Al-Faisal Tandoori – Curry in Manchester, eventually…

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Hector

Hector arrived in Manchester last night armed with a Google-Map printout of Curry Houses on the edge of the City Centre. No Curry-Mile tonight, let’s find what else is available outside of the Northern Quarter. Only Dr. Stan and Jonathan were left from those who had started on Thursday at the Manchester Winter Ale Festival. A Pint was waiting for me at the New Oxford, sometime later we departed, Jonathan in search of the Travelodge, Dr. Stan and Hector on the Slippy Trek back from Salford. He convinced me that the walk back to the City would be no problem. That the Sleet was falling and had settled underfoot was making walking conditions poor. An unverified Google listing – Lights of India (39 S. King St.) had taken my fancy. Dr. Stan and I separated on King St. and there began the problems. It was dark, it was wet, the map was in risk of turning to pulp. South may have been a dimension too far…neither the Curry House or the Restaurant revealed itself. What puzzled me more was that we had walked back from Salford and had not passed a single Curry House, how was this possible?

The Arndale Centre was spotted, a familiar Beacon. Two years ago I first toured the Northern Quarter on a late January Evening and found only closed Curry Houses. Tonight was no different. I asked some Bouncers, they pointed to the only illuminated premises in view, – Try there. I did, Burgers and Pizza is not what I had in mind.

I walked back to Piccadilly and found the Taxi Rank opposite the Wellington Statue where my sojourn had begun some four hours earlier. Two Taxis withdrew as I arrived, surely another would come soon. Did I mention the Sleet? The Outer Garments were beginning to soak. I crossed the road thinking I might flag something down. By now the Rusholme Curry Mile was foremost on the mind. One cannot come to Manchester and not eat Curry. In the end (01.00) Hector had to admit defeat – there was to be no Curry-Heute.

Well strictly speaking there would be, this morning there was a need for Breakfast. The Hotel had this as an £8.00 option. The Curry Cafés of the Northern Quarter would feed me for less. Al-Faisal Tandoori (58 Thomas St., Manchester, M4 1EG) has been my favoured Breakfast Venue for three visits to date, perhaps a time to return to This and That (Soap St.). Alas, Mein Host was not ready, their official opening time was 11.30, it was only 11.12. Al-Faisal it would be once more.

There was a suggestion of recognition from The Chap sitting with his back to the door and getting stuck into who knows what? Lamb Karahi once more looked like the optimum dish on offer – with two Chapattis.

No sooner had I sat down than the Dish was presented. This is what they have ready, bubbling on the steam devices which keep food warm. Glasgow/Bradford this is not, one expects Shorva at best, Soup at worst. Had the Karahi been served in the metal container from which its name derives, this would have been Soup. On the flat plate one can see exactly what one is being served.

The Masala is a throw back to the 1960s, obvious Ghee, definitely Onion-based, and a serious Kick. I was trying to work out if the Old-Fashioned flavours came from Black Pepper or Ginger, maybe both. Ten decent sized pieces of Lamb were the only Solids, should I have had searched for the Interesting Vegetable? One knows what one is getting here. It is not the greatest Curry on the Planet by any means, but it has proved to be consistently satisfying. For Breakfast/Lunch this is ideal. I believe that every time I have eaten here, another Curry has followed in the same day.

The Bill

£6.20. Much cheaper than the Hotel Breakfast and much more satisfying.

The Aftermath

The rest of The Chaps had gone ahead to Liverpool. It is some Fifty Years since I last set foot in this City. So, Liverpool it was then… would there be Curry-Heute?

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The Village, Glasgow – Seats Upstairs

Posted on January 19, 2013 by Hector

The first visit to The Village ‘Curry House’ (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8BA) of 2013 was written in the Diary some time back. This would be in the too infrequent company of Alan and Tracy. The rendezvous was at The Laurieston just along Nelson St. where Hector had been checking the quality of the Ale before the arrival of his Dining Companions.

Marg drove us along, negotiating the maze that is the one way system around Tradeston. We entered The Village though the new Main Door on West St.

Our Sri Lankan Host (why do I still not know his name?) offered us a table in two minutes. Spotting the Balcony Seats to be free I offered – Why not take three minutes and give us a table upstairs? A first. There was the suggestion that this was set aside for those who wish to Bring Their Own… a feature I shall mention this once only, not to be encouraged.

