It’s January 3 and Hector has only had one Curry this year, – that is a disgrace – as a cheesy politician once said. Hector and Marg walked from Ancoats to Thomas Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Marg disappeared for Porridge, Hector headed to Kabana. Two months ago the building was being cleaned, the white paint stripped. Once more the lane was blocked by a tradesman’s van, Kabana was closed, or was it? The interior has been stripped, a total refurbishment is underway. The Chaps told me it would take a week, I’ll be back in two. Will a toilet feature in Kabana #2? An adjacent building has been demolished. How long can the original buildings survive?
I was overdue a return to Al-Faisal Tandoori (58 Thomas St., Manchester, M4 1EG), the venue which always wins on a Saturday Lunchtime when Kabana is closed. Today is Tuesday.
Three Chaps walked in to the empty Restaurant in front of me, there was a wait whilst they sorted themselves. Tea? Oh well. The Lamb Karahi (£5.50) served in the Northern Quarter Curry Cafes bears little resemblance to that served in the Glasgow or Bradford equivalent. The Masala is more plentiful, the style towards Shorva. There must be an attraction. A Chapatti (70p) completed the order. Just one? – asked the Chap who served. This was all the interaction, I am not so well known here. The Ritual Photos should have brought some air of recognition.
The Chap who brings – The Curry – did so as soon as the first three Chaps received theirs. I took my plate back up to the counter where Freshly Chopped Coriander and Green Chillies were located. Careful with the Chillies, Carefree with the Coriander, I took my seat once more. Oh yes.
How so much Flavour can be contained within such as simple looking Curry always baffles. The Kick was there, the Seasoning was Perfect. The Quantity of small-cut Tender Lamb was sufficient for a Lunchtime. The Chapatti had Girth, one was more than enough. Another Chap sat opposite, his Naan (80p) looked Light and Fluffy, next time.
The last traces of Masala were mopped up, Satisfaction was achieved. Where’s Marg?
The Bill
£5.70. This was 50p less than I had calculated. Perhaps the first Bread is discounted?
The Aftermath
Marg was at 55 Thomas Street. 57 Thomas St. is much better.