Had Jadis actually performed in Sheffield this evening I would never have made it back to Apna Style (27 Wolseley Road, Sheffield, England S8 0ZT). We needed time for our Lamb Karahi from Al-Faisal Tandoori (Manchester) to digest, so a Pre-gig Curry would have been too early; post gig, Apna Style would have been closed.
Our taxi driver spoke highly of Apna Style as he drove us past Bramall Lane. He knew not what had happened to Lahori Dhera which in recent years became my venue of choice. He did acknowledge that it had been superb.
It is four weeks tonight since I first set foot in Apna Style. I saw great potential here, a matter of a couple of tweaks and the Curry could be something really to savour. The same young boy was serving, the Staff behind the counter all seemed to recognise me, there were welcoming smiles all round. I whipped out the still functioning Huawei and showed the review of Visit #1. One Chap read it aloud to his colleagues. A Chap I had not necessarily been aware of last time introduced himself as Mein Host. The level of excitement was noticeable, the antithesis of our arrival at Al-Faisal earlier.
I was keen to get across that whilst I enjoyed my Apna Style Handi Lamb on the bone (£7.50), I would have thoroughly enjoyed it had there been more Seasoning. The point was taken, he promised to ensure – more Salt. The Spice Level was agreed as – Asian Style. I didn’t think I was getting anywhere with – Methi. Two Chapattis completed the Order.
There was a flurry of photography. I was determined to get all the staff together later. I took the same seat as last time, Steve sat opposite, tonight he would be Howard. Steve asked why I simply don’t add Salt when a I find a Curry to be under-seasoned. I have an agreement with Michael, he has not broken his end, I have not used a Salt Cellar at the table for almost twenty years. It is worth reminding the reader that Steve’s Salt Tolerance is way below mine. What I find to be perfect he has found overbearing. So it goes.
As before, the arrival of a Salad and Raita was the clue that the Curry was coming.
We instantly had a problem, delightful as this Curry looked, only one Portion was served. I looked up at Mein Host, was he surprised that we desired a Portion each? Anyway, he had an instant solution.
Keema Aloo Mutter
This Dish was recommended by a fellow diner on Visit #1, this Portion was on the house. And so we shared both until the arrival of the next Handi. Hector had secured another Feast.
Apna Style Handi Lamb on the bone
Topped with substantial Ginger Strips and Sliced Green Chillies, this Curry looked menacing. The Masala was decidedly Dark and had the Thickness Hector dreams of. This had serious Lamb on-the-bone. Once again all was set for something wonderful, would this deliver?
There was an almost immediate – Wow! – from Steve. I knew Apna Style could well be the Yorkshire Discovery in Curry-Heute for 2018. This Handi had it all, the Meat, Masala, the Toppings all working in harmony. This was – Curry.
How did you find this place? – asked Steve.
I do my homework.
There’s more, much more.
Portion #2 arrived timeously, a new Hot Dish to add to that which was cooling. Another Chapatti was required, to share.
Portion #2 had the same Masala but was topped with even more sliced Large Green Chillies. As ever, the presence of Meat on-the-bone adds a new dimension to the overall Flavour. Hector was in a happy place. This Handi was not for wimps. What is better than Curry? More Curry.
The Keema Aloo Mutter was eaten in tandem with Handi Portion #1. The diversity of food on our plates was very much appreciated, we had Interesting Vegetables to add to the mass of Meat.
This was a Perfect Keema, enough Masala, the Spice and the Seasoning were exactly how I seek them. The Oil was hardly noticeable.
Mein Host leant across the counter to advise us that he considers Keema to be their – Signature Dish.
Tonight had turned into one of those Special Moments when everything comes together. The Tweaked Handi and the unexpected bonus of the Keema. Lahori Dhera may have gone forever, Apna Style has stood up to the mark.
That was excellent – remarked Steve.
Can I quote you on that?
The Wean Waiter asked if I would write something on their website. I have posted the following link, the Apna Style website presently does not permit comments.
The Bill
£16.00 Rounded down I believe, and the Keema Aloo Mutter was indeed Complimentary.
The Aftermath
There are times when I do applaud whilst leaving a Curry House. I asked if I could get a photo of the Staff together. Hector was invited to be part of it, and so I found myself on the other side of the counter. Hector is well and truly known at Apna Style.
Are you the Tandoori Chef? – I asked the Chap who had joined the photo last. You deserve a special photo. Perhaps one day I shall sample his Fayre also.
I’m back in Sheffield in a couple of weeks, we shall see if anyone wishes to share a taxi out here.