Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) is where Hector had his heart set for this evening’s Curry. Actually, Curry was not the objective, but more of the truly magnificent – Fish – which Omar served Steve and me in June. That and Lamb Chops. Alas, things have not been going well for Sheesh Mahal of late, the hygiene inspectors recently gave them a rating of – 1. On our return from the Goose Eye Brewery at Crossflatts (Bingley) I phoned to confirm the Sheesh was open and that my fantasy Fish Dish was available. The Sheesh was open, there was no Fish.
International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1BA) became the inevitable fallback, they too were found to be lacking in the hygiene department a couple of years back. Surely these businesses must learn that the rules are in place for the benefit of all?
An end of evening Curry? What happened to lunchtime and the man who would visit three Bradford Curry Houses a day? A very British Brunch was had in Haworth. Marg likes Howarth.
It was 22.45 when we entered International, the new illuminated signage was not. What was wrong with the original? I spotted a table opposite the counter and confirmed we could take it. I have sat under the stairs too often of late.
Marg was only having Lamb Chops (£4.95), for Hector, the Curry which Steve found to be – amazing – back in June: Lamb Masaledar (£10.95).
Despite being sat in a prominent position, we were not being served. Eventually one of the army of young waiters came to take the Order.
We haven’t been given Menus yet!
Poppadoms were declined, back in the days of Khalid and Ali these would have been on the table in an instant. The waiter stated that the Lamb Chops were a portion of five, astonishing value if so. The Menu has the Lamb Masaledar down as having a three Chilli rating. I asked for – Medium, plus.
Hot, Asian style – said the waiter as he made his notes.
I asked for a Chilli and Coriander Naan, not on the Menu, this request was possible.
No Garlic, it tends to dominate.
I get your point – was the reply.
This chap was on the same page. I asked what he would have suggested, Lamb Karahi (£10.95) was his preference. So it goes.
The counter had four empty tins of Bier. Chaps sitting at the window table opposite me plonked four tins on the table as they took their seats. I do not recall this being a feature of late night dining at International in former times.
Lamb Chops
A pile of Lamb Chops sat before Marg, the count was four, they appeared to be scrawny. The latter proved to be wrong. Marg observed that they had been folded and skewered, so the Chops were appreciably larger than they first looked.
Compared to the epic meal across the table, Marg took no time at all in devouring the well cremated Lamb Chops. Four, all to herself, what has Hector created?
The round Naan was shiny, but as requested, no Garlic Butter had been used. This was an excellent Naan, the Chilli would enhance the Spice Level of the Curry, the Coriander add to the overall Flavour. Light, not too doughy, we both tore in. Marg was having this as a second course.
Lamb Masaledar
The – fresh coriander – garnish was decidedly minimal. I always appreciate a wedge of Lemon, Citrus can add a new dimension. The Meat had been cut – Bradford small – and was surrounded by probably more Masala than one would expect in a Bradford Curry. The Oil was – as I like it.
The Naan was used to mop up the Masala, in a few minutes I had reduced it to the expected quantity. In doing so the Spice Level was noted as being right up there, a Spicy Curry featuring sliced Bullet Chillies accompanied by Chillies on the Naan. The Seasoning was right where I wanted it also, this had the makings of something special, but where was the Pickle? It wasn’t there, not a trace. Had Chef blundered?
I took another photo at the halfway point. This looked more like a classic Bradford Curry, suitably drier. Full of Bread, it was time to attack the neat Curry. It was only at this point that the Herb Flavours were realised, The Bradford Curry Taste at last.
I took a timeout. The Flavours were coming across strongly on the palate, the tongue was throbbing. Marg helped herself to a couple of bits of Meat. Once the shock subsided, she was back for more. No way would I have finished this Curry without Marg’s assistance. Marg was taking this in her stride. What was going on here? Between us we finished all but a scrap of the Naan and some of the sliced Chillies.
An enjoyable Curry indeed, but where was the Pickle?
The Bill
£19.85 The Naan was £3.95, £1.00 more than the others on offer. Once upon time, it would have been inclusive.
The Aftermath
I took photos of The Kashmir Restaurant across the street, it is many years since I dined there of an evening. One thing was certain, tomorrow, I would be back for my customary lunch, the final Curry of this trip.
