The final day of this trip: this means the Hector does not have to have Curry tomorrow, though thoughts of Kofta Palak on Saturday are already looming! In keeping with the name of this Blog, another Manchester Curry had to be squeezed in. 13.20 at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England) was a good time to arrive, the lunchtime rush being over.
Rizwan was keen to tell me that Craig and Yvonne had been in earlier, their third visit in four days. The less said about their choice of Chicken and Capsicum, the better. Kabana has something for everyone, Vegans too, I had to verify this a bit since on behalf of a friend.
Rizwan was able to tell them that I had been up at the other Kabana (Cheetham Hill) yesterday, having Quail. He also informed me that two chaps from Edinburgh had been in, followers of Curry-Heute – home and abroad!
Followers, but not Curryspondents, unless I have missed something. Do get in touch!
Today’s Curry, a repeat of a successful creation had here in January. I can just about get away with calling it – Fish Karahi. I am able to quote the elements and their prices based on the posted menu. The cost of the crowning ingredient would be established at the time of paying. Fried Fish (£5.50), Rice (£2.00), Salad (£0.50), and a bowl of the Masala from the Karahi Lamb (£?.??).
Marg, who had not had Curry since Monday, was happy to order her favourite once again: Keema Peas (£6.50) and a Chapatti (£1.00).
We took a table in the back corner, a bit of a squeeze, but such is the seating at Kabana. Marg was facing the counter, Hector had the wall.
Rizwan brought a plateful of the – foliage. The Coriander was back. Was that all I was getting? Emoticon understood.
Keema Peas
This portion had Oil collecting on the edge of the bowl whereas Monday’s had not. One of The Company had remarked on the quantity of Peas. If one is not adding Potato, then let’s have a decent quantity of Peas. After the ritual photo, Marg added a modest sprinkling of Coriander and some Ginger, not Green Chillies.
I liked the little bit of Coriander and Ginger I added.
The Chapatti shows clear signs of having risen, this was beautiful Bread.
A Creation – Fish Karahi
The Fish was presented on top of the Rice, and adjacent to the Salad and Raita. Spiced Onions had been squeezed on to the plate also.
A standard-huge Kabana portion.
As I decanted some of the Masala so I was amused to find Sucky Bones! Rizwan had given me the Masala from the better of the two Karahi pots.
There was still the – foliage – to add.
It was good to have Spiced Onions without the oft used red food colouring. Crunchy, Spicy, this would give additional Texture to the Creation, as would the Salad components.
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The Fish produced an instant – Wow! It was difficult to determine if the coating was a fine Batter or Breadcrumbs. Rizwan would later confirm – Batter – and a secret recipe. Coley (Saithe/Pollock) from the Cod family gives off a potent sense of – Fishiness, just what the Hector seeks. White and firm, nothing – rubbery – here. Without the Masala, this would not have been – Curry. Using the Masala sparingly to cover the Fish and maintain the moistness of the Rice, the Creation was living up to expectation.
Rizwan came over to chat, he talks to all his customers. Yesterday’s Quail was discussed. Sweet with a kick – was how Rizwan described the accompanying Masala. Exactly as Hector has written.
Why have I only seen Paul and not his brother – Mani – in recent visits?
Mani doesn’t work on Wednesdays.
No Quail for Mani.
Rice & Three
From her advantageous viewpoint, Marg saw the arrival of Dr. Stan, his second Curry in three days. Dr. Stan moves in mysterious ways as was established recently in Brussel. The Good Doctor had Rice & Three (£9.50): Spinach + Potatoes, Keema Peas, and Karahi Lamb. By restricting my space further, we managed to squeeze him onto the table beside me. Opposite would have been impossible.
The Hector was still eating, the tail of the Coley and the remaining Masala. It was decided that the Rice which was still white would be abandoned.
Satisfaction achieved.
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Mags came in. Karahi Lamb on-the-bone and a Chapatti for Mags. This was reviewed once more earlier this week.
With no chance of sitting at ours, she secured the back middle table which in theory can accommodate six. The seating and tables move, flexibility is the name of the game. Everyone is accommodated.
Six of The Company had eaten at Kabana today, and four others earlier in the week.
The Bill
£17.00 I deduce the bowl of Masala was £1.50, £2.00 at most if the Salad and Onions are part of the Fried Fish order.
The Aftermath
Rizwan was chuffed with himself for adding the Sucky Bones. He even used this vernacular. It had to be.
Once again, Rizwan offered to cook me a Fish Karahi given notice. If there’s a Manchester Beer Festival next year and we once again return mob handed, the challenge will be set.
Stepping outside, I had to record the graffiti opposite, this sums up the last six weeks:
