On my visit to Sarina’s (25 High St., Queensbury, Bradford BD13 2PE) on January 2nd, I promised I would return for more of her Outstanding – Mutton Handi. As requested, I used a certain Social Medium to remind her when I would come, this Dish is a – Special – 48 hours notice needs to be given.
Howard was waiting at Stand H at Bradford Interchange. Bus 576 was every then minutes to Queensbury, we had agreed upon the 11.30. Dr. Stan was having problems getting from the Rickmeister’s Bradford Suburban Domicile to Halifax and back to Queensbury. Why not come via Bradford? Dr. Stan moves in mysterious ways.
Being a school vacation, a Staff member had two weans under supervision. The Doris who was there throughout our last visit, appears to have taken up residence as was suspected. Lorraine’s greeting was as warm as ever, this was only my third visit. Howard was introduced. Lorraine moved two tables to meet our requirements. Sarina came out from the kitchen and made a beeline towards The Hector. Hector has graduated to – Hug status. Sarina’s is the only known Curry House in Yorkshire which is run entirely by women, a very different atmosphere.
Dr. Stan texted to say he was not at Halifax yet, we would have to wait another forty minutes – Starters!
One of the whiteboards listed – Shami Kebab – (£2.20). Howard was up for this. We amused ourselves by making exaggerated gestures and watching the delay on the security monitor. Two grown men.
Two plates were brought by Lorraine, each with three Shami Kebabs, Salad and a metal jug. One jug had Raita, the other a Spicier Brown Sauce. We mixed and matched.
A strong, Earthy Flavour, came from the Kebabs. Three was the Perfect Quantity. Most enjoyable, Howard concurred:
That was very good.
Sarina too had appeared once more to ensure that all was well. We were now able to give her a time to served the Mutton Handi on-the-bone (£7.95). Two Chapattis (£0.50) each should suffice.
Those who had been occupying the large table had gone. Lorraine invited us to move across, more space. Dr. Stan finally arrived, forty five minutes late. Having had Starters, Howard and Hector didn’t care.
Dr. Stan was here this very week last year, the day Hector went to Halfax in search of Curry Brunch, not to be. He too was greeted by Lorraine and eventually Sarina. There cannot be too many people coming from Glasgow and visiting Queensbury, yet. Little did we know what would transpire throughout the rest of the day, but Halifax is very much now on the Bier Radar. A repeat of today is most likely in the week of next year’s Bradford Beer Festival. How many will we be in 2018? Parties of twelve is the largest that can be accommodated at Sarina’s.
Mutton Handi or Desi Lamb
The Portions do not look Large, they are deceptive. If it was later in the day I would possibly have suggested three Portions between two. Having had the Shami Kebabs, this Quantity would be perfect.
The Lamb was on-the-bone, this makes all the difference to the Overall Flavour. I had promised Howard – Something Special. He wasn’t saying much. Sarina came out to ask if she had made it Spicy enough. At this point all of the positives were aired:
Excellent, Wonderful Curry, Spot on! Even Dr. Stan was effusive.
Hector was trying to analyse how this Outstanding Curry had been created. I could see no sign of Onion Pulp but the telltale Tomato Seeds were highly visible. Cloves stood out from the Mystery Mix of Spice and Herbs but to the benefit of the Overall Flavour, not its detriment. Finely chopped Coriander Stems were also in the Mix, presumably with the Fresh Leaves.
On-the-bone meant the Meat had to be eaten – properly – the Substantial Chapattis being put to good use. Tender although Mutton, cooked with care, one could taste the distinct – Lamb. I could have sat here and gorged. One day I probably will.
Howard: For the second day in a row, an excellent, flavoursome Curry. Earthy flavours and a perfect level of spice which built as I went further down the plate. Book me for a return visit.
Dr. Stan had emitted one of his customary – Mmmms – whilst he ate, but uncharacteristically, added more:
Lots of em … I tasted lots of different spices … bursting with flavour.
We sat and let the food digest, I then realised that in the excitement, we had no photos of us! Here is our – Still Game – tribute.
The Bill
£33.55. Howard and Hector had Cans of Fizz and Starters.
The Aftermath
Sarina once again joined Lorraine, front of house, to begin the Farewells. I had to ask about the Masala. Onions were indeed confirmed, along with the usual Tomato, Garlic and Ginger. Sarina explained that she is self taught. Her Caribbean origins suggest that she was already used to preparing Spicy Cuisine. She asked if I preferred Pakistani or Bengali Curry. Given my love of both Glasgow Curry and Bradford Curry, the answer had to be Pakistani-Punjabi. I was then taken by surprise. Cabbage – was mentioned as a Masala ingredient used by Chefs from the part of the Subcontinent we had just dismissed, a source of Sweetness. Ironically, Hector seeks the opposite, Methi, Karela, please.
The three Chaps and the two Ladies exchanged – Hugs. You don’t get this in other Curry Houses!