It is once again the Weekend of the Manchester Beer Festival, most of The Friends of Hector attended yesterday, however being the Professional, Hector did not arrive in the city until 20.30 this evening. Steve was in tow, his first Manchester visit. He would not see much through steamy windows as we sprinted by taxi to the Upper Brook St. Travelodge then onwards to the Velodrome. The Met Office had led Hector to believe this weekend would be dry, had Friday night been checked? It was chucking it down.
Ninety Minutes later Street Cars were called, Rusholme was the destination. [An aside: an apposite week to travel in Manchester by Street Cars, the very name used in Coronation St., the World’s longest running TV Soap. Farewell, Deirdre.]
Steve has high expectations when he dines with Hector, where to take him… A very reliable Curry Website has reviews on only four venues in the famous Manchester Curry Mile. Reading my own reviews, Lal Qila (123 – 127 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, Manchester, M14 5AN) was the stand-out. I asked the driver to drop us at the bottom end of Wilmslow Rd., we would walk in.
You’re expecting Las Vegas!
The approaches give a gradual sense of what is to come. A few blocks in and Steve was well impressed by the array of eating venues on offer. Afghan, Iranian, Turkish, and possibly even Palestinian. As I took a photograph of – Jaffa – a Chap was accosting me, why was I taking photos.
I’m a tourist! For the record, Hector has had Curry in Jaffa, the suburb of what is now Tel Aviv. Great Starters, Outstanding Naan, Poor Curry. That was in 1985.
Lal Qila is in the heart of The Curry Mile. Greeted by a Young Spanish Lady, we were shown to a non-window seat table. Only a handful of the many tables were occupied. Before we had taken our seats the Lady enquired as to our desire for Poppadoms.
Are you giving or selling?
She realised the difference – I will give you Poppadoms. As it should be. The accompanying Dips were impressive. Celeriac – remarked Steve. Really?
A Large Bottle of Sparkling Water was returned unopened when Steve opted for Cobra. A Glass of Sparkling Water came in exchange. One of us was in Friday Night Mode, the other in Curry Mode.
I recommended sharing Lamb Chops to start. I had noted Four Chops in a Portion, not the cheapest, but sharing is the best of both worlds, the Taste and Satisfaction achieved, the appetite is not challenged thereafter. When I asked our Waiter for them to be well-done, Steve was slightly alarmed.
Last time they were under-done in the middle. The Waiter promised they would be perfect.
For The Mains, we would both have Lamb Methi but let’s highlight what made me return to Lal Qila. The Fish last year was – Wonderful – but it was the array of choices, Lal Qila has a Hector Menu, I could eat here every day of the week and have something different. Next time a Lamb Chops Karahi. The Menu here is as good as anything presented in Bradford and my favoured Glasgow Curry Houses.
Asian Style – said the Waiter as we described our Lamb Methi requirements. Am I at Akbar’s?
The Garlic and Coriander Nan had not impressed me last year, too thin, Steve opted for this. A Kulcha Nan for Hector, I knew what to expect and it has been a while. Steve was hungry, a Pilau Rice was added. Sorted.
The Lamb Chops were served on a Sizzling Platter with Onions, a touch of The Downsman (Crawley). Tonight they were indeed perfect. Steve is not a fan of Meat on-the-bone and so is not used to Lamb Chops. These are as good as any Lamb Chops I have ever been served – was the Hector comment. Steve enjoyed the experience but I still sensed an air of uncertainty.
N… flavouring, not the best Lamb Chops I’ve ever had. How is this for balanced reporting?
The wait for The Mains was well within acceptable parameters. The Cast Iron Karahi arrived with Lids through which the spoon was hooked. Different. What lay beneath?
Wow! The Masala looked Very Rich and not Excessive. Not as Dry as a Bradford Curry but certainly on the right side of Masala-Meat Ratio. Safe in the knowledge that Methi was present and with a Fresh Coriander Topping, this Dish had us won before we commenced the eating.
The Lamb was cut Small. Tender Lamb with a bit of Chewing required, not the Pulp that too many venues serve. This was an Ideal Curry, way better than Mainstream. Steve was on board from his first taste. The – Mmmmm – register was switched on. (Will Dr. Stan dine with us tomorrow?) He devoured the Naan and the Rice and was surprised to find that under the Karahi Lid was a Third of a Portion remaining. A Perfect Quantity, it’s always an Extra Pleasure to find there’s more.
Half Naan Half Biscuit
An Aero Chapatti? The Kulcha is different from any other Bread. It does not Crisp as does a Roti. Not has Heavy as a Naan or Paratha but more Substantial than a Chapatti, an Excellent Accompaniment. As I ate, I realised this was Meat, Masala and Bread, an Interesting Vegetable Side would have enhanced The Dining Experience. Maybe next time share an Aloo Gobi?
Steve – That was good. Indeed, it was.
The Bill
£42.90. The Bar was £9.40. There was a £1.00 charge first in the list. The Dips were not Complimentary then?
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was on the table, the Photographic Rituals had no doubt been observed. Our Waiter took the Card away, Mein #1 Host presented. He remembered my visit last year and glanced at the Trusty Samsung on which the Lal Qila review was displaying.
Two and half Million Hits – said Hector. Mein Host became very interested. He has promised to get in touch. For the second successive week, Advertising on Curry-Heute has been mooted.
Perhaps the time has come.