No Rice

Alan took my lead and decided upon the Lamb Lahori Kirahi, but Boneless and merely a Portion. Hector had the full Half-Kilo in mind and on-the-bone. Well, who could eat a Bonless Half-Kilo? Tracy who eschews Lamb chose the Chicken Punjabi Kirahi. Marg was in the mood for the Village Classic – the Lamb Desi Korma. Three Chapattis and a Garlic and Coriander Nan were the Accompaniments.

Oh, We’re having Starters

Inspired by the memory of the Lamb Chops at Akbar’s last month we established that a portion of Badscha Chops here was indeed four, for Alan and I to share.  Tracy opted for Fish, the Lahori Machli. Marg was content to enjoy the Complementary Poppadoms but did ask for a portion of Mango Chutney.

Given the size of the premises one does not expect to see it full, there were a significant number of Co-diners downstairs, an opportunity to photograph the crowd. The conversation at the table was of München. Alan and Tracy were there recently to see a Beat Combo – Motörhead. This was their first visit to this fine city and so a visit to the Indien Mango was called for. They were not over-impressed and should have followed the given instructions. They were kept prisoner for two hours once they identified themselves as Friends of Hector. They apparently did not spend time in any of the classic München  drinking establishments.

The Starters arrived in good time. The Lamb Chops were smaller than those I have eaten recently:  Yadgar  and Akbar’s in Glasgow, The International in Bradford. They were suitably Dry and Marinated in Spice, very Tasty I thought. Alan was less impressed expressing a preference for Akbar’s.  Perhaps his Soft Drink was affecting his judgement?  Tracy sampled some Lamb, wtf? The Fish Starter was a decent sized portion but then it was almost the price of a Bradford Main Course. I declined the opperchancity to sample the Fish, I knew what was coming, or did I?

Compare and Contrast

January 19                     v                      September 17

The Half-Kilo of Lahori Kirahi served this evening bore little to no resemblance to the wonderful dish I have been served since this became the first dish on the new Menu in the New Premises. The Masala was too the fore, indeed it looked nearer the Tawa than that served previously. The Masala of course had the wonderful Village Flavours but how did I end up with this? The Lamb as ever was plentiful in this size of serving. I had to ask Abdul for a third Chapatti to complete the serving, another first. Satisfaction was certainly achieved but one’s mind cannot help but consider the many Blog entries I have written over the years about the lack of consistency at this venue. Maybe they need to look at a photograph of the various dishes so that the Chef on duty will know what the customer expects.

Alan’s Boneless version was described as –  Delicious, but was not hot enough, as in Spice.  At least Hector can state that the Portion looked to be a decent size.  Archie, my Curryspondent, has been carefully monitoring the number of pieces of Lamb served up these days, particularly  at Lunchtimes.

 

Tracy’s Chicken Punjabi Karahi was everything I would not order. At least the Masala was not excessive, but Chicken and Capsicum? A Doggy Bag was called for, Abdul obliged.

Now the Village Lamb Desi Korma has given Hector, and Marg, great pleasure over the years. Tonight’s was far too Soup-like. The Masala is a key part of this dish, but there is a limit, surely. We had all asked for our meals to be served with a Kick, except for Marg who asked for Medium. Marg’s dish turned out to be the Spiciest of the four served. I sampled, assault! Marg resorted to the Doggy Bag also.  Our Waiter said he would ask the Chef what happened…

Coffees were consumed by three of four.

The Bill

£74.35. With Starters and Coffee, well within acceptable parameters.

The Aftermath

I spotted our Sri Lankan Host showing his Computer-thingamybob to Mr Baig (the Proprietor) and a young Lady member of staff who must be Miss Baig, she is Kassif’s image. Mr Baig looked up, I realised they had to be looking at the Curry-Heute Website. Indeed they were. Mr Baig reminded me that I should have asked for my Kirahi to be served – Dry and Desi-style.  Why don’t they serve it that way by default?  Kassif joined the family for a Photo. I shall call her Miss Baig.  Miss Baig said – You have been everywhere!  She then asked why The Village was not My Favourite Curry House? I had to admit my allegiance to Yadgar and the Curry Houses of Bradford – where Chapattis are inclusive. However as her Family will testify, I ate at The Village for years before Yadgar was brought to my attention. I have eaten more Glasgow Curry on these premises by far, and therefore feel entitled to be critical.

