Mr. O’Leary brought Hector back from Nürnberg to Manchester this afternoon for even less than he charged to take me there: the joy of being able to fly midweek. The train from Manchester Airport was bound for Glasgow, however, Hector had not taken the risk of a flight delay screwing up a cheap train north. There was nothing for it, stay over and enjoy the Best of Manchester.
It is always a treat to visit Dera (433 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, M8 OPF), entering just after 20.00 I was surprised to see the main dining area was empty. I was taken to the side room where a few tables were occupied. People had stayed in this evening, no doubt still glued to their TVs after the US Election Result. Shockeroony.
The Menu was brought, the bound version is so different from the Newspaper of old. Dining alone in the evening unfortunately meant that ordering a Lamb Karahi was not on, it comes by the Kilo. I asked the Waiter, he pointed to two Dishes on a list. One was Chicken, the other Lamb on-the-bone. Lamb Masala (£7.95) it was with a Naan (£0.95). The Waiter was unclear as to whether I would be getting Lamb on-the-bone, he scored out whatever he had written and started again. Lamb on-the-bone. A Mango Rubicon (£1.95 – eh?) was ordered also.
Two Sauce Boats containing Dips were brought with a Bottle of Tap Water, none were touched.
The wait was not a long one, what else did Chef have to do?
The Naan in a Plastic Basket was Thin and Light. The Rotis here tend to crisp, indeed do Rotis not always do this? The Naan retained its softness.
The Aroma from the Lamb Masala was Wonderfully Distinctive. I could almost taste it before I started. Fifteen pieces of Lamb sat in a Thick Brown Gravy-like Masala. How different was this from the Shorva served in Deutschland in recent days? This was Real Curry, Punjabi Cuisine at its finest. Topped with Chunky Slices of Green Chillies and Ginger Strips, there was a considerable bite. Hang on, something was missing. Where were the Bones?
The Spice Level was Ideal, aided by the Chillies, the Seasoning a tad under. After the Erlangen Curry House, all Curry is going to be considered Under-seasoned for the next few weeks.
Just over half of the Naan was eaten before I had to accept that if the Lamb was going to be finished, the Bread had to be abandoned. It takes time to eat this much Meat. Normally I am serevd Curry in a Karahi which can retain heat. The white soup plate cooled, so did the remaining contents. This took the edge of the endgame, still, Wonderful Curry. Distinctive Dera Curry.
The Bill
£10.85. A Modest Price.
The Aftermath
As I approached the counter to pay, Mein Host spotted me and was straight over. It is good to be remembered.
