Dr. Stan announced a few weeks back that we needed a Trip to Bradford. This was discussed at Sarina’s over Curry with Marg and The Man from Bradford some two weeks ago. It was written.
Arriving only thirty minutes late due to our train terminating at Skipton, there was a tour of new Bradford Bars before it was deemed to be time for Curry-Heute. Bradford’s Pub Scene is recovering, slowly, years after the City Centre became a virtual Ghost Town.
Entering The International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1BA) @20.00, Ali greeted Ricky then spotted The Hector. Much to Ricky’s chagrin, Hector deserved – a welcome hug – , Dr. Stan followed on. Khalid was more restrained with his welcome.
Poppadoms and Dips were on the table before Hector returned from inspecting the Facilities. Poppadoms, again, I could care less. Actually I was ravenous and devoured an entire half-Poppadom with Spiced Onion and Mango Sauce.
Ali was ready to take the Order, Ricky advised that we had yet to receive the Menu, sorted.
A few weeks ago, Ricky sent Hector a photo of the Shahi Kofta (£8.00), a Dish apparently so Wonderful it was worthy of such promotion. With Kofta, Lamb Tikka and Capsicum mentioned, a description that might put The Hector off. It was topped with Scrambled Egg – was the denouement, Ricky was having this again, and so was Dr. Stan.
Lamb Desi Regular (£10.00) would be the Hector Curry, served on-the-bone. Instead of the usual three Chapattis, tonight I felt like a Pratha (£2.00). Dr. Stan was inspired by my choice of Bread, Ricky would have a Naan.
No Paratha for you – said Ali, pointing to Hector’s midriff. It’s just as well we are known here. One nil to Ali.
During the wait, Hector took his new camera upstairs. It is years since I stuck my nose up there. A Large Group of Chaps occupied a long table, the rest of the seating area was empty. We watched their Order go up, accompanied by the biggest wad of Chapattis I have ever seen. Meanwhile downstairs, another large group took up the alcove tables. It took them an age to get themselves sorted.
Ali engaged with us once more.
I worked in Glasgow for fifteen years – he reminded us – as a driver at House of Cher.
Was it you who burned it down? – I asked. One each.
Ricky had described how his Shahi Kofta was served last time in a Pyrex Dish. An oval Pyrex Dish was placed before The Rickmeister, a square equivalent before Dr. Stan. Fried Egg! – remarked The Man from Bradford, presumably a different Chef this evening. Anything but Poached. A Large Karahi was set before the Hector, this was quite a Portion.
The Naan looked Thin and Crispy. Ricky assured me that it did not turn to Crisp, but advised that he has stopped ordering Roti as they go Crispy in the middle. Exactly. The Parathas were Thin and Oily. Not quite Layered and Flaky, they still appeared to work. That the three of us ate all the Bread confirms the Size has decreased. It is rare for Hector to finish an entire Paratha.
Lamb Desi Regular
The Lamb Desi had a Meat count well into double figures. With the Lamb on-the-bone, the Meat was not cut Bradford Small, this was a mass to get through. The Lamb was truly Succulent, the taste of Lamb coming though. The blended Masala was Tomato-rich, a Lighter Colour than the Methi-rich Curry I would normally go for. The Oil collected around the edges of the Karahi, loads of Flavour, but without the Methi, I did not get the usual Bradford Curry Blast.
The Pratha, as they listed it, worked well with this Dish.
Dr. Stan ate with a knife and fork, Ricky ate properly.
Shahi Kofta
An array of Flat Patties were shrouded in Masala. Flat Kofta? I remarked to Ricky. But then, in Glasgow, Seekh Kebab is served as Kofta at some venues. Ricky has been eating Kofta with Spinach for much of his life, tonight he found something to better this.
The Best yet. Bordering on perfection.
The lack of Lamb Tikka was not a hindrance. This is my new favourite dish.
Ricky asked Khalid who made the Kofta, having described visiting the homes of his former clients and finding groups of Ladies making mountains of Samosas et al. Khalid assured Ricky that the Chef made the Kofta on the premises.
Ali came over and directed his questioning at me.
I’m in Bradford, eating Curry.
Most impressive – was Dr. Stan’s minimalist contribution to this Blog.
I’m almost speechless – cried Ricky. Hector needs people to wax lyrical.
What is the name of the man I have known for forty years? Ricky asked me.
Khalid.
He worked at Karachi thirty years ago, the Kofta here are almost as good.
The Bill
£32.50. £11.00 each – said Ali as he presented The Bill. This included a £1.50 charge for the Poppadoms and Dips which we could definitely have had waived. There was also a £4.00 charge for the Parathas. So, despite not having had the inclusive Chapattis, one is charged for Bread? Had we not been in a rush, The Bill would have been challenged.
There was another hug from Ali, Khalid shook hands.
I promised to return this week, the Shahi Kofta will have to be experienced.
The Aftermath
Jacob’s House closed at 22.00, the Bus to The Rickmeister’s Palace was twenty minutes afore. There was time for a nightcap, just.