I had to show them the Blog of the worst Curry served to Hector since the dawn of Curry-Heute, the Zwarg in Bamberg.  That was an Indian restaurant? – asked Mr. Baig incredulously?

Now if only I could find a photo of the worst Curry ever served up in the south of Zakynthos at Laganas.  I did offer to return the next day to show them how…

Meanwhile, the others waited, patiently…

The Poster in the window is an advert for Valentine’s Day.  Marg and Hector were privileged to be part of a sell-out evening some years back in the old Upstairs Restaurant.

 Cider Time

Hengler’s Circus do not let you in with a Doggy Bag. We left being unable to get served in decent time, typical of this chain. Three times I walked two blocks on Sauchiehall St. which must be the unhealthiest place in Glasgow, given the disgusting ritual people partake of, on the pavements. Glasgow’s Current POTY, The State Bar was once more the establishment of choice. The loud music drove us out last time, this time we stayed but the staff were a bit indifferent. The Ale was nothing special, hence Cider.

Posted in The Village "Curry House" | Comments Off on The Village, Glasgow – Seats Upstairs

People say – Hector don’t you think you’re living here in paradise? … Yadgar!

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Hector

Whilst the rest of Britain struggles with a skiff of snow, Glasgow is merely Baltic, seriously. What better way to warm the cockles than a traditional Friday pre-Ale Curry-Heute at Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, G42 7QP). Dr. Stan pooh-poohed Hector’s suggestion that he try the Lamb Chops Achari, why? The order was texted to Shkoor, Mein Host mid-week. Starters were declined, let’s have a Lamb Chop Frenzy.

Dr. Stan was in situ at the small table furthest from the door, the place was quite busy. The Complementary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney were brought along with the ritual soft drinks. Shkoor greeted us and once again Starters and even the traditional Salad were declined. We agreed to spell the Chapattis so that batch two would be warm. Did I mention it was cold?

Shkoor placed a plate of Palak Masala on the table first. When I last had Lamb Chops Achari at this venue it was as a guest of the house and in the company of Ahmed from Islamabad. The same dish was an Accompaniment that evening. It must be the perfect counterpoint to the Achari Flavours.

Behold the Lamb Chops!

A large Karahi of Lamb Chops was set on the table – gosh! I think we might just manage this… Three Chops each were spooned on to our respective plates along with a few spoons of the Palak Masala, a mountain of Chops remained. Shkoor came out for inspection, with a mouthful of meat all I could do was nod. Dr. Stan was immediately impressed. He realised that any Achari experience he may have had can now be put in the past, this was Yadgar Achari. The normal Thick and Rich Yadgar Masala with the exact proportion of Lime Pickle, this is indeed a treat. Alternating with the Spinach this meal was another delight.  Glasgow Curry at its very best.    Mmmmm – was as much as Dr. Stan proferred. No more needed to be said, this was another very special Curry Moment.

After six Chops (each) I stopped counting. The pile of Bones grew, the Karahi approached emptiness. At the base of the Karahi the Ghee had settled, the Masala had accumulated, an even greater Achari Blast! The Kebab Chaps at the adjacent table watched with interest – I thought we ate a lot.

Shkoor offered Dessert and Tea, also declined. We came for The Curry, we had eaten to the level of Complete Satisfaction.

The Bill

£25.00. How little? We insisted on paying more. We know we are on a good thing here, so let’s not spoil it.

The Aftermath

Lord Kelvin may have a Scale to measure the Temperature of this Dark Glasgow Night. For once the warm Temperature of the Ale at The Laurieston was welcoming.

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Dry Lamb Curry – Home Cooked

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Hector

The local supermarket insisted I take home portions of Lamb Neck Fillet, heavily reduced.  Cooking for one this evening, what to do?  Curry-Heute!

Determined to try the new Pot and do something different, Hector consulted a few Recipe Websites, all insisted I marinate the Lamb in Yoghurt and Spices.  A ground Garam Masala and Yoghurt mix became the Marinade.

After a patient thirty minutes the Pot was placed in the oven to bake the Lamb mix.  Meanwhile in another Pot, determined to make a Dry Masala the only liquid added to the pulping Onions was from the Tomatoes, Ghee was used instead of my normal Vegetable Oil.

After another thirty minutes and the near panic of having ruined the Onion based Masala the contents of the Old Pot were added to the New.  By now the Lamb had given up its Juices, more than enough Liquid.

After another forty five minutes in the oven Courgette and Mushrooms were to be added  as the Interesting Vegetables.  A Spoon of Lime Pickle somehow found its way in too.  The countdown began, thirty minutes more…

The Lamb Curry

The Lamb was a much better quality than normally purchased, the tenderness was astounding.  The blend of the usual Spices gave a suitable kick, the Pickle the Achari Bight.

More Seasoning

Salt had been added at the time of cooking, not enough.  In keeping with Hector’s self imposed Salt Law there had to be a second plate consumed, much better.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Mother of Hector is 80! Cafe Salma, Mother’s Choice…

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Hector

The Mother of Hector is primarily responsible for Hector’s Lust for Curry. The Mother of Hector is eighty years old this very day. It was she who decided the the Birthday Lunch would be a Curry and the venue would be Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, G3 7PQ).

Six came to dine shortly after the 14.00 Sunday opening time. We took our seats downstairs, a cake had been dropped of a wee bit before. This is the first appearance of The Sister of Hector in Curry-Heute, Elaine does not get out to eat Curry often but having been to India knows what constitutes a genuine Curry. John and Dinah were Mother’s invited guests and also make their inaugural appearance.

The Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips were brought as we arranged our seats.  Hassan, Mein Host, arrived on the premises, three hours before his normal Sunday starting time he told me. When he saw the booking he thought he had better be present. Hassan came straight down to greet the Party and welcome the Mother of Hector once more. He took the order himself.

Dinah decided to go Moroccan and chose a Tajine – Chicken Tajine Fassi. John opted for the highly recommended Kofta Palak with Peshwari Nan as Accompaniment. Marg departed from her norm and went for Kofta too, of the Bhuna variety. Two Chapattis (two?) were her chosen Sides. Elaine was almost ordering Kofta, not having experienced these since India but went for the Ravi Machi. I suggested that this would best be accompanied by the excellent Vegetable Rice. Hector had considered each of these three Curry Dishes but decided to have the same as Mother on this day – The Lamb Lahori Karahi (Medium with a Kick). Boiled Rice has been Mother’s accompaniment since the dawn of time. I have not experienced the outstanding Garlic and Coriander Nan for ages, quantity wise it is comparable to two Chapattis. Elaine decided another one on the table would be in order.

Dinah’s Tajine was a Veritable Feast. The Chicken part was significant, the Cous Cous generous and a Bread was also part of the presentation. A Doggy-Bag was called for eventually.

John managed to review both parts of his meal simultaneously – Naniliscious, I’m glad I came.

Marg was glad of her change but found the Kofta Bhuna to be Spicier than she expected. She enjoyed the different texture to the Meatballs compared to her typical Chicken/Lamb choices.

Elaine considered the Ravi Machi to be Authentic. She explained her Fish choice being down to the fact that she rarely gets to eat it. The Garlic and Coriander Nan was also a big hit.

Curry-Heute

Wunderbar – was how Mother described her Lamb Lahori Karahi. This is a much wetter Curry can than Hector tends to aim for currently. The Masala is certainly not Soup, far too good. Scooping the Masala into the Nan is pleasure. Choosing the moment to take in some Tender Lamb is part of the overall pleasure. This is a Great Curry.

*

*

Happy Birthday

The arrival of the Coffee was the queue to bring in the Cake. Unbelievably, this was Mother’s first ever Birthday Cake. Why eat Cake when one can eat Curry?

The Bill

£100.70. There was no charge for rent, we were there nearly three hours.

The Aftermath

More fuss was made of The Lady on her Special Day.

Posted in [Cafe Salma] | 1 Comment

Same again please! – Punjabi Charing Cross, Glasgow

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Hector

This is the mid-point of a Hectic Weekend. It will also optimise the intake of Curry. After yet another fine visit to The Staggs (Musselburgh) Hector bade farewell to his Co-Travellers and headed for the Punjabi Charing Cross (159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA). This is where the week began with one of the most impressive Curry Experiences Hector has ever enjoyed. The Hector Test for any venue is – Can you repeat it?

The order was recited by the New Waiter before I had reached my seat and parked my jacket. Keema Padora and Lamb Gurmeet. A single Chapatti would suffice, the Sparkling Water as ever completed the deal.

