With – The Company – moving north-westwards to Preston, there was a mandatory change of train in Manchester. Unlike Monday’s impromptu visit to Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England), today’s was planned.
Fried Fish (£6.00) was already arranged, my alternate Order here from Lamb Karahi (£7.00). No Fried Rice (£2.00), no Naan, maybe Mix Veg (£5.50) would make the ideal accompaniment?
Arriving at 12.45, both Rizwan, Mein Host, and Laala, Chef and his second in command, were in their positions at the counter. Salutations completed, the availability of Fish was confirmed. A quick glance at the board, no Mix Veg. Today, Spinach + Potatoes (£5.50) had replaced it. Oh, why not?
Fried Fish, Spinach + Potatoes, no Rice, no Bread – was duly relayed.
Mixing it up – was Rizwan’s observation.
I parked my bags under the cutlery shelf, a sensible spot as it happened, and took an adjacent table. The tall jug of water, a style spreading across the land, was already on the table. The cutlery, how much did I appreciate the presence of stainless steel? Rizwan brought the Order a few minutes later, two separate plates, no foliage today.
Fried Fish
A mass of Pollock, in a Spicy Batter, was accompanied by Spiced Onions, a slice of Lemon and a humble Salad topped with Raita. The Fried Fish was clearly the focal point, but little did I know how much the other items on the plate would add to the overall enjoyment.
Spinach + Potatoes
A new addition to the coverage of Kabana in Curry-Heute, this was decidedly – unappealing. The Spinach Mash, which I tend to avoid, smothered the Potatoes whose discolouration confirmed they had absorbed whatever Spices had been added to this creation. The Potatoes, I therefore knew I would enjoy, I braced myself somewhat for the Spinach.
I arranged half of the Spinach + Potatoes beside the Fried Fish and its accompaniments.
The Spinach was thick, stringy, surprisingly, there was quite a bit of Spice here, which kept building. The Seasoning was right on the button. The Potatoes, soft and fluffy, were a delight, their natural Flavour still coming across. Together, quite a contrast of Textures.
The firm Fish had a white interior which contrasted markedly with the applied coating. The lack of Seasoning here was worrisome. I had to ensure that every piece of Fish placed on the fork had an appropriate quantity of Batter included. Together, the magic would happen.
With the three main components studied, I tackled the Salad. This was as much to do with the avoidance of leaving too much on the plate as any interest in what was actually there. Suddenly, the meal took on a new dimension. Citrus, I had squeezed the Lemon, but this was more pronounced. Vinegar, but from where? The Raita possibly, no, it was whatever liquid was accumulating beneath the Spiced Onions. The Fried Fish burst into life, figuratively speaking. A moment of synergy, Fish and Potatoes, not unheard of, but this array, spectacular. Normally, I would have had a separate bowl of Masala from the Lamb Karahi to give the Fish a hand. The Salad had this ability all along.
The Bill
£11.50 By taking the slow train across The Peak District, the saving effectively paid for my lunch.
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The Aftermath
A chat with Rizwan, I remarked on the wonder that was the liquid with the Onions.
I confirmed that – The Company – shall be here in force for our traditional end of January visit.
Meanwhile, Rizwan made me aware of an online series – Bill and Dom Eat The World. Kabana is featured in episode six. Have they reviewed Curry in five continents? Curry-Heute has.