Yadgar – In The Glasgow Style!

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Hector

Hector found himself having to cross the river midweek, this presented the opperchancity for a visit to Yadgar.  Shkoor was contacted yesterday with the remit: ‘Please feed us.’.  Liver was outlawed, Chicken was offered but declined.  We settled on Fish, something far removed from our usual Goshat Karahi.  Exactly how this Fish would be cooked and presented was the decision of Mein Host and his Chef.

Arriving at the scheduled time, Shkoor was in the serving area awaiting our pleasure.  ‘Do you have any food?’ I enquired.  The reply was positive so we took our seats, the Lone Diners.  It is a Tuesday night and most folk at 18.30 are buying Takeaways, as ever the trade is constant.

We knew Fish was on the menu, that was all.  Two soft drinks were supplied then all was revealed, but slowly.  We would be served with Salad accompanied with Fish followed by Lamb.  Simples.  The only consultation was as to whether we desired Rice or Chapattis.  We chose the latter, this was confirmed as the correct choice to accompany Punjabi Curry.

The Fish was presented as two foil packets – ‘A nice piece of Scottish Cod’ – was the introduction to our Starter.  Shkoor then served each of us with our very generous Fish Platter.  Hector has had Fish in this style in other outlets, it has never looked this good. At a typical £6 per portion for half of what was before us, we once again  knew that we in for a treat.   The Lemon was squeezed over the mass of Cod: to add a Dip or not, no let’s taste it as it comes.

One concludes the Cod may have been partly baked, hence the foil, before being grilled to make the crispy topping.  By this method the Spices were now encrusted on the top layer while all below remained moist.  The dish was well seasoned, Spicy and most satisfying, and this was just the entrée.  Surprisingly light, we were not too worried about managing what may follow.

Jonathan confirmed his pleasure.  The ritual photographs were dispensed with before the arrival of the main event.

There was time to discuss Hector’s most recent Curry experiences at a new Glasgow outlet.  At Yadgar the food is cooked the way they like it and they hope that is what their customers like too – all of them.  Is Hector stirring controversy? And why not?

A large Karahi was then brought into the dining area – this was for us.  The full Kilo of Lamb on-the-bone, superb.  The style?  This was Lamb with Karela and Methi. Now I wonder how this combination of Special Ingredients came to be added to my Curry, there are positives to be gained by writing a Blog.   There was a suggestion that instead of trying to impersonate other styles we should consider this to be their own – The Glasgow Style?

The joy of sharing One Kilogramme of Curry is that one can spoon the quantity one’s eyes think is appropriate, watch the fellow diner do the same and still realise just how much more there is to follow.

Chapattis were presented and topped up with more.  One instinctively knows when a Curry is going to be special.  That one is eating at Yadgar is also a bit of a clue.  The Lamb was cooked to perfection, well they had plenty of notice.  The Masala was minimal – as it should be.  The texture was dry and thick.  I have written this description quite a few times in recent months, this is Curry, as it should be served.

Karela and Methi, whose idea was this?

The Karela was quite visible having been cut longways, the Methi had disappeared into the mix.  The flavours could only impress, the Lamb, the Spices, the Herbs, the added Bitter Vegetable – a tour de force.  I think Jonathan was glad he was around to enjoy this rare midweek feast.  ‘Excellent, you can’t fault it.’ was Jonathan verdict.

Shkoor rejoined us to share our pleasure.  It was time to wave the white flag.  Dessert was declined, why cover the palate with sweet after the delight of the Bitter Vegetable?

The Bill

£Undisclosed.  We paid an amount that we felt was appropriate whilst ensuring we were recognising the hospitality.   The Fish alone was worth £20 in any restaurant.

The Aftermath

I once again wonder why this venue is not queued out 24/7.  We thoroughly appreciate the food and the service, the staff appreciate their customers.  Mutual respect:

– is this The Glasgow Style?

