Twelve noon struck, and the curry mobile pulled up
outside the International. Hector was
already seated at a large table in the window, and popadoms and pickles were in
place. Hellos were exchanged. What, a Scottish accent? I don’t know why I was so surprised – I knew
he was Scottish. It was just that, in my
head at least, from only ever reading Hector’s words, he had a Yorkshire
accent.
My general thoughts of the Achari were that it wasn’t
quite up to the International’s usual high standards. My dish was a little oily, and the meat was a
little grisly. If cooked for longer the
meat would probably have cooked out. The
taste was there, but just not quite as lip smackingly sharp as an Achari
perhaps should be. I understand Hector
was also of the opinion that his Methi was not quite there. However, the food served at International is
so good, that even with our little moans, the curry is still head and shoulders
above many other establishments in town/country/World even, and should not for
one minute put you off. Our views were
not representative of the rest of the table either. Both Big Tone, and the Mrs John the Bradford Curry
Blooger Lynda, thought there dishes were excellent. And indeed Lynda’s was. The rather theatrical copper bucketed Lamb
Balti was as per usual Bradford Curry at the International. Izzy enjoyed her chips too? Chips!
I know - don’t get me started!
It's back and promising to be bigger and better than ever... oh and this time in Bradford too. Bonus!
As people may probably know, I'm a big fan of the traditional breakfast, and since my last post regarding the subject, a few more restaurants have come on line offering the much overlooked aspect of curry eating.
Not being a big British fry up fan, I'm more likely to be seen tucking into cappuccini and croissants. However, I do find the bowl of spicy chickpeas and the accompanying puri very agreeable. I noted last time I was in the Sweet Centre, for a breakfast, that the chana was rather plain (here) - but in a good way - but not on this visit. The tender pulses had a fair kick to them, and certainly fired up the engines ready for the day. As per normal, the puri's were very greasy. They taste great, but we did over face ourselves with three each! They are very rich, and we felt two each only would be more fitting. As with our last visit also, no menus are evident? I just ordered 'two breakfasts' at the bar. The chana is scooped into a bowl from a large cauldron behind the bar, the puri's come from the abutting kitchen. Other 'things' are available... but what I'm not sure? Kebab's, Samosa's, etc, I have seen people eating
