Abids, Pudsey (February 2014)

The build up for February's club had some of the best banter to date, including some pictures defaced with 'cock and balls', good enough to rival those found in many an edition of Tricolore, plus some Curry Club tweets with none other than Keith Lemon. So morale was high as we embarked upon the outskirts of Pudsey for Scott's instalment of the club. Pre-curry drinks kicked off in Oddfellows, with fine ales consumed over Royal Rumble discussions.

Too many ales for country gent Lister

A cheeky nod to the cackling women in the corner who had obviously been enjoying a few bottles of chardonnay since noon, and it was on to the Great Northern. More ales while bellyaching about our better halves as Steven Seagal's latest 'straight to TV - beat everybody up for kidnapping a family member' film played in the background. Then on to the final pub, The Crown. A completely empty pub meant we had the run of the place and with its pool table and sofas, it had more of a sixth form common room feel than a boozer - apart from the dodgy Stars In Their Eyes stage. The game of 'killer' pool was set up as the bar manager, sharply dressed in shirt and tie, poured the drinks before returning to watch Clint Eastwood on the big screen. Lady luck was certainly shining upon Scott & Vinny for killer, with Scott's frequent, debatably intentional doubles and Vinny's ability to sink 3 balls with only 2 shots. The inevitable rage from Temple followed, with calls of corruption in the game. The bar manager since lost interest with Eastwood and decided our game of pool was much more entertaining. As time ticked on, we needed to be restaurant bound, so the pool sped up to 'Big Break' proportions, prompting some theme tune singing from the group. Seizing the opportunity, the bar manager came from behind the bar to not only reveal he was wearing leather trousers, but also his psychic ability as his TV themes CD was plugged in and ready to go! Within 5 seconds the speaker system had Big Break playing. Brilliant host…….leather trousers aside. Time for some food across the road at Abids.

Abids, Stanningley, nr Pudsey

Excellent Tandoori Tikka

The club was greeted and escorted to the 1950's style leather booth to order food and drinks as our dining table was prepared. Chicken Hyderabadi, Makhani, Madras and Lamb Tandoori Tikka were amongst the dishes ordered and so it was time to move to the main table. In modern looking surroundings, the mixed starters arrive, sizzling away with the two standard mix and one fish mix providing plenty to share amongst the 8 men. And tasty they were too, the fish a highlight and there was also a surprising love for the bed of sizzled onions on which they sat. Onto the mains and again, the food was very tasty indeed with all the group thoroughly enjoying their chosen dishes - although the Makhani was perhaps a tad too sweet. However, as this is a notoriously sweet dish it cannot be chalked up to the restaurant. A mention must go to the Lamb Tandoori Tikka, which was presented on a sizzler (with more delicious onions, mmm) but with an a accompanying dish of sauce and proved to be superb. Both a positive and negative for the family naan bread however as it was so fresh, it literally couldn't stay on the 'metal tree' type stand due to the heat and folded like a bad poker player. Time for the bill, which came along with some After Eight mints. These were devoured and the timeless classic gag of offering empty wrappers to people ensued. The waiters were even kind enough to adhere to our request for another batch. Coming in at £150 all in for eight diners is well within normal curry club budget. Seemingly though Abids downfall is in the 'gas factor' department, causing 'spare room' scenarios and very early morning toilet visits for most of its members. Roll on March, but before we do……1,2,3,4:-

It's only a game so put up a real good fight,

I'm gonna be snookering you tonight.

I'm famed for my aim so you better believe I'm right,

I'm gonna be snookering you, snookering you tonight.

BIG BREAK

Snookering you, snookering you tonight!

Cheers

Danny

Prashad, Drighlington (January 2014)

As 2014 dawned on the club, the new year was kicked off with my controversial choice for January's destination - vegetarian option Prashad. The proposed lack of meat took its toll on some club members, putting their bodies into shock, with My Cousin Vinny absent due to sudden back spasms - the body refusing to move if no meat is available - and Temple Of Doom catching a 24 hour sans meat chest infection - the body refusing to breathe if no meat is available.

But those available for the club were hopeful of good things after a nod from Gordon Ramsay's Best Restaurant TV show and rave reviews on the local grapevine. With its rural location in Drighlington, pre-curry drinks were held solely in the Spotted Cow across the road from Prashad. Fine smooth ales over a warm coal fire made a great setting for banter on forthcoming stag do's and the inevitable weddings that come with them. It was now time to brave the 30 yard walk in the cold to Prashad.

Prashad, Drighlington

Immediately on arrival you notice the fine décor of the restaurant and the club was greeted by a sharply dressed waiter. This place is certainly kitted out nicely as we all take to our 'throne' style seats. Drinks ordered (from a wide selection of beers and wines), it was time peruse the menu. Once over the initial confusion at where the Chicken and Lamb dishes were, our orders were placed. The Paneer Massala was the popular choice, as well as Spinach and Potato…., err…curry!

The pickle tray and popadoms arrive and not a greasy spot in site, plus the pickle sauces were thick and tasty -  a good start. The Tasting Platters arrive for starters and the waiter very kindly explains what each element consists of - and it wasn’t just a case of onion and mushroom bhajis - but rather fried banana and coconut potato balls. Intriguing. And thankfully, very tasty indeed - certainly different and light.

Now for the mains, the test we had been waiting for. Again, the dishes were light and tasty, with no grease or oil in sight, but of course there is no meat so this is to be expected. The Paneer Massala received mainly positive reviews, but one suggested it became too sickly as the meal wore on. Personally I enjoyed it and wolfed down the lot! The Spinach & Potato suffered from Ronseal syndrome unfortunately, although nice it came across like a large side dish.

With two members down and only vegetables to pay for, I was expecting a cheap instalment, however at a hefty £140 I was happy for the 'injuries' to my comrades! And if we needed proof that meat didn’t contribute to the following days gas factor, we have it, although certainly on the milder side of the gas spectrum. The veggie option did bring a new side effect however as reports of Paneer night sweats from the 'hot cheese' came in.

Overall, an interesting and different club, nice for the change and very enjoyable food but couldn’t do it every time. With its lovely décor and surroundings and light, tasty food I'd suggest its somewhere to take the 'Mrs' for a splash of romance rather than tomfoolery with the boyzzzzzz.

Cheers

Danny