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Glasgow – Akbar’s – In The Asian Style

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Hector

When Mags heard about the quality of the Curry served to ?Stan! and Hector at the newly opened Akbar’s (573–581 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) we arranged another Saturday outing for The Friends of Hector.  At our rendezvous this afternoon, Mags stated that she was now worried given the very negative report written about last Sunday’s visit to the same venue.  Which version of the Curry would be served?  Numbers were diminished by a CAMRA AGM and two of the players being in Yorkshire. Eleanor suggested last evening that she may come; Neil was a last minute addition.

Akbar’s opens at 16.00, 15.00 is our normal starting time.  Eleanor was there sharp at 16.00 and was not the first customer.  She had managed to negotiate a drink at the bar whilst she waited for an unknown, to her, number of folk to arrive.  A few of the staff recognised me; well this is my third visit in eight days.

Waiter #1 introduced himself and was promptly replaced by Faruk when in full Hector mode I showed the photographs of two disparate meals pertaining to be the same dish. Faruk promised he would ensure that we would receive our Curry the way we like it.

We declined the Poppadoms and Dips, that was £6 off the Bill already.  Not ordering Poppadoms appeared to upset more than Faruk, four times in all we were either offered Poppadoms or were asked to confirm that we indeed did not wish any.  Staff can be attentive, invasive is something else.

In The Asian Style

This expression was first uttered to Hector eight days ago by the waiter on my first visit.  This expression was not used last Sunday.  Faruk was quite open that they serve meals differently – to the English – as he put it, than they do to the local Asian community.  I suggested that two menus would be a better option than leaving people to guess as to what they might be served with.

Hector negotiated the potentially stunning Roshan Lal (without Capsicum), Eleanor and Neil followed my direction but ordered Special Rice and Pilau Rice respectively, two Chapattis for the Hector.  Mags chose the Lamb Potato Karahi, a Chapatti and a Mushroom Rice, the latter was not on the menu but proved to be no problem.  We were advised there would be a fifteen minute wait, and no, we did not need Poppadoms.

A Salad appeared as it had done on my first visit shortly before the arrival of the mains, a good system.  Four splendid Karahi were brought to the table with the sundry items.  Hector already knew by the look of the meal that this was going to be a repetition of Roshan Lal #1.  This was Neil’s first ever Bradford style Curry, as a regular commentator on this Blog he knew he was in for a treat.  The Karahi were filled to a level of more than adequacy, the Lamb again cut small in the Bradford style.  Mags now knew she had ordered too much food, but there is always the doggy-bag.  Eleanor expressed pleasure in what she was eating; needless to say I was in another place.

Once again I had been served with a magnificently dry dish, with oil sitting at the base of the Karahi.  The flavour of the highly seasoned Ghee is part of the overall experience, this coupled with the blend of Spice and Herb makes the perfect Bradford Curry.  I have been asking Bradford Curry House owners for years to set up in Glasgow, finally it has happened, Hector is once more in Curry Heaven.

Mags described her Lamb and Potato Karahi as ‘bloody marvellous’.  For the Roshan Lal, Neil chose more sober words: ‘very tasty, rich and salty’ whilst Eleanor stated that the Roshan Lal had added to her ‘Health and Wellbeing’.

On completion of the meal Faruk reappeared and apologised for having not been with us for the last ten minutes or so, he had been at a meeting with the owner.  Is that Mr Shabir Hussain? – I asked rhetorically.  I told our waiter that I have been in touch with his boss by email in the last couple of months and would be pleased to meet him.  Minutes later the very young and handsome Bradford Entrepreneur presented at the table and introduced himself.  Eleanor had been primed with the camera.

The next twenty minutes

After some pleasantries Shabir was making his farewells when he changed his mind and took Hector away – we are going to talk Curry!

Hector was lead over to the kitchen hatch and shown where the meals are prepared in their final stages.  The oil is allowed to rise to the surface and is drained off about three times before the meal is declared ready.  The Chef appeared and shook the hand of Hector.  By now every staff member had clocked me and was wondering who one earth…

Shabir showed me the side area where Marg and I had sat on Sunday and related that to the size of his first premises.  With branches around England he has made his name in the World of Curry.  Mr Hussain has been approached by other businessmen offering to set up franchise versions of his Bradford Model, these offers have been rejected.  This man is hands on and will be staying in Glasgow for the next few weeks to ensure that all goes the way he desires it.

