Bradford – The Sheesh Mahal – Behold the Bradford Curry!

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Hector

A Friday night treat

Until tonight I never knew that the Sheesh Mahal (6 St. Thomas’s Rd, Bradford BD1 2RW) existed. Now I do and it goes straight in to the recommendations list and I am led to believe deserves to take the place of The International on the Curry-Heute Homepage. It is that good!

Mr Holden drew a map to instruct us where to alight from the 662 bus from Saltaire. I phoned to see what time they closed: ‘Five o’clock’ (am) was the reply. We are on.

Hector had made a dash to Glasgow Central to catch the Carlisle train connecting with the train towards Leeds. The Ribblehead Viaduct is the highlight of this train journey, useless in the dark. There is always Sunday.

Jonathan, Dr Stan and Hector left Ricky at the Bradford Beerfest and arrived in pouring rain at the Sheesh Mahal. This is another Curry Cafe, no ceremony here. Indeed the building sited just off the main road has another Curry House next door with a taxi office above. This must be the perfect combination for people out late. One wonders what the food is like next door and how the reputation of the Sheesh Mahal impinges on their business.

Menus were brought

Dr Stan chose Keema Palak, Jonathan the Keema Prawn. We had been advised where to look on the menu for the best dishes, however there was the option of asking for whatever one desired, clearly the way ahead.

Our waiter, Omar, asked me what I was looking for.

Lamb, with lots of Herbs, Coriander, Methi and minimal Masala. This was written down. Omar returned a few moments later: Do you wish that on-the-bone or off?  Wonderful! You will be famous. –  I told hum.

This creation became instantly known as Omar’s Curry, it should be on the menu.

The Chaps had Starters, Jonathan a Pakora and Dr Stan a Seekh Kebab. An extra plate of Onions in batter, not quite a Bhaji was also issued. I did nibble on some of these but was determined to keep the appetite intact.

The Curry arrived

 Bradford portions are not as large as Glasgow ones, are they anywhere? Still, they are always filling. Jonathan was about to get stuck in to his Nan when Dr Stan and I were issued with three Chapattis each, the latter inclusive.

Sheer Pleasure

 Hector tore a Chapatti in half, he tentatively dipped it into what little Masala there was and thought, gosh! With a larger piece of Chapatti he scooped up some of the Meat ………….. absolutely magnificent! The thick oily warmth of the Lamb and Masala wrapped itself around the tongue, this is just the way Hector likes his Curry.  Sucking the meat off the bones, fun too.  I was provided with a bowl for my bone detritus.  Just how well were we being looked after?

*

There was not much talking and lots of eating in the next few minutes. Jonathan and Dr Stan were thoroughly impressed by their choices. We agreed that our Curry had a high salt content. This is something Dr Stan and I have realised is common to our favourite venues.

Hector has done well in the last week, the Goshat Karahi at Yadgar (Glasgow), the Kofta at Mother India’s Cafe and now tonight. Indeed, this could well have been the best Curry-Week of my life. It is fitting that a Bradford Curry House should feature in this Curry extravaganza.

Money did change hands

The bill was under £24. We paid this standing up as a large group had arrived and our table was the obvious place for them to sit. I gave Omar my card on departure, he was interested in the Blog.

 Back to the Hilton, well to be more correct, time for Hector to check in. With a deal like we have this weekend, just how often can we get down here?

Could Yorkshire become the new Germany?

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No. 28?, it’s the 24th!

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Hector

Can Helensburgh support three Curry Houses? (and the Flamingo Take-Away next door)

Hector was informed recently that No. 28 (28 East Princes Street, Helensburgh, G84 7QA) had reverted to being a Curry House. Needless to say I had not set foot across the threshold since it had ceased to do so.

Window dressing

Despite there being only three customers, Marg and Hector were given what appeared to be the only table for two – in the middle of the floor – and effectively blocking the door. Is there a worst seat in this restaurant?

The menu was issued, the middle pages were devoted to the Chef’s Recommendations.   Chicken Tikka was the standard with Lamb an extra £1.50. Hector does not wish Tikka Lamb in a Curry.

There was nothing really to catch my eye. I was even thinking of bailing and crossing the road to the ever dependable Akash. However, over the page under the banner ‘Popular Curries’ was a short list: Methi Gosht! Hang on, Staff Curry! Hector is staying.

It did not take much persuasion to sell Marg the Methi Gosht. The waiter then blew the charm by telling me that the Staff Curry was not available on-the-bone as advertised…’authentic Indian cuisine’. A Vegetable Rice and two Chapattis were the usual sides.

