With Lockdown restrictions eased to the point where travel is permitted and hotels are open, even in Scotland, it was time to get away, properly. When the road-map to reopening was announced, Hector booked four nights at the Bradford Travelodge. Days later, the booking was cancelled, only Leeds Vicar Lane would be open in this part of Yorkshire. Four nights in Leeds? No way. Hector has still not got over his first Yorkshire Curry, served in L666s back in 1996. In the end, two nights were booked with the first two nights at a hotel in Halifax. Sarina’s in nearby Queensbury is only operating as a Takeaway presently, this gave the opperchancity to return to the second outlet for Bradford’s Sheesh Mahal – Sheesh Mahal (250 King Cross Rd, Halifax HX1 3JP, Yorkshire, England). On the drive down, The Rickmeister informed us that there is now a third outlet in Dewsbury. Taj is doing well.
Behold the Wainhouse Tower, a folly which can be seen for miles around, and previously always in the distance. Here it was right beside the Sheesh Mahal, well 500m away.
Arriving at 17.30, we were greeted at the door. The other diners, a couple, sat at the table where The Rickmeister and Hector were treated by Omar last August. They had ordered the Tawa, a mass of food for sharing for not a lot of money. A mini Buffet, cooked to order. This could be the shape of things to come.
We took the table opposite the only other diners, some five metres away. Hand sanitiser was to the fore, with the staff gloved and masked, it was hard to recognise initially if any were present on my first visit. In time Hector was remembered.
With the House Special Karahi only available by the Kilo, presumably, it was time to return to the Classic Curry Dishes. Mutton Methie (£6.95) with a Naan (£1.50) for Hector, Marg surprised me by announcing Fish Masala (£7.95) with her standard Chapatti (£0.45). A choice of Haddock or Cod was available, Marg of course took Haddock, the Scottish option. Fish Balti was also on offer at £8.95, I had to ask what the difference was. The Balti has Peppers. That was a close shave.
Tap Water and modest Salad were presented, a far cry from the treatment at the Mother Shop. I had deliberately not told Omar I was coming today, trying to get in under the radar, no special treatment expected.
The Order took about ten minutes longer than anticipated. Our waiter did assure us it would be arriving soon, they were evidently busy with Takeaways, the business that has sustained them in the last four months.
The Chapatti was standard fayre, the type that usually arrive inclusive, and in triplicate, at some Bradford venues. The Naan was huge, comparatively thin, had a buttery sheen but thankfully no Garlic. Mustard (?) Seeds were embedded. This was thoroughly enjoyed, and with Marg’s assistance, all but a scrap was left over.
Mutton Methie
Unusually, a plated Curry for Hector, this was not a Karahi and only had Coriander for a Topping. The sight of this took me back to my first Bradford Curry in 1996, Dry – is how it is described, it’s all relative. No Oil was collecting around the periphery of the Meat and Masala, a good dab by Chef? Masala? Minimal in the extreme, and truly Thick. The Meat had been cut – Bradford small – and so the volume was deceptive.
The Seasoning was there, the Spice Level was – moderate. The killer flavour I associate with Bradford Curry was there, just. It must be more than just about the Methi. Whatever, it’s nothing like what is served in Glasgow, Akbar’s excepted. I cannot but wonder why so many sit down to a plateful of Meat in a Soupy Sauce and think they are having – a decent Curry. Alas, for many, that is what they desire. The plate was wiped clean. I had looked forward to this for so long.
Fish Masala
Flaked Haddock, again in a Minimal Masala, why was Marg having my customary Bradford Breakfast? This was quite a departure from her customary Keema.
I didn’t think it would be this good – was an early remark. Marg has watched me have this for years.
The dish was full of flavour and had a good texture.
Needless to say, one Chapatti was not enough, I had anticipated that Marg would be helping me with the Naan.
It worked well with my Chapatti. I thoroughly enjoyed it, Bradford-style taste, it had a bit of a kick as well.
Marg is still surprised when Curry has – Spice!
The Bill
£16.95 Bradford Curry prices!
The Aftermath
Vocation Brewing Co., Hebden Bridge, the real reason why staying in Halifax became such an attraction. The Bier from Vocation has bee regarded by – The Company – as the best on offer in any supermarket during Lockdown. Marg opted not to drive us instead of taking the train the two stops along the valley. A very pleasant evening reached its natural conclusion.
