Piccadilly to Manchester Central, there are a variety of Routes, Hector has never picked the correct one. There is something about the angles of Manchester streets which baffles. Follow the tram lines – has always been Dr. Stan’s advice. Which tram lines? This morning Howard tried to take me in a direction which did not feel natural, there had to be a course correction to compensate. Tonight, on the return from the Manchester Beer Festival to Ancoats Dr. Stan and Hector marched parallel to the tram lines, Piccadilly in ten minutes. Who needs a tram?
This meant we walked up Oldham Street instead of my normal Tibb Street, behold another Curry House unknown to The Hector and open this late! – delhi2go (119 Oldham St., Manchester M4 1LN), another venue which had to be explored. I went in and asked what time they would close: 03.00 was the reply. The Crown and Kettle would close long before this, just as well. My intended Order of an – Asian Style – Curry at the Golden Tandoori was placed on hold. Three nights in a row would have been ridiculous, Hector is never – Ridiculous.
An hour or so later Hector was back, technically it was now Saturday. I had bade – Farewell – to The Company. Lancaster was their next City Stopover, Bury for Hector, IQ at The Met.
The (Takeaway) Menu was briefly studied. Where was the – Hector Curry? I decided to consult The Chap at the counter who appeared most biddable.
Do you have Methi?
No.
I wish Lamb and no Capsicum.
Only Jalfrezi and Rogan Josh have it.
We agreed on Lamb Karahi (£6.50) with a Paratha (£1.50). Sorry, Dear Reader, it’s a Hector thing, a new venue, how best to evaluate if I do not stick to my common denominator?
I took a seat, twenty were available, Hector being the only sit-in customer. There was a series of customers who all purchased Kebaps. I had more time to study the Menu. Apna Style? This translates as – Yours – an equivalent to – Asian Style – or – Desi – in my favoured Punjabi outlets. Why had this not been offered? Would my Curry have been even better? I shall find out next time.
A Steel Karahi contained the Hector Curry, no plastic plate required. Take a look at this Lamb Karahi, this was far from a Northern Quarter Curry, closer to the Yorkshire Interpretation. A metal spoon was placed alongside the Paratha, so much better than a plastic fork. The Paratha was served – Whole – everything was going Hector’s way.
The First Dip had me won, this Lamb Karahi had so much more Flavour than that savoured at the Golden Tandoori where later texts revealed some of The Company had ended up. So last night.
This was a Misleading Curry in terms of Content. With the Meat cut Small, the Dozen Pieces I could see looked Adequate. I was halfway through and could still see a Dozen Pieces of Lamb. Hector had been misled, this Portion was Huge. The Meat was decidedly – Mutton – it is always pleasing to taste – Lamb – and not the Bland Flesh served in too many venues.
The Masala was Thick, as good a consistency as one could hope for. If this was – Europe – then one would be waxing lyrical. The Spice Level was Excellent without the need for Extra Chillies, the Seasoning as Spot-on. Onion Strips were present in the Tomato-rich Masala, something Tangy was in there too, exactly what I missed last night in the Golden Tandoori.
Just how good was this Lamb Karahi? Would it have been even better had I been offered – Apna Style? Given that the limits of Curry intake have probably been reached over the last three days, to appreciate – delhi2go – to this extent proves the limit has not been exceeded. Keep Calm and Curry on.
The Bill
£8.00. No wonder I can afford to eat out twice a day when on holiday.
The Aftermath
I sensed The Chaps were busy serving Kebaps and so simply left The Calling Card.
Back round the corner to the Ancoats Travelodge, a perfect location for a perfect night’s sleep.
Three nights in Manchester, there has to be a visit to 
The Menu is not what it was last year when I came at Lunchtime, then there was no question of the availability of their Wonderful Karahi. I cannot eat a Kilo, this is what was on offer. If I had 70p knocked off the price of a Craft Beer last night, I can negotiate a Portion of Karahi. I asked for a Half Kilo. Mein Host told me this was for two people. Has he not seen us eat? He said he would provide a Portion for one. A Paratha (£1.25) completed the Order. £1.25!
News from the USA is all over the Media presently, something Big is due to happen tomorrow. I was quite engrossed when Mein Host brought the meal. How Pale is this Lamb Karahi? Namkeen flashed through my mind, it would not be far from it.
The Buttery Flavours hit the spot, this was a totally – in your face – Karahi. That it was served on a plate felt odd. Nevertheless, this was the Real Thing.
What came looked remarkably similar to the Curry served 
I was thoroughly enjoying this Lamb Balti but then thought how it could be even better. Achari is not on their Board. Some Lime Pickle would have enhanced this Dish, it would most certainly suit what they serve.
The Bill
I took my plateful, carefully, back to the bench which was filling up. The Clientele were varied, Suits, all types, one thing stood out – No Women! This was as close to a Saloon in a Western as I have encountered. I wonder how many days a week the nearby workers frequent these premises? Do they have a Favourite? Do they rotate?
The Spice level was decidedly – Medium, below even. The Seasoning was unremarkable, there was nothing here to become excited about, there was nothing really to criticise – It is what it is.
