti when eating this meal, and with the abundance of sauce, I also took some of Hector’s plain Naan to scrape the bowl.
Was the whole Green Chilli just a means of differentiating the three Dishes? Steve set this aside. With a seemingly identical Masala, this could well have been the base from which the above two Dishes were created.
Steve – A tomatoey Curry, heat as asked for, in the old fashioned style.
Wha’s Like Us 2 : The All Scottish Prog Fest
On checking in, the ladies at the door said our seats would be at the front, Marg headed off, she found them easily, without disturbing The Snake Temple Kings who were close to the end of their set. An Aberdeen Prog Rock band, another one. Hector awaits the release of their city contemporaries, 
As we took our seats, the vocalist tested our mettle by inflicting some throaty grunting on the ears, not my style, and the reason why I have never listened more to Opeth. As this dissipated so the true sound of The Snake Temple Kings came across, quality Prog with a flautist who evoked early Genesis.
In the ante-room, I caught up with Joe, we had matters Maltese related to discuss. Thereafter, our trio was joined by Renaldo McKim (Long Earth) who addressed me as – The Curry Man. He had read my review of
Earlier, I had spotted boxes of Tunnock’s biscuits at the check-in desk. That these were gratis was not previously realised. Marg and Steve took Tea Cakes, Hector is a Caramel Wafer / Log man, but was still enjoying the afterglow of the Curry. My pint of soda water was all that was required.
We were treated to a not too long set of well performed compositions. With no rhythm section, a somewhat limited sound, so how was this Prog?
Long Earth were set up the opposite way from when we saw them last. This meant that Renaldo was not standing right in front of us, Mike Baxter (keyboards) was even further away. By now, we should be acquainted with Mike who is the friend of an erstwhile colleague.
With Marg and Steve on either side of me, in the Gerry Rafferty style, both commented on how good a singer Maaike is. As with the much missed Tracey Hitchings (Landmarq), I did come to accept her replacing Damian Wilson (Landmarq/ Arena).
I can see us attending many more Long Earth gigs. There was a ninety minute break before the evening show. Time to get some food at the main Drygate Bar. Smart people had booked tables, we joined a solo chap at a table in view of the football on TV. As ever, Marg had life stories sorted by the time we went back upstairs to see Comedy of Errors. 
Maybe some of those assembled this evening will go out and explore Lifesigns albums, and even the final Greenslade album on which John Young appeared?
I don’t think I’m going to like this – whispered Marg when Machinary kicked off their set. As the fairly routine sounding Machinary compositions gave way to a homage to Pallas, she was definitely onside. Who originally played that – asked Marg before realising that the bulk of the set would be Euan Lowson era Pallas.
Alan Reed, Euan’s successor in 
Four singers might have seemed enough, alas, the chap behind us decided that he had to join in every 
Euan used to employ props and costumes to dramatise the lyrics, this evening his voice and facial expressions were all that were needed. Genuine emotion. Apart from popping up occasionally on stage with 
The stage emptied leaving Joe, Huw, Mark, Bruce and Allan on stage. Allan as guest, this was the first live performance of Grand Tour – live. The Horn of Plenty – a memorable moment.
Arrive Alive – concluded the evening, everyone on stage including the compères and Bela the producer of today’s festival.
Marg declared that she had thoroughly enjoyed the day. Steve had left before the end, trains were a mess. Finally, as we made our way to the exit, a quick catch up with Jim Johnson.
A Vegetable Patia? Never been had previously. 
Vegetable Patia
With the reheat completed lid-off, the Masala had reduced to a suitably viscous Texture. Plenty of solids, appreciably more than one would encounter in a straightforward Meat & Masala Curry. Diversity, an array of Interesting Vegetables.
The Potatoes had cooked through. On dissecting, signs that some absorption had been attained in the permitted three hours. Leaving the Curry overnight would certainly have increased the level of penetration.
As for the presentation as a Curry, at the start of every meal, I let Marg start first, just in case it’s horrible. With four Green Chillies in the brew, I awaited the universal comment. It was not forthcoming. The Spice Level was therefore acceptable. Only my serving had the added Bullet Chillies. 
Marg – the house was full of Curry smells, Hector had started to cooking early. I was looking forward to a homemade Vegetable Patia. The large pot was ready to serve a family of six, I was worried that my dish was going to be huge.