Yvonne declared last night that she would join me for Curry this Lunchtime. Perhaps she and Craig are realising that this is a good way to start the day after all. I arrived at The Kashmir Restaurant (27 Morley St, Bradford BD7 1AG England) bang on the noon rendezvous to find Howard outside. I led him downstairs. The Waiter I have come to regard as Mein Host was sitting with the other Staff watching TV. He smiled in recognition, I have not seen him for quite a while, we shook hands. He never says much but knows I have been coming to Kashmir for years, twenty two, if anyone is interested.
Other Diners arrived from another direction, there are two sets of stairs? Craig, Yvonne and Mags arrived some ten minutes after noon, also from the other side of the room. I had to ask where this door was, – beside the main door. How have I missed it all these years? Initially I parked in the adjacent Wilton St. car park so always approached from there, therefore those are the stairs I know. I have only ever dined in the main Restaurant above once back in 1997.
To aid their selections, I showed my Fellow Diners the dedicated page for Kashmir which covers quite a few of their Dishes. Hector was here for his favoured Fish Karahi (£7.20), Howard and Yvonne would have the same. Mags selected Keema Potato (£6.50), this being close to her normal Aloo Gosht. Craig announced he was having a Starter, Seekh Kebab (£2.40) and Meat Jalfrezi (£6.50) – not too hot. This means two more Dishes to add to the array. A Curryspondent once suggested I should try the straightforward Meat Curry (£5.80), but then I would be giving up Fish and possible Methi too.
Seekh Kebab
The Kebabs were very long and moist and reminded me of – something I prepared earlier, sorry. Craig was enjoying these and insisted we all try a Soupçon. The Seekh Kebab was Spicy, very Tasty and Fresh, much appreciated.
Very good indeed – was Craig’s verdict.
Keema Potato
This was served delightfully – Dry – as Keema should be.
It is Mags’ birthday, she was being quiet initially – Alright – is all I could get from her. The Curry perked her up:
I enjoyed it, it’s dry, I know it’s meant to be, … couldn’t mash my tatties in it …. full of flavour.
Fish Karahi
In many ways this Curry is the antithesis of why I come to Bradford. The Masala stands out and is decidedly – Thin – approaching Shorva. However, the Masala is so full of Flavour and combines especially well with this Fish, Masala Fish. The Spice and Seasoning were well balanced allowing all the Flavours to emerge. I find this a joy to eat, and it has to be with Chapattis.
Craig finished off Yvonne’s, and was not overcome by the Spice. Howard took his Opperchancity to have his words recorded forever:
A light dish, perfect for a lunchtime meal. Superb flavour from both the Fish and Masala …. seasoning and spice level both very, very good … an excellent Fish Curry.
Yvonne was waxing lyrical, whatever that means:
Just about the right heat, any hotter…
Better than yesterday’s at the Sheesh (Mahal).
What did you have? – as if I didn’t know.
Chicken with Capsicum.
Well if your order….
That was lovely, the best Fish Curry I’ve had, bursting with flavour … yum yum.
I pronounce the Fish Karahi to be a success.
Chicken Jalfrezi
Craig made no comment that he had ordered – Meat – and had been given Chicken. He eats Chicken Curry mostly anyway. This Jalfrezi was the Driest I have ever seen, one to note for the future.
Very tasty, very good, but I think the best dish is the one you guys had.
The Chapattis
Fifteen Chapattis were served up, and simultaneously. They retained their heat, four were left. I realised that in Aberdeen this pile of Chapattis would have cost up to £45.00, in Bradford they are inclusive.
Why the profiteering in the North of Scotland?
The Bill
£36.70. We were charged the lesser price of £6.20 for having Chicken Jalfrezi.
The Aftermath
I informed Mein Host that I was here until Sunday and that he should not be surprised to see me back for more of the same.
And so to Saltaire for The Bradford Beer Festival, Sir Titus Salt would turn in his grave if he knew that his – Temperance Village – was being used this way.