Machi Masala – Fantastic, said Marg

Machi Masala Mar5 (12)The norm is for Hector to cook Curry in the style to which he wishes to become accustomed. Occasionally One has to cater for One’s Audience. The Hector Recipe for Fish Curry is Simples, it always goes down well, A Treat.

The Masala was created and left overnight. In this way the Cream could be added when Cold without fear of Curdling. A Cube of Frozen Methi found its way in too. A mixture of Salmon and Trout which insisted in coming home to my freezer for half price formed The Meat. Rather than risk over-cooking the Fresh Mushrooms, these were fried separately in Garlic and Ginger Strips, the Interesting Vegetable.

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The Sauce is Fantastic! – was Marg’s immediate exclamation.

Even better than Butter Chicken at Mother India’s Café – was the follow on.

More seasoning – was the Hector verdict.  Despite the abundance of Masala this Curry was not too Wet, or even approaching Soup.  Success.

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Machi Masala Mar5 (7)

The Brownie Point Tally is now off the scale.

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Spaten Oktoberfestbier + Keema Mutter Aloo

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Ten of The Company assembled this afternoon to partake in our Favourite Ritual – Bier, Curry and Conversation. The Barrel was shipped in by Olaf, 30l of Spaten Oktoberfestbier (München, Bayern). The unseasonal warm temperatures plummeted yesterday which suited our purposes, the Bier was served at a perfect temperature. When shall we procure our own cooler?

Barrel March1 (7)Usually when Craig and Yvonne host a Barrel Party we have a Takeaway delivered by Yadgar. Today Yvonne felt that with the restricted number she could produce a Keema Curry for Ten. The Recipe came from a well known Curry Website, Quality was therefore guaranteed.

17.02

The Curry was served midway though the destruction of the Barrel, perfect timing. Suitably Dry as this Dish requires, the Peas and Potato provided the Interesting Vegetables. A Baby Curry was provided for those who required less of a Kick. The Perfect Hostess.  Hector was not the only person who went back for more, so that says everything.

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Punjabi Charing Cross – Visit #1 – 2014

The Friday Evening Curry Ritual

Hector has not always been the Lone Diner on a Friday Evening. Dr. Stan has been co-niner on many occasions and when he has been in the country, Dr. Rick has joined us too. As this is the first Friday Curry since the Memorial Day for Dr. Rick, it is fitting to mark his passing. There was no clue on our last Curry outing at Charcoals last September that Dr. Rick would announce in the following days that he would not be with us for much longer. A true friend who enjoyed Curry, Bier and Chocolate!

Hector entered  Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA) bang on the 16.30 opening time. Hari looked surprised to have a customer this early and to see Hector.

Punjabi Charing Cross (1) I have not been here for a while, and was determined it would not be March before my first visit of the year. It became evident that Hari has been following The Travels of Hector. Athens and Manchester were both discussed, I’m sure Bradford rated a mention too. The Lahori Dera in Manchester has been the best discovery of the year, so far.

The Complimentary Poppadoms (plural) and Onion Chutney were presented in an instant. The Menu was dismissed.

Punjabi Charing Cross (4)(Keema) Padora – said Hari, who then disappeared to the Kitchen to have it arranged. One cannot imagine a visit here without this King of Starters.

Lamb Gurmeet was verified as being on-the-bone, plus Chapattis (£0.75).

There was just Hari and Hector, time to catch up. The other Curry Houses of Glasgow were discussed. The planned renovations at Yadgar, the demise of Café Salma, that I only visited Akbar’s Once last year. New Karahi Palace is the main reason why I have not been here for some time. I described Howard’s first Karela Karahi Gosht at New Karahi Palace. Hari said that in India the Locals extract the Juice of the Karela and drink it straight. Unimaginable! The Hanssens Kriek of Fruit Juice!

Punjabi Charing Cross (5)A Sheldon Moment

The Keema Padora was as superb as ever, and filling too. The Mince may not look much but I mistakenly ordered this as a Main with Chapattis one night and was quickly defeated. The intensity of the Methi is astonishing. I had to ask why it is a Padora and not a Puri.

