Curry in the small hours at Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW England), has the Hector recaptured his youth?
Josh took his leave after the lunchtime Curry at Kashmir. Colin, aka Boss, took his place in The Company. This evening, we found ourselves staying out later than planned, due to unexpected hospitality at our chosen watering hole. This meant that it was actually tomorrow when we departed. When Colin suggested Curry, how was the Hector meant to refuse?
We entered Sheesh Mahal at 00.25, there was still a few customers finishing their meals. Sheesh Mahal has long been a late night venue. However, by the time we left, nobody else had arrived on this Friday night, now Saturday morning.
The days of Hector being recognised by the staff, and receiving the red carpet treatment, have long gone. The transfer of ownership, and changing staff front of house, means that Hector is just another punter. Once upon a time, Omar served Steve and Hector a magical Fish Starter. Fish Tikka Haddock (£8.95) on the menu, was as close as I could find. Alas, not to be.
On studying the menu further, it was decided that we should go for it: a full portion of Lamb Handi (£34.95), served on-the-bone, what the menu suggests to be suitable for three to four people.
Salad duly arrived with a Spicy Dip which was a Raita-plus. The tip of Hector’s tongue was soon on fire.
Bread, may or may not have been, part of the deal. We seemed to end up with loads. An impressive Plain Naan, served whole, suitably risen and with puffy blisters, would have sufficed. Chapattis came too. Again as seen on previous Bradford outings in the last couple of days, the proper, traditional Chapattis.
Lamb Handi on-the-bone
The portion was substantial. Defeat stared us in the face from the outset. With nowhere to take the surplus, it was a matter of doing as much justice as we could. One may ask why a Hector, who has been avoiding such quantities of Lamb for the last few months, was talked into this. It was a case of not letting Colin down. This is Colin’s first appearance in Curry-Heute. In the world of Bier-Traveller, we have been seen together oft whenever Colin has managed either the Paisley Beer festival or the Glasgow Real Ale Festival. As volunteers, we would have been found manning the Foreign Bar, hence the appellation – Boss
The Seasoning in this Lamb Balti was off the scale, yet this Curry was certainly not Salty, the epitome of Karrah! The powerful Masala had fully penetrated the Meat. Sucky Bones had added their marrow to the mix. A well pitched Spice Level, not demanding, enough.
Small-cut Meat, just enough Masala to dip, copious Bread, it was still a matter of eating all one could. Every mouthful a joy, yet a level of frustration, we would have to abandon so much.
For Hector, this was a special Curry, the Taste of Bradford, though Colin was suggesting he has had better under the Railway Curry moniker.
Colin – good thick Curry, fair size portion, as well the balance of flavours. Was well done, nice and rich, with a medium chilli heat. Textures were also good, as were the Naan and Chapattis. The Curry was a little oily and was down to the Lamb either not been cooked long enough, or not of high quality; almost like it might have been a Staff Curry for the next shift. In the Chef’s defence, they didn’t expect someone asking for Desi at midnight.
On clearing up, chatting with the staff, I asked if Taj, the founder, was ever seen on the premises. The answer was is in the negative, they did not appear to know him at all.
Changed days at Sheesh Mahal
The Bill
Unknown – having worked so many hours for/with Colin, he believed he owed me one.
The Aftermath
It was downhill to our respective accommodation. Worryingly, we have an early rise in what will still be – this morning. Welcome to Bradford, this is where madness happens.