Apart from Private Functions, tonight was the busiest I have ever seen these premises. This is pleasing. Hopefully this Humble Blog will win a few more customers. Ram came over and acknowledge that I was repeating the Keema Pandora (sic) Experience. Who is winding up who? Four Guys were here earlier and ordered the Keema Padora – Ram told me. One, Archie, had mentioned Curry-Heute and had order Lamb Gurmeet, but a boneless version. This must have been The Archie, the South-side Curryspondent of this very Blog. One anticipates comments soon.

The Keema Padora is everything Hector looks for. The intensity of the Flavour, Dry as Curry can be served, and Spiced and Seasoned exactly to the Hector Palate. The Slivers of Fresh Onion provided a lovely Crunch, the Puri-style Bread again a beautiful Complement. I could eat three of these and ignore a Main Course. Or, maybe I should order the Keema as a Main Course?

Maybe someday I shall?

A Suitable Gap

We agreed a ten minute before the bringing of the Main. The Lamb Gurmeet on-the-bone gives pleasure just by its very appearance. The Herb-rich Thick Masala and the most Tender Lamb is what Curry is all about. There was less Fat on the Lamb this week. The presence of the Bones always packs more Flavours. Ram asked how it was. I had to admit that a bit more Seasoning would have made the dish absolutely perfect. Did the Lamb Gurmeet pass The Test? Well of course, it did.

The Bill

£17.70. A Starter and a Main Course, not the normal Hector Dining Pattern.

 The Aftermath

 Over to Archie….

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | 1 Comment

Kenny’s Mutton Curry

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Hector

Kenny and Nina were recently married, the Stagg Night was in The Laurieston a few weeks back. Tonight a select few were invited to attempt the demolishing of two Barrels of Germany’s Finest – Löwenbräu Kellerbier (Buttenheim, Bayern) and the wonderful Keesmann Bock (Bamberg, Bayern). We were promised a Curry-Heute. How could one resist? Those who missed the event should be kicking themselves.

Kenny initially had planned to use Hector’s Recipe for Keema Mutter, but in the end went for Mutton. The pot was on the stove, a first inspection passed muster.

The Kenny Mutton Curry was preceded by Very Spiced Onions and Poppadoms. The addition of Fresh Coriander made this as good, nay better, than most Onion Chutneys served up in commercial premises. The Lips were Burning.

Some were sitting at the table in anticipation of the Main Event. Hector followed The Chef from Stove to Table, timing his run perfectly and scooped an ample supply of Curry on top of the Nan which had been procured also with perfect timing. Retiring to a corner Hector was now focused – Full Curry Mode.

The Lamb was cooked to perfection. The Curry was in the Shorva style. The Spice level was more than adequate, perhaps a bit more Seasoning would have brought out the full Flavours. Hector appreciates that cooking one Kilo of Lamb is not onerous. Cooking an elegant sufficiency for ten or more and getting the Masala exactly as one wants it is a challenge.

The Pot was scraped clean, the Curry enjoyed by all. Few in recent years have cooked for Hector domestically, always appreciated.

Back to the Bier…

 

Posted in Home Cooked (by others) | 2 Comments

Keema Padora, a New Punjabi Experience

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Hector

Some of us don’t return to work until Tuesday, so what better than a Sunday afternoon Ale followed by Curry-Heute? Others had their own plans for food so I popped next door to the Punjabi Charing Cross (159 North Street, Charing Cross, Glasgow, UK G3 7DA) to give thirty minutes notice of my arrival.

With Season’s Greetings exchanged, Hari suggested a Starter I may not have experienced – Keema Padora. Clearly it would have Mince, but what else? This and my normal Lamb Gurmeet would be the order. Ram took the opportunity to apologise for my last Curry on these premises lacking the customary – Wow-Factor. Ram evidently reads all that is written about this very fine establishment.

