Sunday Buffet at Aakash

It is big the Aakash - fills two floors of this old building

The 'Largest Indian Restaurant in the World' is the boast of Cleckheaton's
Aakash Restaurant in.  In a similar way to Omars 'Biggest Naans in Yorkshire' boast, it makes me wonder why size is becoming a measure of quality?

Aakash's cavernous interior

Anyway, the offer to join some Bradford Curry Club members on a swift early Sunday evening buffet to Aakash, was too much to resist, so off we trotted.  With a less than patient Izzy in tow, however, managing to study all aspects of the Aakash experience was simply beyond me, and chasing Izzy around its vastness was more the order of the day.  Therefore, this post is to merely jot some impressions and initial thoughts down.

Standard Buffet Fare

Suffice to say, Aakash seems to offer a top quality buffet experience, and the popularity of the restaurant speaks for this.  On the flip side, queues did form at the buffet, and we did find timing visits for food became more of a focus throughout the evening.  The food, was all good, but did perhaps have that MOR feel to it - ideal for a buffet, where catering far all tastes is paramount.

This curry loving family spent more time chasing their
beautiful little daughter around than eating curry

I need to visit again with my proper Bradford Curry Blogger head on really.

Zaara's

Location

Outside Zaara's on a wind swept evening 

Zaara’s Indian Restaurant

34-38 Bradford Road

Shipley

West Yorkshire

BD18 3NT

Tell: 01274 588774

Modern interior

Web: http://www.zaaras.com/

Time

11^th November 2011 @ ~20:30

Attendees

Jaz, Lynda, Francois and John (me)

Pre-Curry Watering Holes

Fanny's is a Shipley institution

Not really knowing Shipley that well for drinking, we headed straight to Saltaire.  Leaving the train, on what was a dank drizzly night, made the partially cobbled terraced streets of Saltaire, with the Mill looming through the dark, very atmospheric for first time visitor to Bradford Francois. 

First port of call was Don’t Tell Titus, a modern bar come restaurant just up from the train station.  It was a trendy noisy kind of place but was pleasant enough to spend just enough time to neck a bottle of wine.  Next was the legendary Fanny’s Ale House.  Fanny’s is a very characterful boozer on Saltaire Road, offering all manner of specialist and local brews.  It was heaving with standing room only, but is well worth a visit if in the area.  Finally was Ring O Bells, just across the road from Zaara’s, and is your standard kind of pub really.  There’s nothing wrong with that but nothing much to say either. 

Expectations

Zaara’s is in the Michelin Guide – not starred or anything, but it’s in there all the same – resulting in my high expectations.  However, coming down to earth, I understand that you simply pay to be included in the guide, so I guess it’s not that special?  But it’s not often I get to use the words ‘Michelin’ and ‘restaurant’ in the same sentence, so it felt pretty special to me.

The Reality

Zaara’a, like so many modern curry houses in and around Bradford, and probably the country, is a trendy establishment, which has dispensed with the traditional, outdated and clichéd flock wall paper and velvet chairs etc in favor of faux leather and dark wood.  Very swish it all looked too.

Following on from poppadoms and pickles, my starter of Paneer Tikka was wonderful and served on a bed of sizzling onions.  The herbs and spices encrusted to the outside of the paneer attacked every taste bud in my mouth with gusto.

Mixed Karahi

For main, my requested ‘hot’ Mixed Karahi (lamb and chicken) arrived perfectly spiced for my taste, and supplied the warm glow in the mouth sensation that a good curry should.  Not blow your head off hot - but just enough to let you know that he’s there.  All the curries ordered could be chosen at different heat levels - but on this occasion no-one dared the ‘Asian Strength’.  Flavour wise my Karahi – which is fast becoming my Bradford Curry of choice – was all there too, and left me wanting more.  Although slightly lacking in the lamb element of its Mixed tag, it provided plenty of chicken in a sumptuous (not oily) gravy, with the addition of a slightly deconstructed element to the dish in the form of fresh toms and herbs. 

The accompaniment of Garlic Naan was ‘a Garlic Naan’ - we’ve all been there – so won’t bore you with detail.  It didn’t last long though I can tell you.

The whole lot was polished off with no problems.