It was then we were offered Papadoms, why where they simply not brought to the table? Are they complementary, the price is not on any menu I saw. Hector declined.

Think again

Two steel platters were brought to the table. These had been warmed. ‘Original plate warmers’ thought Hector. Surprise! These were our plates. This was original but as steel cools very quickly so they were ‘stone-cold’ (sic) by the end of our eating.

The Curry-Heute

The Vegetable Rice was excellent, there were large pieces of Potato as well as Cauliflower. The Chapattis were dire, far too dry and tired by the time we were given them. Oh, the Curries?

Sadly the Staff Curry left me hoping that the staff go elsewhere to eat. This was blaaaaand. There were thin slices of Mushroom and some Capsicum had sneaked in but not too much to make it remarkable. The Lamb was sufficient in quantity but could have been cooked longer. The question is always one of how long the Masala and the Lamb had been intimate?

Marg announced that the Methi Gosht (with Lamb! Duh…) was ‘hot’. It was thick with Methi and resembled a typical Palak/Saag consistency. This commentator thinks that the Methi should be more subtle than this. Lucky Hector was able to finish the last morsels of the Methi Gosht (with Lamb, duh!). It was significantly better that the Staff Curry.

£28 with two soft drinks and a coffee. I could not help but note that there is apparently no discount for take-away orders but there is a £2 delivery charge.

Will Alan and Tracy one day insist we make a second visit or shall it be old faithful, the Akash?

 

Gone with the wind

Tomorrow is another day.

Bradford, here comes Hector!

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Glasgow – Mother India’s Cafe – More Curry? Marg: I want Butter Chicken

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Hector

Marg – This is the best Butter Chicken served anywhere!

Last night Marg declared that for the last day of the holiday we were going to Mother India’s Cafe (1355 Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AD). This certainly surprised Hector who thought that the – Yadgar experience – would be the natural Curry-climax to the week.

Marg wished Butter Chicken, the real one, having had a poor impersonation earlier in the week.

Hector felt – Lambed-out –  and so there was a determination not to have my usual combination of Machi Massala and Lamb Karahi. The Specials today contained Kofta, ok if it is Lamb Meatballs but rabbit food is not for me. Marg also had a Vegetable Pakora about which no comment was made whatsoever, she was too busy marvelling at her Butter Chicken with Lemon Rice.

It may be my imagination but have the portions at the Mother India’s Cafe have got larger? I wondered how many meatballs would define the – Kofta Tapas – portion, three large ones was the answer.

Kofta

The Masala with the Kofta was thick and dark. I had some of Marg’s Rice as the Paratha had not arrived. The taste of the Masala was out of this world, the salt content was high which one concludes is necessary to bring out the full flavour. The Kofta Meatballs were almost incidental but one supposes it is the combination of both which makes the dish.

Machi Massala

The Machi (Fish) Massala has been a stalwart dish in the menu since my first visit. I could not contemplate not ordering this dish. The Masala was drier, just how Hector likes it! The Fish had been battered, again I wonder why they do this. The Masala was decidedly different from the previous dish: this had more Citrus and was distinctly Spicier. There was a lot of it too.

This venue and Cafe Salma remain Hector’s favourite two sources north of the River Clyde.

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Yadgar, the best show in town

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Hector

The welcome at the Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) simply gets better and better.  There were just three hungry eaters assembled for what we three agree is the best Curry currently being served in Glasgow.  The Goshat Karahi (on-the-bone) served dry in the ‘Bradford style’ has been the mainstay of our visits in the last few months.

The meal was ordered by email from Köln.  The question was one of quantity.  Dr Stan and Hector can easily polish off 1kg between us, at Shkoor’s (the owner) suggestion we ordered 1.5kg.  If there was any left we could always take it away.  A Mushroom Rice a plain Pilau one Chapatti and one Paratha were the accompaniments.

A complementary plate of Salad has been the norm on arrival; however in recent visits this has swelled considerably to include Popadoms, Onion Chutney, Mango Chutney and various Dips.  Presumably this gives the Chef a few more minutes to work his magic and ensue the dish is presented at its best.

The Karahi was sizzling and filled to the brim.  Hector took a video of this wonderful presentation, now I just have to work out how to reduce it such that it can be posted…

Ladies First

Tracey and Howard tucked in and Hector took a generous portion.  There was easily another portion of Curry left for each of us.  Shkoor appeared from behind the scenes to observe our progress.  He is rightly proud of what his Chefs produce.

The flavour of the magnificent Masala wraps itself around the tongue; there is familiar warmth without excessive heat.    The Yadgar blend of herbs and Spices is what makes this dish stand out, it is perfection.  ‘Can I get you anything else?’ Shkoor asked.  We had the classic elegant sufficiency.

