This trip to Bradford was conceived to visit and review the new Sheesh Mahal (Halifax). That was completed yesterday, the review is posted, an excellent venue for those living in and around Halifax.
Today, Ricky had arranged a trip to the Bingley Brewery (2, Old Mill Yard, Shay Lane, Wilsden, Bradford, BD15 0DR England). Curry was planned at the original Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) where, Omar, who was our host in Halifax, assured us he would be on duty this evening in Bradford. So that was the plan for – Curry-Heute.
The Bingley Brewery is not in Bingley, despite the postal address, it’s hardly in Wilsden either. Inter-City Ken, Ian, Ricky and Hector made the ten minute walk through the countryside from the closest bus stop to the Brewery. Already, Pracownia Piwa was coming to mind. We did stop to admire the Beef stock en route.
At the entrance to the industrial unit in which Bingley Brewery is located, a couple from the Peacock Bar (25 North Parade, Bradford BD1 3JL England) were setting up their cooking stall at the entrance. Hector visited the Peacock Bar in Bradford some years ago and was made aware, that especially on match days, they serve Indian snacks (gratis?) to their customers. Somewhere in the vaults are photos of the Peacock Bar. The menu was posted, Hector would resist. The Rickmeister predicted that I couldn’t. Hector was emphatic, until…
Initially it was the aroma. Once the thought was planted, there was no going back.
Then I happened to glance at the stall to see two Dishes about to be served. Having sought permission to photograph somebody else’s food, what would follow was inevitable.
Meat Kebab Paneer Tikka
A Seekh Kebab I might have been able to resist. However, the presentation had me hooked, and have I mentioned the aroma? I asked for my Meat Kebab (£4.00) to be cooked without the Capsicum I had spotted in the original.
I know why you add Capsicum – I informed the Lady – Ballast!
She smiled and concurred.
I watched the Onions being fried on the tawa, Spices and a Minimal Masala then being added. I have had Kofta Karahi which was essentially Lamb Seekh Kebab in Masala. This would be not far off.
The photo of the the cooked Meat Kebab straight from the tawa, was followed by the addition of the Mint Raita, and finally – The Foliage. The Chap who was serving was on board by this time. The Calling Card had been pocketed, he knew I was taking this seriously.
Meat Kebab (Capsicum withheld, plus extra Herbs))
I had assumed the Green Garnish to be Fresh Coriander. I was taught when shopping in Glasgow’s KRK grocer to sample a leaf before committing. This was Parsley, or worse still, tasteless Coriander. That was the only disappointment.
The Spice Level was way above the norm, the Seasoning also, this suited the Hector palate. The half-cooked Onions added a pleasant – crunch. The Masala was just enough to coat the pieces of Meat, a – Mini-Curry. What a Snack! Anyone attending the monthly opening to the public at Bingley Brewery must try the Fayre.
There’s more…
Ricky too could not let the opperchancity pass him by. He permitted the addition of the – dreaded green ballast.
Then, Ian, who made his debut Curry-Heute appearance in Wroclaw a few weeks ago, took me surprise. At The Curry of India, he took the vegetarian options. Today he ordered Chicken Jalfrezi (£4.00).
Chicken Jalfrezi
The presentation was as with Ricky’s, a standard coverage of Fresh Herb, not Hector’s over-indulgence. The Dish merited a – Mmmm – from Ian, then he became quite loquacious, well not quite:
… no evidence of Chillies, but there was evidence of heat.
He mentioned – Capsicum – without further comment, no point winding up Hector.
I would have expected some kind of Egg in a Jalfrezi, but these names are the same over the Indian Subcontinent.
Egg in Jalfrezi? This I have never encountered, I don’t think.
It’s normal down here – added Ricky.
I have never managed to properly differentiate between a Dopiaza and a Jalfrezi, both come with an excess of – Onion Blobs. The Curry Marg chooses, then regrets. Our handheld windows to the World were consulted. In the end Ian admitted he could find no evidence that a Jalfrezi should have – Egg. However, in Bradford it is reportedly expected.
We learn something new every day.
The Aftermath
There was more Ale, a taxi (@£7.00) was subsequently ordered to take us straight to Bradford’s Sheesh Mahal. So, no repeat of Pracownia Piwa then.