I offered – The Carnoustie Two – a choice of venue this evening – Traditional – or Quirky. They chose the latter and so missed out on Kofta Palak at the Karachi Restaurant, Bradford’s Oldest Curry House. The Notorious Naan (£5.50) at Omar’s Balti House (46 Great Horton Road, Bradford, BD17 1AL) it would be, though keeping my powder dry, I did not let them know what was – Quirky.
After an afternoon visit to Bradford’s #1 Day Trip Destination – Brimham Rocks – we were back in Bradford and ready to eat @19.00, our earliest Evening Curry of this venture. On entering we were given a table three from the door, the door was closed, hopefully there would be no draught.
Menus were brought, Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips/Chutney too. We were set.
None of the Omar’s Specialities appealed to The Hector this evening. I had the Omar’s Special (£7.90) on my last visit, Marg had Shahslik Karahi Special (£7.50). Both of these Dishes were supposedly – garnished with cheese – which turned out to be a dollop of – Grated Cheese – on the side, not the Paneer enjoyed in earlier times.
Traditional Lamb Chop Karahi to Share (on the bone, handi) (£7.50) is where Hector is now. This should be a worthy assessment of where Omar’s Balti House lies presently. A twenty five minute preparation time made this sound all the more appealing. Marg chose Keema Balti Tandoori Special (£7.50). Tandoori Keema? How?
Lamb on-the-bone has been a priority for Dr. Alasdair over the last two nights, he and Margie decided on two Dishes which they would exchange halfway: Fish Masala Balti (£7.50) and Chicken Jaipur Punjabi Special (£7.50). The Fish Karahi at Brunchtime yesterday at Kashmir must have impressed. Fish Curry on consecutive days and we’re not at Indian Mango (München).
The Waiter took the order, Marg asked for the Capsicum to be withheld as it was included in the description of her Keema Balti Tandoori Special. The Notorious Naan was ordered with with Garlic.
We were not the only Diners to order the Notorious Naan, perhaps it is the major attraction here? I had to get up and close the door, once, as did other fellow Diners, and a Waiter. People coming in and out were generally not aware, the repeated blasts of cold air were far from pleasant.
Our order arrived well within the twenty five minutes it should have taken to prepare the Traditional Lamb Chop Karahi. With the four Dishes placed on the table placing the Notorious Naan took a bit of working out. Folding it was the easy option, however, the fun was seeing it in all its glory. Once the Ritual Photos were complete it had to be folded.
Yes it’s ridiculous, and could easily be a mass of inedible cardboard. They couldn’t sell so many if it was. The Naan was well cooked, throughout, and was topped with plenty of Garlic to give a moist sheen. No way could four eat a whole one, but it was presented – Whole. If this can be presented – Whole – then why are so many venues spoiling the impact of what they served by cutting up Bread and placing it in Baskets? Are they not proud of what they serve? The Naan was both – Fun – and – Edible. It remained edible for as long as we could face it. QED.
I glanced at my Main Course and then the others. Am I in a Bradford Curry House? – I wondered. What lay before us was far from the Quality of Masala I have come to expect in this City and its Satellites. Red, and more Red. Soupy Masalas. Not one of our selections had the – Earthy – looking – Thick Masala – Dry, rich in Herbs that Hector has experienced in Bradford in over twenty years of dining here. I now observe that the – Red – (food dye?) is best seen in the photos where the Notorious Naan dominates What would – The Man from Bradford – or – The Bradford Curry Blogger – make of what follows?
Traditional Lamb Chop Karahi To Share
Only Four Chops, Five, nay Seven, makes a meal. To Share? Really? At least the Chops were a decent size. The Masala was far too – Mainstream – with pieces of Onion added. Far better if they had been cooked into the Mash. The photo makes the Masala appear to be Orange, at the time I saw – Red. The Masala was Sweet, as far from any Bradford Curry I have ever ordered.
Keema Balti Tandoori Special
Has Hector ever seen such – Light Coloured Mince? The specks of Fresh Coriander only highlight the lack of Herbs in this presentation. Again pieces of Onion were visible separate from the Masala; one can only imagine how diabolical this could have been with Capsicum present.
This was Marg’s verdict:
Good texture, good taste, large pieces of Onion (which she does not like), it worked well with the Big Naan.
