Relaxing at the Paisley Beer Festival last Saturday, Dr. Stan, Steve and Howard signed up for today’s visit to Sarina’s (25 High St., Queensbury, Bradford BD13 2PE). The Mutton Handi on-the-bone was calling. Yesterday Mags decided she could not miss out. Having been in touch with Sarina to pre-order our Large Portions, another one was not a problem. Mags and Steve were débutantes today, their first visit to Queensbury.
Dr. Stan worked out the Bus times for Huddersfield-Halifax-Queensbury. We arrived bang on the scheduled Noon booking. Lorraine was front of house, Sarina came out from the kitchen, the usual welcome ensued – Hugs. Mags and Steve had never received such a welcome in a Curry House which they were visiting for the first time. After our welcome by Tony & co at The Moti Mahal on Monday night, Dr. Stan and Mags may expecting this as de rigeur.
Hector took his usual spot. Given our anticipated – Large Portions – Starters had not really been discussed. Lorraine informed us that due to a Chap coming in earlier and buying twenty portions of Shami Kebap, only three servings were left. Dr. Stan, Steve and Howard claimed these. Mags’ preference was Pakora, Mushroom Pakora, Hector has had a Soupçon of the Salt Fish Fritters previously, this was worthy of another try. All Starters are £2.85. Ten Chapattis (£0.50) completed the Order. Three Jugs of Tap Water were provided, these were appreciated, the temperature outside may finally be rising.
The food at Sarina’s is different. It is still Bradford Curry but with a twist. Sarina can turn her hand to anything given what she posts on a certain Social Medium. Omelettes to take away? A Traditional Breakfast – Sarina’s Fry Up – (£4.50) can also be provided. But come on, this is one the Finest Curry Houses on the planet.
The Starters came in good time. Hector was ravenous, I never quite got around to having dinner yesterday such was the excitement of seeing Irmin Schmidt (CAN) and buying his book – All Gates Open – yesterday in Manchester, the reason why this Trip was conceived.
The Mushroom Pakora came in a portion of four. One assumes it had to be freshly made given the shelf life of Mushrooms. This was a good start for Mags. The Shami Kebabs came with Raita which amused because the Salt Fish Fritters were accompanied by the Brown Blended Sauce which I believe contains Peppers and Tomato as it resembles my own Recipe.
The Salt Fish Fritters astonished. They were almost indistinguishable from the Shami Kebap in appearance. Salt, yes, Fish, yes, but they tasted so Meaty. Umami! I shall have to try making these, the Herb and Spice content complemented the Savoury Fish. At the end I announced:
I’ll be having this on all future visits.
The Poor Chaps who had the Meat, they don’t know what they missed.
Lorraine brought out the first two bowls of the Mutton Handi, these were Medium Spiced for Mags and Dr. Stan. The rest of us had agreed to – go for it. Before Sarina introduced me to her Mutton Handi I had always been content with the Lunchtime Portions served here. Since then I have simply sought more and more. I cannot be here every week, maximising the pleasure is therefore mandatory. Today for the first time, we had five Full Portions by Restaurant standards.
Mutton Handi
How can this be so good? The Meat on-the-bone was plentiful. The Masala was Shorva-esque, way thinner than the places I also hold in the highest regard. Dark, so Dark, one can see the Coriander in the mix, and more, but what? Methi certainly. Sarina suggested we might need to add more Salt. For a moment I was worried, this I cannot do. It is written. The Seasoning was there, the Kick too, and most importantly the unique blend of Flavours flooded out.
Give me the same ingredients and I could never make this. This was a Curry made by a Master, but today it was not perfect. The Meat varied in Texture, some pieces were delightfully Tender, some required a fair bit of chewing. I am not suggesting this spoiled the experience, it slowed us down, made us appreciate more.
Two Chapattis each was well judged, only scraps would remain at the end. These were a modest size, Light and Fluffy. There was no chance of these turning to Crisp.
Sarina came out to check on our progress:
Is it alright? You’re all quiet.
Mmmm – mumbled Dr. Stan.
We have the food and the portion size we want – was my response. We were far too busy eating to partake in the niceties of conversation.
Sarina announced she had something for us to try. That is how I was introduced to today’s Magnificent Curry.
Karahi Fish
A plateful of Karahi Fish was placed mid table. Oh, it looked Wonderful, has somebody been to The Kashmir Restaurant (Bradford)? Kashmir (IMO) have set the Standard. With pieces of Tomato protruding, this looked remarkably similar.
Oh yes! This had – It. Flaked Haddock sat in a Minimal Masala, this is my type of Curry. Now I have a dilemma. Sarina asked which I would have next time. The answer is simple – Both.
Mags who has only ever watched me eat Fish Curry said she too would have this next time. Can she find her way here?
The Verdict
Mags:
Fabulous, yum. Lots of Coriander, I love Coriander coming through.
Dr. Stan:
Yeh, it was good.
Four words, amazing.
Steve:
Really tasty, some of the meat was quite chewy.
Howard:
The depth of flavour was remarkable, earthy and rich, a Stunning Curry.
The Bill
£64.25. £8.00 for the Large Portion was very acceptable, maybe Sarina should have charged us at least another Pound per portion.
The Aftermath
October is the next time we are all down in Bradford, so there will be a visit.
Lorraine and Sarina bade us a fond farewell, more hugs.
Remarkable.
And so back on the Buses to Halifax-Siddal to meet the rest of – The Company – at the Cross Keys. Robbo and Janet are Queensbury residents but have never been to Sarina’s. That is about to change.