Piccadilly to Manchester Central, there are a variety of Routes, Hector has never picked the correct one. There is something about the angles of Manchester streets which baffles. Follow the tram lines – has always been Dr. Stan’s advice. Which tram lines? This morning Howard tried to take me in a direction which did not feel natural, there had to be a course correction to compensate. Tonight, on the return from the Manchester Beer Festival to Ancoats Dr. Stan and Hector marched parallel to the tram lines, Piccadilly in ten minutes. Who needs a tram?
This meant we walked up Oldham Street instead of my normal Tibb Street, behold another Curry House unknown to The Hector and open this late! – delhi2go (119 Oldham St., Manchester M4 1LN), another venue which had to be explored. I went in and asked what time they would close: 03.00 was the reply. The Crown and Kettle would close long before this, just as well. My intended Order of an – Asian Style – Curry at the Golden Tandoori was placed on hold. Three nights in a row would have been ridiculous, Hector is never – Ridiculous.
An hour or so later Hector was back, technically it was now Saturday. I had bade – Farewell – to The Company. Lancaster was their next City Stopover, Bury for Hector, IQ at The Met.
The (Takeaway) Menu was briefly studied. Where was the – Hector Curry? I decided to consult The Chap at the counter who appeared most biddable.
Do you have Methi?
No.
I wish Lamb and no Capsicum.
Only Jalfrezi and Rogan Josh have it.
We agreed on Lamb Karahi (£6.50) with a Paratha (£1.50). Sorry, Dear Reader, it’s a Hector thing, a new venue, how best to evaluate if I do not stick to my common denominator?
I took a seat, twenty were available, Hector being the only sit-in customer. There was a series of customers who all purchased Kebaps. I had more time to study the Menu. Apna Style? This translates as – Yours – an equivalent to – Asian Style – or – Desi – in my favoured Punjabi outlets. Why had this not been offered? Would my Curry have been even better? I shall find out next time.
A Steel Karahi contained the Hector Curry, no plastic plate required. Take a look at this Lamb Karahi, this was far from a Northern Quarter Curry, closer to the Yorkshire Interpretation. A metal spoon was placed alongside the Paratha, so much better than a plastic fork. The Paratha was served – Whole – everything was going Hector’s way.
The First Dip had me won, this Lamb Karahi had so much more Flavour than that savoured at the Golden Tandoori where later texts revealed some of The Company had ended up. So last night.
This was a Misleading Curry in terms of Content. With the Meat cut Small, the Dozen Pieces I could see looked Adequate. I was halfway through and could still see a Dozen Pieces of Lamb. Hector had been misled, this Portion was Huge. The Meat was decidedly – Mutton – it is always pleasing to taste – Lamb – and not the Bland Flesh served in too many venues.
The Masala was Thick, as good a consistency as one could hope for. If this was – Europe – then one would be waxing lyrical. The Spice Level was Excellent without the need for Extra Chillies, the Seasoning as Spot-on. Onion Strips were present in the Tomato-rich Masala, something Tangy was in there too, exactly what I missed last night in the Golden Tandoori.
Just how good was this Lamb Karahi? Would it have been even better had I been offered – Apna Style? Given that the limits of Curry intake have probably been reached over the last three days, to appreciate – delhi2go – to this extent proves the limit has not been exceeded. Keep Calm and Curry on.
The Bill
£8.00. No wonder I can afford to eat out twice a day when on holiday.
The Aftermath
I sensed The Chaps were busy serving Kebaps and so simply left The Calling Card.
Back round the corner to the Ancoats Travelodge, a perfect location for a perfect night’s sleep.
