‘Tis the weekend of the Bradford Beer Festival 2016. The Rickmeister has even contrived to have us book our accommodation and travel on the correct dates, unlike a couple of years ago… Arriving in Bradford at 15.00 permitted plenty of time for a Late Lunch though the rest of The Company thought otherwise.
Normally The Hector has Bradford Curry as soon as possible in the morning and/or late at night once other distractions have reached their conclusion. Venues which open late or close early tend to be missed. MyLahore Cafe (52 Great Horton Rd., Bradford, BD7 1AL) – British Asian Kitchen has been on The List to do for a while. Their other branch MyLahore Deli, a few hundred metres up the hill, was visited two years ago, actually two years and one week, the said Trip when we were too early for the Beer Festival. Impressed by what was served in their –other premises – plus the very positive reviews of this Venue in Other Sources, Hector entered with an air of optimism.
The Rickmeister, aka Our Man in Bradford has never mooted this Venue, with branches in Bradford, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham, this constitutes a – Chain. If, as Hector is led to believe, they started out in Bradford, then at least this is The Source. It’s Curry in Bradford, that’s why I was here.
The Venue impressived by its size. On split levels due to the external relief, the first seating area was stowed. Hector was beckoned by The Waiter to the higher level. Squeezing myself into a small table for two it became instantly apparent that I may be here for Bradford Curry, the majority were not. The place was full of Students, not a surprise given the adjacent Colleges and proximity of the University. Being late afternoon, The Chaps and Chapattis were out for Burger and Chips to my left and Ice Cream Sundaes to my right. British Asian Kitchen, indeed. This was catering for all, how can people eat this British Rubbish?
The Menu revealed all, a single page devoted to Curry. Meat (Mutton) Karahi (£7.95) contained the Unwelcome Ballast, I could not be bothered making my usual point. The Meat (Mutton) Bhuna (£7.45) claimed to be – Dry – that swung it. The Waiter returned in good time, – Hotter than Medium – was noted, Two Chapattis to accompany. The price of a Chapatti was unknown, were they inclusive, as up to four can be, or …. One thing was certain, a single Chapatti would not be £2.95 as they can be in Aberdeen.
The place emptied as I waited, then started to fill up again. Business here is good, down to the Diversity of Food Styles no doubt. In the Cafe-style, MyLahore is definitely Cheap and Cheerful. The two waiters I observed were kept busy.
A couple of Dips heralded the arrival of the Curry. A white plate, a change for The Hector who usually is presented with a Karahi. The Chapattis were a good size, not the Girth one experiences in Glasgow’s Finest, but two would be Perfect.
Piping Hot, the Bhuna was more Oily than a Karahi, or any other Bradford Curry for that matter. The Tomatoes sitting atop were cooked, just, and so were not Pulp. The Ghee was a Blast when these were taken in. Hector can tolerate this Quantity of Oil, once in a while.
The Mutton was cut Bradford Small, on-the-bone had not been offered. Tender, indeed, most satisfying. The Phenomenon that is the Bradford Curry Taste hit home, oh yes. The Spice and Seasoning were exactly as The Hector seeks. The Underlying Flavour is what I describe as – Earthy. This was Quality Curry, and served in a Chain, a Bradford-based Chain, no problem. Actually there was. The Burger Couple had finished, the Lady was sitting on a feather, hysteria. They left and were immediately replaced by a couple of Ladies. The feather had moved across the table. Hector is at his Curry, please be respectful for the moment.
The Quantity was also Sensible, half way through the second Chapatti the signals were registering, the beginning of the end. Time to turn one’s thoughts to Ale.
The Bill
£8.35. A Chapatti was 45p. Expensive for a Bradford Chapatti, a bargain compared to many places.
The Aftermath
The Waiter brought a Pad for me to complete a Survey.
I can do one better.
He sat beside me and studied the Calling Card, then watched me take him through the extensive List of Venues visited around the World. The MyLahore Deli caught his eye, he was paying attention.
I completed their survey giving high scores. Scores? Curry-Heute does not give scores per se, I have either been served Curry, Quality Curry or Outstanding Curry. This was Quality Curry.