Somebody, somewhere suggested a trip to Bradford. It was not Hector, but Hector could not sign up quick enough. Would Our Man in Bradford actually be in the country? He said so. And so RickFest 2015 was born.
Six of The Company came south today via the Carlisle-Settle Railway. Just how can it take so long to travel such a short distance? How can it cost so much to travel such a short distance? A Group Ticket to Bradford? No such thing exists. One day the UK will model its train ticketing along Deutsche Bahn lines.
Bier was a feature of the afternoon, Dr. Stan and Ricky retreated, Robin went back to t’Travelodge, as predicted, The New Karahi Palace Four went for Curry-Heute. The International (Morley St, Bradford, BD 1BA) was the Curry House of Outstanding Quality nearest to the Sir Titus Salt. Sources, including our own Rickmeister, have planted seeds that this venue may no longer be what it was. The welcome was warm. Khalid and Ali were on duty as ever, no sign of Mr. Bashir, though the Young Pretender was in –The Spot – behind the counter. He came over eventually and confirmed the memory of our first meeting. All was well, so far.
Poppadoms and Dips were brought by a younger waiter, The Menu had to be studied. Craig and Yvonne had to be reminded that the laminated A3 sheet is double sided. Mags was up for her usual Aloo Gosht but was reticent when it came to fine tuning. If she desired tweaks, she should ask. Lamb and Potato Balti was how The Menu had it, and so it was. Yvonne surprised us all by declaring Krahi King Prawn Masala, where did that come from? Having seen Mags and Yvonne enjoy their Aloo Gosht so much on Saturday at the New Karahi Palace, it was Lamb and Potato Balti for Craig too, but toned down. Now for The Hector Curry.
The Desi Dishes on The Menu occupy their own place in the middle of The Menu. Outstanding Curry has been selected from here, time to try another variation. I asked Ali how many Chops came with the Krahi Lahore Lamb Chops. Four was the answer. This is not how Hector has tallied the Chops here previously. Seven Chops? OK, eight, the Double Portion was ordered. Four sounded like a Starter.
At 22.00, The International was not over busy. An hour or so until the pubs closed. Curry after closing time? This is such a rarity in The Company, at this time.
He loves it – was Yvonne’s report on Craig’s progress. Craig was siting two to my left, I could only watch. Craig’s Lamb and Potato Balti disappeared in record time. Craig had accepted Chapattis too, no Rice. Twelve Chapattis had been served, three Inclusive Chapattis with every Portion, this is how it should be. Mags enjoyed her’s too, but made comparison to the New Karahi Palace’s superiority, despite her not asking for the Dish to be served exactly how she likes it.
Yvonne enjoyed her Krahi King Prawn Masala, and some. The prawns are gorgeous, absolutely outstanding. The is – Wow – honestly brilliant. I don’t recall Curry-Heute ever recording such a positive set of comments from Yvonne.
Krahi Lahore Lamb Chops
Indulgence? Absolutely! Hector had been in Bradford for some seven hours without Curry. The possibility of a Late Lunch could have staved off what appears here. After the Ritual Photos were completed, Hector found he was unable to commence The Feast. Everything was Hotter than Everything Else. Chops have to be handled, this was impossible, The Masala equally so when dipped with the Chapatti. Time to admire the Ample Karahi, the Masala Mash was comparable to that served at the New Karahi Palace, Thick, Minimal, so Hector uses the same Benchmark. I had asked for Methi, Fresh or Dry, to be sprinkled on top at the point of serving, this hadn’t happened. So, Pure Bradford Curry it was, as it came, Luxurious in appearance.
The Chops were Larger than served in many venues, there was a lot to get through. The slightly Chewy nature of The Chops was the clue to them being Tandoori Chops as opposed to Tender. Which is better? Both have their merits, maybe Tender is more Authentic, but Lamb Chops? – come on…Superb any way. I was glad I had missed Lunch, no way could I have been up to my elbows in this otherwise.
The Bill
£43.40. This was paid in Fifths.
The Aftermath
Hector has had photos taken with Khalid and Ali, this time I invited Ali to take our Photo. Obliging as ever.
The International has been criticised by Others in recent times, but not by This Company who cannot find any drop in standards.