What time are we meeting? – texted Steve.
Now – I replied.
And so Hector, Marg and Maggie entered Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England) at the arranged 13.30.
Steve and Mags were at the counter, both having ordered Karahi Lamb (£6.50), so yesterday. Steve went boneless, with a Chapatti (£1.00) whilst Mags followed Hector’s model having – on-the-bone – and Fried Rice (£2.00).
Clive had arrived first, securing the side tables, but was waiting for Maggie to arrive to order his Lamb Chops Tikka (£6.50) and Fried Rice. Lamb Chops Tikka was reviewed yesterday, as enjoyed by Marg, outstanding.
What was Clive to do with the Rice? Maggie, who was trying to avoid calories, considered Chicken Tikka (£5.00) to suit her needs. This was served with a Raita smothered Salad and Spice Onions a la Lamb Chops. It did the job, Maggie was once again impressed. The remainder of the above was covered yesterday, and given how much will be written this week, no need to go there again.
For Marg, who had been out for porridge earlier, a mere Indian Tea (£3.00) was once again her order. A cheap date.
For Hector, the – Masala Fish Creation: Fried Fish (£5.50), Fried Rice and a bowl of Masala from the Karahi Lamb.
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Masala Fish Creation
A huge slab of Pollock (Saithe/Coley) shrouded in baked on Spice, sat atop the standard Kabana accompaniments of Raita/Salad and Spiced Onions. Beneath, more Fried Rice than a Hector would manage today. Yesterday every grain was consumed, but that was much later in the day. Rizwan thought it better to add the – foliage – to the accompanying bowl of Masala. Efficient, and so the Coriander, sliced Green Chillies and Ginger Cubes, would work their magic.
From the adjacent table, Steve remarked:
smells of fish…
Not a bad start. Whilst the Fried Fish, as normally served, would certainly work as a meal, the added Masala turns this into a – Curry. The Masala is also required to keep the Rice – Interesting.
The Batter on the Fish was suitably – Spicy. The Fish itself, gave off its Flavour. Add to this, the Meaty hit from the Karahi Masala, the moist Lettuce leaves, the – kick – from the Spiced Onions, so much going on. The all so important Seasoning was emanating from the Batter and the Masala. An array of Flavours and Textures with the ample Fish providing the protein and bulk.
Given how difficult it is to source a worthy Fish Karahi, this – Creation – ticks so many boxes.
As I ate, so Dr. Stan arrived, now we were seven. Dr. Stan likes his Rice & Three (£8.50).
Rice & Three: Kofta Anda /Saag Aloo / Karahi Lamb (boneless)
The philosophy behind this is therefore along the lines of my own order today. Kofta Anda, I would have had if no Fish been available. Dr. Stan’s creation only commanded a single Meatball and piece of hard-boiled Egg. He did, however, have Spinach shrouded Potato, Meat and of course the joyous Karahi Masala.
This works.
The Bill
£10.00 For Marg and Hector
The Aftermath
With a different plan for tomorrow, I promised Rizwan we would return on Thursday.
I’ll surprise you.
Namkeen Karahi?
No.
Ah well.