Drinks Policy and range

Zarra’s is licensed with a full wine and beer list.  Bottles Cobra are available - but no Kingfisher, or other curry associated beers seem to be available.

Highlights

Paneer Tikka

Although all was very nice, and I enjoyed every aspect of my meal, I really rated the Paneer Tikka.  Credit has to go the Zaara chef for his quality blend of herbs and spices, which transformed, what I guess is an essentially pretty bland cottage cheese, to the dizzying heights of mouthwatering status.

Lowlights

There were absolutely none.  My personal preference is to be presented with poppadoms and pickles when seated, or with the drinks, which didn’t happen at Zaara’s.  However, I totally understand that it isn’t what everyone wants.  Therefore, it’s not a criticism, just an observation.

The Damage

Very reasonable at £16.25pp including drinks (at least two bottles of beer each) I think?  So about £10pp for starter, main and sundry!!  Rock on!!  That sounds cheap so will confirm.

Aftershock

The obligatory headache followed in the morning, but that was from other ‘sauces’.

Overall

I was more than happy with my Zaara experience.  It was very nice in every aspect. 

Bradford - Curry Capital of Britain 2011

Well done to the Lads n Lasses of Bradford for clinching Curry Capital of Britain 2011 - I knew you could do it.

I'm also very proud of Glasgow too - as you know I have a soft spot for Glasgow curries.  Better luck next year.

Bring it on.......

Breakfast at the Sweet Centre

Something I’ve always enjoyed, but rarely seem to get around to doing, is the Traditional Chickpea Curry Breakfast.

Unlike the Curry Mile in Manchester, where the Chickpea Curry Breakfast is all the rage, Bradfordians seem less than enthusiastic from what I can tell.  If anyone knows where to get Chickpea Curry Breakfast then please let me know.

Bottles of  sauce are supplied on the tables 

The little Sweet Centre Café on the corner of Lumb Lane and Bowland Street is separated from the Sweet Centre Restaurant proper by an importer/exporter herbalist’s shop, and is a pretty cool place to visit.  Although recently refurbished with posh new chairs, the general layout is essentially how I remember it, in that there is a counter partly to display sweets, and partly for eating at, with a number of associated stools, and standard tables and chairs.  We took a table on this occasion due to having a baby in tow, and also because all the stools were full!!  NB – no high chairs are available. 

What no menus?  A quick peer around the, what I thought was a, surprisingly busy café for 11:30 in the morning, revealed everyone was eating one of three things – Chickpea with puri’s, Sheekh Kebab’s or Samosa’s.  This led me to the conclusion that there must be such a limited menu available at this time that it isn’t even worth offering one for perusal??  However, I now have a little dilemma - what I call ‘Chick Pea Curry Breakfast’ might not be its official title?  If I ask for this will I be laughed out of the place?  It wouldn’t be the first time a waiter has had to correct me for ordering the wrong type of food at the wrong time of day!! 

Izzy enjoys her days out eating curry with her Daddy

Anyway, above the bustling bar are two signs, one reads ‘takeaway orders’ and the other reads ‘eat in orders’ – simple really.  So with all my nerve I approach the bar preparing myself to be either laughed at, lectured at or simply told to clear off.  I lean between two blokes and ask for a ‘breakfast’.  Thankfully my request is greeted with a nod, and also with the kind of expression that say “yes I know, we only sell three things here….  What else could you possibly want?”  Full of confidence now I ask for two kebabs too.

I retreat back from the bar, but within a couple of minutes I’m beckoned back over, and the food is ready!!  A vast pan supplies the chickpeas, and the kebabs are given a quick blast in the microwave (Booo! but quick).  The puri’s come from a small kitchen out the back.  I’m also supplied with a glass of water and some napkins.

Traditional breakfast fare 

Once ferried back to our table, it’s clear to see this is uber fast and simple food.  If I didn’t have Izzy with me, who prefers a more leisurely dining experience, I could be in and out in a matter of minutes – as were many people who we witnessed.  The bowl of chickpea curry also had potato in and is kind of quite plain – in a good way mind – but just not like a curry you might eat on a night out.  I don’t think you really need a blow your head off taste explosion in your head for breakfast.  The puri’s are very greasy, but I think they are supposed to be, and I reckon could be a little ‘demanding’ to say the least if not prepared for them.  Oil runs down your fingers as you are tearing into them!!  The kebabs were good and tasty too – even though the microwaving made them a little rubbery – and had a real home made aspect to them.