On the House

We were offered Sweets but felt full.  I did ask why people eat Dessert after a meal, if there is room then eat more Curry!  As we left Shkoor insisted we try his Rice Dessert at home.

‘What a lovely man.’ remarked Tracey.

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Köln – Indian Curry Basmati House – A Köln Curry Cafe, at last!

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Hector

Severinstrasse – the new Köln playgound?

The new-old Reissdorf Haus is the attraction that took us this far South. Last night Hector popped into the Indian Curry Basmati House (Severinstrasse 40, 50678, Köln)  to pick up a menu.  A passing Doris said something to which Hector was oblivious but Marg realised that she was talking to me.  It is highly recommended –  is what she was saying.

The planned lunch at Kamasutra was belayed.  In the end it was after 16.00 when we made it via a quick stop at the Mühlen House and a couple of coffee shops.

Indian Curry Basmati House is a café style restaurant with an open kitchen at the entrance and another closed kitchen at the back.  It seats about 30 people.  Trade was continuous during our visit.

Lamm Balti was the only dish which did not include Paprika and did include their Scharf Masala.  All meals come with Basmati Rice so at €8.00 this sounded good value.  Marg was not in the mood for Curry on three consecutive days and so settled for the Pakora.

The Pakora looked Onion Bhaji like, two large pieces for €1.50.  The Lamm Balti arrived with the Rice on one side of the plate.  The portion of Curry and Rice was generous.

Lamm Balti

The first mouthful revealed a pleasant and familiar taste – Cinnamon.  The Cloves mixed in with the Rice combined with the Cinnamon to give a very aromatic flavour to the entire dish.  The pieces of Lamb were large and cut easily with the fork.  The meat was tender and definitely Lamb.  The staff expressed great enthusiasm when presented with the Curry-Heute calling card.

Until September 18?

 

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Köln – Maharani – why bother with table cloths?

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Hector

Hector and Marg arrived in Köln after our three days in Belgium.  Here Curry was guaranteed but not without a change in plan.  Having sampled the takeaway from the Kamasutra (Weyerstrasse 114, 50676, Köln) reputedly the finest Indian restaurant in the city the plan was to return and do it justice.  Alas the waitress asked if we had a booking, we did not and the chap I had spoken to on my last visit informed us that without one we would not be eating there this evening.

Our eventual venue for the evening was to be the other Reissdorf outlet:  Zum Alten Brauhaus  (Severin Strasse 51) just up  from Chlodwigplatz.  Having changed the mindset to eating German food the Maharani came into view, saved!

The Maharani (Uberierring 15, 50678, Köln) is an Indian restaurant (turban spotted) with the classic ‘British-Pakistani-Punjabi’ menu.  The décor was an attempt at creating the atmosphere of what an Indian restaurant would look like, but there are no ‘Indian Restaurants’ in India!

Bollywood meets MTV

The large screen television played endless videos which at times were in sync with the music and sometimes seeming not.

The place was empty.  We walked past all the Buffet trays along the bar and selected a table at the far wall.  The table cloth was filthy.  We certainly would not be having the Buffet advertised at €5.60 per person.  The main courses (with basmati Rice) were all around the €9 to €10 mark.

Marg chose the Rogan Josh and Hector the Ghoscht Karai. The latter was said to contain Tomato, Onion, Garlic and Ginger; there was no mention of the dreaded Capsicum/Paprika.  I decided an Aloo Paratha would complete the order.

A local walked in and started helping himself from the Buffet.  As he was filing foil trays he was evidently takingthe food off the premises.  How does a Buffet work this way – feeding the 5000?

A couple came in and set about the Buffet too. They appeared to me not to have sat down but Marg assured me they were around the corner out of sight.

Out of Sight

Indeed, out of sight is a good description of our visit to the Maharani.  The delivery of the plate warmer was the only discourse with the waiter between giving the order and the arrival of the food.  The waiter brought the food then disappeared.  We saw more of the Buffet consumers than we saw of the staff.  Meanwhile the Bollywood hits bounced along, oh how happy life is in India, it appears.

The Curry-Heute

The portions were massive.  The dreaded Capsicum were very much to the fore.  At least they had been cut into small slivers and cooked as part of the dish.  Hector feels he has been writing a lot of late about Capsicum, I actually do like them; however it  is the large raw pieces added as ballast to a dish that annoys me.  And so I waded in, Capsicum and all.

