Six visits in six years makes Hector almost a Regular at the Curry House (Helmstrasse 11, 91054, Erlangen, Bayern). En route to Nürnburg Flughafen from Bamberg we took the Opperchancity to stop off for 11.00 Brunchtime Curry. Curry at 11.00? Whose crazy idea was this?
As we walked the few metres from Erlangen Bahnhof to the Curry House I recalled how I struggled to masticate on my last visit, the sheer Quantity of Lamb beat me. Two Chaps were already in situ, waiting. As I approached the counter I could see that the food for today had yet to be disturbed, they were open, but perhaps just not totally ready.
A Methi and Spinach Dish was advertised on the board outside, this was enough to focus the mind, – Vegetable Curry – if I can eat Fruit early in the day, I can surely manage this. Sabji Curry (€6.90) with inclusive Rice and a piece of Poppadom was ordered, plus a Coke (€2.00). For the sake of consistency I shall post the next bit:-
The Bill
€8.90 (£7.88)
Steve and James were next up: Steve went for Mutton Curry (€8.90), James ordered Butter Chicken (€7.90) and a Garlic Naan (€2.20). We took our seats, the Chap beside us was presented with a Mutton Vindaloo, a Curry which Steve described last year as – Challenging. The Curry served at this venue is not for the faint of heart.
We were summoned to the counter in sequence, here we go.
Sabji Curry
The Masala was near-Shorva, not excessive, and Medium Spiced. An excess of Seasoning has been the recurring issue on my visits here, this was within acceptable parameters. The Quantity was immense, I would be last finished partly for reasons described above. Carrots, Peas, Potato, Green Beans, Cauliflower and Ginger Strips all featured. This is the Curry I am most likely to have again if our custom of visiting this early in the day maintains.
Mutton Curry
I have seen Curry with five pieces of Meat and then some. This was Magnificent, was I glad I had not ordered Lamb this morning? I could not have done it justice. The Masala was decidedly different from the Vegetable equivalent, a healthy hue of – Brown.
Could do with being warmer – was an early statement made by Steve.
Not overly Salty – he confirmed.
Meaty, the meat was very big and tender, mildly spiced which I wanted.
Mein Host came into the premises from the door behind me. Once he had settled and saw the Hector from the front, he looked over and smiled.
Not too Salty – I proffered, meanwhile:
Butter Chicken
With a Masala tending towards Red, this was less Creamy than I have encountered. The Garlic Naan was a manageable size for one, well fired, and served – Whole.
Enjoyable, complemented by the Garlic Naan – were James well chosen words.
As we assembled our coats and luggage Mein Host stood up to greet us properly.
Are you going back to England?
Technically this was a good guess.
Scotland! – I replied.
Which city?
Glasgow.
I was there last year playing hockey.
Field hockey?
He produced his Handy and showed photos of an opening ceremony to an international tournament at Glasgow Green, – Masters – I would think.
My wife plays hockey, she was the Scottish Hockey Captain …. well one has to bring this up when the Opperchancity presents.
The Aftermath
A flight back to Manchester, there’s no need to sprint back to Scotland.
More Bier, more Curry!
Steve decided to have a Starter, Spinach Potato Pakora (£2.80) followed by Classic Lamb Apna Style (£8.30), a Keema Naan (£2.70) would accompany. I heard him ask for – 
I had decided in advance, for research purposes, to have Fish Karahi (£7.70) also in the – Apna (Desi) style. I was about to approach the counter when Marg phoned, this put me a few minutes behind. Having enjoyed my 
Paratha (£3.20): Fish, Mince and Potatoes, a first.
As expected, Steve’s Pakora arrived first, but only seconds before his Mains. He was given a choice of Sauce to cover his Pakora, four large pieces. The Pakora looked Freshly Cooked, not Double Cooked which sadly prevails. 
Phwoar! – was Steve’s exclamation as soon as he dipped some Naan into his Masala.
Delicious, bursting with Flavour. A balance of Tender Meat and Spices, just right.
A Side of Potato is what I had in mind originally, I ended up with what appeared to be a Potato Curry, full portion. With the Keema Paratha, a Feast lay before me. The Paratha was inspected before commencing, again it had separate Mince Grains. Initially it was Excellent, then suddenly it was not. There was a taste I did not like, as if – Off. Half of the Paratha was left, Hector was taking no chances. 
I had been assured there was no Capsicum in this Dish, either in the Blend or stirred in. No Green Chillies topping this Dish, just Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander. The Fish Flavour hit the palate, an instant – Wow! Having eaten here twice previously and been impressed by their Lamb Curry variants, I had hoped the Pedigree would be there to have Fish. The Fish was Soft, sufficient in Quantity, a delight. Once could see the Quality of the Blended Masala, so Rich, Viscous. Had it been blended then more solids added? One cannot hold – Soup -in a fork, this Masala impressed. The Spice, the Seasoning, the Spice Flavours all impressed. Hector has found a venue serving a worthy Fish Karahi in Manchester.