Having received a congratulatory email from Hector last Friday and then a critical one last Sunday, Shabir was keen to get to the bottom of what had happened.  He is convinced that I was given the wrong meal.  Part of the problem could well be related to the policy of dual versions of each dish.  For those who want a Buffet and a pint of lager, the Koh-i-Noor around the corner should satisfy these minimal needs.  Surely anyone going to Akbar’s is there because they know what the place stands for?  I related the saga of a taxi driver dropping me off at Yadgar, one of my favourite South-side Curry venues: The food here is good, but my wife cooks better at home – he told me – Driver, take me to your house! – was my reply.  Shabir is determined that when the Asians dine out they will be treated to food better than they can have at home.

I returned to the table expecting to find three skeletons waiting for me, I had been away a long time.

The Bill

£52.15.  The cash had been assembled and I took it over to the Cashier’s desk.

The Aftermath

We were escorted from the premises. Not in that way.  There was much shaking of hands, the Celebrity Diners were leaving.  The Maître d’ at the door was the Chap who had been on duty on Sunday: he asked if my meal had been better than on my previous visit.  I assured him all was well.

Hector will find it difficult to eat anywhere else for the next few weeks, but I have promised Jonathan a trip to Yadgar midweek.  What we have learned from today is that when one is dining at Akbar’s one has to ask for one’s dish to be served:

– In The Asian Syle!

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The Return to Cafe Salma

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Hector

?Stan! and Hector at Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall Street  Glasgow, G3 7PQ) on a Friday evening, this was almost a ritual for the best part of last year.  We have not been since October, how could this have happened?  Café Salma is one of Glasgow’s consistently best Curry Houses and not forgetting the Moroccan menu which is available too.

The reason of course is quite simple, competition.  With the excellent Punjabi Charing Cross around the corner in North Street, and the discovery of the wonder that is the New Karahi Place across the river in Tradeston (near that other venerable curry House, The Village), the last thing Hassan needs is yet another potentially wonderful outlet on the same block as Café Salma.  More on Akbar’s later, but with every Asian in Glasgow seemingly piled into his next door neighbour in the past week; Hassan has his work cut out.

To say the greeting was warm would be an understatement.  ?Stan! shook hands, Hector went straight for the open arms approach.  It took time for the male hug to become part of my armoury, but come on; it is the warmest of greetings.

The Café was busier than normal at our normal 18.00 rendezvous.  We offered seats downstairs where a larger table would have been available, but we prefer to be in the thick of the Indian style cooking and took a small table in front of the Chefs. The Complementary Popadoms and Dips arrived immediately, so did a copy of the Daily Record.  Hassan was proud to show us the review written by that Chap who is officially the Scottish Curry Lover of the Year, 2011.  Not that Hector has any resentment, no…  Mr Cowan had eaten what Hector considers to be Starters, he did not have a proper Curry.  Fortunately his Lady had something excellent and so the review was very positive.  Hassan is a proud man.

?Stan! could not resist the wonder that is Kofta Palak, the Vegetable Rice also proved to be foremost in the Big Man’s mind instead of our usual Chapattis.  The Vegetable Rice at Café Salma is indeed irresistible and so I ordered some too with a single Chapatti which ?Stan! instantly put dibs on to share.  Who is this man?  This is not the Dr Stan of years gone by.  The main course had to be the Lamb Lahori Karahi, the thought of this had me salivating all day.

With the nibbles and reading matter removed, the meals were brought to the seemingly shrinking table.  The Veggie Rice looked a bit on the stodgy side this evening, very unusual, but the Rice was fine and the array of Vegetables is what makes it a compulsive eat.  Spooning on some Lamb and the very light and almost sticky Masala I put myself in a dilemma: to dip the Chapatti in the Karahi or eat a spoonful of Lamb and Rice.  The former ritual held and we were underway.  The flavour from this Masala is truly wonderful, slightly sweet, but only very slightly.  The Lamb pieces looked huge in comparison to where I have been eating of late, this is certainly not the Bradford style.

?Stan! tucked into his Kofta Palak which I still thinks works better without Rice.  I was tempted to lean over and steel a bit but that would have been out of order.  It may be Friday evening, Shabbat, but one does not eat that way in this city.

We both felt a bit shattered after the ordeal that is eating superb food.  How to get an Ale or two on top of that at the Bon Accord?

The Bill

£27.45.  Wherever we eat in Glasgow these days we find a meal somewhere over the £13.50 mark each.

The Aftermath

We explained our absence once more to Hassan and described the competition.  He did not appear to be too aware of the Punjabi Charing Cross, Akbar’s however he dismissed instantly.  Hassan says his regular customers have been and have returned.  In effect we did the same this evening.  However, tomorrow is A-Day – I have arranged a small rendezvous at the opening time of 16.00.  This is in itself a minus mark, why so late in the day?  People do eat Curry for Breakfast, especially in Bradford.

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Glasgow – Akbar’s fails the Hector Curry Test

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Hector

It did not take too much persuasion to talk Marg into her first visit to Akbar’s (573–581 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) and consequently Hector’s second visit in three days, yes it was that good.

A restaurant of this size, full on a Sunday evening?

The place was stowed, the raised area facing Granville St housed a private party. The main area on Sauchiehall St was full with those who had turned up presumably without a reservation.  Tonight’s Maître d’ greeted us with a warm welcome and asked us to have a drink at the bar whilst a table was sorted, yes this is the Sauchiehall St experience.

The Chaps at the bar could not serve us until we had a receipt.  Marg paid for the drinks at the cashier’s desk and as soon as our drinks were poured we were taken to a table, with four places.  Given how busy the place was this was appreciated.  There was still a substantial group waiting at the bar.

One of the waiters who served me on Friday evening recognised me, a smile, Hector is recognised, and all is going well. Our new waiter for the evening sat us down and took the order for the Poppadoms and Dips.  When he returned Marg was ready with her order: Akbar’s-e-Balti, a combination of Lamb and Chicken served in a karahi.  Hector could only order the Roshan Lal – this is the Hector Curry Test, can the venue provide the same dish to the same very high standard on consecutive visits?  The Village, for example in Glasgow, does not.

Our waiter was from Bradford so we had a good chat rhyming off the famous Bradford Curry Houses.  He asked if I was from Glasgow such was my knowledge of his home town.  A good guy.

As we were tucking in to our Poppadoms we spotted two familiar faces – Steve and Juliet.  They had just eaten and were totally impressed by what they had ordered.  Steve has been to Bradford with Hector and knows what to expect, this was Juliet’s first Bradford Curry.

No Salad tonight, but a Chap dressed in a Chef’s outfit appeared with our meals and the accompanying Special Rice and two Chapattis.  This is when the bubble burst…

Hector’s dish was like a plate of Soup compared to the wonderfully dry masterpiece set before me two nights before.  Still, the distinctive Bradford flavour must be present – I dipped the Chapatti, nothing.  This was so average I can only describe it as poor compared to the previous experience.

Tonight’s Roshan Lal is on the left, Fridays’s version on the right. I told our waiter and he said he would inform the Chef.  Is it possible I was given somebody else’s meal?  Lucky person, if so.

Meanwhile Marg’s very Dry Balti was going down well, she was very happy with her choice despite it being somewhat Spicier than she prefers.  Potato did feature significantly.

So, Akbar’s has failed the Hector Curry  Test.

The Bill

£29.00.  Unfortunately this included the – previously paid for – two soft drinks, so who knows how their bar system is meant to work?  This was sorted quickly.

The Aftermath

There was such a feeling of disappointment as we drove home.  Hector is due to accompany some of The Friends of Hector on Saturday.  We shall see.

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Bradford’s Akbar’s opens in Glasgow.

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Hector

Hector’s Dream – Bradford Curry on his doorstep!

John, the Bradford Curry Blogger, informed me a few weeks ago that Bradford’s Akbar’s restaurant would be opening a branch in Glasgow. I got in touch with them to seek further information.  Mr Shabir Hussain replied and informed me of their scheduled opening on Sauchiehall St  (573–581 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) at the end of February.  The name Akbar has not been used in the Glasgow Curry scene since the demise of the wonderful restaurant that was in Cochrane St.  Where are they now?

Akbar’s grand opening was at the start of this week I gather, Hector was not invited.

This site is at Charing X, right in the hub of the Glasgow Curry scene.  With Café Salma (sorry, Hassan I will be back…) on the same block and the excellent Punjabi Charing X around the corner, there is stiff competition.

?Stan! was waiting for Hector in the former Tiffin Rooms at 18.00, punctual as ever.  The Chap on the door led me in to a small table for two.  ?Stan! had already been asked if he wanted Popadoms, these were on the table.  A large laminated menu was given to us and we set about finding the dish that would hit the spot.  I had three dishes that looked as likely candidates.  Under Chef’s Specialities was the Roshan Lal: A spicy lamb dish cooked with onions, tomatoes and peppers in a rich sauce, garnished with onions and coriander.  ?Stan! went for the Karahi Lamb Palak, he likes his Spinach.   Our young waiter had difficulty writing down our order, and sought help.  The next Chap asked us if we wished our meals ‘in the Asian style?’  I wonder what he meant by this, are we not in a Curry House?  Four Chapattis were the accompaniments.

The Poppadoms, Dips and Chapattis had now set us back £5.80, in Bradford these tend to be inclusive.  However, it is apparent that given the amount of money they have spent refurbishing the premises they will need to recoup their investment.  A large table for twelve was set up beside us, with another similar table behind.  I was commenting on the likelihood of these being filled when the party arrived and occupied all forty eight seats.  The place was now buzzing, ?Stan! and Hector were the only non-Asians in the very large room.

Our waiters were keen to be helpful, we were advised that our meals would take fifteen minutes.  No problem and good to tell us.

What felt like ten minutes later, a Chef appeared with a plate of Salad.  He then returned with our waiters and the main meals.  We were under strict orders not to touch the Karahi as they were hot.

The plates were abandoned and the Chapattis dipped in the Karahi – Gosh!  This was one of those magical Damascus-like Curry moments.  Not since my first visit to Yadgar have I witnessed such Curry pleasure in Glasgow.  This was truly wonderful – the distinctive Bradford flavour which I believe comes from the perfect balance of Spice with Methi was most evident.  The Lamb was cut small as is traditional in Bradford but not as small as in the Kashmir.  There was a lot of it too! This was the veritable feast, every mouthful was sheer joy, exactly how I like my Curry.

?Stan! was shifting in his chair.  I have come to realise that this is how he expresses his sheer pleasure.  He made his normal positive ‘hmmnnsss…’ and then pronounced it as most enjoyable.  The Lamb and Spinach dish looked impressive but now I am stuck in the rut.  If the Roshan Lal is this wonderful, is there something better on the menu?  It will take me a few visits to experiment further.

Our waiters were attentive throughout our visit. They asked if our meal was ‘OK’, ‘no’, I replied , it is wonderful!’

The Bill. 

£27.70.  We were anticipating the bill to be higher, with two soft drinks included.

 The Aftermath

I gave my card which had made it to the door by the time we were leaving.  I told the Maître d’ that I had been in touch with his boss previously and he should pass on my congratulations.  The staff have clearly been imported from down south, there were no familiar accents to be heard.

There will be a return – as soon as possible.  The ultimate test is to see if they can replicate this wonderful food on a consistent basis.  We all know that when it’s Chef’s night off the food can vary in some restaurants.

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The Akash, the best Helensburgh has to offer

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Hector

Tonight Hector is joined by Marg and Eleanor for a midweek Curry-Heute.  The ladies both went for the Lamb Rogan Gosht, Hector’s staple diet at the Akash (45a Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) for many years.  Having been slightly disappointed by the noramlly excellent Lamb Makhni with Spinach on my last visit, tonight I opted for the Methi-Gosht Bhuna, ah, Methi...

Two Vegetable Rice and two Chapattis were the accompaniments.

At the Akash I always have to check on the wonder that is their Chicken Chat, sadly this must have been Chicken Ding this evening as it was not heated all the way through.  Eleanor enjoyed the Fish Pakora and Marg still finds the Vegetable Pakora served here to be the very best, her favoutite Pakora!

The mains arrived, the Bhuna had far too much Masala, but at least it was thick -ish.  This Curry certainly needs Rice so the share of the Vegetable Rice with a solitary Chapatti was ideal.  Where was the Methi?  I cannot say I was overwhelmed with the presence of this fine Herb.

The ladies tore into their normally reliable Rogan Gosht, however, they agreed that tonight the Lamb was on the tough side. Shame, two negative Akash reports in a row.

What is happening?

The Bill

£42.25.  This included three soft drinks and a Takeaway Pakora.  After the joy of Bradford this brings one back to reality.

The Aftermath

The final evening commitment of this session, so perhaps no more Helensburgh Curry-Heute until the autumn…

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Bradford Curry for Breakfast #2 at the Kashmir

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Hector

?Stan! had a later train booked back to Glasgow today. He decided to join me once more for breakfast at the Kashmir (27 Morley St, Bradford, BD7 1AG). This morning we were the first customers, but not for a long, a family of four soon arrived. I love Bradford, everybody eats Curry at any time of day, just like Hector.

We sat at the same table, in the same seats as yesterday. Mein Host looked at us: ‘You were here yesterday? Lamb Karela!’ Hector has been recognised in the Kashmir at last.

I asked if they had Fish, I only spotted a single Fish dish on the menu yesterday, the Fish Karahi. Fish it was then. ?Stan! ordered Keema Palak. Does it taste the same when it is not in the Kofta form? Admittedly there is more to the Meatballs than simply Mince.

The Chefs could be heard getting into action, no singing today. There is absolutely no ceremony or sense of engagement when the food is presented at the Kashmir. The food does the talking, the young Chaps who bring the food and clear up say not a word. Maybe this is the way things are. The customary ‘how is your meal?’ has never been asked in the sixteen years of visiting the Kashmir. They have my calling card from a visit last year, today my supply was out, a pity as it did bring them to life last time.

And so the plates were placed on the table once more with a pile of inclusive Chapattis. My first reaction when I saw my Fish was that it looked like Squid, all rubbery. How wrong I was, the first Dip brought the exclamation: ‘wonderful!’. The Masala was minimal but gave sufficient moisture. It had a good earthy Bradford taste. The Kashmir has set the standard for what I consider to be a good Curry, the tally on the right column may not be as high as other outlets, but I now I have eaten more Bradford Curry here than anywhere else, that they are always open – even during Ramadan – helps.

The Chapattis once again proved to be filling, a wee bit Rice would have been a good accompaniment but my last Karahi here did not work with Rice. Remember it is morning, the stomach is not yet fully awake and I am forcing in my fourth Curry in thirty six hours. At times like this I do appreciate that I do get to eat this often. For those whose Geographical location means that this is standard fare, the fortunate ones, this is their norm.

?Stan! ate his Keema Palak in perfect companionable silence – not a word. There was an audible ‘hmmnnn’ as he wiped his plate clean.

 The Bill

£13.80. Once again this included two soft drinks. Is this not what I pay in Glasgow when I dine alone?

The Aftermath

?Stan! went to the Sir Titus Salt for a coffee, perhaps Mr Holden may join him before he heads back to Glasgow later? Hector took the train back to Glasgow, well three of them.

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Bradford’s International once served Hector the best Curry he has ever eaten, but not tonight…

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Hector

What is this that stands before me?

?Stan! had called it a day. The famous Todmorden Black Pudding Pork Pie was deemed sufficient for his dinner. The International (40-42 Morley Road, Bradford, BD7 1BE) was calling, the very venue where last November Hector had three Curries in the same day. Yes, The International is that good. Mein Host #1 appeared to have had a long day, there was little air of recognition, but polite as ever he arranged a table for one.

He took my order: Lamb Desi. This is served on-the-bone and is the only dish that always comes this way. Sometimes, when it is quiet they will do other dishes this way, it varies I have found. The place was full of people who may have been to the pub. At 23.30 my working thesis was proved correct when the chap beside me fell asleep. These youngsters have no stamina. The topography of the Dales I believe had prevented me from making any Facebook posts today. Liz I now discovered was in Leeds and claimed to have had her best Curry ever. There is no Curry in Leeds. It is written.

Mein Host #2 brought my meal and his face lit up when he saw it was Hector. Always a busy man and one who insists that every meal at the International is brought by him, there was only the briefest of chat. I looked at my Curry – I did not recognise it. Yes, there was Lamb on-the-bone, but what was this Masala? Firstly it was excessive, secondly it might never have met an Onion.

I had asked for my Curry to be Hot, medium is the norm, I felt like a challenge. I was given one, this was OTT. Only once in fifteen years of visiting the International have I ever witnessed a poor Curry. This was Marg’s Chicken Korma away back at the start of the Current Era. Yes, Marg used to order this. Hector makes it better – with a kick! Tonight I have to declare that this meal was poor. By definition a Desi can be anything the House wishes to serve, but this bore no resemblance to the last time I had this dish.  The Lamb on-the-bone was perfect, cooked exactly how I like it. I had a decent pile of debris at the end. The Masala was simply shocking. It was approaching Soup, and had virtually no taste, just intense heat. Surely the request for a Hot Curry at 23.30 does not necessitate their standards being dropped? This was a late night Lads Curry, not a Hector Curry.

The Bill

£9.00. I went up to the counter to pay. A new Chap knew exactly what I had eaten, impressive. I paid the modest fee and said goodnight.

The Aftermath

I did not have a meal with wine in the Hilton Bar as I found I had been charged for when I returned to the hotel.

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Bradford Curry for Breakfast at The Kashmir

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Hector

The drawback for ?Stan! with the Hilton Hotel weekend rate is that Breakfast is not included. This suits me perfectly, why eat anything other than Curry when one is in Bradford? It did not take much persuasion for ?Stan! to join me at the Kashmir (27 Morley St, Bradford, BD7 1AG). We crossed the recently opened Millennium Square, fountains et al and of course found the venue open.  The Kashmir is always open, so if we were to get our planned Bier Tour under-way, an early Curry was mandatory. At 11.30 we entered the downstairs Cafe, we were not the first customers.

My normal fare here is the driest, Herbiest Curry I can find on the menu. The Kashmir has set the standard of what I call a Dry Bradford Curry. I have never reached the end of the menu before, or if I had, the final entry meant nothing. Today was different. I do know a lot about Curry and I know what I like. The very last item was Lamb Karela.

The staff can be a bit reticent, the ice has to be broken. Yet judging by the singing from the kitchen, there are Happy Chaps working here. The waiter had to check in his own language that Karela was available, we were given the go ahead. ?Stan! ordered the same, unsure that he had ever had Karela before. When Ricky was last up in Glasgow we had it at the New Karahi Palace.

?Stan! nibbled on the Complementary Salad and Dips, this was his first visit downstairs. I know the food comes in no time at all. Somehow we were served before the couple who been there before us. They had ordered Rice, maybe that is why their food was served after ours.

The accompanying and inclusive Chapattis were piled six high. Time for the first Dip. There was no big hit from the Lamb itself, I had not ordered my usual Herbs dish, but wait…. the Karela was to the fore. Just how dry and bitter can work this well is no mystery’ cf Bier-Traveller.com for a description of my favourite Biers. This was very good indeed, with Methi it would have been perfection. I need to try harder to communicate with the staff here. They do not recognise me as the Kashmir is usually third in my Bradford pecking order.

The disadvantage of having no Rice is that one gets full very quickly eating Chapattis with a Curry. One is then left eating the Curry in its raw form if one is to finish the meal, however, finish it we did.

