Curry on Four Consecutive Days
Today was The Big One, taking Marg for her first visit to Lahori Dera (433 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, M8 0PF). I write First, there shall be more.
Normally when I drive to Manchester I arrive from the North-West. Today we came from Huddersfield and so I found myself driving down from Cheetham Hill. I saw Lahori Dera in daylight for the First Time, complete with Cow and Tractor.
Our Booking was originally for 20.00. however I saw fit to bring this forward, it could have been a very long day otherwise.
The Taxi from The Angel was only £4.00. Arriving at exactly 19.00, Mein Host greeted us at the Reception – I told you I would be back with my wife. He took us to the far end of the Cavernous Room and sat us adjacent to the Stage Area. We were One of Three sets of Diners, in the next hour the Venue became half full which given its size was quite an achievement. This was a Sunday Night.
The Welcome Salad was brought, I immediately asked for Sparkling Water to prevent the For Sale Still Water being brought. Poppadoms and Dips – Compliments of the House – were much appreciated.
The Large Menu was studied, well the half in English. Last time I dictated that the Kilo of Lamb Karahi on-the-bone should be served Dry, with Extra Methi, aka – Hector-style. This evening, my Third Visit, I considered it time to let The Chef show me his creation as served to The Majority. Mein Host returned to serve us. He suggested I try the version topped with Ghee – Lamb Butter Karahi. This was £4.00 dearer than Standard. Haggling upwards? Fine. Three Chapattis (70p) should be Sufficient Accompaniment. It was suggested we have Two then order the Third as required. Agreed.
There was time to take in the ever-improving atmosphere. A Large Group sat along the far wall. The Ladies sat at one end, The Chaps at the other. Each to their own. Marg was entertained by the Chefs hard at work in the open kitchen. She spotted a Mass of Butter being added into a Large Metal Dish, this was ours.
Space was cleared on the Table for the Large, Flat Metal Dish. Even allowing for The Bone content, there was enough Meat. The Karahi was appreciably Wetter than experienced here previously. The Melted Butter had visibly enriched the Masala. This would be another new Dining Experience.
The Chapattis were Large and Chunky, Proper Chapattis and Perfect Vessels for the Curry.
Marg managed to pick her way through the Lamb with Bones and indeed had none. Hector was less fussy and grabbed a Generous Portion. There was still plenty left. Marg would never consume a Half Kilo. She ate her fair share and loved it too.
This was Sublime Curry. Very Rich in Flavour, a suitable Kick, Quality. Prepared without Red Chillies, reminiscent to The White (Namkeen) Karahi that has come to Glasgow courtesy of Lasani Grill. The occasional Sucky Bone gave out the Bone-marrow, Earthy Flavours with the Creaminess of the Ghee to boot. Once more, Hector was in his Happy Place.
The Karahi was cooling and so the Third Chapatti was summoned. It arrived in time to give a Heat Boost to The End Game, alas Hector was filling rapidly, Marg had given up. A Soupçon was leftover. Didn’t we do well?
Dessert
Mango Kulfi (£1.50), as purchased in KRK, served on-the-stick in the wrapper, no fuss. Great.
The Bill
Hector had been given Discount Vouchers on the last visit. These were offered to Mein Host who explained they are not valid at weekends. However – You have come a long way. £32.60 was reduced to £26.00. Perfect.
The Aftermath
Mein Host related how he had stayed up watching the Referendum Results come in. He too had hoped for – Yes. Next time.
We shall hopefully return in the New Year, we may be Mob Handed.
Meanwhile, a Taxi to the Marble Arch. One day I shall take Bus 135.