A couple of sweets were selected afterwards also, and the whole bill came to £5.30!!  Brilliant.

I should do this more often….  And will.

Hit the North - Cafe Salma, Glasgow

Location

523 Sauchiehall Street,

Glasgow,

G3 7PQ,

United Kingdom

Tel: 0141 221 7636

http://www.cafesalma.com/

Get Directions

Time

Saturday 22^nd October 2011 (Evening)

Attendees

Juanita, Ben and John

Watering Hole(s)

A little pub crawl was achieved prior to visiting Café Salma. 

First off we visited Brel on Ashton Lane.  This is Glasgow’s (only?) Belgium themed bar, is located on a super trendy pedestrian only cobbled street that is Ashton Lane, and sells a good selection of Belgium's finest.  This establishment was chosen not only for our love of Belgian Beer but also due to our bicycle team we race for – Team Here Come the Belgians.  The new Duvel Green was splendid – a paler and a lot more refreshing tipple than other Duvel colour’s I’ve had in the past.  This was followed by my favourite - Kwak, which was disappointingly not served in the usual glass, even though it was stood at the back of the bar?  The smell of Moules Mariniere, and frites with mayo wafting through the bar was almost enough for me to loose my curry focus, but I did manage to resist temptation, and concentrate on the matter in hand.

Ben and Juanita enjoy the window seat at Cafe Salma

Next was Oran Moor, at the top Byers Road, followed by the Griffin on Bath Street.  Only Normal Lager and Guinness were consumed at these locations.  However, we were racing the following day, so wanted to try and remain fairly restrained.

Expectations

New BCC T-Shirt

I had become increasingly aware of Café Salma through reading Curry-Heute, and recent consultation with Hector had flagged the café as a defo must do, especially if staying north of the river.  However, concerns had been raised by the Glasgow branch of the Bradford Curry Club that they thought Café Salma was more Moroccan than Indian?  However, Perusal of the website did show both Moroccan and Indian menus.  In addition, the likes of pizza and burgers were also offered, and made us think more ‘fast food takeaway’ rather than ‘curry house’.  However, as seen recently in Bradford, the move towards more varied menus is becoming more popular, and is no more the sole domain of the takeaway.

The Reality

Open kitchen at Cafe Salma

Café Salma is definitely more Curry House, with, I understand, a Moroccan café downstairs, and is smallish and informal.  Like a lot of places I’ve visited in Glasgow, there is an open kitchen to one side.

The restaurant was about half full when we arrived, and with a very friendly welcome, we were sat at a window table.  We were presented with poppadoms and pickles, and water, along with both Indian and Moroccan menus.  Suffice to say this was a curry eating mission, and, alas, the poor old Moroccan menu didn’t really get a look in.  On another night may be?

Sheekh Kebab

Sheekh Kebab was my starter.  Even amongst some interesting sounding pakora options, I couldn't resist the Sheekh Kebab.  I’m glad I did, as it was delicious, and enough of the pickle tray remained to allow dippage.

My main was the recommended Lamb Lahori Karahi, and it was also very very good.  The pale(ish) coloured curry smacked of fresh ingredients, and had a rich, full taste.  I found it also nice and garlicy with large chunks of lamb residing.   Although, to be brutally honest, my first impressions were that perhaps the dish looked a little ‘retro’ - however, there were no qualms once the first mouthful went in.

Nothing to say about the Garlic and Coriander Naan other than you need to go a sample it, end of.  It was simply wonderful.

Drinks Policy and range

No alcohol served and didn’t ask about any BYO policy.  We drank water and soft drinks with our meal, and they seemed perfectly fitting.

Highlights

I enjoyed every aspect of my meal thoroughly, but if I have to choose one thing, I felt the Garlic and Coriander naan sneaked in to the Top Draw honors list.  General ambiance and service were also good.

Garlic and Coriander Naan

Lowlights

Eeerrr??  Nope, there were non to speak of.

