On the 576 Bus from Bradford to Halifax in the early afternoon, it was puzzling to see Sarina’s (25 High St., Queensbury, Bradford BD13 2PE) open. Hector and Sarina have been in contact in recent months regarding her other Business Opperchancity in Halifax which would see the Queensbury Curry House open later. All would be revealed.
The Rickmeister had already emailed Hector today, he was determined to have Curry-Heute at Sarina’s. Ricky subsequently arranged Curry for six before the reported 20.00 closing time. No Bones – was Ricky’s instruction, I contacted Sarina myself to try and overcome this. At that time she had not received Ricky’s communication, at least she now knew we were coming.
Robbo became the advance party, Ricky led Dr. Stan, Howard and Hector from The Pump Room (Halifax) across to the Bus Station for the 19.15 Bus. Somehow he managed to miss it. The Sensible Three reached Sarina’s to find Robbo and Janet well through their Chicken Curry.
Sarina-Dawn and Lorraine gave their customary greeting. They are used to seeing us before we go off to imbibe, not after. Tonight would be a very different experience. Ricky rolled in, a taxi had come to his rescue. Ricky paying for a taxi – solo? We are not in Kansas any more.
Howard and Hector both ordered Meat Masala, Spicy for Hector. Ricky chose Keema Spinach and Dr. Stan – Keema Peas. All Main Courses are believed to be charged at £5.95. Chapattis are 50p each at Sarina’s. Ricky ordered three, the rest of us two. Lorraine enquired about Starters, these had not been discussed. Why not? There was sufficient Shami Kebab (£2.85) for three of us, Ricky settled for the Chicken-Cheese Meatballs (£2.85). Sorted.
For the first time at Sarina’s, Hector had to enquire about using the Facilities. I knew they were through the kitchen and so did not miss the photo opperchancity of catching Sarina at work.
The Starters arrived, the pairs of Shami Kebab were accompanied by two Dips, one Yoghurt based, the other Tomato. These strongly resembled the Recipes for the Dips to accompany Pakora on a well known and reliable Curry Blog. The Crispy exterior of the Shami gave way to a Spicy interior. The Dips made it. Meanwhile Ricky devoured his Meatballs without comment.
The most important feature of our visit this evening was the declaration that Sarina will be concentrating on her own business here in Queensbury, the Halifax distraction was not practical. The outcome sees Sarina’s open at 14.00 daily (not Sunday) until 20.00. This does not suit Hector’s preferred dining preference for a Noon Curry when in Bradford, however, Dawn agreed to compromise on this given notice.
The Keema
There was little more than the customary – Mmmm – from Dr. Stan. Hector was far too busy enjoying the Meat Masala to be taking notes from across the table.
Meat Masala
The Portion always looks Small, but is deceptive. Without Bones, the bowl holds enough. The Meat was shrouded in Chillies and sat in an Oily Shorva. This is not Hector’s preferred style of Masala, but when it delivers this Abundance of Flavour then who cares? This Curry had the Classic Bradford Curry Taste, Hector had his blast of Methi, at last. There was a Big Spice Hit, the Seasoning was exactly how it should be – brave. This Curry can only be bettered by the inclusion of – Bones – as features in the Mutton Handi which Hector has been ordering in advance for the last couple of years. That we were here at all this evening was totally unexpected despite Ricky’s email this morning.
The Bill
£39.40 We managed to get Ricky to put cash on the table eventually, he was distracted.
The Aftermath
Behold a massive Takeaway being readied for tomorrow.
It was well after the 20.00 closing time. Dawn and Lorraine were being subjected, as were the rest of us, to Ricky’s – Philosophy of Life. He is pursuing a potentially life changing liaison and was being mercilessly wound up by Dawn and Lorraine. Dawn could see – Ricky & Vicki – appearing on his windscreen. Oh yes!
And so we crossed the road to take the 576 back to Bradford, another first. Ricky did not miss the Bus.