It has been brought to Hector’s notice that the Curry House Chaps of Bradford have been enquiring as to my whereabouts of late. Why is it before I retired I was in The Curry Capital more frequently? This had to be rectified, today.
Our Rendezvous with The Man from Bradford, aka – The Rickmeister – was at 13.00. That the chosen venue was the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) was never contested. Sadly we were delayed by an hour due to a rather nasty RTA on the M1 at Meadowhall. Ricky was collected from his Castle, Marg gave up the front seat, Craig and Yvonne had to breath in. The Passat felt more sluggish suddenly trying to cope with the Hills of Bradford.
No Taj, no Omar, no Sadaqat, The Rickmeister informed me that the Young Chap on duty is another Son of Taj. I was not known.
Starters were the last thing I had in mind today, just bring me the Bradford Curry. However, when Craig announced he was having Seekh Kebabs (£2.70), there had to be Lamb Chops (£4.90). It has been a while, it appears – The Appetite – has returned.
Whilst we considered the Mains, the table was covered in Salads, Poppadoms and Dips. Marg asked for some Mango Chutney, no £1.50 surcharge here as was the case in – The Last Curry of 2016. This is Bradford.
When Omar or Sadaqat are on duty, I normally have a Lamb on-the-bone Hector Curry. Today I though I had better play safe and order from the Menu. I note the prices have been static since the rebuild. Lamb Balti (on Bone) (£9.50) was Hector’s choice, extra Methi was secured when the Son of Taj noted the order. Marg has been eating Mince of late due to an ongoing dental problem. Omar Kayham (£8.95) was better described as – Keema, Peas, Potatoes. Ricky also chose an exotic Curry – Mughal-e-azam (£8.95), or – Meat with Spinach and Lentils. Kabuli Balti (£8.95), what’s going on here? Craig’s Balti would have – Chicken and Chickpeas. Chana Murgh – in Glasgow. Yvonne chose the more straightforward Prawn Rogan Josh (£8.75).
Marg asked for – one Chapatti – to accompany. Ricky pointed out – You get three. Here one finds the joy of Dining in Bradford. Excepting the Pukka Houses with tablecloths, Roti, Chapatti, Naan, or Rice is included in the price. If one wishes more than one option then a modest charge is made, e.g. 30p for an extra Chapatti. Craig and Yvonne went for Rotis, Hector and Marg, Chapattis, Ricky a Naan. Sorted. Time to get back to the Salad et al before the arrival of the Starters. Meanwhile The Rickmeister challenged Hector to identify the obscure names on the Menu:
Machlee – Rainbow Trout
Ojree – Okra with Yoghurt
Magaz – Seeds (most likely to be Watermelon)
Kalegey – Liver (Kaleji)
Shai Dhall – Mixed Lentils
Ricky and Hector have enjoyed Brains and Testicles at the Sheesh Mahal. I didn’t enjoy Liver, as I never do, though Ricky and Dr. Stan thought it was great. No Tripe?
From the moment Craig tasted his first slice of Seekh Kebab (no photo!) he was in raptures. Despite being – Spicy – he was thoroughly enjoying his selection. Ricky reckons the Seekh Kebabs served at Sheesh Mahal are the best, anywhere. I have a Recipe, acquired during my Curry Course; one day I might even get around to posting it.
Five Lamb Chops for £4.90. The Chops were Substantial. Served on a Sizzling Iron Platter with a Bed of Onions, this was the Perfect way to kick off 2017. Suddenly I was down to Four Chops, Marg felt an entitlement. During this, the photo opperchancity for the Seekh Kebab escaped. The Spice was Magnificent, the Seasoning even more-so. One could be tempted to come here and just dine on Lamb Chops ad nauseam. Lamb Chops Tikka Balti (£9.50) will have to be tried, maybe next month.
The Mains were offered as Craig and Hector completed the Starters. Marg asked for another five minutes, the Lady’s wish was granted.
Omar Kayham
Mince, Peas, and Potatoes, Marg’s Favourite Dinner, with or without that which turns it into Curry.
Very tasty, a good kick, and I even managed to eat all the Potatoes.
Prawn Rogan Josh
Yvonne has not eaten much in the last few days due to an – ongoing lurgy – hence her quote:
Lovely, just what the doctor ordered. I wanted something with sauce and a bite.
Mughal-e-azam
The Spinach and Lentils were well within the mix, a Dish Hector will have to try. Ricky has probably been round the entire Menu at Sheesh Mahal, one could not forget the first time he sampled – Brains.
Simply the best – was his modest contribution.
Kabuli Balti
The name suggests an Afghanistan influence, a feature which made The Hector take special note. However, Chicken and Chickpeas do not float Hector’s Boat. Craig had other thoughts. If his Seekh Kebab impressed, this Balti raised his Level of Satisfaction to further heights. Craig was giving almost a running commentary on the extent to which he was enjoying being at Sheesh Mahal and eating this Dish in particular. He was hungry, he must have been to manage the Starter, finish his own, then sweep up the remnants of Yvonne’s Prawn Rogan Josh.
Absolutely Superb. First class Curry here.
You know what’s coming
Lamb Balti (on Bone) with extra Methi
The Bradford Taste was in Hector’s face from the off, this is why I come here, such a unique experience. Two features of this Curry spoiled Hector’s day. The Lamb Balti was lacking in Seasoning, significantly. This was almost enough to spoil this Dish, the second criticism nearly pushed Hector over the edge. Capsicum, since when did Sheesh Mahal Chefs add this Ballast? The Offending Vegetable was fished out. Back to the positives. The Spice Level Satisfied, the Meat was Excellent. As Craig and Yvonne ate heartily with knives and forks, so Hector, Chapatti in hand – ate properly. Bones were gnawed, cast aside, Pleasure resurrected. Despite that which made this well short of Perfection, still not too shabby.
Marg and Hector managed only three of the six Chapattis which were served. Ricky advised Craig and Yvonne they should eat the centre of their Rotis, as the edges would crisp, they did. Some venues do not differentiate between Chapattis and Rotis and try to pass them off as the same thing. They are not, IMHO, Chapattis win every time.
Marg lent across the table, napkin in hand. The Face of Hector was unceremoniously wiped. That was how to eat Curry. I need to create a bond with The Son of Taj to guarantee that a Hector Curry is served next time.
The Bill
£53.40. Did The Rickmeister subsequently ask for the CAMRA Discount? Would he ever admit it if he did?
The Aftermath
And so to Manchester, the first of two January Trips, an Opperchancity to visit Favourite Venues and try new ones.