The Damage

The bill came to about £17/person.  Without drinks, this is not what I would call cheap, but, considering the quality of the food, and service, it definitely falls into the more important VFM category.

Aftermath

'An Hour in Hell' - Perfect for a Sunday Morning???

We headed home for an early night after the meal.  A bit ‘peeky’ the following morning, but this may have more to do with one or two too many beers and my body entering panic mode as the ‘Hour in Hell’ fast approached!!

Overall

I will definitely revisit this little gem.  Thanks to Hector for the heads up.

The Bradford Curry Map so far.....

View Bradford Curry in a larger map

Din Dins at the International

Since reading my new friend Hector’s (The international curry guru from Glasgow and of Curry-Heute fame – check out his website) account of his recent trip down south to Bradford – and especially his near curry nirvana experience at the International, I simply had to re-visit.  But when?  Sneaking in a ‘Billy no mates’ lunchtime curry whilst in transit through the centre of Bradford, offered the perfect opportunity to take in the International. 

The 'Currymobile' outside the International

We at the Bradford Curry Club are big fans of the International, and rightly so – what with excellent curries, nice environment, efficient service and VFM, it has all the ingredients to make it a winner.

Hector’s weapon of choice was a Lamb Karahi Methi and he considered it one of the finest he’d ever tasted.  I thought it’d be rude of me not to indulge – so that was to be choice also. 

Billy no mates

I was sat straight away and provided with a solitary poppadon and sauces, and a jug of water.  The laminated menu was also presented for my perusal.  However, as already discussed, I’d already made my decision, and the waiter arrived to take my order with prompt efficiency.

Not spotting Lamb Karahi Methi on the menu did not deter me from ordering it, and the waiter was un-phased by my suggestion of a dish not officially offered (NB. I only glanced at the menu, and I could’ve easily missed it – I spotted Chicken Karahi Methi).  Included with all mains is either a naan, 3x chapattis, 2x Rotis, or rice.  It was naan for me.

Lamb Karahi Methi - Bradford curry at its best

I’d barely started the crossword before my meal arrived – piping hot in a little balti style dish.  I say little, but it was a fair old portion, and, being a lone dinner, I was pleased at my decision not to attempt a starter also.  The Karahi is a traditional Punjabi curry – thick and dry – and the Methi part is fenugreek to the layperson.  My Kahahi was indeed thick and dry, with plenty of melt in the mouth lamb.  It was really good, but I couldn’t help but think mine had a slight ‘dusty’ taste to it, like a powdered spice had been added and not cooked out properly?  Still gorgeous though, and with a naan to boot, I was more than satisfied.  There was little evidence of excessive oil left in the bowl or plate either which is nice.

All this for £7.50!!!  Makes you wonder why you would ever bother going to McDonalds really?  Bare in mind that my Karahi was off the special menu too, and a simple curry could be ordered for £6 – and I guess would still include the same popadoms, water etc – that’s a bargain.

Al Fresco Curry

So, it’s a lovely sunny day – perhaps one of the last we’re likely to see for the year – I’ve just finished footy training with my beautiful daughter, and it’s nearing dinner time…..  What shall we do?  Go for an al fresco curry of course.

Isabella and Grand Pa tuck in

Now, as far as I’m aware, only Café Regal in Bradford, offer such a dinning experience, so it was there we ventured.

We arrived pretty early and not many people were in.  But we didn’t worry, and dived straight in with full mashings of Lamb and cheese kebabs – Izzy’s fave, Lamb Handi for me, and Channa Masala for Big Tone.  Accompanied by an Aloo Paratha and a garlic naan – oh and also a Mango Lasi for Izz Whizz.

Isabella enjoyed the chicken and cheese kebabs the most

The lamb and cheese kebabs are something a little different and perfectly acceptable – although this blogger still prefers the traditional shish kebab if I’m completely honest.  The kebab comprises minced chicken with the cheese kind of incorporated into it??  The channa masala was very good, with the chick peas very well cooked, and the dish almost taking on a mushy pea texture – in a good way.  The Lamb Handi was good, but perhaps a little run of the mill, and very oily.

The meal was followed by a few complimentary sweets which was a nice touch.

