At the end of January, Hector managed to forgo Curry at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1LQ England), order was restored today. There was an 11.30 rendezvous for those who were interested. Mags appeared at Hector’s back, Dr. Stan was a few minutes later. The plan was to eat early and avoid the lunchtime rush.
For once, Rizwan was not behind the counter, two of his colleagues acknowledged me as I took my place in the queue. A customer who had just been served also said hello, he was there on my last visit. The Rice kettle was topped up with Rice reheated in the microwave as I reached the front of the queue. I asked for my favoured Karahi Lamb on-the-bone with Rice. The Chap serving took a bowl and filled it up, carefully selecting pieces of Meat both Boneless and on-the-bone. In a departure from the norm, I decided to cover the hefty plate of Rice with the foliage. Help yourself, I love this. A Naan was placed on the counter. Was this for me? I had to decline, Rice or Bread.
Karahi Lamb
Mags was behind me and ordered the same. Dr. Stan squeezed himself into the restricted space that is the tables at Kabana, he had Rice and Three.
Rice and Three: Karahi Lamb, Keema Peas and Potato, Channa
In recent visits to Kabana I have congratulated Rizwan on the Quality of his Lamb, today’s continued this purple patch. There was a lot of Meat here, no skimping on the portions. The Oily Masala looked so – Rich – usually I don’t get to see this so clearly as Rizwan serves the Karahi on top of the Rice and so the Masala is absorbed in an instant.
The Rice was Hot, the Curry could have been hotter. Rizwan usually gives the Karahi a quick blast then brings it over. Given my slower pace of eating, the end would be cooler than I prefer. The Ginger added crunch, the Coriander more Flavour, and the Chillies, how many Chillies? I think I overdid the Chillies. I was showing myself no mercy, I took them, I ate them. As a result I lost the pleasure of the Flavours from the Masala, I was left with a Big Spice Hit. What a silly old Hector.
Whilst we ate, the customer referred to earlier came over to chat. He told me that as well as him reading Curry-Heute, Yadgar Cafe across the way has improved markedly in recent times. It is three years since Hector tried the Rice and Three over there. Apparently their Fish Curry is so popular it sells out within the first half hour of business. At least I now know they open at noon.
The Bill
£6.50 Mags had left before me, this is what she paid.
The Aftermath
Rizwan appeared as I made my way to the exit. I handed him the payment. Pleasantries were exchanged, until next time.