Puri is made from Chapatti Flour.

Padora is made from Naan Flour.

And as everyone knows, Gram Flour (from Chickpeas) is used to make Pakora.

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There was an agreed gap of ten minutes which I stretched even longer after the Keema Padora. Hari brought the Lamb Gurmeet and one Chapatti. One and a Half Chapattis is the Hector Norm, today one would suffice. When the second was brought later, it was declined. The Lamb Portion was not the largest I have ever seen, Modest – would be polite. It became apparent that this was enough. The appetite was truly sated.

The Tender Lamb was up to standard. The Thick Masala had the – Wow! That this was cooked in the same stable as the Keema was evident, the same attention-grabbing Methi Blast. You couldn’t eat this every day, Too Much Pleasure.

I had to remark – Why is it when I cook with Methi it doesn’t come out like this?

Hari’s response – Even when my Wife cooks with Methi it turns out like that.

Lamb Gurmeet, it’s not on The Menu. Simply ask.

Hari told me to phone ahead next time and he will serve me his Wife’s Baked Karela.

A Real Treat.

The Bill

£14.95. The Keema Padora was £4.25. Great Value, Wonderful Curry.

The Aftermath

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On my way out I had to take a photo of the new font. Punjabi Charing Cross has now added Kingfisher to the already available Cobra on tap. (For those who think alcohol is required with Curry)

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Akash, Helensburgh – Hector Special #2

Akash Hector Special #2 (1)Marg and The Ladies went for a Ladies Curry Night at The Masala Twist, Hector knows His Place. And so just after 17.30 Hector entered another Home from Home – The Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG). Irfan, the Head Waiter greeted me with a warm handshake, everybody now knows everybody’s name. I took my favoured table on the platform to the far rear, left. From here Hector surveys all. Ashgar, Mein Host, was also not shy in coming up to greet me, the first of a few visits.

Hector was Hungry. This is Thursday, only Two Full Meals have been consumed this week. A Starter was called for, not the Famous Akash Chicken Chat which is basically no more. Once upon a time…

The Shami Kebab has never been tried here, at £5.50 no wonder. What the Heck, it’s Pay-day!

Now for The Mains

The Hector SpecialLamb Karahi Methi, Dry and Thick with Herbs did not appeal this evening. Balti, Bhuna? In a long list of Chicken Dishes was Achari, no Lamb? By this time I had Irfan and Ashgar helping me choose something. Irfan suggested They just make me Something. I insisted upon Lamb, with Herbs, maybe Achari? Ashgar returned moments later to confirm the Spice Level. We agreed on Madras. And so we have the AkashLamb Methi Achari Madras. Irfan asked if this could become a New Hector Special? A bit early to decide. Irfan asked about Chapattis. Mushroom Rice is what I was in the mood for.

The Shami Kebab

Akash Hector Special #2 (2)Two Kebabs served with a Modest salad and Pink Yoghurt. I was unsure as to whether the latter would add or take away from the experience. Spiced, Tasted Fresh, was more than Adequate in Size. They lasted Seconds, Hector was Hungry.

Hector The Consultant

Between Courses, and we agreed Ten, Ashgar and Hector discussed The Akash. I was asked what I would do to improve the business. I could have started with the Curry-Heute Campaign: No Charge for Poppadoms, Rice/Chapattis/Naan included in the price of a Main Meal, and No Food Colour. I suspected Ashgar was thinking along other lines. It was confirmed that despite the opening of the Masala Twist and the Refurbishment of No. 28 was testing them. The Akash is doing well on Fridays to Sundays and also on a Wednesday when they have a Fixed Price – £15.00 for – Eat What You Want. (Not a Buffet, Cooked to order.) There is a New Menu imminent,and I don’t think The Hector Special will appear, though Ashgar confirmed that there is a Cohort who come in and ask for this Dish. There is a Plan to have a Set Price, £12.00 on a Sunday for Three Courses.

The Décor and Seating Layout have not been changed since the New Owners arrived. The Place is Bright, maybe make it Less so. What about doing away with Tablecloths? It was confirmed that they are changed after every customer. Most places these days do not have Tablecloths.

