At 18.00 last night an email from easyJet flashed up on the Huawei – flight cancelled! The heart sank. I looked at the easyJet booking site, seats on today’s flight from Berlin to Manchester were still on sale, then I noted the flight number. It was next Monday’s flight from Krakow to Edinburgh which had been cancelled, a flight I had written off. I had three flights booked back from Polska, all cancelled. This morning I checked the departures at Berlin Tegel, my 10.20 flight to Manchester was operating.
Checking in to the Ibis at noon, I messaged Mags to arrange a rendezvous at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1LQ England) at 12.35. She was due to join twenty plus people tomorrow in Krakow, instead, she tagged along with Craig and Yvonne on their trip to Manchester.
On landing, I had verified with Rizwan, Mein Host at Kabana, that he would be open today. I reached Kabana at 12.30, I was relieved to be here, Hector’s Horrible Holiday had ended. Rizwan follows my travels – living the life – is how he describes it. On relating the events of the last few days, he summed it up – if you live the life you have to put up with the difficulties. Kabana is usually full at this time. The government have advised people to stay away from pubs and restaurants, unlike Polska who have closed them all. My friend Robert who owns Browariat (Katowice), where this sojourn commenced last Thursday, does not know how his business can survive.
Karahi Lamb on-the-bone was served, what a plateful. Rizwan helped me smother his finest Dish with – the foliage – a Manchester ritual. Taking my seat, Rizwan introduced me to chaps at the adjacent table. Curry-Heute was duly noted, welcome! One asked me about the best Curry venue in Manchester. I confirmed that (IMHO) Kabana was by far the best of the Northern Quarter venues, however on Cheetham Hill Road, opposite – the other Kabana – Lahori Basha is certainly worthy of a visit for their Lamb Karahi. The mighty Deera further up the same road is still Hector’s #1 Manchester venue.
As I completed my photographic ritual, so Mags arrived. She took the Rice & Three option – Karahi Lamb, Keema Peas and Chicken Masala. Mags commented upon the size of the portion wondering if she could manage all this. For Hector, the 05.45 (GMT) rise meant the stomach was well and truly ready, just eat slowly, Hector. Omeprazole helps, but is not a magic bullet.
Karahi Lamb
This Curry just gets better and better. From where is Rizwan sourcing his Meat? Soft/Tender/Succulent – does not do it justice. Every piece is a joy whether it be the bits served on-the-bone or the boneless. The Lamb gave off the required Umami Taste whilst also releasing the Spices back to the palate. The Seasoning was there and so the Flavours were full on. My first bite was into a Black Cardamom, not the best of starts. The sliced Green Chillies guaranteed the Spice Level would be a bit of a challenge. Biting into whole Black Peppercorns added both Flavour and a – kick.
My train home tomorrow has been timed to let me come back here for lunch beforehand. I’m having the same again. I am tempted to simply post – same again.
Rice & Three
Look at this, a huge piece of Capsicum, that’s what happens when one orders a Chicken Curry! Mags was making positive comments about the Chicken Masala from the off – the chicken is wonderful. Hopefully, Hector will never find out.
They certainly know how to make a Curry in here – was her concluding remark.
The Bill
£6.50 Where else can one get such Quality Curry at this price?
The Aftermath
Rizwan told me that he is becoming concerned about his supply of Lamb and Chicken, prices have trebled. His present pricing structure is therefore not sustainable. Enjoy it while you can.