The Masala looked no different from my Companion Dish yet the taste was totally different. Given the Quantity I invited Steve to partake, Hector shared… 
James stayed safe, again, and ordered Butter Chicken (€13.90). Hector had already decided to order the Dish which has impressed in recent years and transformed my attitude towards this venue. Lamm Karahi (€13.90) has the attraction of including an array of Interesting Vegetables. As always in Deutschland, I would ask for – 
We had hoped to catch a Bus @13.20 to Dörfleins to meet up with The Man from Bradford, by 12.55 there was an acceptance that we would be late. Mein Host had half recognised Hector, he remarked that at Lunchtime they are busy. At 13.00 Basmati for three was placed on the table. I concluded that having ordered a la carte, our Curry had been properly prepared. 
It is what it is and no doubt satisfies those who order this sort of thing. All Hector ever sees when this Curry is ordered is Tomato Soup, possibly Spicy. 
As soon as Steve had decanted his Curry he remarked that he too should have asked for Capsicum to be excluded. The 
Thicker than Shorva and with a hint of Creaminess, the Masala was hardly contemporary, but to describe Swarg as even approaching Mainstream is a compliment compared to 
In the early days of Curry-Heute, 
The Onion-rich Masala was as Thick as a Masala can be. The Spice and Seasoning were at a good level, Ginger Strips were aplenty. This was a very Flavoursome Curry, quite distinctive too. The Meat was eaten carefully, very Tender Lamb, this Curry needed more Meat or an accompanying Vegetable. Still, this was way above the average German Curry.
The Menu also had an extensive Fish range, including Fish Keema Karahi (€8.90). This will have to be explored, next month perhaps. 
A complimentary glass of Indian Tea was brought with Sugar thankfully on the side. Tasty.
After a rather lengthy and tiresome journey down from Buttenheim this afternoon, Dr. Stan and James – making a first appearance on Curry-Heute – accompanied Hector to 
The Aroma of Spice at 
Lamm Chettinad
Deciding that Fish Curry would be more acceptable past its peak of heat, I started with the Lamb. The Meat count was into double figures, tender Lamb, giving Flavour rather than taking. The Minimal Masala Mash is unique to 
Fisch Chettinad
The first intake of Fish was remarkable, I gasped. Exactly the same Masala yet this Dish is markedly different. The Fish offers another dimension. 
Good Fish – remarked Dr. Stan.
Chicken Badam Pasanda
This was a first, an interesting mix of Lentils and Spinach. It looked Thicker than the standard Tarka Daal. Dr. Stan had this on his plate with his two portions of Rice and the Fisch Chettinad. He also ate very well today.
On my return from the recent Italia/Yorkshire Trip, people were keen to tell me that 
The Village
Four Large pieces of Lamb sat in a Thin Masala. With the Rice occupying half of the plate, this was very much – Lunchtime Menu Curry. Each piece of Meat was halved or more. If it took Mother an age to eat two pieces of Pakora, the now numerous pieces of Meat took a very long time. Hector was well finished by the time Mother stopped eating. Satisfaction was evident:
For Hector, this has always been 
The statutory eight pieces of Meat were decanted to the plate of Peas Pilao. I could appreciate immediately that this Masala was much Thicker than that across the table. Almonds topping the Masala added further Diversity. 
The Meat had to be halved, a Sensible Portion was now perceived. The right amount of chewing was required for the Tender Lamb. Notes on the Seasoning were very much an afterthought, conclusion, it was – spot on. 
The remaining Masala was poured over the final pieces of Meat and Rice. It was all over too soon. Next time I should order this by the Half-Kilo. 
When I returned to the table Pamela was busy writing a Recipe for a Beef Casserole. How she and Mother ended up here remains a mystery. Cranberries, Red Wine and Shallots, bring it on. But it’s not Curry!
After watching a magnificent victory at Murrayfield (words I never thought I would write) on TV, Hector was later than usual for his Saturday Mid-afternoon Curry-Heute. 
With the Menu already on the table, finding my choice for the day was a simple matter of confirmation. I have missed the Handi Gosht (£10.99), a Garlic and Coriander Nan (£2.75) would accompany. The Waitress was keen to serve, she took the Order then returned moments later:
here was a near constant, thud – thud – thud – the partition wall was vibrating. A wean was kicking the wall, thud – thud – thud. This persisted until their Order arrived, Burgers and Pizza. Parents, control your children, please!
The Lamb on-the-bone was so Tender, double figures, a mass of Lamb. The Masala was Magnificent, thick with Tomato Pulp. The Spice Level was Moderate, the Seasoning was a tad under Perfection. The Vegetable Oil used at Ambala is so distinctive, KTC I was told by Naveed in an early visit. I conclude that Naveed is no longer at 
The Ginger Strips, Fresh Coriander Leaves and Stem added Diversity. Bone splinters became an issue, great care had to be taken. Danger, Hector!
