It is time to return to Hector’s House, the – Hiatus Horribilis – has reached its conclusion. However, there was still time for one more Curry in Manchester. Later, Hector boarded the 13.16 to Glasgow, three coaches, stowed, luggage, people standing, Trans Pennine need to look at this. Hector’s booked seat provided a table and power-point, time to Blog.
Al-Faisal Tandoori was the intended venue today, when Craig once again announced that he and Yvonne would have Lunchtime Curry, I insisted they go to Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Manchester, M4 1LQ). There was no point me eating alone since we were all checking out of the Travelodge at the same time.
Craig and Yvonne were receiving their orders as I walked in, we were meeting here? Oops. Chicken Balti and Roti for two (£10.20) was their choice. I had warned them that the Curry Cafes of the Northern Quarter do not serve Curry in the same League as The Best Restaurants. This is Indian Fast Food, Shorva dominates; with a Roti, Splashy but Authentic. If one adds Rice, then the entire Nature of the Dish changes.
I fetched the Chopped Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander from the counter. Craig and Yvonne did not know the etiquette. Yvonne helped herself to both Craig declined. They were both impressed. Yvonne appeared to have acquired more Solids in her Masala than Craig who remarked about the Quantity of Meat in his bowl.
Craig – Very good, very tasty, a lot of meat.
Yvonne – Very good.
Let The Reader be aware that these platitudes are not automatic, in our company, they have to be merited.
Mags had ordered Lamb Karahi from the top of the Specials Board, the on-the-bone version. As she had ordered a Paratha she had to wait. The required £6.00 was paid in advance.
I like this one too – said Mags as she soaked up the Excess Masala to reveal a Whole Lotta’ Lamb, with Minimal Bones. The Paratha was – in the style – Layered and Flaky. How different this Interpretation of Lamb Karahi was compared to yesterday at Dera, but still – No Ballast!
Hector had very Tasty Masala Fish here on Wednesday, the aforementioned Lamb Karahi at Dera yesterday. The Old Hector would have ordered Lamb Chops, the Post India Hector saw Mixed Veg on the Board, it had to be. Rizwan, Mein Host remarked that he thought I was a Meat Eater as is he. I cannot live on Lamb alone. I asked for the Mixed Vegetables to be served on Rice. Both were ready, the Serving Containers were being heated from below. With the Mass of Boiled Rice, defeat before I started. Realising I was joining the Other Three, Rizwan thanked me for bringing my Friends. He need not worry about his Business, the Place was empty when Craig and Yvonne arrived at 11.45, by Noon it was filling up, by the time we left, people were queuing out of the door.
Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander were sprinkled on top of my Food Mountain, I must suggest Dry Methi.
Peas, Potatoes, Carrots, and Cauliflower – The Big Four – were accompanied by the occasional piece of Sweetcorn. The Thin Masala may well have been classed as Excessive on any other day, but having watched my Fellow Diners, this was not appropriate. Whatever Excess I had, disappeared into the Interstices of the Rice. I was left with a Moist Curry, the Potato Pieces were as good as any Meat on this occasion, and easier to digest. The Curry itself was Smooth, Mellow. The Masala may have been Tomato-based hence the relative Thinness. As each piece of Green Chilli was encountered, so the Bite was enhanced. This was a very good choice this Lunchtime, I could not have faced another full-on Meat Curry. Now I shall admit to having a late night Donner. Bad Boy Hector.
By the time I raised the Flag, every table was occupied, people were siting with strangers, good to see. We stood up, our places were taken by those who had their Curry in hand, waiting patiently. This was a new Curry Experience at Kabana.
The Bill
£6.00. Two could have been fed by what was served to me.
The Aftermath
Despite dealing with customers desperate to be served before they could even consider a seat, Rizwan took the time to bid us Farewell. As Craig said – Why doesn’t Glasgow City Centre have somewhere like this?
