Halifax – Sagra – RickFest 2015 – Day 3 – #1 Halifax Curry

Halifax is twelve minutes by train from Bradford. Train? If they can call the Shacks on Wheels which shuttle back on forth – a Train. Huddersfield was the long term objective, why a train from Bradford has to go via Halifax is of course nonsense, especially when Brighouse which is directly south of Bradford is passed through, after Halifax.

Dr Stan and Rick bussed themselves to Sarina’s in Queensbury for a Curry Breakfast, you may wonder why Hector was not accompanying, such are The Mysteries of Holden Tours.  One to check out in December if the precise locus ever comes to light.
Having consulted Unreliable Sources, it was apparent that obtaining a Lunchtime Curry in Halifax was going to be a challenge. Hector the Undaunted exited Halifax Station and went hunting. This was the first time Hector has set foot in Halifax. I have driven through the town oftentimes heading north from Huddersfield to Bradford, the way the road signs take you. Driving south, the more direct route via Brighouse is used. Halifax is a town on hills. How did – The Locals – manage to get about before mechanised transport became ubiquitous?

Hector headed uphill away from t’Station towards the Town Centre. Two Curry Houses were encountered after a few blocks, the Balti House and Kamran, closed. The Sultan Mahal was passed en route to Ziggy’s which one Source suggested would be open. It was closed, Doris in the adjacent taxi office could not help – Nowhere will be open.
Sagra, Seraj, Meenas and Shama, where? – there! were all passed on the downhill path.

There was no choice, Beef Stroganoff in a Russian Cafe within the Borough Market would be Lunch, at least it comes with Rice.

Later that day…
Hector alighted at Halifax on the way back from Huddersfield. Where to go? Let’s ask – A Local.
The Taxi Driver was briefed. Please take me to a Curry House where I can get Authentic – Desi – Asian Style Cooking. He did.
Not only did the Driver take me to Sagra (5 Carlton Place, Halifax, HX1 2SB), he came in with me and chatted to The Chaps, The Hector Curry was arranged. Hector was The Lone Diner for much of the visit, this would prove to be advantageous.
The First Chap to greet me was Usy, the – Director Manager – he showed me to a table at the far end of the room. Not the largest of Venues, but more on this later. Next to show was Nick the – CEO – who made careful note of what was required. His upbeat enthusiasm was remarkable, one had to wonder what the Taxi Driver had said to him.  The word – Chicken – was mentioned frequently, I had to ensure that Lamb was coming my way. Nick went out of his way to assure me that they do not simply have a One Pot System for every Curry. They would serve me Authentic, Asian Style Curry. Dry,     Thick, Minimal Masala, these were all words Nick was happy with. We were talking the same language.

A Poppadom and Dips were brought. Nick then brought a Fourth Dip, a Spicier Raita. Nick informed me that Sagra was the first Halifax Venue to introduce – Asian Style. Once again I was promised a Great Curry.
Having observed the Photographic Rituals so far, Nick asked if I wrote for a Magazine. I asked if he had a Smart Phone. Usy was summoned. I asked him to choose his favoured Search Engine and type in – UK Curry Blog. Curry-Heute! Whilst Hector ate his Curry, Usy and Nick studied the Website. Yes, just the three and a half million visits. Usy read aloud the Countries which feature. Hector does get about. Where next?
Nick, for the record, what Curry is this?
Lamb Masala – Asian Style.
Marg phoned just as I was about to get stuck in. I asked for a telephone rain cheque. This Curry looked the part, Magnificent in Appearance, the Liberal Fresh Coriander topped the dish. I don’t do scores, but this Curry ranks among the Best ever eaten. What more praise can Hector give?
The distinctive Bradford Flavour was there. The Flavour was so Intense, this was Bradford Curry and more. One does not achieve – The Wow – often. The Lamb was cut Small a la Bradford, perhaps a Wee Bit Chewier than necessary, the only negative, one does not wish Pulp either. Sagra do not do Lamb on-the-bone, yet this was just as good. The Spice, the Seasoning, matched The Promise. Wonderful Curry! Chopped Green Chilies mixed into the Minimal, Thick Masala gave The Kick. Note there is no need to even consider the presence of – The Offending Vegetable Ballast. I could not eat this every day such was the Richness, I have only ever written this about Glasgow’s Yadgar, therefore The Highest Curry-Heute Accolade has just been awarded.
The Chapattis too were Outstanding, Two were supplied, no more required. The Chapattis were Thicker than Bradford-style. The Lightness and Fluffiness were Remarkable. Sheer Joy, the Perfect Accompaniment.

I’ll be back!

The Bill
£6.30. Cheaper than Bradford.

The Aftermath

A Group of Five had entered just as I was finishing, one Lady was happy to do the Photos, we all had to be in them. I was introduced to Talib, The Chef of twenty five years. Sagra has been here in some form or another since 1992, Nick had started out as a Waiter at Ziggy’s across the street then his Father started Sagra.

I questioned the lack of Midday Openings in Halifax. Unfortunately, most of the Halifax Curry Trade is still late night, after t’Pub. There is an upstairs, however this is currently being used as a Storeroom. It is only in the past year that the Downstairs was redecorated in the more Contemporary Style, simple, effective. No need to have Photos of the Taj Mahal and Ganesha on every wall.
For my next visit, Nick asked me to give him notice and he will prepare a Special Chicken Karahi on-the-bone. Chicken Curry? For Nick I would eat Chicken Curry, but the Great Curry Heute Test is – You have served me an Outstanding Lamb Masala Asian Style, please show you can repeat it.
Nick assured me that their Curry is – always consistent.

My Taxi Driver was called, Hector was returned t’Station.

There is Curry in Halifax.