The Aloo Paratha was still too hot to touch as I tore off a strip and dipped it in the Masala.  There was a suggestion that the Curry had been cooked by someone who knew what they were doing. The dish was typical  of a well established Curry Haus  tired and without imagination.  The Lamb at least did look and taste like Lamb, in Germany I am convinced it is Beef sometimes.

Marg enjoyed her very red Rogan Josh.  She is still happy with mainstream dishes but of course does appreciate when she gets the sublime.  There was nothing about the meal that would make me wish to return.  The final minutes cemented this feeling.

Die Rechnung Bitte

Could we get the bill?  The waiter was on the phone.  He was chatting to the other Buffet diners.  We were still the only two people in the main room of the restaurant.  Marg went off in search.  He eventually appeared with a piece of paper but then disappeared… the situation was far from comedic.  We could easily have walked out at any time without paying.

Curry on, Hector

On walking up Severinstrasse we spotted the Zum Alten Brauhaus in all its splendour, but across the road was a Curry café!  The Indian Curry Basmati House would have to be visited and there was only the possibility of Friday afternoon in which to achieve this goal.

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Antwerpen – Garden of India : The first Belgian Curry on Curry-Heute

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Hector

The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry may have saved the port of Antwerpen back in ’44, it was the Garden of India (Oude Koornmarkt 60, 2000, Antwerpen) that rescued this Scot from death by blandness today.

Google Maps does not reveal this venue close to the Cathedral. Google does give a link, but like many Belgian Curry Houses, it did not open. Another venue – Taste of India – does occupy a site just off the Grote Markt, but it, Saffran, and Urvashi do not take the selling of Curry too seriously, else they would be open.
Twas shortly after 1700 when Hector and Marg left the excellent Kulminator and headed back to the centre off Antwerpen. Serendipity as ever, played a large part in our discovery of the Garden of India: had a pedestrian light not been green, we would have bypassed the Koorn Markt.

Two chaps were there before us, we could hear English accents. Their need must have been greater…

Korai Gosht was advertised on the outside menu, as was Butter Chicken. Hector and Marg needed no second invitation…

No brainer

Palau Rice was half the price of Fried or Mushroom. Rice, one portion, plus a Chapatti and a Paratha were the accompaniments.

Do you know what these are? – Marg was asked whilst Hector examined the facilities.

Poppadoms, with Cumin Seeds – was the reply.

The Butter Chicken looked like Curry in Campbell’s Tomato Soup as far as Hector was concerned. Marg thoroughly enjoyed her meal….she now accepts that she needs her Curry craving satisfied.

The Korai Gosht had more Masala than one hopes for. Yoghurt or Cream had been stirred in. The Curry hit the spot, however, the – target – was large. There was sufficient taste to ensure a level of satisfaction was achieved. More Lamb perhaps?

The Pilau Rice was plentiful, the Chapatti and the Paratha microscopic. In the end we had the right amount to eat.

Overall, one has to describe this as a pleasant experience. The thought of arriving in Köln tomorrow and having declared Belgium to be a Curry-free zone would have been horrible.

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Lights out, Lights out in Brugge : Indian Klassieke Curry’s – A Brugge too far…

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Hector

If it’s Tuesday, it must be Belgium

The account of Hector’s first Curry in Belgium was meant to appear here: Indian Klassiekeke Curry’s (Philipstockstraat 6, 8000 Brugge). Research has suggested that this was the place to visit.  Marg thought it looked like a dump.

Lights out

The debris visible through the closed door was testimony to the extent of the closure.  The nearby Sitar, same street, never opened either.  There is a Moroccan-Indian Restaurant near our modest dwelling place…closed.

Crisis,  What Crisis?

At this rate Hector will set foot in the first place he stumbles upon that is open.

There is always Antwerp…

Update  :  July 2011

The Sitar may never have opened again, it now sells Pizza.

The Indian Klassieke is now the Taj Mahal.

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Glasgow – Halal Kebab House – Albert Drive – another Glasgow Curry Cafe

Posted on February 12, 2011 by Hector

Halal Kebab House (164 Albert Drive, Glasgow, G41 2N6) is one of many takeaway premises in this ethnically diverse part of the city.  Students and taxi drivers are given 10% and 20% discounts, respectively.

The normal Saturday ritual Curry outing with The Friends of Hector has been disturbed in recent weeks.  Today, Hector took the opportunity of checking out a well established Curry Café on Glasgow’s South-Side.

There are four take-away outlets within a few blocks of each other all competing on the same front: Pizza-Kebabs-Curry.  Only two appear to have modest seating areas and the Halal Kebab House with three tables looked the most welcoming.

On entering I studied what was on display under the glass counter.  The menu suggested the Chef’s Desi Specials were available in Meat, Vegetable or Daal on a daily basis.  I saw no Lamb and so I asked.