We did, Shahed’s, but it didn’t last long. High Rent on a Main Street, coupled with serving Food in polystyrene containers with plastic forks, was not IMHO a good Business Plan. Babu Bombay Street Kitchen may be as close as Glasgow has currently, but it is more Takeaway based.
The train home, for a month, Yvonne has just informed the Social Medium I am away next weekend. Bring it on.
(The water vapour rising from all the Dishes has meant a lesser quality of photo today.)
When it was announced that Hector’s Haitus Horribilis should conclude in Manchester, one event was guaranteed, a visit to the Truly Wonderful – 
Craig announced yesterday afternoon that he and Yvonne would join me for Lunchtime Curry. Mags would be the fourth Diner. The 135 Bus was taken from just off Piccadilly up towards Cheetam Hill. With four of us, a Taxi was considered, at £4.20 for a day ticket, and bus stops outside 
The Menu issued today was again a development from what has been experienced in the past. Karahi is what Hector had in mind, no Half Kilos or Portions were on offer, just the Kilo. Even The Hector cannot eat a Full Kilo (£21.45). Mags stepped in and she said she would eat the other half. Aloo Gosht was not on the Menu then? It could no doubt easily have been rustled up, but it was not in my interest to suggest this. Parathas (£1.25) should be the Perfect Accompaniment.
Craig and Yvonne had different ideas. Lamb Chops (£6.45) would be shared as a Starter. The Chef-Waiter advised a Portion is Four Chops, ideal. Craig chose Daal Gosht Bhandara (£6.95) not because of what was in it, but what was not. No Chillies in this Dish, instead Lentils with Lamb on-the-bone. Rice was asked for as the Accompaniment, Salad was suggested, the offer accepted. Yvonne’s selection was Chicken Chilli Masala (£6.25), the same as 
By now Mags had seen photos of the Flat Karahi and so was not taken aback by the different presentation. The Parathas were Substantial, Flaky and Layered as they should be, we were ready to rock.
Yvonne managed to get through her Dish a good while before the rest of us. She was happy to find Brown Meat rather than Chicken Breast, perhaps this may have better Permeability, research needed. Actually no, Hector shall continue to avoid Chicken Curry.
This is my eighth visit to 
A new Waiter came on duty, as the Chef-Waiter had already done, he asked if there was any more he could do. I asked if Nauman would be in today. I was informed that he was at reception. Mein Host was informed of my presence and was straight down the room, behold the beard. The Greetings were exchanged, Nauman said he would speak later once we were finished.
Had I seen the – Specials Board – it would have been Karahi Lamb on-the-bone. Instead my gaze focused on the Display Dishes. One was Chicken, for those who still think… Lamb Chops were ready to be grilled as was some Masala Fish. Rizwan held up the Masala Fish – Do you like Fish? Hector did not need a second invitation, Fish has been mentioned on previous visits, my timing a bit out. I said I needed Rice for Ballast, and so asked how it would be served. Normally the Masala Fish is served here with Salad, knowing that Plain Rice with the Masala Fish would put me in the same position as Craig achieved in 
Two Pieces of Masala Fish, grilled or deep fried, hard to tell given the crispness of the Spicy Coating. Spiced Onion, Cucumber and Lettuce sat aside the Rice. Smithereens of a Thick-ish Masala was spread across the top of the Rice, then the Fresh Coriander. There was enough Moisture.
The Kick from the Spice Coating hit immediately, and then some. The Taste of the Masala Fish was remarkable similar to the Scottish Haddock served at 
Hector’s Bill
We have visited Ostia Antica, just the twelve of us. The Men from Bradford have gone home without a Roman Curry, so has Neil. Mark and Karen arrived last night, we were briefly a Company of Fifteen.
