Howard had planned his trip to Sheffield for a gig, postponed. However, he did come up with an outdoor performance by Henge in Manchester this afternoon. Tickets were obtained for the Sheffield four. Fortunately, an earlier rise this morning was already arranged to accommodate a noon check-in at Manchester Ancoats followed by lunch at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1LQ England). This was the day after a certain Manchester football team lost a European Cup Final. Their local rivals had done the same earlier in the week. So it goes.
I had already contacted Rizwan, Mein Host, to verify that all was well in Manchester and that he would be in his spot. The customary salutations were therefore exchanged when Clive and Hector entered just after 12.30. Rizwan had been following my travels courtesy of a well known social medium. Living the life – is his usual remark. Set free – perhaps better describes where we are.
Marg went elsewhere in the Northern Quarter for Brunch, she was not up for Curry so soon after yesterday’s outstanding experience at Syhiba (Wakefield). Howard went off to the gig early, to claim his seat.
Rizwan knew Hector’s order: Lamb Karahi on-the-bone with Rice.
I have been imagining this for months – I informed Rizwan.
There’s nothing like this, the juices were flowing in anticipation.
I let Clive sort his own order: What’s Nehari? – he asked.
Rizwan suggested he have Bread to accompany, given the nature of the Dish I would have suggested Rice. Clive went for both: Lamb Nehari, Rice and a Naan.
I took a table in the relatively empty restaurant. At this time on a weekday, the place would be heaving. Squeezing into a seat here is difficult at the best of times, a year of Lockdown has not helped the waistline. Marg arrived in time to take a photo, her chosen venue would take her in, but not serve her for over half an hour. Marg fetched a pair of Samosas.
Two chaps sat at the adjacent table with three young kids. The kids stood on the bench seating throughout, bawling at each other and everyone else. There was no need for this. Another family came in and sat behind, cue the kids. What is wrong with these people? Instill discipline. Hector nearly came out of retirement. For the record, there wasn’t a peep out of the kid in the above photo.
Time to eat.
Lamb Karahi
I helped myself to the famed Manchester Foliage, what a plateful, now we’re talking.
The Quality of Rizwan’s Lamb never ceases to amaze, his Butcher should be here to take a bow. The Texture, Tender does not begin to describe it. Sucky Bones were present, these add to the Flavour, further pleasure.
The Masala, how I have missed this. Some shrouded the Meat, the remainder soaked into the Rice, magical Flavours. I encountered the largest Clove I have ever seen. Manchester Curry tends to be Clove-rich.
The mountain of food shrank slowly, in time every grain of Rice was eaten, the wee pile of bones accrued. I have missed this. I assured Rizwan that I would be back tomorrow for more before heading home. Home? This is Hector’s Manchester home.
*
Lamb Nehari
Normally served with a leg of Lamb sticking out from the Soupy Masala, I was surprised at what came. Rice was required to soak up all this Masala.
Spicy, but not spicy – was Clive’s description.
It’s all about the Flavours. Clive pronounced the Lamb as being – the best ever.
Samosas
Chunky and meaty, a perfect pair.
The Bill
£8.60 For the Karahi, Rice and Samosas.
The Aftermath
Farewells, until tomorrow. We took the tram down to Deansgate and found the brownfield site where the Henge gig would take place, just beyond Gasworks. Summer has arrived, a hat was mandatory for the Hector.
The afternoon show was aimed primarily – for the children. An opperchancity to get kids used to seeing live music, and learn how to behave, there were no issues here.
Henge, Cosmic Dross is how they describe their music. Hawkwind on acid – is Hector’s description. Part music, part cabaret, the Aliens had beamed down to give a performance to the Earthlings.
Howard and Hector first saw Henge in Manchester back in October 2019. The review is here, also I posted a video of a few minutes of that show. Madness.
The band were due on at 14.00, and were thankfully punctual as their audience slowly melted. A one hour show, they got through their standards – Computer Interface, In Praise of Water, but no – Demilitarise – which some in the audience were already singing as Henge completed their set.
The majority of Henge’s music is Sequencer driven, when the keyboard player gets let loose, there are some fine proggy breaks.
As I hope is appreciated, being outdoors, in daylight, I managed to get some decent photos which hopefully capture the mood. Henge are due in Glasgow later in the year, all being well. Will Marg want to see them again? She got the vibe, I think.
