Location
Amaan's Grill House,
12 Legrams Lane,
Bradford,
01274 733971
Time
4th April 2013 - Lunch time.
Attendees
Big Tone, Izz Whizz, John the Bradford Curry Blogger.
Expectations
It seems like ages since trying somewhere new - the laziness strikes again - so I was really looking forward to our long over due trip to Amaan's. You see, Ajaz, from Amaan's, has clocked the Blog in the past, and commented on a couple of posts. He suggested we visit him at Amaan's, and I promised to. I regarded the Facebook page, and decided that Amaan's looked a pretty groovy place with huge photos of singers and musicians of the wall the colorful decor. This was eight months ago! There's that laziness again! But, seriously, where does all the time go?
The Reality
Amaan's is indeed groovy. The glass fronted shop goes straight in to an area boothed down one side, and with a few steel 'patio style' tables and chairs down the other. To the back is an open kitchen, where the satisfying clatter of pots and pans could be heard, and a small breakfast bar with high swivel chairs. The decor is firmly in the trendy cafe style, with no particular frills as such, but colorful, clean and cool. The large photographs down one wall are a nice touch, and add cool. First impressions count for a lot, and I was liking Amaan's a lot before even sitting down.
A few people were in chowing down, and we took one of the large booths, in the hope of being able to pin Izzy in a corner - didn't work - and were enthusiastically greeted and handed menus. Some popadoms, pickles and water soon followed. As per many of these new breed cafe style eateries, you are not necessarily restricted to curry alone, and here at Amaan's, breakfast, 'Subz' (sanwichs to thee and me), steaks and snacks, were all on the menu, along with the more traditional curry fare. One excellent offer which caught my eye on the menu was a Credit Crunch Much special. For just £5 you got Chicken, lamb or vege curry, 1 seekh kebab, 2 vege pakora, 2 chicken tikka, 2 chappati or a naan, salad and sauce! Bargain - but for today, seen as how it was our inaugural visit, we dined a la carte.
I went for Lamb Karahi, off the bone (there were both on/off bone sections to the menu), which I have to say was rather excellent. A generous portion of thick, meat rich and steaming curry. Seasoned well, and with a nice warming sensation from the perfect spice, but smooth too, was pleasing to the taste buds. It was soon apparent, coming back from my euphoric haze, that I was stuffed and sweeping around the pot with my nann! The naan, of the garlic variety, was fresh, fluffy and warm, and was also very good. Big tone said his Jalfrazi was brillant. A man of few words, I have yet to hear him say anything negative about any curry - this is not to take anything away from Amaan's Jalfrazi, which I am sure was as wonderful as Big Tone said it was. Likewise I didn't hear any complaints from Izzy regarding the popadon, chip and mango lassi combo! Don't ask! However, she was more interested in the swivel chairs! Oh and counting for the umpteenth time, the number of milkshakes on the poster in the window! Bless!
I went for Lamb Karahi, off the bone (there were both on/off bone sections to the menu), which I have to say was rather excellent. A generous portion of thick, meat rich and steaming curry. Seasoned well, and with a nice warming sensation from the perfect spice, but smooth too, was pleasing to the taste buds. It was soon apparent, coming back from my euphoric haze, that I was stuffed and sweeping around the pot with my nann! The naan, of the garlic variety, was fresh, fluffy and warm, and was also very good. Big tone said his Jalfrazi was brillant. A man of few words, I have yet to hear him say anything negative about any curry - this is not to take anything away from Amaan's Jalfrazi, which I am sure was as wonderful as Big Tone said it was. Likewise I didn't hear any complaints from Izzy regarding the popadon, chip and mango lassi combo! Don't ask! However, she was more interested in the swivel chairs! Oh and counting for the umpteenth time, the number of milkshakes on the poster in the window! Bless!
Drinks Policy
All soft drinks on the menu. Pop, Lassi, Milkshakes, Teas, coffees etc. No alcohol - and forgot to ask about BYO - often forget crucial boozy queries during the daytime - not on my mind. I'll find out next time. NB. Amaan's is just up the road from the legendary Fighting Cock... every cloud...
HighlightsEvery aspect of our visit was a highlight. From the decor and ambiance of the restaurant, to the friendly and efficient service, to the quality of the food. Thoroughly enjoyable eating experience. I'm not even going to add the usual 'Low Lights' sub heading beneath this paragraph - what's the point?
The Damage
A very reasonable £17 all in. For mains off the Specials Menu too, we thought this was value for money. The Credit Crunch Munch would have saved some pennies - which is what it's there to do ultimately.
A very reasonable £17 all in. For mains off the Specials Menu too, we thought this was value for money. The Credit Crunch Munch would have saved some pennies - which is what it's there to do ultimately.
Aftershock
Overwhelming sensations of joy and happiness were apparent on leaving Amaan's. We were pleased to have visited, and already timetabling our next visit! I've heard the breakfast is good?
Overwhelming sensations of joy and happiness were apparent on leaving Amaan's. We were pleased to have visited, and already timetabling our next visit! I've heard the breakfast is good?
OverallVery good and enjoyable. Amaan's is now definitely on the list of 'regulars'.
I have recently been moaning a little in my Blogs about perhaps being stuck in a little bit of a rut, and the need to be trying new venues. Well Amaan's has certainly been a revelation, and was good to the extent that I fear it has just formed a new rut for me to jump into...
Happy days.
No comments:
Post a Comment