With The Ladies in pursute of Fizzy Wine, seven marched from the Forum to the park known as Vittorio Emanuel, this is Curry Land in 
The Mob was: Mark and Karen (Swansea), Dr. Stan (Kettering), Lord Clive of 
Craig took the safe option – Tandoori Chicken (€11.00) with Rice. Not a combination I understood. For Mark it was straightforward Chicken Curry (€11.00) with a Roti. Karen ordered Palak Mutton (€12.00) with Rice. The Chaps having the Fish Curry ordered Naans to accompany, Howard taking the Keema Naan option. Mince with Fish? The Breads all appeared to be €1.50.
Hector’s Mutton Gobi and Biryani were brought first. Once again it was a case of – knowing – immediately how good this was going to be. Whatever the instructions given to The Chef, this was Classic Curry, enough Masala to be – Curry – no more. Craig did not fare too well with the Tandoori Chicken, no Sauce at all. I feared this could be the case, he ate on regardless, knife and fork in hand.
Not only did I have Cauliflower today, some Potato had been included too, complementing the Green Beans, Peas and Carrots. I had the full array of Vegetables plus Meat to complete the Total Indulgence. There was a decent Quantity of Lamb, the ratio to Cauliflower acceptable. One supposes that without the Cauliflower there would have been even more Meat. The Lamb was Tender to Slightly Chewy, there was even the sense of Spice from within. Having agreed on – Spicy – there was no disappointment here. The Seasoning my have been a touch below my ideal, however no complaints from Hector, this was once again a Very Impressive Curry. That I was last to finish eating was down to the Quantity of Food before me. In the end I had to leave some of the Rice, just some.
Fish Curry
Karen made short work of her Mutton Palak. The right size of portion – was her observation.
Mark knew he was expected to supply a quote: That was very good, mainstream but tasty.
Craig finally abandoned the cutlery and ate his Chicken properly. He even managed to appropriate some of Karen’s Surplus Masala. At home, one would expect at least a Raita with Tandoori Chicken, here nothing. However, Craig could have asked.
Vegetable Biryani – he replied. As this is how Marg and Hector enjoyed the Curry in 
The Masala Fish was Pink, I have no idea what it was, however, it had Substance, the Quantity would prove to be Perfect. The Masala had an Earthy Flavour, Complex, the Blend of Herbs and Spices giving the Full Curry Experience. Curry Leaves revealed themselves, the Spice Level was Fierce at times. The Seasoning was tempered by a slight Sweetness from the Fish. The Ginger Strips provided the usual – Crunch. This is the Best Curry I have had in 
Mein Host did not approach until I was nearly finished. This is Excellent Curry – I told him, thumbs up.
The Lone Diner was shown to a table mid room at 13.10. By 13.20 a Chap in a Turban took a table opposite, he ordered Chicken Tikka. Minutes later a Group of Twenty Indians were marched though to the back where a Buffet awaited. I wish I had been able to have a gander. Two Americans were the final guests of my visit one ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Glasgow’s great Curry Gift to The World.
Despite having consumed a considerable quantity of Lamb 
liquid intake. At least Sparkling Water is cheap in Roma.
The Jeera Rice was big enough for two to share. Why does so much Rice get wasted? Who could have eaten all this Rice, and with what?
The Rome Trip has started, Howard and Hector are having 
The place was empty this Wednesday evening @19.00, so any table was ours. The Modest Menu was provided, every page was photographed subsequently. The range of Dishes was realistic, no endless Tweaks. The Lamb Chop Bhuna (£9.95) put Hector firmly in the mood for Meat, no Vegetable Curry tonight. The price was also attractive, virtually half the price for the same Dish at 
Sparkling Water for Hector, Still Water for Howard. When the Large Bottles arrived I immediately asked the cost. Twenty years ago Michael was stung for a Large Bottle of Perrier just off Tottenham Court Rd, £7.00 back then was a fortune. £3.95 was within acceptable parameters for the size given, well maybe for the Sparkling. Who buys Still Water, ah, we are in the South of England, Tap Water is terrible.