Keema Padora

This was an instant hit. Four Spoons of a Bradford-Dry Mince Curry set on a Quartered Puri. Being pre-sliced this meant the natural Bread-pouch was easily formed, simple to eat, a wonderful experience. Wait until Dr. Stan and Ricky taste this. Hari assures me this dish has been available at the Ibrox branch for some time. This is guaranteed to be a hit with the rest of The Chaps and Chapattis. One could easily have departed at this point, but there’s more…

Lamb Gurmeet

This was bang on form. Lamb on-the-bone and a Thick Masala bursting with flavours. With two Accompanying Chapattis (75p) this was quite a volume to take on after the more than adequate Starter. The Lamb was perfectly seasoned, due to the on-the-bone choice, one has to accept a wee bit of Fat in the mix. A Boneless Curry simply does not compare, such was the level of pleasure I have to state that this Curry was one of the best I have ever been served in Glasgow.

The Bill

£13.35. One concludes the Keema Padora was On-the-House.

The Aftermath

Hari joined me for a good chat. Does anyone ever ask for Lamb Gurmeet? I had to ask. Apparently this Hector-styled Dish has been asked for by name, but not by many. What has taken off is Lamb on-the-bone, Hari informed me that he has to ensure that this is available at all times. He perceives that the Glasgow Curry Taste is finally evolving away from the Plates of Soup with Boneless Meat, and not before time. Still, many will always consider that to be Curry.

Dal Makhani has come up in conversation in recent times.  Hari has promised to prepare this, given notice.  Such is the time in preparation he could never expect to stock it on a commercial basis.  Hector is also long overdue experiencing the wonder that is Karela prepared by Hari’s Wife.  It is time I arranged another Big Curry Night out.

There is a new Takeaway Menu on display at the entrance, I must inspect one. Does it include the full range of superb Curry dishes on offer at this venue, including Goat, Venison and the newly revealed Keema Padora?

 

Update

With more time to peruse the Takeaway Menu, Hector is pleased to note the presence of Goat and Venison (on demand).  The Keema Padora is there too, and the Dal Makhani!   Now to work on the Lamb Gurmeet.

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | 2 Comments

Bradford – Sheesh Mahal – A Break-Inn

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Hector

Last year on January 3rd, Craig and Yvonne were willing participants in the Ritual eating of Curry for Breakfast before the drive back North. Today they would make their second visit to the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’s Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) in fifteen hours. We also had two Special Guests joining us for our Feast: John –The Bradford Curry Blogger and Tony, his Father.

Arriving just before Noon we were perplexed to find the premises closed. The sign on the Upstairs Window clearly states – Opens 11.30 Daily. We were considering our options when Sadaqat pulled up outside in the company of a Chef.

This was Hector’s second Curry-Heute/Bradford Curry Blog encounter, it was good to introduce Marg to John. John feels he knows Marg given the number of Photographs that now have been posted.

Given that the Body of Hector was probably still full of Lamb, Fish seemed to be the obvious compromise, but where was Fish on the Menu? Sadaqat assured me Fish was possible as he brought the Poppadoms, Dips and Salad, all Complimentary – of course. Craig though this to be a good idea and it was agreed we would have the same Fish Creation cooked by Sadaqat himself, the Chillies would be left off one Dish. Marg still not too hungry secured a Fish Tikka Starter as her Main. Yvonne maintained the Maritime Theme by ordering King Prawn Pathia. John also ordered Pathia but in Lamb whilst Tony ordered an Onion Bhaji as well as a Rogan Josh.

Mushroom Rice was Hector’s Accompaniment, Craig and Yvonne ordered a Plain Pilau each, whilst The Chaps ordered Roti and Nan.

The Table was heaving with Food.

More than enough and it just kept coming…

The Break-Inn

Early this morning somebody broke into the premises through the window of the Ladies Toilet, glass everywhere, I am told. Sadaqat was a bit distracted, Taj the Owner was called in, Omar followed on. How much sleep had Omar managed after his late night shift? They were confident that the Perpetrator of this Heinous Crime would have been caught on Camera. The Security Chap was summoned. The Police were the last to arrive, it appeared. Gone was the Petty Cash which normally would not have been on the premises but Taj had gone home earlier than his norm.

The Sadaqat Challenge

With the normal calm enthusiasm restored, Sadaqat said he would give us another of his House Dishes and again not tell us what it was. Describing previous offerings, John was not looking forward to the out of the ordinary.

