It is time to return to Hector’s House, the – Hiatus Horribilis – has reached its conclusion. However, there was still time for one more Curry in Manchester. Later, Hector boarded the 13.16 to Glasgow, three coaches, stowed, luggage, people standing, Trans Pennine need to look at this. Hector’s booked seat provided a table and power-point, time to Blog.
Al-Faisal Tandoori was the intended venue today, when Craig once again announced that he and Yvonne would have Lunchtime Curry, I insisted they go to Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Manchester, M4 1LQ). There was no point me eating alone since we were all checking out of the Travelodge at the same time.
Craig and Yvonne were receiving their orders as I walked in, we were meeting here? Oops. Chicken Balti and Roti for two (£10.20) was their choice. I had warned them that the Curry Cafes of the Northern Quarter do not serve Curry in the same League as The Best Restaurants. This is Indian Fast Food, Shorva dominates; with a Roti, Splashy but Authentic. If one adds Rice, then the entire Nature of the Dish changes.
I fetched the Chopped Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander from the counter. Craig and Yvonne did not know the etiquette. Yvonne helped herself to both Craig declined. They were both impressed. Yvonne appeared to have acquired more Solids in her Masala than Craig who remarked about the Quantity of Meat in his bowl.
Craig – Very good, very tasty, a lot of meat.
Yvonne – Very good.
Let The Reader be aware that these platitudes are not automatic, in our company, they have to be merited.
Mags had ordered Lamb Karahi from the top of the Specials Board, the on-the-bone version. As she had ordered a Paratha she had to wait. The required £6.00 was paid in advance.
I like this one too – said Mags as she soaked up the Excess Masala to reveal a Whole Lotta’ Lamb, with Minimal Bones. The Paratha was – in the style – Layered and Flaky. How different this Interpretation of Lamb Karahi was compared to yesterday at Dera, but still – No Ballast!
Hector had very Tasty Masala Fish here on Wednesday, the aforementioned Lamb Karahi at Dera yesterday. The Old Hector would have ordered Lamb Chops, the Post India Hector saw Mixed Veg on the Board, it had to be. Rizwan, Mein Host remarked that he thought I was a Meat Eater as is he. I cannot live on Lamb alone. I asked for the Mixed Vegetables to be served on Rice. Both were ready, the Serving Containers were being heated from below. With the Mass of Boiled Rice, defeat before I started. Realising I was joining the Other Three, Rizwan thanked me for bringing my Friends. He need not worry about his Business, the Place was empty when Craig and Yvonne arrived at 11.45, by Noon it was filling up, by the time we left, people were queuing out of the door.
Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander were sprinkled on top of my Food Mountain, I must suggest Dry Methi.
Peas, Potatoes, Carrots, and Cauliflower – The Big Four – were accompanied by the occasional piece of Sweetcorn. The Thin Masala may well have been classed as Excessive on any other day, but having watched my Fellow Diners, this was not appropriate. Whatever Excess I had, disappeared into the Interstices of the Rice. I was left with a Moist Curry, the Potato Pieces were as good as any Meat on this occasion, and easier to digest. The Curry itself was Smooth, Mellow. The Masala may have been Tomato-based hence the relative Thinness. As each piece of Green Chilli was encountered, so the Bite was enhanced. This was a very good choice this Lunchtime, I could not have faced another full-on Meat Curry. Now I shall admit to having a late night Donner. Bad Boy Hector.
By the time I raised the Flag, every table was occupied, people were siting with strangers, good to see. We stood up, our places were taken by those who had their Curry in hand, waiting patiently. This was a new Curry Experience at Kabana.
The Bill
£6.00. Two could have been fed by what was served to me.
The Aftermath
Despite dealing with customers desperate to be served before they could even consider a seat, Rizwan took the time to bid us Farewell. As Craig said – Why doesn’t Glasgow City Centre have somewhere like this?
We did, Shahed’s, but it didn’t last long. High Rent on a Main Street, coupled with serving Food in polystyrene containers with plastic forks, was not IMHO a good Business Plan. Babu Bombay Street Kitchen may be as close as Glasgow has currently, but it is more Takeaway based.
The train home, for a month, Yvonne has just informed the Social Medium I am away next weekend. Bring it on.
(The water vapour rising from all the Dishes has meant a lesser quality of photo today.)