Five us spent the afternoon at the Cloudwater Brewery Tap, kerching! Hector may well have had a Wonderful Karahi for lunch at Kabana earlier today, Curry-Abend was inevitable. Howard and Mags were up for Curry at delhi2go (119 Oldham St., Manchester M4 1LN England) which has become consistent (again?). Somehow Howard got ahead of us, we passed him, Takeaway in hand, as we walked down Oldham St.
Mian, Mein Host recognised us, this was only Visit #7, it feels like many more. Chef Shahid smiled in acknowledgement from the kitchen. I beckoned to him, out he came. I would order – off menu. I described the perfect Hector Curry: Lamb, on-the-bone if possible, Minimal, Thick Masala, Spicy, Methi, no Capsicum, Desi/Apna style. The Paratha (£1.70) served at delhi2go is amongst the very best, and the price is the most amenable. At delhi2go they are always served – Whole. Mags ordered her usual Aloo Gosht and a Paratha. Aloo Gosht is not on the Menu, not a problem. This would be the first time Mags and Hector have sat together at delhi2go.
There had been flurry of photography. A new Chap behind the counter asked what I was doing? I assured him he was not in any if that was his problem. I gave him a Calling Card to introduce myself. Mian came and sat with us whilst we waited, he told a tale of disruptive chaps who arrived recently. Perhaps his colleague was afraid of us two – Weegies.
Mian brought the food, note the marked difference in colour between the two Dishes.
Aloo Gosht
This was a Debut Curry on Curry-Heute at delhi2 go. There was as much Potato as Meat, everything looked larger than everything else. The Toppings were Fresh Coriander, the Ginger Strips and slices of Large Green Chillies. The Masala was a bit on the – oily – side, but no doubt was more than fit for purpose. Sian explained the the Oil was necessary.
Mags was defeated by the Quantity, as is the practise at Karahi Palace (Glasgow) she took half of her Aloo Gosht back to the hotel. Cold Aloo Gosht for Breakfast.
Mian brought over – The Bits – after-spice. Mags paid £7.00 and departed.
The Paratha was excellent. The Layering, Softness and Flakiness were present, along with – The Swirl. Importantly, the Paratha retained a decent level of warmth.
The Hector Curry
The Masala was Dark, yet this photo has not captured the full extent of this, see above. Burgundy – is what I recorded, the Masala looked as if a glass of red wine had been added, now there’s a thought for Hector’s Home Cooking. Tomato Seeds were visible, the Masala was delightfully – Thick. The same Toppings had been liberally sprinkled, look back to Zest (Edinburgh) on Sunday: you’ll have had your garnish?
I counted fourteen large pieces of Meat, some Bones were present. Round pieces of Lamb, these are rare. The Kick was instantaneous due in part to the Chillies. As for the Flavour, the Curry had been been prepared to my description, of course it was sensational!
The Bill
£7.00 Who was going to argue?
The Aftermath
I took some of the Spicy Mix: Sweet, Crunchy, Cooling. I had more Seeds to work out from the gaps between my teeth. A dental hygienist would have had a good workout. Hector prefers to have the Flavour of the Curry live long on the palate, The Bits kind of spoiled this.
Faced with the Tram back to Salford Quays, I asked about the Facilities. I was directed to the pub next door, interesting. What happens at 02.00?
