As the end of 2013 draws near, it was over to Matty for the
Christmas instalment of the club. In keeping with tradition, Kirkstall Road
bowling alley was the destination for some pre-curry competitions and beers.
After an age had past to get served by Bilbo Baggins' cousin, it was off to the
lane to commence the first competition of the night - bowling. We soon
discovered a 7 man lane was slow going, especially when technical difficulties
hindered the flow of the game frequently. Queue the technician - Bilbo Baggins'
cousin again who turned out to be just as useless a technician as he was a
barman. Still, we did manage to complete 1 game, which was taken by Gled,
before abandoning the lane once it had died completely. Negotiations for compensation went well, with a free voucher for another game the result - it’s
a shame Matty lost it somewhere between drinks and 17 attempts to win a
Despicable Me character from the rigged grab machine.
On to the second competition of the night, shooting some 'hoops', which Lee proved victorious with some last gasp 3 pointers. The game was not without corruption though as some members decided to play keepy-uppy with one of the balls during play - poor form! As the 2p slot machines got caned, Vinny & Broady gave themselves a fright with some 4D zombie arcade - steady on lads. On to the Cardigan Arms for final beers and darts. Once we acclimatised to the smell of farts, the 'homely' fire was lit, killer rules chalked it was time to throw. Corruption reigned once more in a surprisingly injury free game, but Matty was victorious once we had concluded the impossibility of Broady scoring 432 with 3 darts. Time to move next door for tonight's meal - Hasan's.
Hasan's - Kirkstall Road, Leeds.
Greeted at the door in reasonably busy, modern looking
surroundings, the club was seated next to a table consisting of the Leeds Judo
& Aikido Team - still dressed in fighting attire (no idea why), so it was a
best behaviour policy for our members. Drinks ordered and poppadoms consumed,
it was time to place the order. Our waiter showed fine knowledge of the cuisine
produced in the kitchen as he explained wonderfully the speciality dish for Lee
and informed Vinny & myself that the Lamb & Chicken Handi dishes were
served 'on the bone'. The mixed seafood and meat starters arrived in good time and
was met with a good reception from the club members, with the fish pakora,
chicken tikka and samosas very tasty indeed. On to the mains and again, the club
was a happy bunch, with all enjoying their dishes - the Chicken Keema Aloo
Balti a particular highlight. Unlike the lamb Handi, the chicken handi on the bone felt strange to have, but the sauce surrounding the meat was certainly tasty enough to
make up for its oddity. With excellently cooked sundries, the club was more than
satisfied with the meal and whole experience. Once Lee had figured out the
pre-hot water towel was not a mint - it was time for Matty to pay the bill, and
he had clearly raided his savings mattress as a large roll of cash was handed over.
Cash is king afterall.
A fine, festive edition of the club was enjoyed but
unfortunately the chink in Hasan's armour has proven to be in the next days
'gas factor' stakes - during the 'windy' journey to work the following day I
had to check I hadn't burnt a hole in my jeans, something no man should ever
feel it necessary to do. Season's greetings from all at the curry club and see
you in 2014!
Thanks
Danny