Walking in around midnight, a few Chaps were in situ, Mags admitted she would never come to such a venue on her own, this is another Curry Cafe, nothing pretentious here. The Chaps who were already dining were happy to see us, each acknowledged us before we went up to the counter to order.
Both Curry dishes bore no resemblance to the Shorva Curry served throughout the Northern Quarter, maybe this is Ancoats, things are different here. The Masala was Minimal as asked and suitably Thick. Initially the Tender Lamb felt a bit – Chewy – but perhaps this was a rogue piece, thereafter all was well. The Meat was also cut – small – almost – Bradford Small, and there was certainly enough of it. There was an undertone of the Bradford Curry Taste, more Seasoning and it would have been closer still.
The Chapattis need a special mention. They were piping hot on arrival, and had great girth, these were tremendous, and one was certainly enough.
So keen was The Hector to get started, the ritual photos were almost forgotten. Behold a Hector with lips covered in Masala, enjoyment.
The plastic plates and forks were a bit of a let-down, it cannot be difficult to provide crockery. Still, we both know we have found a reliable source of Curry late at night in Manchester, something which has been missing in this particular area.
Arriving before 14.00, the place was empty. A couple of Takeaway Customers was all that would be seen during our time here. The same Chap as always was in situ. If Hector was recognised, nothing was being given away, however, the welcome was friendly, especially to – the Mother.
Koftae Karahi (£7.50) and Chapatti (70p) plus Lamb Bhuna (£6.00) with Boiled Rice (£1.75), this is Cheaper than 
The wait was as described, a Modest Salad and Raita were assembled but not presented until the Mains
As ever, Mother touched the plate of Boiled Rice to test its temperature, no comment. The Quantity was more than The Mother of Hector would manage, but as her Main would never be finished, a Takeaway was already in the bag. The Lamb Bhuna had the anticipated Thick Masala, the presence of Tomato cooked in was a welcome bonus. The Meat had the columnar, fibrous texture which restaurateurs have assured me – is Lamb. Mother was set.
The Boiled Egg on the Koftae Karahi stood out, the Masala looked identical to the Bhuna but markedly different from that served last time. The folded Chapatti was a good size, had girth, like the Egg, one would be enough.
Mother was impressed by her Lamb Bhuna from the start. Delicious – was stated instantly. When Mein Host came over to make the – customary check – Mother added further positive feedback:
Paratha Bramborava (75Kc) had to be Aloo Paratha, I had to have one just so as I could ask for this. Steve would have a Paratha Tradicini (55Kc), no need to translate this.
Mein Host was keen to take us through the translations of the various Solids to go in the Masala. Jehneci is Lamb, note to self for future visits to Praha. For The Hector, Jehneci Bhuna (235Kc) without Paprikou, for Steve – Jehneci Madras (225Kc).
The Soup came in a Bucket. After a quick taste, Steve added a mass of Salt, naughty boy. It must have needed it. Too thin – it has Cumin Seeds. It’s as if they have just been chucked in …. the Soup needs more cooking to infuse and reduce it. The Garlic tastes raw.
The Chilli Drizzled plates with Garnish were set before us. Steve’s Lamb Madras was first to be served, followed quickly by the Lamb Bhuna. We had time to take in the Rich, Deep Colour of the Masala. Behold the Parathas! The Aloo Paratha was served – Quartered, always annoying. The Plain Paratha was Spectacular. The Layers and Flakiness were apparent, Steve highlighted the Swirl in the Paratha. This was a Perfect Paratha.
I had to ask if Steve was experiencing the same – Levels of Pleasure. The reply was a confirmation. The Lamb had been Marinaded, in Vinegar, I theorised later as we walked up to the Metro station. Great preparation had gone into this, then as the Hector Palate adjusted to the fact this Lamb was giving and not taking, a Blast of Lamb Flavour itself. This was Wonderful, this is how All Curry should be and so rarely is. This Curry had the Wow!
Did I mention Steve had Eight pieces of Meat? The Lamb Madras was Meat and Masala which I try to avoid, this is Steve’s preference.
How often does Hector order Dessert? We were in a truly Happy Place, why not savour the moment?
A Bottle of Wine was brought to the table to take away. This had to be declined due to the restrictions of hand luggage. Shots were then offered, and accepted.
A Hot and Spicy Shot, a first. Two shots were poured leaving enough in the Pot for a third. Chilli and Malibu was our guess.
By this time, Ricky and Stewart had already ordered the Soup (35Kc) from the Lunchtime Menu. They would have Chicken Madras (140Kc) also. Steve and Hector ordered a la carte. Lamb Madras (245Kc) and a Paratha (65Kc) for Steve, Hector felt the need to try something different. I had the 
The Soup arrived quickly and was well received by both participants. Ricky remarked that one does not often see Soup available. There’s all sorts of stuff in here – fennel – was Stewart’s observation. So far so good.
Steve and Hector were sentenced to watching The Chaps eat their Main Course a good while before our Dishes arrived. The Chicken Madras was everything The Rickmeister would avoid at home, it too was – Soup. The verdict was decidedly positive. Physically hot – was Stewart’s immediate contribution.
