Mr. O’Leary has commenced a new Route: Manchester to Nürnberg at very advantageous prices. Nürnberg is as close to Bamberg as one can fly with a Commercial Airline. A train Ticket from Glasgow to Manchester is cheaper than a Ticket to Edinburgh from where one can fly to München with Mr. Stelios. Time-wise from Glasgow to Bamberg there is therefore not much in it, however, travelling via Manchester is half the price. This means foregoing München’s Indian Mango in favour of Kabana (22 BackTurner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1LQ England ), next year.
Approaching from Tibb St. all I could see was a building covered in tarpaulin, Men in hats hard at work. Had Kabana gone? Through the Fog of Sand I could see the foremost Curry House of the Northern Quarter still open for business, indeed on opening the door, the place was stowed. Rizwan and his Staff were busy dishing out Curry for Lunch. All tables were occupied. Such is the informality here The Hector was not concerned.
The Board had Karahi Lamb, even Hector cannot eat this everyday. I was in the mood for Keema and so was delighted to see Keema, Peas and Potatoes. As this could possibly be Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner I decided upon Basmati to accompany. When Rizwan served me he put a Massive Portion of Rice on a Plate then started spooning on the Mince. He stopped to verify that this was all, The Manchester Mix of two or three different Curry Dishes on one plate is not my preferred style, too much like Buffet. I had just passed on Chops with Cauliflower.
The Bill
£6.00. Quality and Quantity for a Modest Fee.
I checked with Rizwan – Should I sit anywhere?
This would have meant possibly joining an incomplete table for four.
Sit with Curtis.
Rizwan took Cutlery and Napkins to a table occupied by one. Curtis is well known here, he would be welcoming. Meanwhile I completed my photographic ritual at the counter ensuring I had enough Chopped Green Chillies and more than enough Fresh Coriander.
Once the introductions were out of the way, Curtis asked if we had Curry Cafes like this in Glasgow. I replied in the positive though strictly speaking in Glasgow the Curry Dishes on display have to be reheated a Portion at at time. In Manchester the Curry is kept warm by baths of Hot Water beneath.
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What about London?
I was able to mention the – Lahore Kebab House – Whitechapel and the Indian Embassy Canteen – The India Club. The Calling Card had to be given, I hope Curtis has a good read.
Tearing into the Keema Mutter Aloo, there was more than a Hector could eat this Lunchtime. There was no Needless Masala, the Keema, Potatoes and Peas had their own Moisture, a Dry Curry that was not actually Dry. For Totally Dry Curry see Hector’s Home-cooked Methi Gosht earlier this week.
The Green Chillies gave the required Bite, the Fresh Coriander the required Herb Flavour. This was so Simple, so Effective, so Satisfying. Mince, Peas and Tatties, Asian Style.
Meanwhile Curtis was nearly finished his Lamb Karahi. He was extolling the benefits of having Lamb on-the-bone, the Marrow. The Masala at Kabana is much Thinner than the Very Best of Curry Venues, one has to accept that this is the Style, still not Shorva. The difference? Meat with Sauce, not Sauce with Meat.
Twenty minutes later Hector was admitting defeat, the Mince gone, a Respectable Quantity of Rice could be left. A Chap was out cleaning tables, Hector sat alone in an emptying Cafe, the Rush was over by 13.10.
I bade farewell to Rizwan advising him that I would next be in Manchester in January, twice hopefully. Actually, I shall be here next week for an overnight on the return from Nürnberg. The 135 Bus up to Cheetamhill will be my Chariot – Dera – The Very Best of Manchester awaits.
Rizwan’s parting words – You’ll have a better time than me.