Chicken Jaipur Punjabi Special
I can see Chicken, I can see – Red – which has to be from – Food Dye – and as far as – Punjabi – or – Special – well, Hector is defeated. This Curry was the epitome of Mainstream, sorry, that insults the other Bradford Curry Houses I have been to, Mainstream Big City Curry Houses. There was absolutely nothing here that a Hector would tolerate. However, Hector was not eating this plate of Bland-looking Disappointment, Margie who had dined at International and Sheesh Mahal on the two previous evenings, was tactful:
It was different to what I expected, tomato sauce. My least favourite, but I still enjoyed it.
Dr. Alasdair finished the Chicken Curry after he had his share of the Fish Karahi.
A sweet tomato sauce, more Spicy, a delicate flavour. I thought it was Turkey, a poultry flavour. There was Capsicum in the sauce, I particularly like those, a strong Capsicum flavour.
Hector thinks he was winding me up….
Fish Masala Balti
Once again I saw – Red, too much – Red. My conclusion was that three of the four Dishes ordered at least, had the same base Masala which was too Sweet, and had nothing to do with Bradford Curry. This was not in the same league as the Fish Karahi that Dr. Alasdair and Hector enjoyed yesterday across the way at Kashmir.
Margie: I thought the Fish was superb.
Dr. Alasdair: A much more subtle, gentler flavour, not particularly spicy. A mellow flavour, a lovely Fish Flavour. I would have preferred bigger pieces.
Regarding the Naan: Not the best Naan I’ve had, but good fun, a bit dry.
Note to Hector: never go for Curry with Dr. Alasdair and Howard unless one records the description. Actually, Howard dictates at a better pace.
The leftover Naan nearly went back to Scotland. Dr. Alasdair asked for it to be packed but changed his mind at the last minute. No Souvenir.
We’re not finished
Marg spotted Kashmir Tea (£1.50). Would it compete with Yadgar (Glasgow)? A simple answer, no. It was not pink and did not have crushed Cardamom. There was Dessert too: Funky Pie (£3.50). Hector has no interest in such frivolities.
The Bill
£40.65. The Garlic Notorious Naan was priced at £6.00.
The Aftermath
Once my favourite Bradford Curry venue – wrote Hector of Omar’s Balti House some six years ago. On that evening the – Red – in the Curry caused concern, this maintains. On the page dedicated to Omar’s Balti House at the inception of Curry-Heute, the – door that wouldn’t close – was mentioned. A decade later, the draught at the tables near the door is still ridiculous.
Curry-Heute can no longer recommend Omar’s Balti House for either Curry or Ambience.
So where was The Man from Bradford this evening. Three nights and no show.
The Kashmir Restaurant
Hector, Marg and The Carnoustie Two departed from t’Travelodge at 11.30, Dr. Alasdair had previously confirmed that on this Bradford Trip he was up for – Curry, Curry, Curry. As we walked past the Millennium Fountain I did offer The Ladies other possible cuisines. 
There was a 
This was Dr. Alasdair’s second Bradford Curry. He was coming to realise that Masala here is Minimal, there is no need to serve Soup. One needs enough Masala, no more. 
It went together very well. The Fish was not overcooked, not over spicy, a good blend of sauce for the Fish, very tasty. An ideal brunchy type Breakfast. 
Sheesh Mahal 
Poppadoms, a more than Modest Salad and Generous Portions of Dips were brought without fuss. If – The Omar Special – has seen 
For the Chaps it had to be Lamb on-the-bone. The – Handi – section of the the Menu is one I had not previously considered. Lamb On Bone Handi (£24.95) would suit Dr. Alasdair and Hector. At three times the cost of a Standard Lamb Curry, one was hoping for – Something Special – and lots of it.
Five years ago, Our Man in Bradford arranged a 
This was to share between two. Two other sets of cutlery from across the table would also pay visits. 
There’s more:
I have seen many a Dhansak in the company of Lord Clive of 
Five Chops is always way better than four. Marg can only eat four, so some of the fifth came Hector’s way – Mmmmm.
They were succulent, very flavoursome, and I enjoyed the Burnt Onions on the Griddle. 
With the table cleared, Marg made a most apposite statement:
The Bill
Bradford, The Curry Capital of the UK, and the climax to to our twelve days of indulgence. The next four days will include Curry – Noon and Night, it is written, or will be as soon as.