Eventually I had to make suggestions about The Menu. Tentatively I suggested – More Desi Dishes. People like Home Cooking. I had already listed the Cities in which I have consumed Curry since my last visit here. The Lahori Deera in Manchester serves Desi Karahi at a Level which is off the scale.

Akash Hector Special #2 (3)By this time Irfan had brought the Lamb Methi Achari Madras. It looked the part. The Mushroom Rice was well Presented and Plentiful, not Excessive.

There was Visible Oil in the Dish as I decanted, here lies the Potential for Flavour. The Lamb was certainly on the Chewy side but not to a level which was a problem. The Bite, The Kick form the Masala was Immense. The Spice Level was Perfect, not Ridiculous. The Pickle was to the fore, very much Achari. The Herb content was Visible but again not to Excess. A Thinner Masala than some but by no means approaching Soup. This was a Very Good Curry, a Bit More Seasoning and it would have been Right Up There!

Akash Hector Special #2 (4)Ashgar returned – Was that Acceptable?

I hope for More Than Acceptable. I was asked to give a Score, I don’t really like doing this. If a Curry is Outstanding to my Palate then it is. 7 or 8 out of 10 – was my Score. Better than Average. I would have this again – with Extra seasoning – then we would have the Hector Special #2.

The Bill

£19.00. Without The Starter this would have been the Normal Price I expect to pay anywhere.

The Aftermath

Ashgar said that he had been chatting with his Brother, Rashid-the-Chef in the Kitchen. It was suggested that next time I am coming with Friends I should phone in advance and they will prepare some Traditional Dishes for us. I have been to the New-co often enough for them to know my tastes. I had to ask where their Family originates from. Bombay was mentioned and then Punjab. As Regular Readers know, Punjab gets Hector’s Juices Flowing.

So, who wants to be part of this Invitation (Standard Prices Charged) and when?

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Glasgow – Mother India’s Cafe – Glasgow’s Sunday Lunchtime Curry Venue

A wet Sunday morning in Glasgow. Dreich – remarked Clive as we walked to Station. That the train into town was cancelled would have a bearing on the rest of the day.

We walked into Mother India’s Café (1355 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AD) minutes after their noon opening time. We were not the first customers. This venue would fill up, by the time we left, every table was occupied. A Sunday Lunch at Mother India’s Café is usually – Chust Sublime.

This was Lord Clive of Crawley’s first visit to this venue. Hector insisted that he try the Machi Masala. Being a Tapas Curry House, this would leave him the Opperchancity to make a choice of his own. Methi Keema Mutter proved irresistible to Clive, though he did study every Dish on offer before making his choice.

Today’s Specials included South Indian Ginger Lamb. Would this have Coconut? Would it have the Dry Red Chillies? The Accompaniments were Chapattis (£0.95) and an Aloo Paratha for Clive. A Large Bottle of Sparkling Water was required by Hector.

Mother India's Cafe Feb23 (1)More customers and more staff arrived. We were not the first to receive our order. Time was passing, I could smell the aroma of Fish filling the Restaurant, our Machi Masala was imminent. The two Fish Portions came with the two Chapattis. This left Clive with nothing To Dip. There was no holding back The Hector.

Machi Masala

Mother India's Cafe Feb23 (2)Spice, Citrus, bursting with Flavour. Mother India's Cafe Feb23 (8)

This Dish must be The Best Fish Curry served in Glasgow, by far. Some time back it was served in batter, thankfully this has gone. Quality Fish, a magnificent creation.

Bags of Flavour – was Clive’s opening remark. Another man hooked.

The Methi Keema Mutter arrived with the South Indian Ginger Lamb. The Aloo Paratha was last by some time.

South Indian Ginger Lamb

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The South Indian Ginger Lamb only half filled the metal container. No Coconut – Yay -, no Red Chillies – Boo!  There were nine pieces of Lamb, more than is served as a Main Course in some venues. The Lamb was Tender, the Masala a Traditional Onion and Oil-based example. It couldn’t compete with the Machi Masala.