At first glimpse, the Naan looked decidedly – Plain – however, Cumin Seeds were embedded. The Chaps from Yorkshire were well impressed by the Lunchtime Menu.
Real spices – this is good – said Steve. He was also impressed by the Paratha which was presented in an interesting manner but appeared to lack Layering and Flakiness.
Ricky wondered if I would ever get started on my Lamb Rezela such was the extent of note taking. The Rice looked Massive, half was decanted to the plate. As I spooned on the Yogurt-laden Masala I thought I could smell Coconut. If there was any, it was Minimal, though the Masala did have an underlying Sweetness. Eight good sized pieces of Tender Lamb were somewhat lost in the Melange of Rice and Masala. One may have to admit that this style of Curry is probably better with Chicken. The Lamb gave off no Spice or any Flavour which disappointed, it may as well have been Chicken. Mild to start, the Spice did come through eventually as did the full Aromatic Flavour. Four very pale Cardamom Seeds were encountered. Onions were mixed through the Rice along with Mushrooms, the rest was moved to the plate and smothered with the remaining Masala. It took a while, but all was consumed. I indeed had found Something Different.
The Bill
Marg chose Chana Aloo (£4.50) to accompany her usual Lemon and Cashew Nut Rice (£2.25) and Butter Chicken (£5.75). I found the Chickpea-Potato to be a strange choice for Marg, what was she expecting?
After an acceptable wait, the various components of the Order came over. The Butter Chicken was topped with Walnuts. For those who like that sort of thing, this Dish is it, yet Marg was not happy.
Marg had spread some of the Rice on her plate and then the Butter Chicken. Due to her ongoing dental problem, she had to cut up the Meat to a manageable size. Praise for the Quantity of Chicken was her last favourable comment. She lost the Masala in the Rice, yet she had decanted less than half. With nothing coming from the Aloo Chana she had created a – Dog’s Breakfast.
The Lamb Karahi had arrived a good time before the Machi Masala and so was addressed first. 
The Machi Masala rejuvenated the outing. There appeared to be much more Fish than there was Lamb in the Karahi. The Masala was indistinguishable from the Karahi, however, the Fish aided the Seasoning, Significantly. With a Citrus Blast, Ginger Strips and the Fish itself, there was a great array of flavours. The Spice Level felt higher too. Here was satisfaction.
Mein Host had been made aware of the Capsicum Hiatus. The pile of Red Peppers was highly visible on the bare plate. Hector was offered more Lamb Karahi – without. I declared that I was now full. Here was the Turning Point. Mein Host announced he would supply me with Lamb Karahi to take away. He offered Rice too. I said we already were taking Rice away. The Rice became a Naan. Thank you very much.
Omelettes, Fish Cakes, Bangers and Mash were on offer. Craig admitted that had he not been in a Curry House, he would have been tempted. Curry is the only thing Yvonne has managed to eat and enjoy in recent days, she was up for it. Last time Marg had a – Wrap – this time, Hector was determined to find a Curry to suit her Lunchtime needs.
Meat Makhani (£5.95) – I suggested to Marg. Hopefully, – Creamy – would entice. Marg accepted this, I decided to try the Makhani as – Something Different. With Extra Chillies and a Coriander Topping this should give the Dish the required boost. Craig and Yvonne were less adventurous and would have once more the Chicken Bhuna (£4.95) that impressed on 
Yvonne remarked on the number of Ladies who kept emerging from the Kitchen. Sarina – herself – presented and placed a Soupçon on the table. This was a Sample of Lamb on-the-bone which she had just finished cooking. This was for The Hector to sample, I did. Gosh! The Lamb was still a bit on the Chewy side, the Flavour was – Something Else – Cloves were in there, is The Bradford Secret? I was having this. The second piece of Meat was mostly Bone so went untouched until Hector took care of it. The others tasted the Sauce which was on the small plate. All were impressed. It was agreed that my order would change to Lamb on-the-bone. Was I still having this as Makhani? Suspense.
Two Portions of Chicken Bhuna arrived, the Spicier version went to Yvonne. She took about half of the Rice. As with 
One Portion of Meat Makhani was presented, for Marg. Given that the Portions are very much – Lunchtime – they are somewhere between Tapas and a Main, Hector briefly considered ordering this too. However, Hector had another plan for this evening?
What came was Lamb on-the-bone, as ordered. Dipping a Chapatti in the Masala beside the Meat there was an immediate – Splash. One polo shirt stained. I decided it would be better to decant the contents of the Dish on to the plate. Now I could see the Perfectly Minimal Bradford Masala.
The Lamb was considerably less chewy than that which had been presented moments before. The Etiquette of Chapatti in hand was maintained, Meaty Bone alone when required, forget the formalities, just get stuck in and enjoy. I did, this was a Truly Immense Creation, one of the Finest Curry Experiences, Ever!
Should I have ordered another Portion? Craig would have easily been persuaded to have more Bhuna. No, tonight in Huddersfield, 
I asked Sarina what she would like her creation to be officially called, we agreed on: