Curry on Four Consecutive Days
Today was The Big One, taking Marg for her first visit to Lahori Dera (433 Cheetham Hill Rd, Manchester, M8 0PF). I write First, there shall be more.
Normally when I drive to Manchester I arrive from the North-West. Today we came from Huddersfield and so I found myself driving down from Cheetham Hill. I saw Lahori Dera in daylight for the First Time, complete with Cow and Tractor.
Our Booking was originally for 20.00. however I saw fit to bring this forward, it could have been a very long day otherwise.
The Taxi from The Angel was only £4.00. Arriving at exactly 19.00, Mein Host greeted us at the Reception – I told you I would be back with my wife. He took us to the far end of the Cavernous Room and sat us adjacent to the Stage Area. We were One of Three sets of Diners, in the next hour the Venue became half full which given its size was quite an achievement. This was a Sunday Night.
The Welcome Salad was brought, I immediately asked for Sparkling Water to prevent the For Sale Still Water being brought. Poppadoms and Dips – Compliments of the House – were much appreciated.
The Large Menu was studied, well the half in English. Last time I dictated that the Kilo of Lamb Karahi on-the-bone should be served Dry, with Extra Methi, aka – Hector-style. This evening, my Third Visit, I considered it time to let The Chef show me his creation as served to The Majority. Mein Host returned to serve us. He suggested I try the version topped with Ghee – Lamb Butter Karahi. This was £4.00 dearer than Standard. Haggling upwards? Fine. Three Chapattis (70p) should be Sufficient Accompaniment. It was suggested we have Two then order the Third as required. Agreed.
There was time to take in the ever-improving atmosphere. A Large Group sat along the far wall. The Ladies sat at one end, The Chaps at the other. Each to their own. Marg was entertained by the Chefs hard at work in the open kitchen. She spotted a Mass of Butter being added into a Large Metal Dish, this was ours.
Space was cleared on the Table for the Large, Flat Metal Dish. Even allowing for The Bone content, there was enough Meat. The Karahi was appreciably Wetter than experienced here previously. The Melted Butter had visibly enriched the Masala. This would be another new Dining Experience.
The Chapattis were Large and Chunky, Proper Chapattis and Perfect Vessels for the Curry.
Marg managed to pick her way through the Lamb with Bones and indeed had none. Hector was less fussy and grabbed a Generous Portion. There was still plenty left. Marg would never consume a Half Kilo. She ate her fair share and loved it too.
This was Sublime Curry. Very Rich in Flavour, a suitable Kick, Quality. Prepared without Red Chillies, reminiscent to The White (Namkeen) Karahi that has come to Glasgow courtesy of Lasani Grill. The occasional Sucky Bone gave out the Bone-marrow, Earthy Flavours with the Creaminess of the Ghee to boot. Once more, Hector was in his Happy Place.
The Karahi was cooling and so the Third Chapatti was summoned. It arrived in time to give a Heat Boost to The End Game, alas Hector was filling rapidly, Marg had given up. A Soupçon was leftover. Didn’t we do well?
Dessert
Mango Kulfi (£1.50), as purchased in KRK, served on-the-stick in the wrapper, no fuss. Great.
The Bill
Hector had been given Discount Vouchers on the last visit. These were offered to Mein Host who explained they are not valid at weekends. However – You have come a long way. £32.60 was reduced to £26.00. Perfect.
The Aftermath
Mein Host related how he had stayed up watching the Referendum Results come in. He too had hoped for – Yes. Next time.
We shall hopefully return in the New Year, we may be Mob Handed.
Meanwhile, a Taxi to the Marble Arch. One day I shall take Bus 135.
Two minutes. 
We settled down for the long wait. Having declined the Starters I felt we would be some way down the list of Dishes being prepared in the open kitchen which lay in front of me. I was surprised when the food came well within a decent time period. The Karahi Gosht was clearly going to arrive last and so Judith insisted I sample her All-Sorts. Gosh! The Bradford Curry Taste was right in my face. This was excellent. Marg invited me to sample her Fish Karahi. Gosh! 
The Calling Card was given to the young waiter who took the cash. The Calling Card was passed up the chain of command. Our appreciation was expressed.
A Whole Five Weeks since the Last Holiday, and some were in a Joyous Mood as the Glasgow September Weekend was under-way. A Visit to 
Sharing makes it OK. With Succulent Lamb Chops, a Moist Seekh Kebab and Chicken Various, this was Joy on the Palate. It was hoped there would still be room for The Mains.
