Last year’s visit to York saw Hector settle for an overpriced and very wet Kedgeree in a well known eatery.
Today, the return from Sheffield permitted a stop-off in this Historical City at Lunchtime. With just under two hours there was surely time to seek out a Source of Lunchtime Curry. Locating a hole in the wall, Hector found himself in a familiar locus, Tanner Row, where The Mogul is no more. Nearby Akbar’s as expected would not open until later, there was nothing for it but to cross the River Ouse.
The Taj Mahal may be open at Weekend Lunchtimes, today is Monday. Round the corner from the waterfront, Jaipur Spice has been re-branded – Masala Craft, again not presently open. Fossgate became the next objective, passing the end of Shambles en route. A Nepalese Restaurant – Everest Gurkha – was open, but not the Cuisine I rate. Finally, just as Pizza was becoming an option, Mumbai Spice (47 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TF, England) was located – and open.
Entering just after noon, Hector was the first customer of the session. This was at the upmarket end of the spectrum, hot and hotter running Waiters, tablecloths galore. A Lunchtime Menu was placed on front of me. Normally I would still ask for a la carte, today would be a different day.
Menu C was glanced at and dismissed, why? With hindsight I should have ordered the Shardari Special Karahi, however, I let myself be distracted by Menu A.
Regular Readers will now anticipate the Lamb Balti, but as I can now state that all being well, The India Trip is next week, it has come time to accept – Chicken, the Meat I may have to settle for. Chicken Tikka Bhuna it was, served with Rice and technically a share of a Naan, Onion Bhaji to Start, all for £8.90.
The Sparkling Water was brought and poured into the accompanying glass. There was time to take in the scene. On the wall opposite was the largest map of India I have ever seen. This put the Continentatility of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra in perspective, the Thar Desert may be adjacent, but still far away. India is vast, Hector and Marg will see but just Soupcon.
The Onion Bhaji came as a Pair. The Presentation was worthy of such a venue, a Sauce Boat of Raita on the Side to complement the Tamarind. How Fresh were these? Amazing! The Lightness was just what was required, not too much Bulk. This was an Impressive Start, and we know what that usually precedes.
On clearing the table The Waiter asked if I was ready for the Main Course. I asked for another five minutes. I was still the only customer, snapping away at everything. One could be self-conscious, however, one has acquired a rubber skin, consider a Blog without photos?
An Omelette Pan containing the Chicken Tikka Bhuna was placed on the hot metal stand. Three Large Pieces of Chicken Tikka in a Very Red Masala. A Dinner Plate with a Modest Quantity of Rice accompanied. Hector deplores Excessive Rice, this was Minimalist, but when broken managed to cover the plate. Enough, just, but hang on, there’s more.
The Chicken Tikka was decanted with enough of the Masala. The Chicken Pieces were halved, then quartered, there was a Decent Quantity of Meat here, especially compared to my last Chicken Encounter in Sheffield.
Having cut up the Tikka, White Meat was now to the fore. The surface area ratio of Meat that had been affected by the Tandoor, to White Meat, was now confirming everything I ask about Chicken Curry, does it exist? Chicken is so Impermeable, only the first millimetre takes on any genuine Flavour. One may as well have Vegetables.
At this point all my feelings about Chicken were suspended. The Waiter bought a Naan, possibly the Freshest Naan I have ever encountered! Cooked through, Light, Fluffy, a Strip was torn and the remaining Masala in the Omelette Pan was scooped. Wow!
The Seasoning hit full on. Outstanding as the Sheffield Curry consumed in the last few days has been, the Seasoning was always just below Perfection. The Seasoning today was possibly OTT for some, but just what The Hector Palate required. There was a decent Kick too from the Red Masala. The description of the Masala stated – Tomato and Puree, they were not kidding. One could ask how much Onion was in this Masala, it was definitely Puree-based, a bit Watery.
There was a Sweetness, probably from the Naan, yet I could see no Coconut, this Bread and Sauce Curry was Most Pleasant. The Chicken was eaten as and when, Aloo Gobi would have been an Interesting Alternative.
The Waiter came over to ask the Customary Question, I pointed to the remaining Naan.
That is Excellent! Hector rarely orders Naan, finding them typically Excessive and Doughy. This was how a Naan should be IMHO.
