There is one thing normal about a Holden Tour, we don’t all arrive at the same place by the same means of transport, at the same time, and we absolutely never all end up in a Curry House. The Rickmeister disappeared off to see Bradford FC, Three of the New Karahi Palace Four had left L666s before Dr. Stan and Hector and were never seen again. Armed with the Excellent Yorkshire Rover Ticket, Hector had no qualms about bussing it from Bradford Interchange to Westgate even though this walk has been completed many times. The Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Road, BD1 2RW, Bradford) remains Bradford’s #1 Curry House.
A very so Young Waiter greeted us and sat us at the Table for Two which Dr. Stan and Hector have occupied on previous occasions. Taj, Mein Host was busy behind a Glass Counter which had a display of Ice Cream. I have never noticed this before, is it new? There were Weans running about, this would prove to be annoying. If Children are taken to a Restaurant they should be kept under control. What chance do Teachers have if Parents cannot control their own Weans?
The Menu was presented, normally Omar is on duty and this is dispensed with, He knows. Omar currently works days as was reported a couple of weeks back. Dr. Stan ordered a Kebab Starter – Seekh Kebab. Having had Fish Karahi earlier in the day at Kashmir, Hector did not need a Starter. Dr. Stan went on to consider the Mutton Balti, whilst Hector wondered at the difference between this and Lamb Balti on-the-bone, apart from the Bones…. I was asking for clarification when a Chap came into focus. He looked familiar, it couldn’t be? Sadaqat! Omar’s Uncle now has a Svelte Appearance, is it the moustache, glasses? He looks entirely different. Once clocked, he couldn’t hide. Sadaqat came over to deal with the order. Lamb Balti on-the-bone, Asian Style.
Can I have Methi sprinkled on top at the point of serving please? Sorted. Chapattis assumed, never stated, none asked for.
Asian Style
This was the second time today I had heard this in Bradford. What is going on? I have written oftentimes about my second Curry at Akbar’s in Glasgow when I received – Bland. Why should we have to ask for Curry to be served – Asian Style? What else do people want? The Rickmeister has been consulted, his version is – So as you don’t get a plate of soup after nine o’clock, when they can serve you any rubbish. If one decides to eat – Curry – are we not all entitled to The Authentic, or do enough people not care?
The Poppadoms, Modest Salad and Dips arrived. The Salad was nearer Dr. Stan, so he promptly covered it in Raita and tore in. Whilst he ate his Seekh Kebab, Hector speculated as to how many Weans it would take to make a Good Curry? Annoying, Children? Here it comes again – Hector has retired, no Sprogs please.
So, how were your Poppadoms, Dips, Seekh Kebab and Salad? There was a Dr. Stan Harrumph, then an apology.
Oh, Dear, this is embarrassing.
It’s not often one can belittle Big Stan. Dr. Stan called me – Dear. I think I’m on a cheap night out.
Bradford Curry-Heute
Dr. Stan ate his Mutton Balti with an appropriate level of – Mmmms – accompanying. The presence of Bones in the Lamb Balti was the only visible difference. Hector likes the Extra Flavour which Bones emit.
The Lamb Balti was smothered in Dry Methi, exactly how I love my Curry. The Bradford Curry Flavour sat beneath the Methi, so it is definitely not Methi alone as was concluded a while back. Hector remains in the dark as to what the Chefs in this part of Yorkshire do to create such a Distinctive, Addictive Flavour. Yum.
Liquid accumulated briefly at the base of the Karahi, a bit watery? The Chapatti took care of this, Yum – again. Then some Oil, just a little, accumulated, this was different. The Spice Level was Sufficient, not Excessive, it’s Flavour we seek. Do they use Salt in Bradford, the Curry is always Seasoned but never Salty. The brain speculated – MSG? Surely not? Maybe I shall try this at home. One day – The Secret – will be revealed.
The Bill
£21.50. No Pensioner Discount.
The Aftermath
Whilst we ate, Omar had entered the premises but just as a casual visitor, not to work. There had to be a Photo of Uncle and Nephew. It took a while to round up Sadaqat whom I know is camera shy.
Meanwhile our Young Waiter was revealed to be Omar’s Younger Brother, seventeen? He looks about twelve.
Taj came over to chat.
How are things?
I’ve retired!