Lorraine was Front of House and gave us the customary warm welcome. Our evening Curry would be at the 
Hector received three Kebaps, a Bonus Portion. Well Seasoned with a Modest Kick and an Earthy Flavour this did the job. What I interpret to be a Tomato-based Sauce was as suitable accompaniment along with the Modest Salad Garnish. 
Marg enthused about her Chicken Shami Kebap immediately. She prefers her palate not to be assaulted by Spice when she commences eating food from the Indian Subcontinent. With Raita as her Sauce, a fine cooling sensation was achieved.
After our afternoon at the National Media Museum we crossed over the road to the 
On Hector’s last visit to the 
The Lassi was consumed, the Poppadoms and Dips didn’t last long. It appeared we were hungry, it was a long movie. Androids may dream of electric sheep, Hector still dreams of the Perfect Curry. Six years ago this was served at these very premises – Lamb Karahi Methi. Six years ago.
This is a Bizarre Curry.
As the Kofta had only recently been added to the Lamb Curry Base they retained their own Flavours. The Fried Egg offered a strange Diversity, the Chilli was approached with some trepidation even though Large Chillies are usually not a challenge. The Quantity was – The Challenge – this was quite a meal. In the end some Egg had to be left, too cold to eat. This – Curry – is quite a departure from the norm, well worth a try.
This looked Wonderful. Had I not enough on my plate, I would have had a sample. The Meat was Larger than the Bradford norm, the Masala was so inviting, a glorious colour. Marg found the Spice Level to be a shock at the start but eventually was able to take it in her stride. 
Served in the classic – Bucket – this Balti did not look dissimilar from the Krahi Lamb. There was little choice but to decant to a hot plate. Ginger Strips were at a premium. 
The large Karahi impressed, this was certainly a – Welcome to Bradford – Curry. Lamb Desi, Krahi Lamb, I can see why I have dined at the 
Dr. Alasdair was impressed with his first Bradford Curry though did express a concern about the size of the bones. I saw no splinters, however, one must take care always. Exactly what were the differences between this Curry and the previous two? Dr. Alasdair sampled all three and so was able to make comparisons, careful notes were taken:
The Bill
I asked Mein Host – You now do Lamb on-the-bone? This was confirmed. 
A metal tray containing a Modest Salad and two Dips was placed on the table. The Breads arrived in Baskets, one very appealing Chapatti and one Perfect Paratha served Whole! The Paratha was Thin compared to the Wholemeal versions I have experienced of late. This had the – Correct Flour – and was suitably – Layered and Flaky – and almost too Hot to touch. I would have to take care not to overdose on this, Hector had a Large Curry to deal with.
Served on a plate, the absence of Peas made this Curry appear naked. This is what Marg wanted, straight Mince. 
There was more Meat than I could count, I stopped at thirty almost Bradford-small pieces. A strip of the Paratha was dipped into the Dark, Herb Rich, Thick Masala. Mmmmm. I could taste the Lamb was – Lamb, a point always worth making. There was an underlying Sweetness which puzzled given the Methi content. This was not the Overall Flavour I have enjoyed here previously. The Spice Level was more than Sufficient but in no way Extreme. Seasoning v Sweetness was the dilemma. I would have preferred more of the former and less of the latter. 
The Aftermath
Two nights in Milano, there had to be one Curry-Heute. The usual array of Restaurants-proper appeared when doing media searches. The Punjab Restaurant (Via Errico Petrella, 19, 20124 Milano MI Lombardia Italia) became the focus of my attention, could it follow yesterday’s Outstanding Soupçon at 
Not being put off, and determined to find Quality Curry this Lunchtime, Marg and Hector set out after noon. Punjab Restaurant is/was close to Milano Centrale. Given the Roman Model, if there’s one venue there could be more as is the case near Roma Termini. We passed one closed Curry Source before arriving at Via Errico Petrella. Here we found three Curry Houses adjacent to each other sharing the same address, that is how it can be in Europe.
Marg had no problem facing up to the quite Impressive Salad which had copious Cucumber Strips, Lettuce, traces of Red Cabbage and a whole Green Chilli. Suddenly one Salad had two Chillies and the other none. Marg took some of the Rice, there was plenty. The Rice contained Egg which had a red hue, it had been cooked in Chilli Powder. As we both discovered, this gave the Rice a decent – Kick. Peas and Onion were in there too, Marg kept coming back for more Rice taking it from my plate as I ate.
