Craig turned sixty on Sunday, he decided to have his Big Birthday Bash today at The Market Tavern, Brighouse. The joy of retirement, one can hold such events midweek. Brighouse provided an Opperchancity to visit Sarina’s (25 High St., Queensbury, Bradford BD13 2PE). Sarina’s opened today after a two week break, Hector had contacted Dawn, Mein Host, to give the required advance warning for the preparation of Lamb Handi, the Dish which has become Hector’s favourite Bradford Curry. Large portions for five 
were arranged for 12.15, with Aloo added to Mags’ Curry. Hector very nearly didn’t make this rendezvous thanks to – the sunlit vision of hell – that is Platform 14 at Manchester Piccadilly. Why was Hector even at Piccadilly? An over-reliance on both Google Maps and the Scotrail App! The 11.58 left Victoria two minutes late which enabled Hector to join Howard, Dr. Stan and Mags on the train to Halifax.
Lord Clive of Crawley chose to stay two nights in Huddersfield to facilitate today’s main event. We picked Clive up at Halifax train station then took Bus 576 up to Queensbury arriving at 12.14, perfect. Lorraine was front of house and gave the usual warm greeting to us all. Clive was introduced, his first visit to Sarina’s. Lorraine asked why Marg was not here today … something to do with work. Dawn came out from the kitchen, the ritual hugs continued. A table had been added to our usual one, Hector took up his usual spot.
Lorraine verified that we were all – going large. Medium Spice, with a Kick was agreed upon by all. Starters were mooted, it was a bit early in the day but Hector was not going to watch everyone else have Shami Kebab. Five Chapattis completed the Order.
Shami Kebab
The portion was three apiece, it used to be two. Bowls of Raita and Desi Sauce accompanied, the latter is excellent and bears a strong resemblance to the Sauce for Pakora in Hector’s Recipes which is Capsicum based. The Shami had a modest Kick and gave off a very Meaty Taste, Umami. Knowing what was following, Mags gave her third Kebab to Clive who was already enjoying his first visit. Four Shami Kebabs, disgraceful!
Lamb Handi
It looks like a Lamb Stew, the Masala is copious and approaches Shorva. This Curry is a major departure from that which is typically sought in Hector’s favoured Bradford Curry Houses. The Chapattis at Sarina’s are small, people would normally order more than one each, however, who wants to fill up on Bread and spoil the joy that is eating Sarina’s Lamb Handi?
Dawn came out with a frying pan to serve Mags, her bowl filled with Meat and Potatoes, an extra couple of pieces came Hector’s way. We would not be leaving here feeling hungry.
*
Lamb Handi Aloo
This was a much drier Curry than the Chaps had been given. Mags could see that hers had appreciably less Masala and correspondingly less Oil.
Cloves! This was the first powerful Flavour to be recognised. One could easily overdo Cloves, this was judged to perfection. The Masala was Dark, traces of pulped Meat gave it a Thickness. I could see many Seeds, Tomatoes certainly, what else, Dawn’s secret. The Lamb was on-the-bone, it had to be. The Seasoning was – brave. This level of intense Flavour could not be created otherwise. The Meat and Masala most certainly worked in harmony, Magnificent. Ribs were present, Howard and Hector each had a Lamb Chop, we both retained these to the end. The Meat was soft yet still required appreciable chewing, Hector took his time, this was most certainly a Curry to savour.
Clive was finished first:
Not bad at all – was his understatement.
Mags: It’s up there. I love the spicing, really enjoyed it. I might come back – she jested
Even Dr. Stan had a few words:
Spicy, just excellent. Very filling.
Howard:
The first hit is the Lamb, I can’t remember anywhere else where the Lamb is so flavourful. The second hit is the sauce which has so much depth. The combination of the two is a fabulous eating experience.
The Bill
£66.75 We were stuffed, mission accomplished.
The Aftermath
Dawn told us that she was in early this morning to prepare our Curry. We all expressed our appreciation, hugs all round, again.
Curry and cuddles – remarked Clive once we were outside – this is the only place I have been where I’ve had cuddles on the way in and the way out.
And so to Brighouse. The Rickmeister had suggested we visit Royal Delhi which has recently been awarded the accolade of – 5 Star Indian Restaurant of the Year North. North? That’ll be England then. Who wins Awards?
What’s that, Sooty? There was no more Curry eaten today.