The Naan was served in two pieces, why? I must remember to ask for my Bread to be served – Whole, it is so much more impressive. However, the aroma from this Naan hit instantly, – Dripping with Flavour. Closer study revealed perforations, a thin Naan almost in the Kulcha style. I have come to realise in the past couple of weeks that whilst the Garlic on a Naan is so tasty, it can actually contaminate the palate, the Flavour of the Curry can be masked. This was happening today. Coriander Naan in future. 
I had not finished, I was offered The Bill. Keen. 
Edinburgh was calling, a Brewery Takeover at The Stockbridge Tap by Two by Two. If that means nothing read on regardless. The plan was to have Curry-Heute at 
The Keema Padora (£5.25) was ordered, an old fallback, Aloo Gobi would accompany. This is available as a Side Dish (£5.50) or Main Course (£6.95). The Side would do along wish Sparkling Water (£1.75). 
I could eat one every day, this is just Divine Food. The slight Sweetness in the Bread is complemented by the Dry Keema with an almost Methi-overdose. For those of us who love our Curry with Herbs, this is in a different league from just sprinkling a few leaves of Fresh Coriander, but not as Bitter as Saag/Palak/Spinach. The Seasoning is also what makes Keema Padora a standout, as it must be, but not to excess. There is just enough Spice to place this as something from the Indian Subcontinent. To come here and not try this would be like going to Las Vegas and not, actually, I’ll stop there.
I have eaten too much Meat and Masala in my recent adventures, it was certainly time to redress the balance. With a Thick Masala-mash, this was in effect a Potato and Cauliflower Curry. Both Vegetables were cooked to just the right side of – Soft. With Chopped Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander, this was nowhere near as intensely flavoured as the Keema Padora, then something happened.
The final Bradford Curry of this period of – Total Exposure – had to be at 
Two small looking, but well stuffed Samosas were brought by Samantha, they were clearly – Piping Hot. There was almost a call for more. The Brown Sauce which accompanies Starters at 
Served on-the-bone, and only available by pre-order, this is it, one of the finest Curry Experiences.
I took a portion with eight pieces of Meat, a Standard Portion. There was still enough left after round one for a second visit. We may have had more than initially realised. From this point onwards a recording of the comments made around the table would enable a more thorough review.
Hector was confident that his fellow diners would be impressed. The Lamb as ever was cooked to perfection, the Bone Marrow adding that something extra. The Masala was Medium Spiced, there is no need to make this Handi any Spicier, it’s all about the Flavour. The Seasoning has to be Perfect to attain this level of Full-on Flavour. One could eat this all day. 
The Chapatti count reached five, two more were summoned. With the single Rice portion shared around the table, the Curry was eked out to ensure Satisfaction. Equidistant from the centre of Bradford and Halifax, if Hector was a resident of either, then this venue would be visited weekly. 
The quantity of Fresh Coriander made this Dish look most appealing. I am not sure that Hector’s digestive system would cope with a Cheese-based Curry. Marg confirmed as she started that there was no – Keema – here, this was a Vegetarian Curry. I wondered how she would cope.
So relaxed were my Fellow Diners after their Lunch, we were in no hurry to commence the drive back to Scotland. Coffee was called for. Both Cappuccino and Filter Coffee were made available. 
February 24th is the next time I see myself in Queensbury. A Super-Large portion for Hector please.
The array of Sweets at the counter caught the eye on entry. Breakfast was confirmed, we were the only Diners initially. A Young Chap brought the Rise & Shine Menu. 
The Full Traditional (£4.95) had to be sampled. On my last visit I was given the Chana and Puri only and charged a very modest £3.00. I do not like the Halva served in the Middle East, it looks like Fudge but the Texture is wrong. On being told that the Milk would already be in the Doodpathi, this was declined. Tea, Earl Grey, Hot – could have been fine a la Captain Picard, but not with Yorkshire Water. I was offered Coffee as a replacement, but even this has lost its general appeal presently.
The Chana and two Puri arrived first. The Puri were not too Sweet, very Fresh and made an excellent base with which to scoop up the Chickpea Curry. I enjoy Chickpeas occasionally, today was such an Occasion. Potato was in the melange too. The Spice and Seasoning were – Fine. This would have made a Worthy Accompaniment to any Main Course, it was Savoury, full of Flavour. The Halva was brought, a Mass of Something Sweet. Fortunately for Hector it bore no resemblance to that served in Jerusalem, this was – Quite Pleasant. I encouraged Les Autres to sample this, far too much of a sugar rush for Hector. All was consumed.
The Omelettes had substantial girth, clearly made with more than one Egg. Coriander, Onion and Spice were present, having seen this one wonders why you would make an Omelette any other way? 
This Paratha was Thin and stuffed with a layer of Spinach. I was assured it was good though it was not the Layered and Flaky style of Paratha I seek. I overcame temptation, two Puri was a lot to get through.
There was a stop off at Salts Mill, Saltaire for some shopping, before the main tourist attraction of the day. All will be revealed this evening when the penultimate Curry of this Trip is written.