With the Chettinad served spread across the plate, the Vegetable Pulao could only be dumped on top. So much for etiquette. Sweetcorn, Green Beans, Onion, Peas, Carrot Slivers?, Broccoli and Cauliflower, this impressed. The Quantity of Rice, and yes there was Rice in the bowl, was Sensible. All was set, The Waiter watched the photographic ritual.
As Curry, the Dish was Sound in terms of what was on the plate, but why did they think it was a Chettinad? The Overall Flavour was not South Indian, what was served was Excellent, had this simply been put down in front of me with the instruction – Eat, I would be raving about it. So, an Excellent Curry, but without the Expected Flavour.
The Seasoning – was Howard’s first remark. The Seasoning was indeed at the preferred end of the Salt Spectrum. Howard, known for his generosity, plonked a Lamb Chop on my plate. The Thick Masala on the Chops was nothing like what I had been served despite the similarity in appearance. Tamarind – was Howard’s next offering. I didn’t think so. Neither of us were sure, and there was a Flavour we have not encountered, something new, always welcome.
The Keema Naan was Donner-like inside, had a Favourably Light Texture and was served at a manageable Plate Size. Howard managed most of it, any Larger would have been a waste.
Marg insisted we walk from her Mother’s domicile to Sister – Kath’s, meaning The Other Four Guests were already tucking in to Poppadoms and a Mixed Vegetable Dip. Yes, we were late, and Hector is never late for Curry.
The Vegetable Dip had a great Tang, different from the normal Spiced Onion and Raita. Being a Saturday Night, and a Party in effect, some Oakham Ales were brought from The West to the City which some describe as an Ale Desert.
This is one of Hector’s Favourite Sides. I have never attempted cooking this Dish. Given the current Fascination with Vegetables, who knows? Al Dente would describe the Cauliflower and Potatoes. The Herb content confirmed the Efficacy of the Dish. Some more please.
The Dish that Hector feared having to eat without alternatives during 
These were shop bought, however, I had to congratulate Graeme on serving Quaity Naan, Light and Fluffy.
The Aftermath
A Carlisle Beer Festival on a Friday, because I can
I was given my choice of tables, but chose the small table to the rear of the ground floor seating area which has become – My Spot. The Chef acknowledged me as a I sat down at the hatch in front of him. After a gap of a couple of years, this place is beginning to feel like – Home – again.
The Menu was brought, straight to the Vegetarian Section. Something serious has happened to The Hector since 
design of the glass. A weird moment.
The Karahi and Rice were placed before me. I have been enjoying the Vegetable Rice on these premises since the days of 
The Overall Flavour impressed, the Spice was there, the contents easily digestible. The Potato Pieces had to be halved as one would do a large piece of Meat. I was loving this. The Variety of Textures in the Vegetables gave complete Satisfaction.
The two Fellow Diners were served Ice Cream. As always, Hector declined Dessert.
The Menu was studied once again, this time I spotted a Lamb Chops Platter, £21.99 for fourteen pieces, as opposed to £6.99 for four. Still pricey in comparison to other venues. With Dinner in just over four hours, the thought of eating a Mass of Meat did not feel appropriate. Mix Vegetable Curry (£6.50), would this be the same Vegetable Curry as served as Standard, so I believe. 
The Waiter tried his best to increase the Chapatis to two, I assured him one would be enough. A can of Mango Rubicon (£1.10) would complete the Order. It was then I noticed an instruction on the front of the Menu. Next time.
As before, two Pots of Dips were provided, looking around the room, I saw these untouched at other tables. Perhaps they should go the whole way and supply a Poppadom.
Served in a Karahi, it looked like a Karahi, not the Slightly Creamy Dish that 
Carrots, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Green Beans plus the Ginger Strips were the Interesting Vegetables. The Kick was Intense, the Seasoning just on the Limit. There was a Subtle Sweetness, I would deduce emanating from the Carrots. Hector has theorised about the presence of Carrots in the Masala of my 
ressive Curry. The Single Chapati was sufficient.