For reasons that will become apparent later in the week, Hector is en route to Wroclaw. It was well cheaper to take a train to Manchester and fly from here than fly directly from Glasgow this afternoon. Such are the joys of time and a Senior Rail Card. Pensioners Discounts on flights?
The 09.06 arrived punctually at Picadilly at 12.30, at 12.42 I entered Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1LQ England). I calculated I could get here and back to Picadilly by 13.30, my flight was at 15.25. Walking is faster than the Tram.
Rizwan was seeing to a Delivery/Takeaway being boxed and going out the back door. As soon as he was free he greeted me with his usual Warm Welcome. This Monday Lunchtime there was only around a half dozen Diners already in situ, more would come.
The Board had – Lamb Karahi – top of the list, this was good enough for The Hector. Rice would accompany, best to take on as much Bulk as possible given the madness which may follow later.
The Bill
£6.30. Paid in advance, it’s a Curry Cafe.
The Lamb Karahi was photographed – naked – and then – as it should be. To be able to sprinkle as much Chopped Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander as one one wishes is always a treat. To the table….
My luggage was parked under the shelf from where one collects cutlery et al. I had to move the first central table to accommodate my modest frame, how do others cope? Just as well the place was not wedged, else we would all have been. This is all part of the flexible seating that Hector witnessed the unveiling of, back in January.
The Tall Stainless Water Jugs which were also introduced in January have survived. One has to take care, else catastrophe awaits, or a shower, whichever is the lesser. I had starved myself on the train down, time to get stuck in.
The Lamb was on-the-bone, I counted Double Figures below my Floral Canopy, enough, more than. The Masala by now appeared – Minimal – any excess having soaked into the Basmati. A Mountain of Rice, I would eat every grain. Even before I took in a Chilli, the Spice Level was – adequate -, with the Chillies, a suitable – Kick – was achieved. Ah, the Seasoning, absolutely – Spot on. The Tender Lamb having sat in the Masala had Flavour to give back, this was – Simple Curry – Superbly cooked. The Seasoning was all, through this the Distinctive Flavour that makes a Curry – Kabana – came through.
Rizwan sat with me through most of my visit, any other day he would have been far too busy. I had to compliment him on the Fayre. He asked about other discoveries. Ambala Deli Bar (Glasgow) was foremost in my mind being my last write-up. Their – Desi Handi – had to be mentioned as the most Distinctive Flavour I have discovered in the past year. Rizwan told me about a visit to a Curry House, he had to wait for the Food to be served, he could not cope with this, not the way of the Northern Quarter.
I had to mention the number of hits my photos of the Grand Re-opening of Kabana are getting on Google Maps. Rizwan says he sent a link of my Blog to all his friends and connections, I had the photographic coverage of the new layout.
The accommodation upstairs is now available I was informed. I think – The Company – will continue to stay at t’Travelodge. The – Saturday Opening – which was mentioned in January is still planned, as are later opening hours. Rizwan cannot be there all the time, so the atmosphere may change.
The last grains of Rice were scraped from under the – Bone Debris – it was time to depart. Hands were shaken. I do not foresee The Hector dining in Manchester again before the autumn.
The Aftermath
The 13.14 train to Manchester Airport was caught, Hector was ahead of schedule, just as well.
Security at Manchester Airport today was as tight as can be, and this is not the holiday season. Those who had not presented their – Large Electrical Items – on a separate tray, or displayed their – Liquids – in a self sealing, clear plastic bag, were being isolated. The number of bags to be inspected was somewhat OTT, could people not follow instructions, were they all first time flyers? Or did Security know something? Hector missed Lockerbie and Milano Centrale by hours.
What are the chances of Curry in Wroclaw this week? There is at least one venue I have not been to.
First things first, Damo’s never ending World Tour was interrupted last year due to ill health, it is great to have him back, especially having lost fellow CAN member – 
As is the custom in a Curry Blog, there was a visit to a Curry House pre-gig. Somehow two months have passed since I was last at 
Having been recognised and acknowledged by two staff members as I entered, one brought the 
The Fish Karahi was presented in a Bowl, not a Karahi. With Minimal Masala under the Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander Toppings, this was a Mass of Fish, Masala Fish. 