The Fish Curry and the Rice was a perfect combination, almost Kedgeree. Craig was again astonished at how much Flavour versus Heat he was being exposed to. He will eat Curry in Bradford far more readily now than anywhere else. The Masala was as Dry as served at Kashmir, two seriously Dry Curry dishes consecutively! The Rice does detract from the Flavour and it is a pity the Mushrooms were Tinned. The Meal was Light, as required before a four hour drive. Yvonne agreed with the Quantity Verdict – Just the right amount for a Lunchtime Curry. Marg’s Fish looked very similar to the Spice Fish served at Yadgar, Glasgow, but twice as large. This was more than she was expecting, she ate the lot – Just what I needed!

I shall not write on behalf of John and Tony, they have the means of adding their own Review or Comments.

There’s More

The Dish of The Day was how Sadaqat described the Chicken Drumsticks in Breadcrumbs and the Mystery Curry set before us. I spotted Tripe immediately, in a classic Sheesh Mahal Masala. The Herb/Methi content was visible too. I think I shall always prefer Lamb to this, but once again here was the opportunity to try something wildly different from the norm.  Another Bread came out too. I hope these Extras continue in our visits to come.

The Sheesh Mahal Bradford – What a wonderful place to eat Curry!

Kashmiri Tea and a Mango Lassi also made an appearance, John’s first Spiced Tea encounter. Marg is an old hand.

The Bill

£42.50. Six Diners, Seven Portions of Curry, the Rest. And them came the Sweets.

The Aftermath

Fond Farewells were Bidden, until February, oh – that’s next Month!

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Bradford – Westgate – First visit to Bradford’s Westgate

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Hector

And so Marg was walked home before midnight t’Travelodge, past the Sheesh Mahal, Mr. Holden had planted the notion of visiting the adjacent Westgate (8 Saint Thomas’s Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD1 2RW) earlier in the evening. Had it been us going for a Curry this  is where we would have gone. Yes, folks, Hector did decline the invitation to go for a Curry! The Lamb Chops from International were still fuelling Marg and Hector.   As it was only Seven of Nine, Ricky led them to  Sheesh Mahal. The Seven told me later,  it was a pleasure to have a Curry without it being photographed. Impossible, they protest to much.

Westgate has  recently re-opened after a major refurbishment. Like its neighbour, this was at the very basic end of the market. In the past I had stuck my head in the door whilst waiting for a taxi, office still upstairs. It looked most uninviting. The atmosphere as I entered just after Midnight remained uninviting. I felt I might be in the Wrong Movie to use a well worn phrase. About a dozen Co-Diners sat at four tables. Seven Chaps finished their meals and left as I looked at the very basic Menu. Indeed the Menu was so basic I was on the point of leaving when I finally located something decent, Mathi Gosht Masala (£6.50). The rather busy waiter took my order and wiped the adjacent tables.

The kitchen was at the end of the very dark room with a large open hatch, I recognised one of the Chefs. The Chef resplendent in – Woolly Hat – had worked next door before their redevelopment, I wondered what had happened to these guys during the six months renovation. I was sat at the periphery of – The Hub. The few chaps remaining could well have been taxi drivers, my thoughts returned to the nights in the Akash, Helensburgh sitting in such company. The Waiter brought the food.

Westgate has appeared in other Curry Blogs under its original incarnation. People have described the food as being amongst the best in Bradford. This indeed was a Classic Bradford Curry. The Lamb was cut into tiny pieces. There was hardly a trace of Masala and certainly no Oil, this re-defines the description –Dry. Only the Kashmir serves Curry this Dry in Bradford to the best of my knowledge. The Lamb was not really Spiced, it was all about the Herb Taste, The Methi. One could not fault this in any way – this was a very fine Curry. More Spice would have given the – Wow –  factor. Ricky would certainly approve of this venue, he would like the prices too.

I didn’t touch The Salad and Dip.

Only Four Left

One Chap got up and walked beyond the hatch to a small steel sink to wash his hands. I followed on, could find no sign of a toilet and did likewise. There was no towel. A Chap sitting at the nearest table handed me a wad of napkins on my return. The Waiter asked if all was well, I was feeling more part of the establishment now.

The Bill

£6.50. It is strange to see a Dish on the Menu and this is the total on – The Bill.

The Aftermath

In the dimmest of light, I took my cash to the hatch and gave the Calling Card. The Waiter appeared more relaxed than when I had entered. I left with mixed feelings. I will no doubt return at some point with Ricky, I would never bring Marg here. 

Update – January 2023 

Westgate appears to have been dismantled. A relocation has been mentioned.

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