With Kabana still closed for refurbishment, today was an Opperchancity to commemorate the day when Manchester Curry-Heute began. This & That (3 Soap Street, Manchester M4 1EW) has the least attractive approach ever recorded. This is the side I know it from.
This & That is as – cheap’n’cheerful – as Curry could ever be served, the place was stowed as I entered minutes before 13.00. Seats were available, there is an upstairs too, but the queue confirmed that all seats at tables would be occupied shortly. Fortunately, there is a bench around the wall with stools, perfect for – The Lone Diner. Hector’s luggage and coat were strategically placed in a corner, if anyone spotted unattended baggage they should not worry.
A two metre tall Glass Menu is sited away from the counter, with the queue this length there was time to establish that the Dishes rotate daily. The top of the Menu has prices for various permutations to suit all tastes and requirements. 2 Meat Portions and One Vegetable with Rice should be a Plateful. Rice and Three – as it appears to be called throughout The Northern Quarter.
The Chap in front was held up when the Serving Wallah drained four tablespoons of Oil from the newly topped up Keema, much better. He showed the way, Rice and Three it was – Keema, Aloo Palak and Lamb Steak. Lamb Steak? I’m sure that’s what he said, I was avoiding the possibility of Liver.
The plate is hot – I was warned, which is a big improvement over my first visit when the plate was ice cold. The till roll was out, this gave me plenty of time to help myself to Fresh Coriander and Green Chillies, yay.
The Bill
£5.50. They make a profit, low overheads, fast turnover, no frills, none.
I took my plateful, carefully, back to the bench which was filling up. The Clientele were varied, Suits, all types, one thing stood out – No Women! This was as close to a Saloon in a Western as I have encountered. I wonder how many days a week the nearby workers frequent these premises? Do they have a Favourite? Do they rotate?
The Keema was tackled first, Pleasant, nothing Special. One piece of Tender Lamb was sampled from the five Large Pieces, Fine. The Spinach was Seriously Fresh, this had to be mixed in with the Coriander, the Melange may not have been glamorous, it was doing the job.
The Spice level was decidedly – Medium, below even. The Seasoning was unremarkable, there was nothing here to become excited about, there was nothing really to criticise – It is what it is.
As I neared the end the queue had subsided, photographs? Not appropriate.
I took my empty plate back to the washing up area, it felt the correct thing to do. I was thanked.
The Belongings were assembled then out into the back lane which is called Soap Street.
The Aftermath
I had to check out the progress at Kabana. Light fittings were dangling, at least they were in. Ah, Rizwan!
Mein Host came to the door. He hopes to open on Friday. Kabana #2 will feature new furniture and a toilet. The upstairs are being, or have been converted to flats. Rizwan assured me the Menu will be the same, and so will the Prices.
This is the Curry, of the Manchester Northern Quarter.