This is my first time here, so …

Thank you for coming – was the amiable reply from the young chap behind the counter.’

I was given more time to peruse and then I plumped for a Lamb Desi accompanied by the fine looking Potato and Cauliflower dish on display.  Two Chapattis seemed to be in keeping with the ambience.

I sat at the window, the opposite end of the room from three elderly gentlemen resplendent in costumes more fitting to warmer climes. There was a constant procession of locals coming in for Pizza and kebabs – few were ordering Curry.

A chap I had not seen brought a piece of paper, my table setting.  A plate of Lamb, Potato and Cauliflower was soon presented with two very worthy Chapattis.  At 50p each this was superb.  Why in upmarket restaurants are Chapattis so expensive, so small and so thin?

Hector dipped a piece of Chapatti into the very welcoming Curry – gosh – the classic Desi experience.  This is so far from the  – Two Pot – restaurant system one wonders why people still frequent them.  OK, I do too.

The oil was to the fore but by no means excessive as I had experienced elsewhere recently.  The quantity was elegantly sufficient.  The combination of the Lamb and the Vegetables was perfection.  There is something very satisfying about finding somewhere new… somewhere one intrinsically knows one shall return to…

Sadly, such outlets are excellent for the passer by or indeed the local seeking a take-away; one could not envisage a night out at such a venue.  On leaving I gave Hector’s calling card parted with £8. I was asked if I had enjoyed my meal.  The chap sounded genuinely interested.
If only the North-West of our fair city provided such quality.

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Yadgar, Glasgow’s Finest Curry

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Hector

Dr Stan and Hector have been dining together on a Friday evening whenever we are both in town for some months now.  This was our first scheduled Yadgar trip together for some time and our first Friday evening rendezvous at Yadgar (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP).

The Beard of Shkoor

Hector was first to arrive followed a few minutes later by Shkoor, mein host, whose beard is returning to the splendour featured in Ian ‘Mr Snax’ Cowie’s YouTube video.  The new Facebook page for Yadgar was being discussed as Dr Stan arrived.

The Menu

The menus were brought to the table but the entire meal was pre-ordered: 1kg of Goshat Karahi (on-the-bone, hot, dry), one Vegetable Rice and one Mushroom Rice with two Chapattis.  A Feast.

Starter’s Orders

Shkoor confirmed that we were ready for the off.  A plate of Salad appeared accompanied by two Popadoms and a large bowl of Roughly Cut (Grobschnitt!) Spiced Onion.

A bowl of Raita appeared then Shkoor re-appeared:

Shkoor: ‘Do you like Lassi?’

Hector: ‘Is that of the Mango variety?’

Shkoor: ‘Whatever you wish…’

A Banquet

All of the above was complementary.  There are many Curry Houses in the city who would have charged for each of the above items and inflated the bill needlessly.  This is a Yadgar  welcome and this is Yadgar service.  Of course Shkoor also knows that the readers will now expect the same when they visit: so make yourself known as a follower of ‘The Blog of Hector’.  There is also talk for a special night for the Facebook followers of Yadgar.

Room for more

The Goshat Karahi arrived, it should really be ‘Piped in’ with pomp and ceremony.  This is the best Curry I have tasted in Glasgow, by far!  Tonight’s Chef was Mr Arshad.  He has yet to have his photograph taken but now that Hector has his name he will be made famous soon.

Dr Stan took a sizeable portion and spread it on the magnificent Vegetable Rice.  The Rice is probably from the Biryani stable it is not just Rice.  I followed on, the Mushroom Rice looked and tasted fine.  The perfect accompaniments; at £1.50 a portion great value too.  The Goshat Karahi al la Arshad was certainly potent, the Masala towards the minimum, and decidedly redder than that of Sha.  We ate, mostly in silence.

In fact the conversation actually was quite lucid compared to other evenings:

Dr Stan: ‘Do you know the dates of your October Week?’

Hector: ‘I shall tell you when I have finished eating.’

Dessert

It took quite a while to demolish the Goshat Karahi.  It is the equivalent of eating two Curries, each.  One Chapatti would have done, our only concession to gluttony.

The Mango Lassi was a fine way to conclude the event.  This gave us time to let the meal settle before charging back across the city to the Bon Accord.

Shkoor asked ‘Why Curry?’  I gave him a synopsis of what is posted on the menu at the top of the page (for those readers who have yet to realise that there are other pages on this Website – click on the labels beneath the array of photographs on the banner).  Hector’s Curry Lust is insatiable.

Admission

Trying to put Bier on top of Mango Lassi is not recommended.

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