For inexplicable reasons, Marg decided she would treat The Rickmeister and Hector for Brunch this Monday lunchtime. There had to be a Bradford Curry, in Bradford at some point in this trip, but where? The Kashmir Restaurant (27 Morley St, Bradford BD7 1AG England) was my first suggestion, but Ricky has not been there for some twenty years he told me – too salty. Eh? Ricky was sure that International was open – their website says so. In reality, it doesn’t, 16.30 is clearly stated. It is a long time since I’ve had a lunchtime Curry at International, late afternoon opening became their norm a while back.
We drove past Punjab Sweet House & Grill Centre which I had thought of since we had the car. It was closed. We parked opposite the Polish Centre for International, closed. Kashmiri Aangan was my next suggestion, on arriving, everything had changed. It has been re-branded as – The Deli Bar. Being open, it was worth a try.
On taking our seats it became apparent this was definitely not the place where Hector had enjoyed a Meat Karahi and perfect Paratha last year. Curry is no longer served here. Sweet Centre a few metres away, closed. No way was Ricky going back to PIND, even if it was open. Sultan Restaurant was not far away, closed. There was only one option remaining. If Kashmir was not open there would be no Bradford Curry for Hector this day.
A new Middle Eastern restaurant – Bab Yooma – on Wilton St. was noted as we left the car park. Sabri’s still intrigues, I have never seen it open.
The door leading downstairs into Kashmir was open. It was 13.50 when we entered, possibly the first customers of the day. The place was empty but three more couples turned up soon afterwards. Tables had been removed, we were all suitably spaced.
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The usual chap who serves was not present today, Hector was still recognised by the his stand-in. The New Menu, traditionally card, is now paper, disposable. Prices have increased around £1.00 per Curry, losses have to be recovered. However, prices here are still rock bottom for what comes. The Salad and Dip were brought to the table.
Hector was always going to have the Fish Karahi (£7.90), whilst Marg surprised me again by requesting Keema Karahi (£7.90). Is Marg becoming the – Karahi Queen? Ricky’s first choice was Kofta (£7.90), not available, he settled for Keema Spinach Masala (£7.50).
Do you all want Chapattis?
We had discussed if inclusive Naan was still part of the deal, it was simpler to go with the flow. Three Poppadoms were then brought, none of us had had breakfast, they didn’t last long.
The Chapattis were presented in a basket. They were not counted, at least six was presumed, and of course being the Bradford way, these were inclusive. Marg would have one, Hector two, and Ricky …
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Fish Karahi
Pieces of Tomato featured prominently in the plate of Flaked Fish and Masala. The pieces of Fish may well have been larger than the norm.
The Spice hit hard, then the powerful taste of the Fish. A Fish Karahi that actually tastes of Fish, something one should not take for granted. The Fish Karahi remains a light meal, even with as much Chapatti as I could eat. This was why I was so happy to come here, an always reliable source of pleasure.
Keema Spinach Masala
The dark, rich colour gave this Curry a most tantalising appearance. The Spinach always adds a new dimension. Ricky demonstrated his skilled method of eating with Chapattis, creating little Bread pockets into which he scoops the Keema. His verdict after such a long absence:
This has been OK, not wonderful, but OK. You get what you pay for. At least they’re open.
Keema Karahi
Served in a karahi, this appeared to have the largest quantity of the three Dishes served. Suitably – Dry – with no Oil collecting, and just enough Masala to provide moistness and no more, this was a master-class in serving Keema.
Marg mentioned – Cloves – as she tucked in. Despite having declared her hunger, the quantity beat her, no food was going to waste, the remnants were divvied up.
The Soupçon that came my way highlighted the – Dry. Unfortunately, the intensity of Flavour on the palate from the Fish, meant that the taste-buds were incapable of sensing any more. Marg had a few words, which may already becoming familiar on this trip:
Tasty, had some Tomato in it, good texture, and enjoyable with the Chapatti.
The Bill
£23.90 For three people. One often pays more than this for two.
The Aftermath
There were no staff visible to bid farewell as we departed, Social Distancing in the extreme. A chap was standing at the top off the stairs, swithering about coming in. I assured him that Kashmir was probably the only place in Bradford open this lunchtime.
Ricky was dropped off at his Schloss, this may be the last we see of him for some time. Kiev, one day.