A plate with Orange Slices accompanied the welcomed wet-wipe. I was advised that Tea or Coffee was inclusive, I declined. Time for The Bill, Hector had a train to catch.
The Bill
£11.30. That made the Sparkling Water – £2.40. I had been well-fed. They have to make a Profit somewhere.
The Aftermath
The Website was shown and the Calling Card given to The Waiter, hopefully it will be passed on. I was helped on with my garments, the other Waiter held open the door. Service, The Full Bhuna.
Visits to York are rare, so who knows if I will ever return to the City never mind Mumbai Spice. Hector normally eats at the other end of the Curry House Spectrum, but for a Posh Night Out, one should consider Mumbai Spice.
The Waitress smiled in recognition and thanked me for coming back. It would become apparent that she has duties behind the scenes more than front of house. A few Menus were brought, we struggled to get more. The Waiter kept disappearing. Some of The Company were becoming concerned. That I had recommended the Venue is why they were there. The proximity to the three Hotels at which we were billeted was also a matter in accepting this location. We would stick it out no matter what.
Opposite Hector and Kerr sat Carlos and Diola, a couple from the USA who are more used to Mexican Cuisine when eating – Spicy -but showed no fear of Indian. Carlos too asked for Achar Ghost, Spicy, with Boiled Rice to accompany. Two Poppadoms to Start. Under the Banner – Vegetarian – on The Menu is Mixed Vegetables (£6.00). This was Diola’s choice with Two Vegetable Samosas as a Starter.
The Poppadoms and Dips were distributed between those who required them. Ian’s Lamb Tikka looked fairly straightforward. Louise’s – Onion Bhaji – were more like Pancakes, possibly the Flattest Bhajis I have ever recorded.
There was no point in them not getting on with it. I still wonder about Biryani. I have seen The Man from Bradford order Biryani whilst abroad to avoid – Soup. Does it come with a Masala or not? Tonight it did not. After a few moments Miss X sent her Meal back to be reheated.
Martin was thoroughly enjoying his Bitter Fayre and was glad not have ordered the second Paratha. The Beautifully Dry Karahi was impressive, as 
Diola was the next person I could tune into. This is delicious – she said of her Mixed Vegetables. With the Standard – Potatoes, Cauliflower, Carrots and Peas – this was again a Visually Impressive Vegetable Curry.
Debs’ Lamb Tikka Karahi looked – Dry – in the extreme. It also had a Colour that I have never seen Rice turn before. Lovely, too much though – was her comment.
At 50p less than the Karahi Dishes, one assumes that Chef put Less effort and possibly Fewer Ingredients into the preparation of the Curry Dishes. Of the Chicken Madras, Ian said – Fine, Spicy. Not as good as the Shimla in Keighley. There’s a Venue I have not been to, yet.
In a Party of Ten there has to be at least one Chicken Tikka Masala. The Hector will not deny having ordered this once upon a time, in the last century… It looked too Red, this always worries, how much is Natural?
Kerr’s Karahi Keema I have also seen in the last couple of days, this looked consistent.
The Achar Ghost was something else. The entire Colour and Texture of the Achar Ghost was different from what I had ordered in previous visits. Paler, the straight Masala had been radically altered by the Lime Pickle. The Rice absorbed any Excess Masala, it’s strange having Rice with Karahi. The Lamb was cut as before, and was just as Tender, with the Pickle Blast, this was a very Different Dish. More Seasoning was needed, so I have learned this weekend to specifically ask for this in future.
Carlos’ Achar Ghost – Spicy was differentiated with Chopped Green Chillies, the Big Ones, atop his Karahi.
Very delicious, the right level of spice, just as I asked for it. It wasn’t dry, it had a bit of sourness to it. I liked the pickle taste. Diola once again reminded The Hector about her Mixed Vegetables – This is delicious. By now she appreciated her words would be published.
On the low road from the Travelodge and Ibis Hotels to 
The Fish section is what I had hoped for, Salmon Stew (£14.00) – Salmon stew with olive oil, onions, garlic, green chilli and other spices. Served with Rice and Salad. Perfect, but I was informed that none of the Fish Dishes were available today. Start again.
