Queensbury (Bradford) – Sarina’s – Open on Saturdays!

London, Crawley, Biggin Hill, Cardiff, Penarth and the Rhondda Valley have all been visited in the past week. Our pre-Easter Trip concludes in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Dr. Stan, Howard and Hector spent a great day there earlier this year, The Cross Keys (Siddal) being the particular standout. There would be Curry-Heute, but this was not anticipated to be before this evening. As was established in October 2015, Halifax Curry Houses do not open at Lunchtime. Nor reportedly did nearby Sarina’s (25 High St., Queensbury, Bradford BD13 2PE). A Social Medium was employed to communicate with the Lady Host in Queensbury, regretting our presence in Halifax would miss out on the Opperchancity to visit. Ah, but, The Man from Bradford has been feeding us wrong information! Sarina’s is open on Saturdays: 12.00 until 16.00. Having been twice this year already, perhaps The Hector should have paid more attention to the notice on the door. The would be Bradford Curry Heute. The Man from Bradford would also join us.

The Noon 576 Bus was boarded at Halifax Bus Station. A £5.00 Family Ticket was purchased. £5.00 for up to five Adults on any Bus in West Yorkshire for the day. 12.14 was our ETA at Queensbury, The Rickmeister drove from his Bradford Palace. Did he think today was – Fancy Dress? Sarina came out from the kitchen to greet, Hugs are now mandatory. We are known here.

The Signature Dish – Lamb Handi on-the-bone – was not available as the required notice had not been given. Sarina offered us two different Meat Curry Dishes to share, Marg opted for Chicken Pasanda when Sarina listed what else was on offer. I asked if a Paratha was possible, it was, four Chapattis (50p) would satisfy Ricky and Marg.

Lorraine, the usual assistant, was not in today. The New Lady suggested Starters. The Shami Kebab was thoroughly enjoyed last time, let’s have more of this, with the Desi Sauce. Marg asked simply for Salad. We have seen some Dubious Salads in the past week.

Prices are written on the wall at Sarina’s, I could have taken the time to record these, however, such is the value for money, I have come to pay what is asked …. except last visit when we were initially undercharged.

Shami Kebab

A Portion is three, fifty per cent more pleasure than most venues. Dry, Spicy and Earthy, these were Excellent. The Desi Sauce added just that little bit more. Hector was having a Starter, Marg knew the plan was to have Halifax Curry tonight. No comment.  She ate her Modest Salad, again served with Desi Sauce.

Lamb Curry, to share

Hector and Ricky sharing? This would be an historic moment. Sarina brought the Curry, a Meat Masala and a Meat Achari. She was keen to tell us that the Achari had – Fresh Pickle made by her own fair hands. The Breads accompanied, somewhere an order for Rice had been understood, it followed. The white bowls are deceptive, with nearly straight sides, they hold more than one might think. We had enough – to share.

Meat Masala

The so distinctive Flavour of Bradford Curry was there. The Herb content, the Seasoning, the Kick, all Perfect. The Lamb was served Larger than it would be in the Bradford City Restaurants, still, this was as Tender as one would wish for. The Minimal Masala, enough to consider it – Curry – was the antithesis of what I had consumed two days previously in Penarth. This was Wonderful.

Sarina came back out and asked how I was enjoying the Achari. I hadn’t got that far.

The Masala was top notch – said Ricky. Exquisite, tender meat.

I think he liked it.

Meat Achari

Appearance wise, it was difficult to tell this apart from the Meat Masala. The telltale Pickle hit home as soon as I started eating this Variant. Clean, Sharp, the Spice Level was even greater.

Very, pickly, well spiced – was Ricky’s contribution. Pickly?

Hector’s only disappointment was the Paratha. Neither Layered or Flaky, it turned to Crisp too quickly. Chapattis in future.

Chicken Pasanda

The Lightness of the Chicken coupled with the Quantity of Herb made this Pasanda look quite appealing, writes the Man who – never – orders a Chicken Curry. Marg placed a Soupçon of her Masala on my plate. Mint. Oh. Not for me, sorry.

Herby and Minty – said Marg, more than once.

Minty, succulent Chicken, with a good rich sauce.

Knowing what was coming later, Marg let Ricky finish her Pasanda, which is just as well as what remained of the Meat Achari had come my way.

The Bill

£29.50. Excellent value, Lunch for three.

The Aftermath

We sat on for a chat. Persuading Ricky that we were not coming to Bradford for Ale today was a challenge. As a compromise, Dr. Stan was texted with suggested dates for next month. Hector will be back at Sarina’s soon, the Lamb Handi on-the-bone will be arranged.

More Hugs, a Farewell.  This place is – Special.