Methi Keema Mutter

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Mother India's Cafe Feb23 (4)Clive’s Methi Keema Mutter filled the metal container. It looked the part. Very Good – was Clive’s verdict. I should have eaten them the other way round.

Ah, but The Fish came first!

The Bill

£27.00. There is a feeling that this is better value than on the earliest visits many years ago.

The Aftermath

The Manager having brought – The Bill –  a good time to ask a burning question re Kofta Palak. Once upon a time, Hector had Kofta Palak as a  Special at this venue and considered it the – Best Ever. It has never been seen since. The Manager insisted in his five years here, Kofta Palak has never been served.

Hector had to consult a reliable Curry Website. The Dish served that day was Lamb Kofta in a so-impressive Masala. Somehow this was mistakenly remembered to Dr. Stan as Kofta Palak when we dined here three months later, and so a myth was born.

Next time I shall ask – When will Lamb Kofta be available again?

We arrived at Glasgow Central three minutes after Lord Clive’s train departed.  Oops.

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New Karahi Palace – Consistently Outstanding Glasgow Curry!

New Karahi Palace Feb22 (2)-001After our Monthly Visit to The Staggs (Musselburgh) it was time to eat. The New Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) was this evening’s Venue. Lord Clive of Crawley was recognised by Shahid on entering, unbelievably this was Steve’s First Visit to this Most Understated Glasgow Curry House.

I insisted he look upstairs at the Restaurant, proper. We would take our normal seats in the Downstairs Takeaway. Hector acknowledged Chef Rashid who was standing at His Spot in the Kitchen behind the Counter. Apart from the Ongoing Takeaway Business, we were the Only Diners. Dear Reader, You know not what You miss.

Clive and Steve followed Hector’s lead. Lamb Karahi (on-the-bone) with Extra Methi and Seasoning. Six Chapattis to Accompany. Simple.

New Karahi Palace Feb22 (3)Sometimes a Complimentary Raita and Salad are Presented. Shahid brought the Most Modest Plate of Salad. We looked, we smiled, it was not touched.

What is better than One Photo of Lamb Karahi?

Such was the sense of Anticipation, I photographed all Three Karahi and everything else as is The Curry-Heute Tradition.

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Excellent

Steve was impressed from the First Mouthful. How he managed to eat was remarkable. The Lamb was far too hot touch. Hector managed To Dip the Chapatti in the Minimal Masala. The Intense Flavours were there. This Curry is Rooted in the North-West of the Indian Sub-Continent, far removed from the Typical Curry served in Mainstream restaurants. The Lamb of course was Wonderfully Tender. On-the-bone adds a New Dimension to the Flavours. This is not a Curry to be eaten with anything other than One’s Fingers and the very Substantial Chapattis. There was a repetition of – Very Good – from Clive who knows Outstanding Curry. More – Excellent(s) – from Steve.

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Can I get you anything else? Asked Shahid as we completed The Feast.

Same again!

Maybe the Half Kilo will become a consideration once more.

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 The Bill

£26.70. For Three People.

The Aftermath

Fond Farewells, and further acknowledgement to Rashid for his Wondrous Cooking.

Dr. Stan had texted wondering where we were. He had come back by Bus from Musselburgh. We found him in The Laurieston. Poor Dr. Stan, he missed out today.

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Spicy Corner – Bradford

Spicy Corner Bradford (1)Spicy Corner (4 Valley Road, Bradford, BD1 4RU) has been open for over a year. It is located beside the Bradford Travelodge at Forster Square and is opposite the Station Car Park. Very easy to find, and in a stand-alone building on a roundabout. The reason that it has taken Hector this long to visit was down to it not being open early or late enough. The former appears to have been addressed. My taxi driver on Friday afternoon assured me that it is one of his favourite Bradford Curry HousesThey have the Best Keema Mutter. Jonathan has been informed.

Being a Sunday I was not sure how early it would open, at 11.45 I was not expecting much. I was faced with an hour to kill at Shipley, maybe a Curry there? Go early and see what I can find? That Spicy Corner was opened before the scheduled daily noon opening time proved to be fruitful.

Not surprisingly, Hector was the first customer of the day. Two other Chaps arrived at 12.05.

