Monday 28 April 2014

Tasty's Karahi Restaurant, Leeds


'The best curry in Leeds', 'consistently excellent food and service', etc.  Punters on Tripadvisor are very complimentary with regard to Tasty's Karahi Restaurant.

Open for lunch, and then presume right through the closing, Tasty's is a proper little traditional style Curry House nestling at the bottom of Roundhay Road in Leeds and has plain and clean decor with red velour seats and unadorned tables.

Given a few minutes to peruse the menu I noted all the traditional curries were covered and along with a large specials selection too, and I knew I wouldn't be left wanting.  I went for the staple Meat Palak (spinach) as this is the curry I usually try everywhere for comparison.  It's one my favorites too.  I was asked how hot I wanted it too - nice touch.  However, after recent 'manning up' episodes, I stuck with middle of the road.  Three chapatis included too - the Bradford way!  Happy days.


Promising sounds of sizzling, metal on metal scraping, and clattering, soon emanated from the kitchen behind, suggesting my dish was being freshly prepared.  All too soon my dish arrived. Fist visual impressions were excellent, it looked super fresh and steaming.  It was very Bradfordian - ie dark and dry, and stood proud in the dish. No soup here.  Smelt excellent too.  The curry came with side salad (fresh for a change) and yogurt sauce, and the aforementioned chapattis. 



So to tucking in.  Firstly I was glad opted for 'middle of the road' heat, as it was spicy enough for me. Nice tingle around the lips and throat.  Lots of spinach not only added the familiar metallic flavour, but also an actual fresh tasting spinach hint.  Meat quota was good and was presented in larger chunks than maybe would be expected in Bradford.  Seasoning was good also, and overall the dish exhibited an all round air of quality and attention to detail.  Basically it was very good.  The chapattis were fluffy, hot and fresh. Not leathery.

Tasty's is a brilliant little place ans so glad I came across it.  Everyday day is a school day...

Tuesday 22 April 2014

Lahore - Bradford

Chocolate Fondue and Belgian Waffle
Lahore, or MyLahore, I'm not quite sure, is a great place, and I cant believe it's been nearly three years since we visited this the original Lahore - here in Bradford. There are now Lahore's in Leeds, Manchester (Which I've visited in the interim) and Birmingham too - by the way - so branching out a bit.

 Birthday Girl Izzy

Our Tommy
Thursday dinner time, and my daughter Izzy's 4th Birthday treat to Lahore, and Lahore is heaving (all four floors!), with people almost queuing at the door!  Very VERY popular!  These trendy cafe style places, although not fully taken over from the original style 'Bradford curry house' are all the rage. Here at Lahore you are treated to trendy decor, with each floor exhibiting a slightly different colour trend, a vibrant atmos, fast and friendly service, and good value for money.

Also, you get treated to a varied menu, definitely leaning towards Asian cuisine, but also including pasta dishes, burgers, steaks, paninis, etc.  AND CAKES!  Yes plenty of cake.




The chairs proved to be the perfect little
girl trap - we did laugh! 
To be honest, today was my little girls Birthday, so I took my John the Bradford Curry Bloogers hat off, and just decided to sit back, relax and enjoy the experience.  However, me being me, I took a few nice photos I thought I'd share... and thought I'd best just add a few words to boot too.














Food wise for me it was Chefs Special Desi Meat Karahi with Garlic Naan, Lynda went for Grilled Paneer on a Naan, and Izzy opted for kiddies smily faces and fish fingers!  Ggrrrr!  But at least it highlights that Lahore caters for everyone - no exceptions.  All arrived promptly and all was very very nice.

Desi Meat Karahi

The Desi Meat Karahi possessed that full bodied and rounded curry flavour.  No additional flavours such as spinach, methi, lime pickle, whatever, added the this karahi to mask the excellent taste.  The Garlic naan was good fresh and fluffy also, and the meal didn't last long!  The paneer on a naan was good too, grilled to perfection, and adding a lovely bbq flavour.  Portion size was perhaps a little more starter than main, but this was reflected in the price. 


This left plenty of room to treat ourselves to a couple of deserts!  Belgian Waffle and Chocolate Fondue.  No desert expert me, but I had no complaints.  I concentrated on the waffle, and it was waffley, ice creamy and chocolatey!  Very good.  The fondue was fun and Izzy enjoyed dipping the various fruits etc in the choc... who wouldn't?

We had an excellent time.  Lahore is bustling and a fun and great place to visit.  Smashing.