Cafe Regal is an excellent place to visit

Overall an excellent experience and one I hope to re visit on future sunny days.  However, the outdoor seating is not the only positive aspect to Café Regal, and its large sweet shop and trendy café are worth a visit any time of the day or night.

World Curry Festival 2011, Leeds

We attended the World Curry Festival on the Saturday afternoon, and had a rather enjoyable experience

The Festival itself was set up in Leeds city centre just outside the library and adjacent street.

On arrival it was packed and the smoky aroma of bbqing meat and pots of bubbling curry filled the air.

The short(ish) queue at Barrington Douglas's Discovery Bay stall tempted us into diving straight into our first curry experience of the day - Curry Goat with Rice and Peas.  It was my first Curry Goat experience and I found it very palatable.  Mildly spiced but with rich meat, it was not too dissimilar to the usual Indian curries we are used to

Our second port of call was Zouk's stall, where a massive bbq sizzled away.  We sampled both Chicken Tikka and Paneer Tikka wraps and were not disappointed.  Fresh bbqed meat and cheese on bread - 'nuff said



A quick beer and then it was time for sweets - served up by the Sweet Centre, of Lumb Lane, stall.  One piece each was more than enough.


A few more photos can be found here

What to do during the quiet times.....

Been a bit quiet on the Bradford Curry Eating front recently - due to one thing or another. So, what does the Bradford Curry addict do in such occasions?

Perhaps at this junction I should make a small confession – I know this is the Bradford Curry Blog and I am John the Bradford Curry Blogger, but I don’t actually live in Bradford!! Shock horror? I actually live in a Leeds postcode area – but only 15mins from Bradford – so I hope that qualifies me to some extent?

So, back to the plot….. Firstly there is the local takeaway. Now, there a couple of options local to us, including branch of the Leeds Road, Bradford based Saffron Desi. However, my fave squeeze at the moment is Menston Spice (http://www.menstonspice.com/), who’s Chicken Chaat on a Puree and Naga (naga chilli imported from Bangladesh) are delicious. They also do duck, lobster, scallop and tropical fish specials, so a big up to them.

Wife out on the town, baby in bed…. What to do? Menston Spice CCcccuuuurryyyyyyyy

Secondly, and perhaps the more satisfying option, is the DIY option. Now, in all fairness, although not a bad cook, it is the Mrs department when it comes to wrestling up a curry. She does a cracker, and I am more than happy with my commi chef role.

Onion Bhaji process:

Chicken and Spinach – Bish bash bosh:

Lynda does the business:

World Curry Festival

YYyyyyyyyesssssssss!!!!

http://www.worldcurryfestival.com/

Bradford Curry Capital 2011 Bid

Please follow link below and lets get the ball rolling....

http://www.visitbradford.com/food-drink/Curry-Capital-Status.asp

Kashmir you mess with my mind……

Kashmir 31/07/2011

Attendees: Jenny, Pete, Lilly, Dan, Rob, Gill, Lynda, Izzy and John

The day started with Lynda, Izzy and I taking part in the Bradford SkyRide – which allowed cyclists to circumnavigate Bradford city centre on closed roads. A good morning was had, and an appetite had been created for a spot of brunch.

The arrangement had been made to meet early (noon) at Omar’s (Home of Yorkshires Biggest Naans), and consultation with the website had suggested it’d be open, but as I wheezed my way up the side of the Alhambra, a call from Pete said Omar’s was very definitely closed. Bum!!

As the local saying goes round here…. ‘If in doubt default to the Kashmir’ so that’s what we did. It’s the staple curry in Bradford for this Blogger, and partly the reason for starting the Bradford Curry Club – as a means to try and get away from the place….

Credit to the Kashmir I guess but a little frustrating for me, who wants to be able to write about new experiences. Alas, it was a little early in the day, and most nearby establishments had yet to fire up their mighty tandors.

One thing about the Kashmir that has always surprised me is that no matter what time of day or night it is (and I’m sure in days of your, it was open 24hrs a day?? Seemed like

it any road) there are always people in!! And this occasion was no different, with two tables, totalling approximately ten diners, already tucking into yummy curry – at just past noon o’clock.

Service, as always, is ‘with a smile’, and orders were soon efficiently taken and dispatched to the kitchen. No sitting around here and twiddling your thumbs. Bish bash bosh basically!! The selection of onion bhajis and fish pakoras soon arrived and boy were they good. Always a strong point – the Kashmir does deliver good starters.

