Queensbury (Bradford) – Sarina’s – Irresistible Curry

A Noon checkout in Manchester, a 15.00 check-in at Huddersfield, no booked Breakfast, a perfect Opperchancity for a Curry Brunch. Dera on Cheetamhill Road was on Hector’s radar, they used to open late, then opened early for Breakfast, no more we discovered. At 12.30 there was no sign of activity.

Plan B – said The Hector – Queensbury.

Marg insisted we phone The Man from Bradford to inform him of our intended Curry-Heute, alas before Hector could get a word in, Ricky proclaimed he was busy, his loss. Sarina’s (25 High St., Queensbury, Bradford BD13 2PE) was telephoned to ensure they were open this Wednesday Lunchtime before we headed to the Hinterland of Bradford-Halifax, success. Half an hour later we were climbing the hill from Brighouse towards the highest Village in England, we were able to park across the street.

Craig, Yvonne, Marg and Hector entered Sarina’s just after 13.15, we were recognised instantly, by Lorraine the co-host.

Where’s your friend?

Dr. Stan was also remembered. In other words, she remembered us also.

The same table as last time was chosen. Two Local Ladies were in situ, there would be no evidence that they were here to eat, simply drinking tea and out of the way of the traffic. They would engage us in conversation intermittently, the Curry-Heute Website was mentioned by our Co-Hostess. One would assume that the Favourable Write-up from our first visit had been appreciated.

Omelettes, Fish Cakes, Bangers and Mash were on offer. Craig admitted that had he not been in a Curry House, he would have been tempted. Curry is the only thing Yvonne has managed to eat and enjoy in recent days, she was up for it. Last time Marg had a – Wrap – this time, Hector was determined to find a Curry to suit her Lunchtime needs.

Meat Makhani (£5.95) – I suggested to Marg. Hopefully, – Creamy – would entice. Marg accepted this, I decided to try the Makhani as – Something Different. With Extra Chillies and a Coriander Topping this should give the Dish the required boost. Craig and Yvonne were less adventurous and would have once more the Chicken Bhuna (£4.95) that impressed on the last day of 2015.

One Portion of Rice (£1.80) was ordered for Yvonne, six Chapattis (50p) would be shared by the three. Bottled Water for two was ordered, no Sparkling Water was available. Marg had Peppermint Tea. Hector kept his Palate – Dry and Receptive.

Yvonne remarked on the number of Ladies who kept emerging from the Kitchen. Sarina – herself – presented and placed a Soupçon on the table. This was a Sample of Lamb on-the-bone which she had just finished cooking. This was for The Hector to sample, I did. Gosh! The Lamb was still a bit on the Chewy side, the Flavour was – Something Else – Cloves were in there, is The Bradford Secret? I was having this. The second piece of Meat was mostly Bone so went untouched until Hector took care of it. The others tasted the Sauce which was on the small plate. All were impressed. It was agreed that my order would change to Lamb on-the-bone. Was I still having this as Makhani?             Suspense.

It was established that today was the first day of operation for 2017, we had timed our visit well, every Dish was as Fresh as could be hoped for.

Chicken Bhuna

Two Portions of Chicken Bhuna arrived, the Spicier version went to Yvonne. She took about half of the Rice. As with the first Curry of 2017 in Bradford two days previously, Craig was enjoying every mouthful. Knife and Fork in hand, he extolled the Delights of his Mild Chicken Bhuna.

Delicious.

Spot on.

Nailed it.

I could eat the same again, I love the intense flavour – without the spice.

This did not stop Craig having the last morsels of Yvonne’s. She too had thoroughly enjoyed her Bhuna Experience.

Very —-, what I ordered, with a good kick to it.

Meat Makhani

One Portion of Meat Makhani was presented, for Marg. Given that the Portions are very much – Lunchtime – they are somewhere between Tapas and a Main, Hector briefly considered ordering this too. However, Hector had another plan for this evening?

Marg managed to blag some of Yvonne’s Rice and therefore only ate one Chapatti.

A lovely mixture of cream and herb, with loads of Lamb.

Well worth the visit.

So, three very satisfied Customers, now for The Hector.

Lamb on-the-bone

What came was Lamb on-the-bone, as ordered. Dipping a Chapatti in the Masala beside the Meat there was an immediate – Splash. One polo shirt stained. I decided it would be better to decant the contents of the Dish on to the plate. Now I could see the Perfectly Minimal Bradford Masala.

The Seasoning brought out the Full Melange of Flavours, with an impressive Kick, this was – Stunning! Not just Very Good, better than Excellent. This was becoming one of those too Rare but much sought after Sublime Curry Moments.

The Lamb was considerably less chewy than that which had been presented moments before. The Etiquette of Chapatti in hand was maintained, Meaty Bone alone when required, forget the formalities, just get stuck in and enjoy. I did, this was a Truly Immense Creation, one of the Finest Curry Experiences, Ever!

Should I have ordered another Portion? Craig would have easily been persuaded to have more Bhuna. No, tonight in Huddersfield, Lahori Taste awaits, hopefully. They impressed so much last time, however, Sarina’s has upped the ante.

The Bill

£30.60. This was for four.

The Aftermath

There had to be another photo with – The Ladies. The Local had to get in on the act, so it goes.

I asked Sarina what she would like her creation to be officially called, we agreed on:

Mutton Handi on-the-bone. (£7.95)

Next time I shall phone ahead and ensure this is available, meanwhile, Sarina’s goes straight on to the List of Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses.