Three nights in Manchester, there has to be a visit to Dera (433 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, M8 OPF). In fact, five Manchester nights in total will have been spent this month, the plan to get here a couple of weeks ago was thwarted when we arrived to find it not open yet. I now appreciate that Dera only opens at Noon at the weekends. Still, all was not lost as Sarina’s (Bradford-Queensbury) is now firmly on the radar.
I arrived courtesy of Bus 135 at 13.50, Chaps were fixing the door, so they’re open. Well not quite. Mein Host for today was not turning me away, he showed me to the smaller front room where I had dined last November. That particular day was when it was confirmed who had won the US Election. The Manager asked for my patience as they were not quite set up yet.
The Menu is not what it was last year when I came at Lunchtime, then there was no question of the availability of their Wonderful Karahi. I cannot eat a Kilo, this is what was on offer. If I had 70p knocked off the price of a Craft Beer last night, I can negotiate a Portion of Karahi. I asked for a Half Kilo. Mein Host told me this was for two people. Has he not seen us eat? He said he would provide a Portion for one. A Paratha (£1.25) completed the Order. £1.25!
Lamb on-the bone was verified. He offered me Butter and Black Pepper as the Variants. Excellent.
It’s always great to see you.
Thank you.
I was not sure if this Duty Manager knew me at all, evidently The Hector is known here.
A Bottle of Still Water was provided. A Beaming waiter brought me two Dips, but nothing else to go with them.
News from the USA is all over the Media presently, something Big is due to happen tomorrow. I was quite engrossed when Mein Host brought the meal. How Pale is this Lamb Karahi? Namkeen flashed through my mind, it would not be far from it.
The Buttery Flavours hit the spot, this was a totally – in your face – Karahi. That it was served on a plate felt odd. Nevertheless, this was the Real Thing.
The Paratha, served whole, was Perfect in Layering and Flakiness. It did Crisp in the middle latterly, however, I could in no way finish this.
Twelve large pieces of Lamb were present, only two bones were found, one Sucky. This was a Hector Portion, Beautifully cooked Lamb in a Minimal and Thick Masala with Flavour flooding out. Slices of Large Green Chillies had been strategically placed at the side of the plate, taking these occasionally gave the required Kick. Ginger Strips also provided some variation. The Seasoning was exactly as it should be, why do so many venues not get this right? From somewhere came a Blast of Citrus, then it dissipated. This was a Dera Karahi at its very best.
The Bill
£9.20. It was only then I established that my Lamb Karahi was £7.95. Hector-the-Pensioner can afford this.
The Aftermath
Back down Cheetamhill Road to the City Centre, another day at the Beer Festival.
Retirement suits me.
