Hector finds himself back in Sheffield, yay. On January 2nd, Marg and Hector first encountered the Lahori Dhera (51-53 Wicker, Sheffield, S3 8HT, England), Outstanding Curry was served, the welcome was Legendary, there had to be a return.
Arriving a couple of hours before Dr. Stan, there was the opperchancity to see the street called Wicker in daylight. Our brief visit in January revealed this short stretch of Sheffield to be a hive of Diverse Cuisine.
Around 16.00 there was not much activity, most venues would open later, or would they? Still, Hector may find non-Curry for lunch in the coming days, The Company will no doubt have plans for the evening, I hope.
Dr. Stan and Hector arrived back at Lahori Dhera at 18.03, it was closed. The signage said 18.00 opening, The Hector had to phone. We could see two Chefs working inside, one answered. There would be no serving staff until 18.30. By this time we were waving to each other. Laters.
The Gulshan Balti House across the street had a neon sign saying – Open. The Waiter greeted us, there was no Chef. Could we come back at 19.00? I suggested he accompany us to Lahori Dhera and solve the problem. Shakespeare, a Hostelry, was a five minute walk away, time for Ale.
Two Ales later we returned to Lahori Dhera. The ground floor was empty, I knew to lead Dr. Stan upstairs. With many reserved tables we took our seats at the window. The Waiter brought the Menu and a couple of Dips. Determined to invoke The Curry Heute Test, I was determined to once again order off-Menu and repeat the Stunning Curry served on January 2nd. I showed The Waiter a photo on a well known and reliable Curry Blog – Is this Chap on duty this evening?
Moments later Mein Host came up the stairs, Hector was remembered, the order was accepted.
Lamb, on-the-bone, Thick, Dry Masala, Methi, and no Capsicum. A Plain Paratha (£2.50) would accompany. The next part of the story is uncanny. Dr. Stan had mentioned Kofta (£7.50), he was determined. This is what Marg ordered on January 2nd. The entire meal would be recreated. This evening, however, we would not be joined by Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of Crawley. Two Chapattis (50p) would be Dr. Stan’s Bread. Mein Host was keen to tell us about the imminent arrival of a boxer with his belt. This was lost on us. Still, this is where Celebrities congregate.
With the open kitchen downstairs, we could see all the Food being brought up by The Waiter.
An Aloo Gobi and a Daal were set before The Chaps at the adjacent table. They were engaged in conversation. Both Chaps are Vegetarian, one a Vegan. I asked him if he thought the Earth was Flat? I love Vegetables, but as an Accompaniment to Meat, to never eat Meat? Permission was granted to photograph their meals, a gallus way to build up a portfolio of Dishes at Lahori Dhera, especially when the song remained the same at our table.
Deja Vu, all over again
One can tell by its appearance when a Curry is going to be outstanding. The Lamb was cut Small, but not Bradford-small. The Bones were also Small and Sharp, one Sucky Bone. The Masala was suitably Thick and Minimal, the Green Herb was visible, strewn in the Mash. Excellent. Knowing what to expect tends to lead to complacency, this was Wonderful, but a tad below what was served on January 2nd, a bit more seasoning would have put it right at The Top. Still, it passed The Test, this was a Hector Curry.
The Paratha was Perfect. The Layers were revealed when torn apart. Served whole too, as it should be. Dr. Stan had a nibble, this Paratha was almost consumed in its entirety, unheard of.
Dr. Stan asked – Is there Methi in it?
Oh yes.
There was a Slight Sweetness to the Dish, even more Methi required? Tomato was more evident in the Masala than Onion. Was this as Guru Bill says of the Yadgar Masala, a Tomato only Masala? Whatever, the final Hector Note was – Wow!
The Kofta’s appearance was misleading. The Meatballs were smothered in a Thick but perhaps Excessive Masala. Only when the contents were decanted did the Meatballs reveal themselves. Spicy and Meaty – said Dr. Stan, our neighbours had departed.
Takes me back to faggots when I was a boy. Did Dr. Stan attend Eaton? (sic)
A Modest Salad accompanied The Mains. Dr. Stan demolished this whilst he waited for The Hector to extract the last Meat from the Bones. Wow!
The Bill
The Waiter brought The Bill, there was no tally, downstairs. This let us engage with Mein Host once more. £18.50. Gosh!
The Aftermath
I related the 18.03 story to Mein Host, he chuckled and translated it to The Chef. Best not to arrive at Wicker dead on Opening Time. My photo of Mein Host today is poor, I told him that my kitchen shots in January were not up to standard. I was invited to go into the kitchen. The Hector did not have to be asked twice.
We’ll be back.