He tried to make it flaky – said Ahmed as he placed the flat board beside the Curry. Here indeed was a Layered and Flaky Paratha. Served in eight pieces, rather than the Whole which I prefer, this was indeed a Worthy Paratha. Butter-rich with a Balanced Level of Seasoning, this complemented the Fish Karahi. A Chap appeared beside me, a Chef, enquiring as to the efficacy of my Paratha. He informed me that most people prefer their Parathas to be – Crispy – but now that they know how I like mine, this can be accommodated. It pays to be known.
The Fish was served in Batter, something that always puzzles given that whenever I see Masala Fish on sale, it is never thus. Tomato was visible in the Masala Mash, was this another non-Onion-based Masala? It was difficult to tell. The Spice Level was – Fine -, the Seasoning not apparent. After my 
Howard had to collect his ticket, Hector was busy presenting his as Marg spotted Damo squeezing round to the other side of the desk. A one man band – was how Damo accounted for the fact that he himself was selling his merchandise before the gig, and after. We bought a random CD each, does it matter which one? They will all be similar, they will all be totally different, such is the nature of a Damo performance. Marg became the photographer, Howard secured a signed CD and his photo taken with the – CAN legend – on his first encounter. Now for some music.
After the fortnightly shop with The Mother of Hector, it was time for Curry-Heute. 
Chef Habib was out front, not dressed in his usual Black Chef’s Costume, his appearance was quite different. The Display included Aloo Gosht, just what was required. I asked the Young Chap serving for two portions, a Chapatti and one portion of Vegetable Rice. Biryani was on display, but he looked puzzled by my request. Chef Habib nodded, all was well. 
As is the custom at 
The Aloo Gosht was presented in a single Large Karahi, perfect for sharing, it meant a Mother Portion and a Hector Portion could be served with ease. The Vegetable Rice was more than enough for two, Mother can only eat a small amount of Rice. With Carrots, Peas, Onion, Potatoes and Capsicum (!), the Vegetable Rice was a meal in itself. Indeed, Mother was getting stuck into the Rice whilst I completed the photos. The Capsicum was easily removed, thankfully. 
Ten Large Pieces of Tender Lamb, the majority on-the-bone, were accompanied by a similar count of Potato, we had a lot of Curry before us. 
I’ve had better – was Mother’s critical comment. It’s alright. 
The line up this evening at the – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall – was Steve Hackett of course on guitars, accompanied by Roger King (vocals, keyboards), Gary O’Toole (vocals, drums/percussion), Rob Townsend (vocals, saxes, flutes, percussion), Nick Beggs (vocals, bass, twelve string). Nick Beggs, whom I have seen playing with 
The Genesis material aside, my music collection has three Steve Hackett albums out of a possible thirty something. 
The Set-list as posted elsewhere:
Nad Sylvan came on stage in Act II to provide the Gabriel/Collins vocals, though Gary O’Toole handled the vocals for – Blood on the Rooftops – on his own from behind the drum-kit, very Phil Collins. How can a man play an entire set in a suit, collar and tie? Firth of Fifth gave the spotlight to Roger King until the latter part where Steve’s guitar soared. Rob Townsend is a man of many instruments. A key feature of the Genesis material is that his Soprano Sax played the parts which would have been Moog back in the day. 
Being in possession of most of the Genesis albums, it was surprising to hear – Inside and Out -, a track from – Spot The Pigeon – an EP I had never heard of. We were spared Match of the Day, it isn’t, is it? No – Supper’s Ready – this evening, this made way for five tracks from – Wind & Wuthering – which is forty years old this year; the last Genesis studio album to feature Steve Hackett.
There was a change of Gibson Les Paul early in the set, the guitar which we were told once belonged to – Gary Moore – went out of tune. Unlike three years ago when the set was all Genesis songs, the Concert Hall was not a sell-out tonight, the rear-upper seats were empty. Maybe Nick Beggs knows how to fill a venue?
After the intensity of Curry consumed in Bradford this week, Hector was hoping to slip home after the monthly trip to the Staggs (Musselburgh). However, 
As I took my customary exterior photo @20.30, Ayaz, Mein Host, waved from his spot behind the counter. We entered the empty premises and took the preferred table. No Menu, No Discussion, Ayaz recited what we would have. Two Chapattis (70p) was my only contribution to the Order: Lamb Karahi (£7.90) and Aloo Gosht (£6.50). 
