Having eaten early, eating late felt symmetrical, and how could Hector walk past delhi2go (119 Oldham St., Manchester M4 1LN England)? Marg phoned just as I reached my preferred late night Manchester venue, it was only 22.00, hardly late. Mian was outside, engrossed in conversation with a delivery driver. As I walked in, the place appeared to be empty. Amer popped out, almost magically.
With no sign of Chef Shahid, here was the opperchancity to try other things on the menu. I studied the Kebabs and Wraps, then spotted the Peri Peri Fish. Available in two sizes: Single (£5.90) and Double (£7.90), the latter made more sense.
I took a seat, Mian came in and got on with packing the stream of deliveries. Having seen the process in action on my last visit in January, I still find it remarkable that so many send out for food. As the ongoing COVID-19 heads towards crisis in the UK, so even the Hector may have to get on board.
When Mian spotted me, he was straight out from behind the counter, hands were shaken, firmly, despite advice to the contrary. As part of our conversation I related that man has yet to develop a cure for any virus, I heard this being translated into Mian’s first language as he went back to work.
Is the fish still swimming? – I asked Amer around 22.30, it was taking way longer than I expected. A few minutes later I was invited up to the counter. Two Fish sat on a plate, I was invited to choose whatever Salad accompaniment I desired. I kept this to a minimum, meanwhile a plate of Spicy Rice was prepared. The two Fish were distinctly different.
Fish #1
This Fish had clearly been cooked longer, much darker, a slight crust on top. I had to employ a knife to cut it up, a most unusual eating style for Hector. The underside of the Fish was decidedly white. There was next to no Flavour from the Fish or the covering. The Rice had more Flavour than the Fish
Fish #2
This was lighter on top, there was a sense of – runny red sauce. This Fish fell apart using the fork. Now I had Spice but not much more in the way of Flavour. The Seasoning was approaching – nil – and this was a Fish Dish.
Nando’s Fish – is what I had in mind when I placed the Order, this had to go down as a disappointment. If travel is still possible next month I shall try something completely different.
The Bill
£7.90 as was written.
The Aftermath
Everyone was busy as I took my leave. Until next month.