Checking out of the Manchester Arena Travelodge at Noon, Hector made the short walk to the start of Cheetamhill Road. Boarding the 135 Bus, Steve was already in situ. The Plan was working, Lunch at Dera (433 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, M8 OPF).
With visits from Glasgow definitely Sporadic, the Wonderful Lamb Karahi is the reason why Hector is usually here to celebrate. Having dined at Dera two days previously, this was the Opperchancity to try something different.
The Young Waiter who had served Marg and Hector back in September was on duty. No sign yet of Nauman, Mein Host. Steve had been here last year and so knew what to expect. The Lamb Karahi (£9.50) for the Half Kilo, on-the-bone. Nauman had talked me through the Menu two days previously. Tandoori Fish was mentioned, but Fish was not listed in the Karahi section. I asked the Waiter if this was possible, being unsure he went to ask. A negative response.
Lamb Masala (£5.00) with Extra Methi please. The Roti is perhaps the Weakest Link in the Party that is Dining at Dera. I suggested we try the Naan (80p). 80p for a Naan? Compare this with Aberdeen.
We had chosen a table at the start of the room, as far away as possible from the Family with Children at the Stage End. Two Young Boys, with segs, or similar, on their shoes, a laminate floor, a recipe for a racket. Not just the odd tap, up and down they ran, up and down. Parents, control your children! At one point there was a hiatus when as ever it all goes wrong. I gestured to the Fathers – why are we having to put up with this? There was respite for a minute, maybe two. Tap, tap, tap…Another family arrived and sat opposite us. The two young girls decided a game of – Tig – was acceptable. Up and down… Parents, control your children!
A third family arrived. The children behaved. Thank you. Saturday Lunchtime is Family Time, evidently.
The Music was turned on, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, this helped drown out the noise.
Nauman arrived, he addressed me by name. I asked him if Fish Karahi was possible, it was not too late to change the order. The Chef assured him that he was afraid the Fish would burn on the Karahi. More training required? Hector would stick with the Lamb Masala.
Steve had ordered Water, I had ordered Sparkling Water. The latter was not available two days ago. I reminded our Waiter, a Jug of Sparkling Water was provided. Excellent! There was no clue as to the cost. One assumes this had come from a gun, no cost to the Restaurant. The price of water used to be an issue in the Lahori Dera days. We shall see.
To watch Steve devour a Dera Lamb Karahi was potentially Masochistic. Last night’s new discovery in Huddersfield – Lahori Taste – was still firmly in the mind. Too much of a good thing? I was happy with my choice. The Lamb Masala impressed at first sight. The same Dark, Thick Masala as served in the Lamb Karahi was there. Ah, a completely Different Flavour. The Butter Richness of the Lamb Karahi was not present, instead a much more Earthy Flavour. Served Plated, the Meat content was generous, not much short of the Half Kilo. Double Figures. One piece was on-the-bone suggesting the Lamb Masala had been cooked this way. Always better. 
The Seasoning was less than Hector prefers. With Fresh Coriander, Ginger Strips and chopped Green Chilies on top, there was a sense of Diversity. There was no evidence of Methi being present. This did not have the – Wow – but was still an Excellent Curry.
The Plain Naans added to the Experience. A Decent Size, not Silly, they were Light and Fluffy, way better than the Rotis. From now on, Naan it is.
Steve had no problem with a Half Kilo of Lamb on-the-bone this early in the day. With the Lamb gone, he wiped the Karahi with some Naan. The Lamb Karahi served at Dera remains Legendary.
The Bill
£16.40. The Naans were charged at 95p. There was no charge for the Sparkling Water. Thank you.
The Aftermath
Nauman was in the Open Kitchen. I waved Goodbye. See you in May.
Meanwhile, the Weans were still running amok.