Breakfast at 23.00, hardly ideal, this was very much at the end of a dislocated day. Having had Curry in the small hours, breakfast was the last thing on my mind as I left the hotel. Our Holden Tour to Elvington required an early rise, two trains and a bus. A pleasant afternoon was had at the brewery, however, crisps were the only food on offer, something with bulk was required.
The return journey became memorable for all the wrong reasons. A two hour delay in York was bad enough, on our arrival in Leeds, no more trains, to anywhere. As a certain football match kicked off in the USA, so Howard managed to secure an Uber into which the four of us squeezed. Back in Bradford, the logical thing was to go and watch the second half, but what interest did we really have in this game? And so to what probably remains Hector’s favourite Bradford Curry House: International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1BA England).
Unsurprisingly, there was only a handful of customers. The staff were watching the match on a device behind the counter.
This year’s menu was supplied, it was a matter of what to have, too many outrageously good choices. Having abandoned a quantity of Lamb at Sheesh Mahal, the Hector resorted to Chicken once again. Inspired by Doug at Karachi, two days before, Chicken Spinach Karahi (£15.95) was selected.
Hot – was noted by the waiter, medium plus – was not an option.
For Howard, Fish was discussed, but in the end, Lahore Meat Chop Handi (£15.95) became his choice.
The Bradford tradition of inclusive sundries maintains at International: A Plain Naan for Hector, Chapattis for Howard.
As ever Poppadoms were declined, and none arrived. The halcyon of Khalid and Ali have long gone. International is currently staffed by a younger generation.
Much needed Tap Water was the only accompaniment. Rehydration.
The Naan was served whole, and despite being comparatively thin, had risen sufficiently. There were enough blisters to make this Naan a sound presentation. How much of it would be eaten was a moot point.
The Chapattis, once again, were of the traditional type, no Wholemeal Flour in Bradford.
Chicken Spinach Karahi
This was a classic Dry – Bradford Curry. Topped with Tomato and Bullet Chillies, which were half cooked-in, additionally, there was a sprinkling of Coriander. Veins of Spinach mixed through the small pieces of boneless Chicken. There appeared to be no Masala as such, but this Curry was not in the Herb Mash style either. Hot food, always appreciated, especially when one is going to take time to eat what lies before.
There was a big Bradford Methi blast which surprised when Spinach was expected. When the Spinach did register on the palate, it was a case of it masking the flavour of the Chicken. In effect, this did not seem to be a Chicken Curry, and maybe that was a bonus. The overall Flavour matched the standard set at Akbar’s (Glasgow) last week.
The Spice Level built, living up to what was ordered. No prisoners were being taken here. I had earlier declared to the waiter that I would handle any level of Spice presented. So when he came over to check on our progress, or tonight lack of it, I made it clear that the sheer volume of food would defeat me, not the heat.
A different waiter offered to pack what was left, but with nowhere to take it, this would have been pointless. The appetite simply was not there. Six hours previously, this Curry would have been wolfed down. Across the table, Howard was similarly struggling. We had become so hungry, our appetites had vanished.
Lahore Meat Chop Handi
Four large Lamb Chops, plus additional pieces of boneless Lamb, sat in quite a Soupy Masala, the texture of which Hector rarely achieves in his home cooking. Howard offered a Soupçon, however, more food was the last thing required on my side of the table. Howard managed his Chops, much of the Masala was abandoned. 
Over to Howard:
My heart wasn’t in it. Any comments on my Curry at International need a context and a caveat. What started as a great day at Pivovar, went downhill due to major disruption on the trains. Having experienced many such days, this was one of the worst. Having eaten little during the day, I was keen to go with Hector for a Curry. In the end, my appetite wasn’t great. My Lamb Chop Handi was a decent portion, although the chops were a bit thin. If I’d use my hands, more meat could have been extracted. The sauce was good, as well the small pieces of lamb not on the chops. In the end most of the sauce was untouched along with two and a half Chapattis. It felt like a wasted opportunity.
The staff were friendly and professional, but arriving frazzled courtesy of Northern Rail and Network Rail, meant it was never going to be a memorable meal. Thankfully 24 hours later, there might be a chance of a better experience.
The Bill
£31.90
The Aftermath
A quiet retreat from the restaurant. For the second time today, Hector had failed to do justice to his Curry. The obvious solution is to abandon Meat. Tomorrow, it has to be Fish and/or Vegetables.
Meanwhile a certain football match was going in the favour of the majority around us. Should we start to worry??