The Keema Paratha was Dry and almost Crispy, a Very Good interpretation. Hector was in Curry Heaven, only one thing would mar the visit, no way could the Curry be eaten and the Last Train caught. Takeaway? No chance.
Curryspondent James recommended Priyas Palace (2 Robertson St, Greenock, PA16 8DB) a couple of years ago, tonight was the second visit. Having ordered 
A few tables were occupied as we entered the upstairs premises sometime after 18.00. We had timed our arrival right, others arrived, the Buffet would be replenished with some regularity. £13.50 per head, matching the Standard Price which Hector expects to currently pay for a Main Course and Sundries.
The Starters included Seekh Kebab, the expression – We’re on a winner – came to mind.
One always tries to have a decent wait between Starters and Mains. Failed again. The Waiter asked about our Bread requirement. On the last visit a well above average Paratha was presented, time for something different. A Garlic and Coriander Naan was prepared to order, and so we waited for this to arrive before going up for The Mains. For once we hoped for slower service.
Unless it’s 
The Buffet included a choice of Vanilla Ice-Cream or Coffee. Marg fancied both and so Hector had neither. A small price for dragging Marg to Greenock on a Monday evening.
Palak Gosht in 
Expectations were not high, the Flavour lacked Intensity. A proper Onion-based Masala would be a welcomed addition to what is typically served. This is what passes for Curry in 
Hector had a Boot to catch, no time to hang around. Calling Card #2 was left.
Usually it is Marg who draws the short straw and ends up with a plate of Onions. Why do Chefs resort to Onion Overdose when the 
There was a distinct aroma from the Vegetable Rice. This was sampled first. Star Anise – Aniseed to you and me, fragrant, fine. There’s Hope in the Heart.
An Aloo Paratha for Hector, Chapatti for Marg and a Garlic and Cheese Naan for Snax.
The Two Portions of Lamb Karahi arrived first, so much for my plans. We waited for the Methi Gosht which was along momentarily. Snax and Hector both love their Methi. This Dish was Thick with Herbs.
Needs more seasoning – was Snax’s immediate comment in the direction of the Young Waiter. More Seasoning? How many times has this expression appeared in Curry-Heute. Snax should visit 
The Lamb in both Dishes was Suitably Tender, – Succulent – is Snax’s preferred nomenclature. A pity that Lamb on-the-bone was not on offer. The Masala was Suitably Minimal and the Chef had not taken the easy route of – Capsicum withheld = Onion Overdose. This was Impressive Curry.
The longer we found ourselves in each others company, the more Venues we found we had in common, not just in Glasgow but Bradford (
Snax was up at the Counter enquiring if they would deliver to his neck of the woods. This suggests the Curry was found to be Favourable. Hector’s experience of Capital Curry is Minimal. 
It was late. Hector had The Munchies. A Text was sent to Marg on the return journey from a soon to be Foreign Land, either collect me at Glasgow Central or at 
Ayax brought the Karahi Gosht and immediately apologised. He would make it up next time. Indeed, the Portion size looked – Fine – however there was more Bone than Lamb. Not since the 
The Single Chapatti was used to Dip the Oily Masala from the Base of the Karahi. Here lies the most Intense Flavours. The Bones were sucked clean, a Big Pile grew. Fresh Green Chillies packed the Punch. Fun.
I chose my own table for two amongst The Many. A large venue, however, this table was in – Mr. Axelrod’s Angel – mode in terms of proximity to the others. To be here at peak times must be horrendous. Hector was The Lone Diner. Was there a Chef in the building?
At the start of The Menu was a list suggesting Spice. Is this not all Curry? I cut to the chase – Lamb Dishes.
aditional punjabi hot dish with diced lamb marinated in yoghurt, red chillies and spices, cooked on a very slow heat. The dilemma as always is to accept what comes or order – Off-Menu? The Hector Aggressive Order usually comes when there is nothing on The Menu. My second Newcastle Curry – The Menu. Lal Goshat (£9,95) it was, with a Tandoori Roti. At £1.80, One should suffice. 
The Meat count initially felt minimal, For a Tenner? Time would reveal seven Decent sized pieces of Tender Lamb. Do Chefs really grab a serving and dismiss the excess towards seven? The Lamb proved Tender and adequate.
The Roti was impressively Large. One was a good call. Actually, this decision was based more on the 
Yes, there was Disappointment. Then there was the admission – Hector should have chosen better, Lamb on-the-bone perhaps. The Roti was used to mop up the Masala, the spoon to consume the Lamb.