The Bill

£14.20. With two soft drinks too. One can pay more for a single Curry in other premises.

The Aftermath

Hector takes ?Stan! For his first visit to Todmorden and ?Stan! leads me away from the station at Sowerby Bridge. Hebden Bridge by bus features too.

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Bradford – Sheesh Mahal – Lamb’s Liver? It must be a Holden Tour!

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Hector

Ricky, our resident Bradford Curry Guru,  phoned three days ago to say that my meal for this evening at the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’ Rd, Bradford, BD1 2RW) was already ordered. Lamb’s Liver in the Hector style as it was put to him by the staff. Hector cannot abide Liver, it is one meat I do not normally eat. As Ricky has been working his way through the Offal menu in recent times,  he felt Liver had to be experienced.  ?Stan! would comply with whatever madness Ricky had in mind.

I was given the task of phoning the restaurant from Haigy’s Bar to advise them that we would be a bit late for our 23.30 booking. Hector is on the phone! I could clearly hear being announced to the colleagues, apparently the warm welcome was already under way.
We arrived in reasonable time and took our seats. The young waiter was confused when the menus were declined. Omar was soon there to greet us as was his father, the owner. The three of us were being treated like Royalty, Ricky’s wind up banter was relentless. The young waiter finally had to come and ask us what we were having so that a bill could be presented one concludes.

The Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips were set before us, Seekh Kebab and Bhaji were there too.  I declined, excessive food on top of the Schlenkerla Urbock and Andechs Weisse consumed previously at the Bradford Beer Festival did feel like a good idea. Liver may also have an unwelcome effect, Uberschuss in Massen – then.

OK, the Liver it is

I had been promised that normal Lamb would also be included with my dish. Ricky and ?Stan! appeared to have Liver only. My dish was mountainous, they had given me my normal Omar Special , a Lamb Karahi done my way, with the Liver mixed in. I was expected to eat all this? Chapattis were the sole accompaniment for us all. The word Chapatti was never mentioned, a pile of the Bradford Bread was put on the table without a word. This is how it is done and they are included in the price of the Curry.

I dipped the minimal Masala, it was as wonderful as ever. The Liver looked well cooked, a start. I ate some pieces, it was better than any Liver I have eaten in the UK. Israel is the only place I have ever managed to eat this foul meat – there it is overcooked and when meat is served on a Kibbutz, one eats it. I ate maybe half a dozen pieces of Liver before deciding to concentrate on ensuring that the quality tender Lamb was enjoyed to the full. My leftover bits of meat were siphoned off to another plate, Ricky’s. ?Stan! was here too, as ever he does not say much when he eats.

Taj, Mein Host came and sat beside Hector and we had a good chat about the renovations and the speed at which they were able to demolish and rebuild. The premises are now top notch, as salubrious as any Bradford Curry Cafe, better than many restaurants. As part of the Royal visit with Marg and Jonathan last month, we were served Sweets for Dessert. Tonight these were declined in anticipation of them being offered. How does that work? You had to be there.

The Glasgow Curry scene was discussed and the opening of the new Akbars near Charing X. Apparently I have been to their original premises on the Leeds road on more than one occasion, but in a previous life. Ricky spoke favourably about Curry in Glasgow, I announced that we have maybe five restaurants that can cook as good a Curry as is served in this city. (The highest ranks on the right column!)

Many photographs were taken, the staff like the idea of their photos being published.

The Bill

£25.00. Less 10%! Ricky insists that there is a 10% discount for CAMRA members. Well there was in the previous incarnation of the Sheesh Mahal, perhaps not so now. I believe we deducted 10% then added it back on for the tip. On Holden Tours, one is never quite sure what is happening.

The Aftermath

There is a Curry House (it is reportedly worth a visit) and a Taxi Office next door to the Sheesh, so we were soon whisked down the hill and dropped near the Hilton.  Only Ricky knows why the taxi could not drop us off outside the hotel.   Long may the Hilton insist on selling their weekend rooms at prices commensurate with a Bradford Curry.

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