Hector found himself at delhi2go (119 Oldham St., Manchester M4 1LN England) earlier than expected. With Schalke 04 in town the Crown and Kettle closed early to avoid trade, crazy. The presence of German Football Fans also inflated the price of accommodation. Instead of the usual Ancoats Travelodge, Hector finds himself staying at the Portland St. – Premier Inn, a bit of a hike from the Northern Quarter where we always end up.
Entering dehi2go, I was surprised to find both Mian and Mohamed behind the counter. There was no sign of Chef Shahid, I asked who was in the kitchen, nobody I knew. If Chef Shahid has gone, this could be a major loss to this establishment. Like his namesake in Glasgow’s Karahi Palace, he has produced some Wonderful Curry in the last couple of years.
I asked for the best – Aloo Gosht – they could possibly prepare, accompanied by the obligatory delhi2go Paratha (£1.70). Aloo Gosht is not on the Menu, I was not asking for any particular style of Curry as the Menu invites, nor did I ask for – Apna-style.
A few Takeaway customers passed through, Kebabs and Burgers, Hector sat alone. One customer asked about using the facilities and was, as ever, directed to the pub next door. It is about time this matter was addressed at delhi2go, how do they get away with it? What do the staff do?
The Curry arrived, it looked decent.
Aloo Gosht
The Toppings Trinity were present, copious Fresh Coriander, Ginger Strips and sliced large Green Chillies. The Minimal Masala looked quite Oily. The Paratha was decidedly – large – and had the required Layering but was not as Flaky as I have enjoyed here in the past. Still, I found myself eating way more of it than I usually manage.
From the first dip of Paratha into the Masala I knew that no prisoners were being taken here. The Spice Level was fierce, the Chillies adding even more of a Kick. There was a complete lack of Seasoning, as a result the distinctive delhi2go Flavours were not present, a disappointment. The Meat looked well cooked, had sufficient cohesion, still quite a bit of chewing was required. This was a great improvement in terms of Texture from the horror show presented here in early January. However, the Lamb had no sense of belonging in this Curry, how long had the Meat been in the company of the Masala? The Potatoes were perfectly cooked and perhaps saved the day. I could have done without the Big Blobs of Onion. This was an – OK – Curry, far from the Quality I have previously enjoyed here.
The Bill
£8.90 Having studied the Menu I was left to wonder how an Aloo Gosht could be £7.20 and not at least 30p more.
The Aftermath
I had to tell Mian that this evening the Curry was OK, nothing Special. I asked after Chef Shahid:
He left at eleven o’clock tonight.
How can delhi2go be open to 02.00 midweek without their Chef? On asking Mohamed the answer suggested that Chef Shahid had gone, as in gone. I sincerely hope this is not the case, if anyone can shed more light on this, please do so.