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Mein Host was perhaps surprised to see a customer this early. I took a table at the very rear, space to park the luggage. The oflded A4 menu was brought. It had the usual Mainstream Dishes plus at least five Curry Dishes fit for a Hector, including two Fish Dishes. Strangely, I did not see any Keema mentioned.

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Lamb Karahi was there, the ingredients listed, no problem. At the top of the page, similar ingredients were under the banner – Taka Tak. I would enquire.

I was told the difference was in the Masala. When was the first time a waiter told me that? Exactly what this difference would be was not forthcoming.

I’ll try the Taka Tak. Mein Host assumed Chicken, why?

Chapattis please. I noted that the Menu said Roti only.

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There was time to take in the surroundings. Paintings occupied the interior wall which faced me. Most of Spicy Corner is window. This makes for a bright and spacious ambience. With benches built along the walls, the chairs included must accommodate around fifty folk in reasonable space and comfort.

As I had not seen Mein Host for some time, I concluded he may also be the Chef. However when the two chaps entered, they were greeted by another Chap dressed in Chef’s gear. Hold on, here comes my Taka Tak. Mein Host was also now dressed in a long apron, he presented my Taka Tak and Chapattis. No cutlery, the traditional Bradford way.

Hector is used to eating Chapattis but requires a spoon/fork to push on the Curry. Using Chapatti as a shovel I could manage, just.

Taka Tak

Spicy Corner Bradford (9)The Taka Tak was served on a flat Metal dish. The portion size was the largest I have seen for some time. Huge! The Lamb was cut Kashmir Restaurant (Bradford) Small. The Masala was in the Bradford-style, Thick and just sufficient. Tomatoes were visible, the Masala looked pulped to perfection

We had agreed on Spicy. The Spice kick and the perfect Seasoning hit first! Then a Sweetness became apparent. This was way Sweeter than most Curry styles, but in no way approaching Tikka Masala Sweet. The Lamb was certainly more chewy than I would prefer, but not enough to hinder enjoyment. A Curry for Sunday Breakfast, this was most enjoyable.

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At the Halfway Mark I realised I would end up with no Chapatti and a Quarter Curry left. I needed cutlery. Mein Host brought a spoon and a fork. The Taka Tak was now completed with greater ease. I would have this Dish again, but the Karahi now calls, and the Fish.

The Bill

£8.30. The Chapattis were 40p each. A lot of Curry for this price.

The Aftermath

The Chef and Mein Host were at the till. Chef took the cash, Mein Host watched on. I asked about Keema Mutter and told them it had been recommended but I did not see it on the menu. I can do it.

I gave the Calling Card and showed the Curry-Heute website. When I reached Hungary in my list of counties visited this caused Mein Host to pay particular attention. Maybe he thought I had some to do with a House?

Hector remains an independent reviewer of Curry.

MahrAn Bradford Curry-Heute.comUpdate – October 2015

This venue has been transformed to MahrAn, which may have been open already and closed, or is yet to open.

Update – February 2025

Kurumilagu – Indian Kitchen has opened, a South Indian restaurant.

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The International – Warm Welcome, but even The Best Get it Wrong

Bradford The International Feb15 (1)After our Tour of Special Places in Leeds, Dewsbury and Huddersfield, Jonathan and Hector met up with Ricky, Our Man in Bradford, at Haigy’s. One Pint was all that was permitted, another Chap called Mick (Half of Yorkshire is called Mick?) dropped us off at the Sir Titus Salt from where we could decant to The International (40-42 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1BA).  We arrived far sooner than I anticipated.

Good Evening Mr. Bashir, Khalid – Hector was on form, using his recently acquired information. The Other Waiter, now resplendent in Mature Beard, was all Smiles. Ali – that’s the set complete.

Poppadoms, Pickle, Dips were brought immediately. Now to choose something different. Well, it would still be Lamb, but not Karahi. Two Visits ago Clive and Hector had a Superb Lamb Chops Achari, a Variant from the Krahi Lahore Lamb Chops on The Menu. I negotiated this with Khalid who was taking our order. Or was it Ali? Here lay the origins of the Problem that would manifest itself.