A Jug of Water was provided along with the Modest Salad. Mags was willing to use the Downstairs Facility, Ayaz sent her upstairs. An Opperchancity to discuss Ramadan which will be upon us soon. I have never come to 
Whilst we waited, the TV was showing an annual ritual involving dubious music from around Europe. Qaiser, who had just returned from a delivery, brought the Curry.
There was an attempt to make a video on the new Sony in addition to the normal stills, not tonight. Hot and Sizzling, the way it comes at 
The Masala was so different from that seen in Bradford, no blending here, this was the Real Deal. With the Heat and the Spice totally – in your face – care was taken not to overdose on the Chubby Fresh Green Chillies. The Toppings are Magnificent, the now common Ginger Strips present too. 
After the Shahi Kofta at the 
The Potato content looked to be quite Substantial this evening. 
Sometimes, Mags eats half and takes the rest home, not tonight. We both finished all that had been set before us. Ah yes, the Baker in Musselburgh was closed this afternoon. 
Rashid was summoned to the counter. He had to be congratulated, this was Wonderful Curry.
The final day of The Bradford Trip is essentially a day out in 
Four plates preceded the arrival of the Mutton Handi. Lorraine then brought the Main Event. My intention was to eat from the bowl, however, when Sarina came out with a fifth bowl containing a Dark Daal, it was necessary to decant. It was then I realised just how Large the Portion of Handi actually is. I had previously considered the Portions here to be a bit on the Small side, no more. With a share of the Mysterious Daal placed beside the mass of Meat, this was a Decent Portion.
The Seasoning hit first, this was a properly Seasoned Curry, unlike the excess of the Shahi Kofta served at the 
It were alright, not as good as 
Lorraine asked – Is it OK?
Spicy Medium was the agreed Level. The Inclusive Three Chapattis would accompany. The Bottle of Tap Water was devoured, the temperature has risen markedly since yesterday. 
The same Pyrex Dish that I saw on 
Tomato was very much a feature of the Masala. Egg and Masala proved to be a worthy combination, Oily Egg was a new dimension. The Lamb, which may have been Tikka as described on the Menu, gave The Bradford Curry Blast. The more Lamb I ate, the more Lamb I found. The Kofta had to be cut into four in order to accommodate the bits of Chapatti. I realised that this was a huge amount of Curry to be eating at Lunchtime. 
The Lamb, the Egg and the Masala gave relief, the Oily residue collecting on the base of the dish was another source of Flavour. There was still much to enjoy, too much. When the final Kofta stared up at me, I wondered if I was staring back at defeat. Somehow I found the determination to finish the lot. A truly Immense Curry, one I should recreate. This means I will now have to post my Recipe for Kofta. 
After the 
Having studied the – bhajis n beer – website before travelling, I had a mental picture of what to expect. How wrong could one be? Located on a Verandah, upstairs in a Shopping Unit, we entered a room with all the places set formally. This is very much a place – To Dine – not the Beer n Snacks I had been led to believe.
Brooklyn East IPA (Brooklyn Brewery, New York, USA) at 6.7% appeared to be the Optimal Bier choice. At £4.50 for a 330ml Bottle, we would only be having one. Two Lagers were available on Tap. A large open fridge had a display of the available Bier, an Eclectic Array.
Karhai Mutton with a Garlic Buttered Naan would be Hector’s selection. The description excluded Capsicum. Somewhat amusingly, one could add – Sautéed Peppers – for an extra £1.00. On the assumption that I would avoid the 
The Garlic Buttered Naan was Poor. Resembling a Pizza around the edges, it was decidedly Thin in the middle; here was the concentration of Garlic Paste. As much as one loves Garlic, to get a mouthful of Paste is never pleasant. When Ricky sampled a piece he insisted he could taste – Fish. He knows of a Bradford Curry House where Bread and Fish are cooked in the same Tandoor. Speculation perhaps, Dr. Stan was called upon, he could not taste – Fish – nor could The Hector. But then, I claimed our last Stout had an after-taste of – Iodine – which nobody else got. Each to his own.
The appearance brought a smile, my worst fears and my best hopes, simultaneously. In Europe in particular, Karahi can be presented as a Stir Fry with Large Pieces of Onion and Capsicum atop the Meat. Here it was, how did both Red and Yellow Capsicum get into my Curry, again? Beneath this lay the Bradford Curry, Excellent. 
The Mutton Achari had the 
Lots of Pickle in this – was an early statement. 