The mains, usually a little let down in my humble opinion, were also excellent on this visit. My Chana Masala, was full of flavour, and not oily at all. The Peshwari naan is the best in the business. Lynda’s Lamb Rogan Josh was also exceptional – dark, rich, melt in the mouth meaty (of a good quality) and dry – everything a Bradford curry should be.

All this for a total of just over £50 – to be honest you can’t go wrong really.

So yes, a new experience had been ‘experienced’ for want of a better word – actually being able to rave fully about the Kashmir for a change. Just Brill……

Bradford Curry School

Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: Hot chefs wanted at curry school

Lahore

Location

Lahore Cafe Bar,
52 Great Horton Road,
BD7 1AL
Bradford,
United Kingdom

Tel: 01274 308508

http://www.mylahore.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/mylahore?sk=info#!/mylahore?sk=wall

Time

18th June 2011 @ ~16:00

Attendees

Gemma, Noel, Jake, Jenny, Pete, Lilly, Dan, Lynda, Izzy and John

Local Watering Hole

The Sir Titus Salt (a Weatherspoon’s Pub) behind the, what was, the Queens Hall was chosen for a pre curry drink. “Not another ‘Witherspoons’” I here you cry but, I’m afraid to say, my knowledge of Bradfordian hostelries is limited to say the least. However, I’m happy to go on record as saying the Sir Titus Salt must be the best Wetherspoon’s in the land. It is a spectacular building inside – harking back to Victorian times I would have thought. It also has a dedicated children’s room, which Izzy managed to make all her own after staring out a couple who were sat in there when we arrived – good girl.

Expectations

Lahore had slipped below my radar, probably due to its geographical location - just below the Poly, nestled in a parade of what I thought were simple fast food takeaway’s. However, an esteemed member of the Bradford Curry Club drew my attention to the restaurant and, after a little t’interweb research it appeared it was going to be a little gem.

The Reality

Having four young children in our party – although adding to a very enjoyable late afternoon curry eating experience – did hinder somewhat the analysis of every mouthful of yummy curry.

This is a very popular restaurant – even at early tea time – and got progressively busier, and did not disappoint. It’s all very trendy, dare I say funky, décor inside, with a spiral staircase joining the four floors. We were seated on a large round table nestled in a bay window on the second floor. The menu is very varied and includes pasta, burgers, paninis, cake, ice cream, etc, along with curry – but don’t let this put you off – there seems to be shift towards this kind of dining experience in Bradford. Akbars Café springs to mind.

Following the speedy dispatch of poppadoms etc, the mixed grill starters, of kebabs, lamb chops etc, were ace, and had a really BBQy flavor, suggesting being cooked over charcoal as opposed to inside the tandor. They were also of a high quality and fresh – oh and cheap. However, I opted for the Aloo Paratha, which was very nice in its own way, and tasted a little of cinnamon, but defo wasn’t a patch on the mixed grill. That’s not taking anything away from the paratha you understand.

Meat Dopiaza was chosen as my main and it was pretty tasty stuff really. The meat was of good quality and the gravy rich and gloopy – I polished every last morsel off. The obligatory garlic naan was also ordered and had huge dollops of raw garlic smeared on top – Top draw as far as I’m concerned.

I didn’t hear any complaints from the kids re their korma either. However, my little one had managed to fill herself up on lassi and poppadoms, and didn’t really attack the korma with the usual gusto – lesson learnt there I feel?? However, she seemed to find room for ice cream?? Strange that??

Drinks Policy and range

The above was lubricated down the neck hole with a couple of jugs of Lassi and water – no booze here I’m afraid.

Highlights

The chargrilled mixed grill starters. Other ‘From the Grill’ offerings were available, and I think maybe the place to head on any following visits.

Lowlights

Non really. No booze I suppose is a bit of an issue, for me any road, especially if you’re ‘out out’.

The Damage

The total bill for six adults and five babies came to about £90 inc. tip. Pretty reasonably I think? But, of course, this is without drinks.

Aftermath

All fit and healthy the following day.

Overall

Funky, good menu, reasonable, staff friendly. Really good.