The plan: Saturday Lunchtime in Manchester en route to see Jadis in Sheffield, except Gary Chandler bust his shoulder so the gig was cancelled a few weeks back. Having paid for trains and accommodation, Steve and Hector were not being put off, who would turn down the opperchancity for Bier & Curry?
Saturday Lunchtime, that can only mean Al-Faisal Tandoori (58 Thomas St., Manchester M4 1EG England) which has moved across the street; the original premises are due to be modernised, transformed into something else which Rizwan of Kabana told me last time I was down, could involve a hotel of sorts.
Having taken a photo of the exterior I marched into the Restaurant to find it empty. Steve called me back, I had just walked into Yadgar Cafe, autopilot or what? The sun was in my eyes. Al-Faisal is next door, Kabana across the way, the Northern Quarter is well served for Fast Food Curry.
I recognised the tables, nine in total seating thirty six, significantly more than before. The long counter on the right housed the kettles etc, the same Chap as always was dishing up the Fayre. As usual there was no flicker of recognition. Compare this to the warm welcome at Kabana. Kabana is closed on Saturdays, still. Another Chap at the far end of the counter was taking orders.
A new screen listed what was on offer. Hector was pushing the boat out, Lamb Karahi (£5.50) with Rice (£1.30). Steve took the Paratha (£1.50). Hector prefers Rice at Lunchtime, Bunkers, and plenty of time to digest. We both knew there would be further Curry-Heute in Sheffield.
The Chap doing the food put a mass of Curry into a plastic bowl. Karahi-Ding! They never used to do that, are the kettles no longer working?
Steve’s Paratha came first so he took the first Lamb Karahi and fetched the Chillies and Coriander. The Paratha was a decent size but looked a bit thin, too thin for proper – Layering. I would have called this a Thick Chapatti. Steve devoured all regardless.
My Order arrived seconds later, just how much Coriander can one take? This much, sheer indulgence. The single Chapatti would prove to be sufficient. Soft, not Roti.
Beneath the foliage lay Soft-Tender Lamb easily into double figures. The Masala was simple, Blended. In what way this was a – Karahi – could be questioned, but why would you? This Tasty a Curry at this price is not to be scorned.
The Flavour from the Base Curry was totally distorted, enhanced, transformed by the copious Green Chillies and Coriander. Unsurprisingly, there was a serious – Kick. One knows one’s limits. Fresh Coriander, always delightful.
A few words from Steve:
That was lovely, it hit the spot. The addition of the Chillies and Coriander makes a big improvement.
This was classic Manchester Apna-style Curry. It is what it is.
The Bill
£13.80 In fact, we paid separately.
The Aftermath
Still no recognition, I made a point as always of making my – Farewell – heard. One day Hector will be acknowledged here. Kabana tomorrow.