With an early rise looming, no way was Hector having a late night Curry. I suggested to Steve that a Starter or similar would suffice. Hector already had Lamb Chops (£5.50) in mind. The venue could only be delhi2go (119 Oldham St., Manchester M4 1LN England), the best found night-time Curry venue in the Northern Quarter. Having established recently that Al-Faisal Tandoori is open late midweek and all night at weekends, Rizwan, today at Kabana suggested they only serve Curry into early evening, Pizza and Kebabs only thereafter.
Mian, Mein Host, greeted us as we entered, as has happened on recent visits, Chef Shahid also came out from the kitchen.
I will cook for you – said Shahid.
This changed everything, how could I simply ask Chef to do me Chops. Lamb Chops Achari flashed through Hector’s mind, not on the Menu, not a problem. The Paratha (£1.70) is always a standout, it had to be. Hector may hate himself in the morning. The alarm was set for 05.00 already.
Meanwhile, Steve had ordered a Lamb Madras with Methi and a Keema Naan, neither on the Menu. If you don’t ask. But what are Chefs there for?
The wait felt wait long in what was a decidedly cold room. I nipped next door to use the Facilities as all parties appear to accept. The Chaps brought out the food and were happy to take part in the photographic ritual, after all it is good publicity.
Lamb Chops Achari
Three very large Tandoori Lamb Chops and a medium-sized fourth, sat in the midst of the Darkest and Richest of Thick Masala, topped with slices of large Yellow and Green Chillies. The Tomato Seeds were highly visible in the Masala, the usual pieces of Pickle were not.
The Seasoning was stunning, the Spice built slowly on the palate as did the sense that was indeed an Achari. What had Shahid added? The Tandoori Chops alone would have been substantial, but to miss this Masala? This is rapidly becoming one of Hector’s very favourite venues.
Lamb Madras with Methi
The Masala was probably the same as above, this time topped with abundant slices of Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander. Steve’s description confirmed that this was not far from the Achari:
The Lamb was plentiful, not as tender as I would like it. The sauce was tomatoey, very spicy, almost citrus.
The Bread can add so much to a meal, at delhi2go they make great Bread. The Paratha once again ticked all the boxes, Soft, Layered, Flaky and was served – Whole, so important for Hector. The Keema Naan showed no sign of the pink Donner-like filling but instead had the much sought after grains of Mince inside.
A bit crumbly, dry – Steve said of his Naan. He continued:
I am more than satisfied with my meal, I’m being hypercritical.
Mian cleared the table and offered us Dessert, declined as ever.
*
The Bill
£8.00 each. Who is going to argue with this?
The Aftermath
We sat for a few moments discussing the Curry. We concluded that Shahid had talen his time to prepare these Dishes and not just chucked in material from a tub. Steve acknowledged that tonight there had indeed been something – more. The Menu does make reference to – Delhi 2 Go pickle.
See you in five weeks – I announced as we departed. It could be less.