Don't put your money in the bank, kid. Because if I don't
whip you now, I'm gonna whip you next month in Dallas. And if not then, then
the month after that, in New Orleans.
- Oh yeah? What makes you so sure?
….Hey - I'm back!!!
Yes, after a brief absence from the game, the Curry Club is
back as another season opens its doors. Due to his forthcoming nuptials in
November, Matty B leapfrogged Gled to take the helm of the season curtain
raiser. Regular readers will know Matty's club packs a competitive punch, with
bowling, basketball and darts on the pre-curry menu - a baptism of fire for new
club member Dockers. Welcome.
Tails wagging, excited for the new season ahead, we turn up
to Hollywood Bowl on Kirkstall Lane only to find the bar closed for
refurbishment and half the lanes closed for reasons unknown. Heading to the
diner section, thankfully we see they have some temporary beer pumps to cater
for our needs, and we're also met with the pleasant/unpleasant sight of Dave
The Rave, with an impromptu FONO appearance. We sent Matty on a 'recce' to see
how long the lanes would be - having not pre-booked (tut tut) and he returned
with a 45-60 minute waiting time. A few disgruntled jabs came his way for poor
organisation and Grimes' great idea of shooting some hoops first, while we
wait, was overlooked. Don’t mess with tradition it seems. Time for another beer
then. Like he's never been away, TTT rocks up late to the party and immediately
kicks off when a few boys ask him to get the beers in, since he was already
waiting in the queue. As he was being reimbursed, we could only conclude that
his aggression was due to another perilous 2 mile taxi journey.
 |
| Scott prepares for his next roll |
With the bowling booked and drinks well underway, most
members were present, so concern grew over final member Vinny's absence. A text
later and we discovered he had in fact forgot about it completely due to a hard
day at the office. When the Rat Race interferes with the club, perhaps a career
change should be considered #priorities. 15 minutes later, the lanes are ready
much quicker than expected and so the bowling commenced. With Matty dressed
like he'd been playing Crown Green all afternoon, he started slow, unlike Scott
who had a Turkey dinner in the early
exchanges. Dave FONO Tanner was hot on his heels, and Gled not too far away
either with his usual measured display. New boy Dockers was shocked and
impressed by the high standard - as high flying career chasing Vinny turned up
at the midway point of what was easily the best bowling standard by us all
since the club started. An impressive 2nd half performance from myself saw me
take 3rd place with 144, and David 'Guest' in 2nd with an excellent 170. But
this was not enough to tipple the brute force of Scott, who took victory and a
commanding club record of 182. #leaguebowler
 |
| Balls everywhere |
The group moved on to the b'ball for the second event.
Jackets off, balls were thrown in some suspect netball-esq manner and the
standard was lower than previous. But TTT found some form, perhaps still
reeling from having to ask for 3 extra beers earlier in the evening, and his
anger was taken out on the backboard, taking 1st place with a respectable 41.
Failing to notice the new Star Wars machine in time for a go (next time baby!),
we leave for the Cardigan Arms. Though under new management, the barmaid was
the same, the décor was the same - though perhaps one or two more bulbs had gone in
the tap room, and the clients were the same. A look at the watch meant Matty called
off the darts, keen to get dining under our new 'earlier eating' regime. This
allowed for some healthy chat amongst the group before heading left out the
door to Sheesh Mahal.
Sheesh Mahal, Kirkstall Road, Leeds
 |
| Sahara Poppadoms |
Regular Sheesh Mahal diners will acknowledge its traditional and
authentic vibe, which is mirrored in the décor - although it seemed a little
smarter than our last visit a few years ago. The layout was the same, as we sat
front and centre, ready to take the drink order. The 'Pops' arrived before all
of us had even sat down, which was good, but the lack of pickle tray was not.
Halfway through the dry popadoms, eventually we were
presented with just Raita - a disappointing start. And this was not enough to
keep us going while we waited for our order to be taken, as the service was
very slow indeed. Eventually, our waiter arrived ready for the order as Matty
took charge of the mixed starters. Temple had an indecisive meltdown for his
main, ordering chicken then changing to fish, then changing back, eventually seeking
the waiters help on a recommended fish dish -
to which he happily obliged. Other main orders included Chicken Karahi, a
Chicken & Prawn Balti from new blood Dockers, a Fish Masala Sizzler, Keema
Balti, Chicken Dopiaza and a King Prawn Balti - I wonder who that was! Still in
a 'Cobra' commanding mood, Matty tried to take charge of the sundry orders but
soon accepted peoples wishes were their own to make. After the waiter decided
to attack Vinny with his pen before he left, discussion turned to the Rugby
World Cup, which prompted a debate over the Union v League codes. Although
northerners, it was generally accepted that both are enjoyable and all were
looking forward to both crunch encounters with England vs. Wales at the
weekend, as well as the Leeds Rhinos title
decider against Huddersfield.
 |
| Good portion |
The starters arrived and with plenty to go round,
all were satisfied with the variety of bhajis, pakoras, samosas and kebabs included in
the mix. Another long wait ensued for the mains unfortunately, but time was
passed creating a new 'Partridge' style TV show idea of a brutal late night
Heartbeat, with murder and rape cases to solve rather than a missing stamp or
unruly sheep. A few more grumbles on the long wait and the mains eventually
arrive, and Matty commanded some more by claiming Gledhill's dish as his own
and began to devour it before his actually turned up. All dishes served up, we
received a promise from the manager that if anyone wasn't happy with their
dish, he'd sort it out - which was a nice touch. This wasn't needed though as
in terms of food quality, Sheesh has really upped its game with all members
commenting on how nice their food was, full
of flavour and rich sauces. And with decent
sized portions too, Gledhill wasn't left hungry with his half eaten dish. After
a few years sabbatical from Sheesh, it's good to see it has returned to the
quality of authentic curry that was enjoyed by many. If only the service had
been more prompt.
Keeping it's 'old school' traditional roots, we're presented
with aniseed torpedoes instead of mints with the bill, which came in at £202
for 10 diners including beverages - decent value for money. Time to hit the
road, and much to our amusement, TTT and his customary short fuse, managed to
talk himself out of a lift home for what we can only assume was another 2
mile journey fraught with danger. Speaking of danger, the Gas factor reports
the next day from most members talked of painful, deadly flatulence that was
dangerous to those emitting the gas and anyone close enough to the fallout. Not
good at all. But it's good to be back!
Until next time, enjoy a slow-mo of a very smug Scott. now that's how you celebrate.
Danny
