Today is Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday which is why – The Company – are down in Manchester, his choice. Somehow it was agreed that the actual Birthday Bier would be at The Grove, Huddersfield. This made it very easy for the Chaps from Bradford to attend. As John, a native of Huddersfield said:
A Yorkshireman is like a Scotsman with all the generosity squeezed out.
Last month, Hector left Kobane Kurdish Restaurant (8 Bradford Rd, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England HD1 6HY) fully sated yet had not eaten Curry. I suspected that Craig would be particularly interested in the most satisfying of Lamb Dishes with next to no Spice, such is Lamb Qozy (£6.00). Yvonne and Mags were up for this also. I had warned them about the portion size, and suggested that sharing could be an option.
As we walked down from Huddersfield Station, Craig could not work out why I took a deviation at the final moment and photographed Kobane. He and Yvonne had apparently spotted another Kurdish outlet nearby. Hector will have to wait for New year to investigate this.
Entering Kobane seconds before Noon, Howard was already in situ. He had taken the train from Victoria at exactly the same time as we had left Picadilly. His train overtook ours at Stalybridge. Howard had a few minutes to study the Menu. Howard suggested that he and Mags share a Large Lamb Qozy (£8.00). I knew I would be having the alternate Dish – Lamb Tashreeb (£6.00). Craig and Yvonne were inclined to follow this lead.
Before anything could be ordered, Mein Host asked if we wished Soup to start. Last time I was simply brought a plate of Soup. Today we were offered a choice of Lentil or Lamb. The latter I have sampled previously, for me it had to be Lentil Soup, a good choice as it turned out. This had Spice, not excessively so, and was full of Flavour. If available next time, I shall be having this.
And so it was time to order. Yvonne asked for Lamb Tashreeb, however, Mein Host steered her towards the Lamb Qozy. He explained that both dishes have essentially the same ingredients, though the Tashreeb is – Arab-style – with everything mixed in. I was not put off and stuck to my plan, though did take a moment to ask if the Peppers could be withheld, apparently not. Still, it was not Curry and it is really only here where I have an issue with Capsicum.
Despite my warnings about the portion size, Craig and Yvonne each ordered a Standard Lamb Qozy, Howard and Mags would share the Large one.
Lamb Tashreeb
A very large plate with Rice to one side was presented. I could see the pile of Lamb pieces on-the-bone sitting atop what I presume was shredded Naan. Well cooked Tomatoes and Peppers dressed the Lamb. The Soup/Shorva soaked into the Bread, soggy Naan is not exactly Wonderful, however, it was in here that the Flavour was maximised. As I have written oft, Seasoning is all, this Dish had it.
I wonder who could have eaten all that lay before me. The Meat and Vegetables were taken care of, once again the slow-cooked Lamb took me back to Greece and Kleftico. I was glad to have experienced this, but next time I’ll stick with the Qozy.
Lamb Qozy
This is a Dish of many parts. First to arrive was the Salad featuring Lemon Slices. Then the main part of the meal, pieces of slow-cooked Lamb on-the-bone sizzling on a metal platter with Tomatoes and Onions being done to a frazzle. One then decants pieces of the Lamb to a plate with Boiled Rice and Rice Vermicelli. 
The Naan arrives separately in this Dish which is the biggest difference between Qozy and Tashreeb. We had four plates of Rice and four freshly made Naans on the table. Last time I was offered a choice of Vegetables to accompany the Shorva, this time Mein Host simply brought out plates of Soup with Potatoes, Okra and Beans.
I listened to my fellow diners celebrate what lay before them. I was too busy making my own notes to record the gasps of pleasure which rippled around the table. At the end I was congratulated for having found this venue. Craig:
That was spectacularly good.
*
Mein Host was not present on my first visit. He went out of his way to inform us that they open later (Noon) during Ramadan and stay open until 22.00, two hours later than their norm. We shall be back, Huddersfield at New Year, until then.
The Bill
£35.75. How can four people eat so much for so little?
The Aftermath
Over thirty of us assembled at The Grove. There was a cake. How could any of the – Kobane Five – face cake?