Bradford The International Feb15 (3)Bradford The International Feb15 (2)

Bradford The International Feb15 (4)Keema Spinach Bhuna was Ricky’s Masterful Selection. Jonathan was up for this too. Chapattis for Jonathan and Hector, a Plain Naan for Ricky. These are included in the Price of The Main Meal. A Point I have made many times before but shall insist on highlighting.

Ricky and Jonathan would share a Seekh Kebab (£2.00). I wonder how many times we declined the offer of Salad? There must have been an abundance this evening.

The Distractions

A Group of – Ladies – shall we say from an area South of Pakistan and Bangladesh, came in and were sat in the alcove beside us. An Eighteenth Birthday Party – the Matriarch explained. Poor Doris, who was Eighteen Today, may not remember much of the latter part of her Birthday. Was she ever Conscious?

The Breads arrived, courtesy of Ali. My Lamb Chops Achari in the Glass Trough and One Keema Spinach Bhuna arrived. The latter was set before Ricky, so that was his then. We started.

What is This?

Bradford The International Feb15 (9)Bradford The International Feb15 (5)

It wasn’t so much that The Lamb Chops only Numbered Four, maybe Clive and Hector had ordered a Half Kilo last time. It was the Masala. Bradford Curry is Dry. Where did this Soup come from? I have never seen this in Eighteen Years of Visiting The International, or any Bradford Curry House for that matter. Apparently I took a long time to finish the First Chop. One suspects Ricky was already anticipating my defeat? Hector was distracted by The Soup-Masala. Dipping the Chapattis, First of Three, it was most apparent that the full Blast of Achari-Pickle was there. The Flavour was Intense, the Seasoning, ah The Seasoning. Yes, I would have preferred a Thicker, Bhuna, Bradford Masala, but this is what I had, make the most of it. Chops Two to Four were despatched thereafter with Great Efficiency. The Chops were Large, maybe Four was enough. Seven would have been Wonderful.

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Meanwhile Ricky was well into his Keema Spinach Bhuna. Jonathan still had no Curry. When Ali brought the Two Curry Dishes he made no attempt to apologise for the oversight. Khalid had to be called in. The Order was Repeated, Confirmed. Jonathan suggested that he might – … do a Robin…

Well Spiced, Real Spinach, not from a Tin – was Ricky’s Verdict. He also said he could have done with more. The Sauce was Spot-on.

Jonathan eventually received his Keema Spinach Bhuna. The Wait had spoiled his Dining Experience. As there was No Apology, it did not matter how good the food was…

Ricky suggested that the staff were too busy looking after a Celebrity rather than getting the order right.

Ricky was referring to Hector!

The Bill

£27.40. The Bill was split Three Ways despite Hector not having any part of The Starter. Your Ridiculously Posh Course – was Ricky’s justification for this. Indeed, Mine was £2.00 dearer.

 The Aftermath

We went our separate ways.

Before my next Curry, some very Sad, but not Unexpected News would reach Hector.

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MyLahore Deli – Bradford

MyLahore Deli (1)In the search for Pastures New, Hector consulted another Source to find this  Highly Rated Venue. MyLahore Deli (349 Great Horton Rd., Bradford, BD7 1QJ) was some way way up Great Horton Rd judging by the number. Verifying by Phone that they were open at 11.50 this morning, a Taxi was taken from Forster Square Railway Station opposite the Travelodge. This Travelodge has deserved to become Highly Recommended.

MyLahore RestaurantThat this was The Deli and I have walked past The Restaurant at the bottom of Great Horton Rd. next to Omar’s Balti House, and even been inside on a Lunchtime or two to find them – Not open yet – did take me aback, somewhat. So, I’m in The Deli. There were three Benches along the windows. Maybe Seven could be sat at a Squeeze.

Maybe Half a Dozen Chaps were busying themselves behind the Counter. Serving Curry is only part of this Set-up, I wasn’t here for Sweets.  I did spot a Chef in the Kitchen at the rear, so guessed all was well.

A particularly helpful Chap was appointed to serve me. A Desi Meat Karahi, Two Poppadoms (£0.39) and a Can of Rubicon Mango was the order. I declined Salad, Dips et al.

