For the first UK Curry of 2018, Hector is in Manchester. Manchester Airport may not be the most gemutlich of departure points, however, the ease of access from Scotland coupled with very attractive ‘plane and train fares make it worthy. The City of Manchester in its own right has featured increasingly in Curry-Heute since my first visit to the Manchester Beer Festival back in 2010.
Seven of The Company flew back this afternoon from Nürnberg, Mr. O’Leary makes this a great way of getting to/from Bayern. Craig and Yvonne arrived back in Manchester from their chosen locus to await us.
delhi2go (119 Oldham St., Manchester M4 1LN England) was only discovered a year ago, it has impressed on each visit, before tonight. Craig and Yvonne have been there at other times too and have made the Curry-Heute connection on each visit. They had forewarned the staff that Hector would be in town tonight.
After a reasonably sensible and highly amusing evening at Cafe Beermoth, seven of us descended upon an almost empty delhi2go in stages. Five would order Takeaways, Marg and Hector were – Dining in.
My photo shows Mein Host consulting the printed receipts of the first four. It appeared to take an age for the Takeaways to be assembled. As Jonathan later remarked, there was a frustration at seeing one’s Order sitting ready, going cold, and not being handed over.
Hector was Hungry
Having consulted a well known and reliable Curry Blog, I reminded myself that the Bombay Aloo (£6.00) was a Standout- Dish on my last visit in November. Three of my last four Curry Postings have featured Fish, it was time to return to the old faithful – Lamb. I have been working my way through the – Lamb Specials: Delhi Achari Lamb (£8.30) was this evening’s main choice. Having been impressed by the Quality of Paratha served previously at delhi2go, Paratha (£1.70) it would be. After Aberdeen Bread prices, it was good to be back in the land of sensible Bread Pricing.
Marg fancied a Wrap for a change. Peri Peri Chicken (£3.80) was her brave sounding selection. Rio Tropical (£0.90) was Marg’s choice of Drink, as Sparkling Water was not available, Tap Water for Hector.
Marg went up to the counter to order and pay.
The Bill
£20.70. As is the system at delhi2go, Marg returned with a boldly printed receipt and her Can of Soft Drink. I like these receipts.
Please ask for authentic “apna style” if required – is clearly stated on the Menu. I have done so in the past, tonight I did not.
Marg had no Cup/Glass for her Drink. She felt the Chap behind the counter was too busy sorting out the various Takeaways. More people had arrived, would he cope? In time I went up to fetch a receptacle and was given a Polystyrene (yeuch) Cup of Water. Marg still had nothing to drink from, it took two further attempts.
After quite a wait, Marg was invited to the counter to choose what she wanted in her Wrap. Salad and Sauce, various, were picked from the array. She had to make it clear that she was – sitting in. Instead of a – Wrap – her Peri Peri Chicken was served open on its Bread. This made the photography more interesting, maybe not.
To Hector, this looked very – peely wally – and nothing like as intense as say Nando’s.
It did its job, a bit messy – remarked Marg.
A good Salad, and Mango and Mint Yoghurt-like Sauce.
Our Chap finally approached Hector with the Order, correction, an Order.
He held a bag aloft. I reminded him that I was – sitting in. Did the Polystyrene Cups not reming him?
Three plastic containers were lined up before me, Bread was clearly not present. I had time to take a photo before further engagement.
Why three? This is what I ordered – I showed the printed receipt. I know not what was in Container #3. I hope you have a plate? – I asked somewhat rhetorically. The whole lot was taken away.
He doesn’t listen – added Marg.
I wondered how long my Order had been lying out. It took quite a few more minutes before two metal dishes and a basket with the Paratha were brought, no plate or cutlery were offered. Marg went to fetch me a plastic fork and spoon from the counter. Metal Cutlery has been made available in the past, not tonight. The customary Toppings of Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander had been omitted.
The Food was visibly – Hot – so Complaint #1 averted.
Delhi Achari Lamb
I dipped a piece of Paratha into the Delhi Achari Lamb, a Decent Kick and a worthy Level of Seasoning were the first positives of this evening’s visit for Hector. I had to remind myself that – Pickle – was part of this Curry. There was a semblance of Achari, little more initially. Marg amused herself by Dipping in too.
The first piece of Meat was far too chewy, thereafter it was fine. Cut in Medium Sized pieces, the Lamb was into double figures. Things were getting better.
It’s growing on me – she said after her n’th Dip. Despite a more – Soupy Masala – than the – apna-style – served previously, this still had potential. Either due to the disappointment of the Accompanying Dish, or that The Motherload of the Pickle was towards the base of the metal dish, the full Flavour of the Delhi Achari Lamb took a while to come through. It got there, just.
My last Paratha at delhi2go was abandoned halfway, it did not taste right. Tonight’s was not that bad, however, it was far from impressive. Marg clocked it immediately when she dipped into the Masalas – far too doughy. This was not a Layered and Flaky Paratha. Once again, much of it was left.
Bombay Aloo
Here was a Thicker but still Blended Masala. The Spice Level did register, the Seasoning was woefully lacking. An Earthy Flavour at best is all that was attained. Mustard Seeds were a major feature of this Dish served in November. This was but a poor imitation of that which had impressed so much.
With all customers served, Our Chap came over to enquire about how I was finding the meal. I had to ask how the Bombay Aloo could be so different from my last visit. He asked when I was last here – November. Apparently this explained all, the Kitchen Staff have all been replaced since then.
I pointed out why – Seasoning – is so important, this was evidently not understood. I explained that without – Salt – the full Flavours of Spice and Herbs cannot be fully realised. I tried – Karrha – at term given to me by a Glasgow Chef, this did not work either. I was offered another Dish to make for my disappointment.
I was well through both of my Dishes, I could not justify another. With the Solids eaten using the plastic spoon, and interest lost in the Paratha, there was an appreciable Quantity of Masala left in both bowls. It was time to call it a night.
Hector will be back at delhi2go at the end of January. I have enjoyed some Outstanding Curry at this venue and hope to do so again, maybe in daylight hours. Hopefully all will be sorted. Metal Cutlery and an investment in drinking vessels are overdue.