A Brown Sponge-like substance covered the tray as one would arrange Pastry before baking. Was this a Banana Leaf Substitute? In the middle of the tray lay the actual Food, a Thick Dark, and I have to use the word – Masala – because it feels apposite, with a Single Whole Boiled Egg and One Piece of Chicken. Half a thigh? Not a lot of Chicken. Beside this was the Cottage Cheese. The Hector was taking all this in, wondering where to begin, when The Waitress placed a side-plate with two Rubbery-looking Napkins beside me, more Flatbread.
The Egg was broken up to make it last, again it worked well with the Sauce. The Cottage Cheese was worrying, mix it in with the Masala or eat it separately? I mixed some in, no way could I put all this Cottage Cheese in my body then go and sup Ale, Hector knows his limits. With the Chicken still on-the-bone I could see how little Meat there was, again, strip the bone, make the Meat last longer. The Chicken was, well Chicken. What does Chicken add to any Dish other than being a Meaty Protein?
The Chaps and Chapattis were assembling in Sheffield this evening for tomorrow’s Biere Sans Frontieres AGM. Hector had already been asked to name the venue for Curry. From the Shakespeare it is only a five minute walk along the River Don to Wicker where lies 
This afternoon, those lovely people who organise the Scottish Curry Awards contacted Hector to inform that once again Hector Curry-Heute has been shortlisted in the Awards. In 2011, I was runner up to a local celebrity. In 2012, I was runner up to a corporate body who had sponsored the event. Can The Hector be shunned a third time? Still, it is good to be nominated and make the shortlist, especially as this time I did not invite anyone to vote for me. One concludes that The Curryspondents may have had a hand in this? Thank you.
The Bitter Gourd was in Slivers and lived up to its description. With the Methi, this was as Bitter a Curry as Hector has experienced, Simcoe, Chinook and Citra came to mind. This was Excellent, and confirms what I realised on 
Jonathan knows his Keema. This was as Dry as it should be served. Very good, dry – no Methi was reported.
Finally there was Derek who had not secured his first choice of Main, and was unhappy with his Paratha. I had seen the Palak Ghost the previous evening and so knew it would be a worthy Dish, almost tempting. A Chicken Curry may well cross Hector’s Palate once more in the near future.
Lamb Chops? Not today! I also turned down Kofta, Falafel, Tagine, Wraps, various Kebaps and Burgers. Molokhia (£6.99) caught the eye – special tunisia beef curry cooked in north african spices. The Sundries included Home-made Bread (50p), all was set.
I have been to 
Had it been later in the day I would have had Tagine, in fact any of the above would have been a better choice.
Hector finds himself back in Sheffield, yay. On 
The Gulshan Balti House across the street had a neon sign saying – Open. The Waiter greeted us, there was no Chef. Could we come back at 19.00? I suggested he accompany us to 
Moments later Mein Host came up the stairs, Hector was remembered, the order was accepted.
An Aloo Gobi and a Daal were set before The Chaps at the adjacent table. They were engaged in conversation. Both Chaps are Vegetarian, one a Vegan. I asked him if he thought the Earth was Flat? I love Vegetables, but as an Accompaniment to Meat, to never eat Meat? Permission was granted to photograph their meals, a gallus way to build up a 
One can tell by its appearance when a Curry is going to be outstanding. The Lamb was cut Small, but not Bradford-small. The Bones were also Small and Sharp, one Sucky Bone. The Masala was suitably Thick and Minimal, the Green Herb was visible, strewn in the Mash. Excellent. Knowing what to expect tends to lead to complacency, this was Wonderful, but a tad below what was served on January 2nd, a bit more seasoning would have put it right at The Top. Still, it passed The Test, this was a Hector Curry.
Dr. Stan asked – Is there Methi in it?
The Kofta’s appearance was misleading. The Meatballs were smothered in a Thick but perhaps Excessive Masala. Only when the contents were decanted did the Meatballs reveal themselves. Spicy and Meaty – said Dr. Stan, our neighbours had departed.