It was logical to decant the Lamb on top of the Rice. This was an Outstanding Portion of Curry for €5.00. The Meat was well into double figures, a large piece of Bone made me take further note, two more small pieces of bone were spotted. Hector had – Lamb Carry on-the-bone!
I do not believe I would have availed myself of this Quality of Curry in a Mainstream Milanese Curry House.
Bombay Tandoory Ristorante Indiano (Via Solferino, 1, 25122 Brescia BS Lombardia, Italia) was chosen for 
A Restaurant? Hardly, this was a Kebap Shop but much more, but then do the best Curry Cafes in the UK not have Donner Kebap as the most obvious feature? 
Marg is also on this trip. She had spotted Samosas, her usual when Hector is indulging. I ordered two Samosas and two bottles of Sparkling Water. I remained standing at the counter as others before me had done but was invited to join Marg at the far table. The Order would be brought.
Hector had plenty of time to take in the surroundings and take one or two surreptitious photos. I felt I better be more subtle after my bold entry. In seven years of Blogging, I have only used the term – Surreptitious – twice previously, I’ll try not to use it again. Other Curry offerings were advertised, photos of opperchancities adorned the wall, a Frieze of Curry. I was already planning a return to 
I counted four pieces of Meat, just. Two were seriously large, hold it – on-the-bone! There was rejoicing then the realisation that Bone means less Meat. Had I been alone I would have gone up to the counter and ordered another portion.
A reliable 
The Lady Host let us choose any table and brought the Menu which proved to be extensive. Meat Dishes are available in Lamb, Beef, Chicken, Duck and Pork. Already I could guess that the Meat and Masala could not possibly coexist if Chef was to maintain this array of Curry. Maiale Saag (€10.50) – Pork with Spinach, seasoned with Garlic, Ginger, Onions and Tomatoes – was – The Choice. How could Hector pass up on a Pork Curry? Also, the 
Marg was not ready for Curry this early, indeed even later would be an imposition. We have to eat Italian Cuisine in the evening despite my frustations about the prices here and at home. It costs pennies to produce what they serve, the profit margins must be enormous. Marg chose Mix Pakora (€5.00) which would include – Aubergine, Cauliflower, Chicken and Potato in Chickpea Flour.
I have taken care writing Maiale, as Biala Malpa keeps coming to mind: in Polish it of course means something quite different. The Palak Pork was placed on a candle heater, the Dish was Piping Hot as the rising vapour in the photo of Hector shows. We like our food served – Hot. When ordering Saag/Palak in Europe one always fears it will be simply a mass of Spinach, little in the way of Masala-proper, and Creamy. The Interpretation at Saffron Elephant impressed, here was a Thick Masala and not to Excess. The Rice would most certainly absorb any extra liquid.
A Soupçon of Fresh Coriander lay atop the Masala with something white, I should have paid more attention here. I was keen to decant and count the Meat, eight, nine ten pieces in all, a Decent Portion. The Greenish Masala had only a hint of Creaminess thankfully. The Menu description may have said – seasoned with … – alas the Seasoning did not include much in the way of Sodium Chloride. Mild and Under-seasoned, what chance had the Flavours of emerging? It took time, a Pleasant Curry but not demanding in any way. Eating Pork in Masala was a decidedly different experience to my normal – Mutton. This was far from the 
The Bill
Marg and Hector find themselves in Manchester for an evening en route to, well why spoil the surprise? We were too late to have Curry Lunch and Dinner, this did not stop me popping into 
We walked past 
A shiny New Menu awaited us complete with prices higher than January. Marg dismissed the Delhi Achari Lamb (£8.30), the first time she has told me she is not fond of – Pickle – even though 
The Calling Card was simply left with my debris on 
The Bill
This was a Hector Curry.
Beneath the Toppings was the Thickest of Masalas. From the first dip the Seasoning hit hard, then the Spice. Whoever had prepared this should be congratulated already. With the Methi to complement the finely Chopped Tomatoes and Onions, this Masala had an excellent consistency. The abundance of Tomato Seeds suggested that this could well have been a Tomato-based Masala.
The Masala looked distinctly – 
Very good – was an early remark from Marg. The Ginger Strips were adding to the overall experience.
The photo captured something that was only realised afterwards. The Chop was floppy, Tandoori Chops tend not to be like this.
