The Last Post of 2014 – Bradford’s Sheesh Mahal

A Reliable Website has previously informed us that the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Road, BD1 2RW, Bradford) opens daily at 11.30. Let The Hector update this to Noon. Hector, Marg, Craig and Yvonne are en route to Chester, that’s in Chesha’ (sic) to bring in the New Year with Eight more Peeps. One of the joys at staying at a Traveldoge is the poverty of Breakfast, this means that everyone was up for Curry-Heute. Arriving at the Sheesh Mahal at 11.45 there was no sign of life. Sadaqat had yet to arrive, however The Owner, Taj, was here in moments and was bemused to find me standing alone outside. I summoned Les Autres.
We were sat before Noon and Poppadoms were on the table. Dips and Salad followed on. The Dark Raita was particularly Spicy. Yvonne asked if we could Takeaway what was left. Instead, Taj summoned some Fresh Raita to Takeaway, Two Portions. Roll on the Barrel Party a week on Saturday.

I know what you are having – said Taj to Hector. What?    Lamb on-the-bone. I was in two minds, Fish or Lamb but this swung it. With Extra Methi and Achari-style too. Given the Festivities to follow, Pilau Rice instead of Chapattis. This should create a Bone-Dry Combination too. It did.  Curry-on!
Following on from Craig’s Balti success yesterday at The International, Punjabi Chicken Balti, Medium, with Extra Methi was his creation/choice. The Friends of Hector like Methi. Is this The Missing Ingredient, the Secret Ingredient, that which gives Bradford Curry – The Edge – over all other Cities? We currently think so. Or is it Tamarind too? Whatever, this Glasgow based Curry Blogger savours every visit to Bradford. Hector has had Bradford Curry four times in One Day – Yvonne told Taj. Having taken the Ladies order for Fish Curry and haggled the Chapatti Quotient done to Three, between Three, not Each, Taj sat with us whilst The Chef who had been on the premises at 11.45 did his Labour of Love.
It is some three years since the Sheesh Mahal was rebuilt. It was Grim previously, Cheep’n’Cheerful, but of course served Wonderful Curry. The after midnight clientèle were sometimes of a somewhat dubious character or condition – Hector, Ricky, Dr. Stan and Jonathan blended right in. Taj says he is going to redecorate soon. He would like to expand – Add another floor? Suggested Hector. The Sheesh Mahal currently seats 200, and people are queuing at times, we were told. I would like to think that in some Modest Way I have done My Bit to bring the Sheesh Mahal some business. Craig stated that my Personal Endorsements is Positive Marketing at its best. Taj showed us his phone, he has downloaded quite a few of the Curry-Heute photos of us together. It is flattering to know that Taj carries Hector’s Image with him at all times. Mutual Respect.
Sadaqat arrived at 12.15. He looked different. A new hairstyle I asked? He was giving nothing away. Well, he brought the Curry and tried to talk us into more Sundries. Your are due more Bread, Naan, Chapattis… Declined.
The Hector Curry was as Dry as anticipated. The Mushrooms in the Rice were Tinned, not Wonderful, and the Achari may have been lost between Table and Kitchen. Still, this was a Bradford Curry packed full of Flavour.

Craig too was in his element once again, waxing lyrical about the splendour of Bradford Curry. I have never had a bad one. They are never too spicy for me.
The Ladies loved their Fish Curry, one each, they could have shared. Both were defeated halfway. I sampled some of Yvonne’s. The Intensity of Flavour was Astonishing. Should I have ordered Fish? I’ll be back. Meanwhile Craig devoured the Milder Marg Fish Curry. This would set him up for the day, he might last to The Bells this year.

The Bill
£35.70. The Real Price of Curry.

The Aftermath
Farewells to Taj and Sadaqat. The M62 and M56 to Chester, mostly at a restricted 50mph, for no apparent reason.