The Bill
In two days or so, Kenny’s life is about to change forever, there had to be a Curry-Heute whilst he can. Dr. Stan was invited to join Kenny and The Hector at 
Arriving moments after the arranged 18.30, the table at the window had plates and cutlery already placed, the house way of telling others – Reserved. However, we had a new Young Waiter this evening so he challenged us as we took our seats. This was Sunni, who quickly brought the usual Poppadoms, Spiced Onions and Dips having confirmed that the rest of the Food was ordered already. Kenny likes his Spiced Onions, fortunately he enjoys a Curry too.
Mr. Anwar Sr. stopped at our table and greeted us. Kenny was keen to tell him, and everyone else, that he is days away from becoming a – Daddy. (Kenny will never reach Retirement Age.) Hector managed to mention a looming trip to India. Mr Anwar chatted for ages, Education, Poverty, Opportunity, and Food were all covered. During this period, Sunni brought three Large Haddock on foil, Gosh! Hector took one piece and passed the plate to the left. Dr. Stan removed the next lovely piece of Spiced Haddock and passed the plate across the table to Kenny who was still in full flow. Kenny maintained the show of manners and continued the thrust of the conversation with Mr. Anwar. Dr. Stan and Hector were not letting the Fish get cold.
The Haddock was – Stunning! Baked and Grilled was one theory. The skin was partially black, the top – Crispy, a modest Kick leaving Spice on the lips. Superb – remarked Kenny when he was finally let loose. It was. There is the risk of over-filing on Starters but this was Light and Flavoursome, not to be missed.
It was nearer ten minutes later when the Karahi, piled high with Lamb Chops, was presented. Three Chapattis accompanied, this should be enough. We have learned that this Quantity of Meat is best tackled with the Minimum of Carbs. Our seating arrangement this evening meant that all of The Goodies were placed before The Hector, it was again up to me to get things going.
Four Lamb Chops felt like an honourable number to start with. Some of the Masala-mash was scooped from the base of the Karahi, here lies the Mother-load of the Flavour. The Karahi was again passed to the left. By the time Kenny had taken a share we had made a Dent, there remained a Substantial amount of Food.
We don’t like you – was The Hector’s address to Shkoor. You could have this every day.
Two weeks ago, 
A Complimentary Poppadom and Dips were set before me by the Young Waiter, not one of the Sons unless I was mistaken.
The Young Waiter brought the huge plate of Vegetable Rice and the Desi Handi. One person could not possibly eat this quantity of Rice, however, I had to decant nearly all of it to ensure that all the Vegetables were located. Potatoes, Cauliflower, Peas and Carrots were included, exactly how I like it, essentially a Vegetable Biryani.
The Desi Handi looked so familiar. The 
The Lamb varied from very Tender to requires Chewing. There was a lot of it. Such was the Quantity of Meat, the Masala was suitably Minimal. Last time I asked for extra Methi and well-seasoned, the Curry was Outstanding. Today I waited for the Big Flavours to emerge, no. This was still a very good Curry, but lacked the – Wow. Next time I shall spell it out, my fault.
The Special Rice had Peas and Mushrooms, not particularly – Special – and less impressive than the Vegetable Rice that was available in years gone by. The Quantity was Sensible, a plateful, not a mound which would lead to waste. The Achari looked just the job, the Classic Village Masala, and this time not excessive. A quick count of the good sized Lamb pieces took me double figures. So far, so good.
Where were the Bones? This was Boneless. Still, the Quality of the Lamb was impressive, just enough chewing. The expected Pickle Blast did not occur. Indeed, 
With the Rice, this was a the Perfect Quantity. With the end in sight there was the realisation that the Pleasure would soon be drawing to a close. This was as good a 
The Bill
On the way back from Leeds, a City from where most likely no Curry-Heute Reviews will ever appear, Hector took the notion to re-visit one of the first Bradford Curry Houses ever encountered, Rawal (3 Wilton St., Bradford, BD5 0AX). Twenty years ago, in another life, Bradford was slowly revealing itself. This was the most basic venue I had ever encountered. It is never open in the daytime, tonight it was closed.
Two Karahi were brought, one much Larger than the other. Both ended up on my side of the table. The Fish Krahi was passed over to Howard, the Larger Karahi stayed with me. Lamb Desi, this is what Howard had last night, so why present the different sizes? A lot of Curry. Five Chapattis sat mid-table. Five?
Howard’s Fish Krahi was also Super-spiced. He kept a bit aside for me to sample, this was declined. It is
