Manchester – Al-Faisal Tandoori – We’re Back!

Hector and Marg entered Al-Faisal Tandoori (69 Thomas St., Manchester, M4 1EG) just after 12.30 around the same moment when Ryan Jack put Glasgow Rangers ahead at Ibrox:

We’re back! – I said to Tariq, Mein Host as we wheeled our luggage to the far end of the room. I told Tariq we were en route to Huddersfield for New Year but had to stop off for a Manchester Curry. Salim, in his usual serving spot, raised a half smile as he took the Order. Lamb Karahi (£5.80) on Rice (£1.30) and Vegetable Samosa (£0.70) please. I returned to the table, it’s Saturday, Kabana does not open on a Saturday.

A few minutes later Tariq brought the food. I looked up at the counter, the usual Chopped Green Chillies and and Fresh Coriander were not there. I decided to eat this Lamb Karahi – naked.

I counted twelve pieces of Meat smothered in a simple blended Masala. There is nothing complex about the Curry of the Northern Quarter, simple fayre at attractive prices.

The Kick was there, the Seasoning was a tad below Hector’s ideal. The Quantity of Rice was appropriate for what lay on top, there would be no wastage. I spotted – The Bits – with around a third of the Karahi remaining, Marg fetched the necessaries. This livened up the proceedings, now we’re talking. Satisfaction was achieved.

Meanwhile across the table, Marg was surprised to see her Vegetable Samosa arrive as a pair. The accompanying Modest Salad had spoonfuls of Tamarind and Raita on top.

My coffee (at Glasgow Central) cost £3.00 – Marg remarked.

This puts in perspective the real cost of goods.

Tasty, the pastry was a bit soggy, well worth the money, I can’t believe I got two for the price.

One suspects the Samosas may have been – dinged. Pastry does not work so well in the microwave, but why were they then not hot?

Hector knows how to show a woman a good time.

The Bill

£7.70  Lunch for two.

The Aftermath

We stopped for coffee further along Thomas St., £2.80, QED.

The final whistle went at Ibrox just as we pulled in to Huddersfield.

1 v 0, our first league victory in an Old Firm match since we came back from the lower divisions – We’re Back!