The Bill

£8.15. I was told the Food would be served in Ten Minutes, it was

Whilst I waited I contemplated the Number of Venues I had passed coming up the hill, and I had not reached Mumtaz yet. Ricky has never recommended any Venue in this direction, so we would both be better informed by the time I had completed this Meal.

Bradford The International Feb15 (10)MyLahore Chapattis

The Same Chap brought the Curry. The Portion looked a Perfect Quantity, given that this was Breakfast even a Little Less would have been acceptable. From the First Mouthful this Karahi was Distinctive, a Flavour I have never Experienced before. Impossible to describe, but the Tomato Content was Highly Visible, The Seasoning Exactly how Hector likes it, and the Flavour of Garlic did come to the fore during and afterwards. Mmm.

The Meat was Cut Quite Small as is The Bradford Norm. The Quality varied from Tender to Chewy.

The Two Chapattis were Standard Fayre. What one expects of a Chapatti.

The Distinctive Bradford Curry Flavour was there. The Meal was Pleasant, but maybe not as Impressive as my Favoured Bradford Curry Houses.

The Calling Card was given to The Chap who had served me. I asked him to pass it on to his Boss. This was a Busy Venue, I hope it reached the target.

Great Horton Rd.  –  Bradford

Great Horton (1)

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Sheesh Mahal – Taj goes down Memory Lane

Sheesh Mahal Bradford (2)Jonathan and Hector arrived at The Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’s Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW). in the early hours. Taj, The Owner, was sitting at the rear of the Restaurant with a Friend. I decided the adjacent table was The Spot. Jonathan and I were welcomed, we have been here a Few Times.

The Poppadoms, Salad, Dips were brought in a flash. Jonathan managed to order a Shami Kebab and eat it before the Camera was ready, it must have been Pasteurised.

Sheesh Mahal Bradford (4)Sheesh Mahal Bradford (5)

Sheesh Mahal Bradford (6)What would normally be written as The Aftermath was actually The Prequel. As I photographed The Salad, Taj said – You are still spying on me!

Spying? I’m bringing you business!

He wanted to see his own Photo on Curry-Heute to show his Friend. I complied. January 2012, just after the re-opening. Taj did not know Hector prior to this, it was his Son – Omar – who dealt with me then. Omar has just departed prior to our arrival this evening. Taj recalled that we were here the morning they discovered the Sheesh Mahal had been broken into.

The Menu had been brought – Omar knows what I like. And so Hector described his Favourite Bradford Curry to Taj. Lamb, on-the-bone, Extra Methi. There was no need to ask for – Dry – this is Bradford. I should have mentioned seasoning, my own Current Obsession. Jonathan is apparently stuck in the world of Keema Mutter.

As we sat, a couple of Ladies took the adjacent table on my right. Suddenly the nearer one was on the floor beside me. Welcome to the World of Late Night Curry.

Sheesh Mahal Bradford (9)Sheesh Mahal Bradford (15)

As I ate my Bradford Curry, which was of course Wonderful, More seasoning was the only Limit to Perfection. Four Chapattis had been brought, more were on offer if required. At last, Proper Bread. It has been a Poor Week for Bread.

A thought, they happen occasionally, how many Restaurant Critics have to review the Same restaurant, and in effect the Same Dish, as often as I do? As long as The Song Remains The Same one keeps going back for more.

Meanwhile, at the table next to the door, another Bradford Lady fell off her chair. Taj had left us and thought it was better to be a Presence. I was amused when the – Lady – who was totally out the game, was sat back on her chair and her Pals asked her if she wanted a Starter. A Starter? She needed a Taxi.

Sheesh Mahal Bradford (11)Sheesh Mahal Bradford (14)

Jonathan said his – Keema was well Spiced, Incredibly Tasty. The Kebab hit The Spot.

The Bill

£18.30. For Two, including a Starter. In Bradford The Pre-Starters are Complimentary as are the Chapattis.

Sheesh Mahal Bradford (17)The Aftermath

Sleep, and more Bradford Curry, but where?

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