The converting of the name of this Dish from Hindi to English is very much – lost in translation. I shall read it in Deutsch as is my prerogative. The Nach Gana was almost indistinguishable in appearance from that presented above. A Stir Fry, a comparable Masala, it would all be about the Plum Paste.
This is Spicy – was an early remark from The Man from Bradford. 
Normally this would mark the end of a Curry-Heute Blog, however, something happened.
Fish Karahi (£8.00) was the choice. The Menu clearly states: All main dishes served with only 3 Chapatties. Chapattis it would be. A Most Modest Salad with Raita accompanied a Jug of Water. 
The Fish Karahi was – Piping Hot – exactly how I seek my food. The White Fish was cut relatively Small and sat in a Tomato-rich Blended, Thin Masala. The eating was tentative initially, until the Masala had cooled sufficiently. There was a slight Sweetness, the Fish most likely being the source of this. The Coriander Topping was mixed through the Masala. The Onions from the Salad were then mixed in to give a variety of Texture. 
The Fish maintained its integrity throughout which made me wonder why Glasgow Restaurateurs have told me it is difficult to achieve this. The Spice Level was Moderate, Seasoning should never be an issue with a Fish Curry, here it was Fine. Tasty as this Karahi was, I was still not getting the Bradford Curry Blast. Has familiarity made me immune? 
Somehow we managed to spend an entire afternoon on North Parade, such is the virtual explosion of new venues. The Peacock sells Real Ale and Indian Snacks, the latter are free to Bradford City Fans on Match Days, I’m told. The Rickmeister’s Itinerary had the
Our Waiter told me what I was having – Lamb on-the-bone with Methi (£9.50). Hector is known by more staff members than was realised. For Dr. Stan, a Keema Balti (£8.95), for Ricky, a Nawabe Balti (£8.95) whatever that is. The Menu described Ricky’s choice as – Chicken Mushroom Balti. Stewart asked for Chicken Daal (£9.45). From the choice of Inclusive – Rice, Naan or Chapattis, Stewart and Hector would have Chapattis, the Residents of Holden Towers opted for Naan. 
Sadaqat passed us by, he was busy taking care of a large group at the window seats. Omar, the Son of Taj, appeared for his ritual photo. 
The dog’s bollocks – was how Stewart described his Onion Bhaji.
My third Curry of this Trip, I was still waiting to taste that which defines The Bradford Curry. What arrived did not look much, it’s astonishing how much there is in such a Modest looking Dish. The Lamb was both Ribs and a cut with knob-like bones. The Lamb was Soft with some pieces approaching Pulp. The Masala was so Minimal it was almost not there. This sets the Standard, how I seek my Curry, the antithesis of – Soup. Sadly, I was about to pull out pieces of Red Capsicum. I should have asked for these to be withheld.
Ricky’s verdict on the Nawabe Balti was one of evolution.
It were alright – which is Ricky speak for there was nothing to criticise.
Dr. Stan was not playing tonight. There was no comment forthcoming on his Keema Balti. If the customary Dr. Stan – Mmmmm – was uttered, Hector was too busy to hear or note the moment.
Stewart, sitting opposite, was most enthusiastic about his Chicken Daal. 
That was absolutely excellent. 
This left the matter of The Bill and Ricky’s continuing claim that the 
A few weeks ago, Ricky sent Hector a photo of the Shahi Kofta (£8.00), a Dish apparently so Wonderful it was worthy of such promotion. With Kofta, Lamb Tikka and Capsicum mentioned, a description that might put The Hector off. It was topped with Scrambled Egg – was the denouement, Ricky was having this again, and so was Dr. Stan.
During the wait, Hector took his new camera upstairs. It is years since I stuck my nose up there. A Large Group of Chaps occupied a long table, the rest of the seating area was empty. We watched their Order go up, accompanied by the biggest wad of Chapattis I have ever seen. Meanwhile downstairs, another large group took up the alcove tables. It took them an age to get themselves sorted. 
Ricky had described how his Shahi Kofta was served last time in a Pyrex Dish. An oval Pyrex Dish was placed before The Rickmeister, a square equivalent before Dr. Stan. Fried Egg! – remarked The Man from 
The Lamb Desi had a Meat count well into double figures. With the Lamb on-the-bone, the Meat was not cut 
An array of Flat Patties were shrouded in Masala. Flat Kofta? I remarked to Ricky. But then, in Glasgow, Seekh Kebab is served as Kofta at 
The Bill