Friday 13th, a good day to travel. Today trains were running to time, well almost. At least the trains were running. This is the annual weekend when IQ perform in Bury. Hector learned years ago not to stay in Bury, especially when a night in Manchester is the alternative.
A stay in Manchester, it is written that one starts at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England). We waited until 14.00 to give time for the lunchtime rush to pass. Fridays are different, Kabana was stowed. Marg did manage to grab a table whilst Hector worked out who in the queue had been served and who was waiting otherwise. Rizwan, Mein Host, was busy assembling Orders for delivery. Whilst I waited, all staff behind the counter acknowledged my arrival bar one. The chap who clears the tables waved with – gusto.
For Hector, Karahi Lamb (£6.00), on-the-bone, with Rice (£1.50), always choice #1. Marg went for Keema Spinach (£6.00) with a Chapatti (£0.90). Marg was only too well aware that this was her first Spinach since the debacle in Köln at a Persian Restaurant – Zarathustra – last month. Hector faced up to Palak once again at Yadgar (Glasgow) last weekend.
As ever, when Rizwan served me, he said he would bring the food over himself. I was amused when he brought a plateful of the – foliage. For once Hector would not get to finish the Coriander.
Keema Spinach
No unnecessary Masala, and no visible Oil, this was as Dry a Keema as I have encountered, brave. With the Spinach mixed through the Mince, the appearance reminded me of Haggis. It’s that time of year.
Bread was the only possible accompaniment, there was sufficient moistness to complement a Chapatti, Rice would have killed it. The Chapatti, large, and of the Wholemeal variety, was hot, freshly made. Marg would eat nearly all of her Chapatti, way more than I would have managed. I could have exerted some influence and suggest she have a Naan. Naan at Kabana is a rare treat for Hector.
Marg got tucked in. What looked like a modest plate of Curry proved to be misleading. Remember, with no Masala to speak of, this was a solid mass.
A Soupçon did cross the table, more Seasoning was Hector’s take, but with Saag/Palak, maybe not required.
I think I need a break from spinach – was an early comment by Marg.
Too much of a good thing? – was my response.
Had this come to soon after Zarathustra?
A large portion of Keema with more spinach than I bargained for. A good kick, and a lovely Chapatti completed my main meal of the day.
Karahi Lamb
Rizwan brought the naked Curry. What a portion, – double figures – did not do the Meat count justice. It also made a mockery of the portion size and subsequent price of my last Curry at West End – Chaakoo (Glasgow) at the start of the week.
With the Karahi Lamb suitably – dressed – it was time to tear in.
Starting with the blended Masala and Rice there was an immediate kick and blast of Flavour. Cloves are the distinctive Manchester Spice, I would pick out a piece of 
Cinnamon Bark in due course.
Sucky Bones, their presence is always a sign of pedigree Curry. The Flavours were full on, a Curry that could be eaten every day. I’m sure some people do. I’ll keep using the term – Curry – one day Rizwan will explain why he thinks this is – Karahi. Maybe a hint of Yoghurt in the mix? Whatever, the Masala remains a delight, and the quality of the Lamb never fails to impress.
Plus ça change – I wrote in a certain social medium – one cannot improve upon perfection.
By 14.50, Kabana was relatively empty, however, the peace was disturbed. As we let our food digest, so an extraordinarily loud, local – character – entered, demanding well fired Lamb Chops. Character? Apparently he’s on YouTube.
I saw the Lamb Chops, if only I could manage these and a Curry.
The Bill
£15.40 On Monday, I paid more than this for about a tenth of the quantity of food, and today’s was way better.
The Aftermath
I advised Rizwan that – The Company – will be invading Manchester in ten days. He offered to cook – something special – but gave no clue as to what that might be.
Watch this space.
IQ – Bury
40+ years of Prog Nonsense
