projectcurry-blog

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PROJECT CURRY This landmark 20th edition of project curry brought the team to Mayur. PC#020 Mayur is a salubrious curry house in Duke Street's mock Manhattan complex. A high end curry house with a solid reputation, it's hard to fault Mayur. The crispiest poppadoms I've ever experienced and heart warming prose opening the menu, this place gets the details right. Brass tacks of the curry and the jalfrezi is text book containing a beautifully balanced heat factor while the garlic naan excelled. At £30 a head Mayur is not a cheap option but for a special occasion such as this it's ideal. Thanks to Leebo Luby, Natasha Young, Mike Doleman, Michael Fowler, Tommy T Thomas,Matty Hogarth, Suzi Gage and Carl Roberts for project support. Thank you also to everyone who has engaged with Project Curry in 2017 your support is much appreciated and without it the initiative would be unsustainable (I'd be eating curry on my own). Review the year atwww.projectcurry.tumblr.com.

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PROJECT CURRY

My mission to go to every curry house in Liverpool is all about shining a light on the curry house experience - finding the crispiest naans, the most BYO BYOB policies and of course the tasiest dishes. Therefore, it has taken a while to getting around to visiting the popular hip spot PC#019 MOWGLI. 'Is Mowgli a curry house?' Yes, it serves curry, is the answer. However, the Bold Street eatery's steadfast refusal to take bookings, its selection of craft beers and snubbing of poppadoms does set it a part from the traditional. That being said, there is no doubting the tastiness of the snackable Tiffin box curries and the bafflingly delightful experience of the chat bomb. This is curry for the Snapchat generation. The gents toilets in Mowgli is one lockable room with a toilet bowl AND a urinal - its a nice eccentric touch. Liverpools curry scene is like the Mowgli gents toilets; there are options - some might be less comfortable than others, some might be trendier, but as long as you can enjoy yourself, go where you feel is right. (But don't poo in the urinal). Thanks to the Bido Lito! team for helping this project: Christopher Torpey, Bethany Garrett and Craig G Pennington

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PROJECT CURRY

As Brian wreaked havoc all over the country we went looking for a different type of storm - a gale force naan, a korma storm, a curry-cane (hurricane). The streets of Garston were deserted as we took shelter in the cosily named The Village Indian (PC#018). Inside the restaurant is not as bucolic as the name suggests, all minimalist florescent lights and a gregarious Garstonian host dealing with incessant phone-in takeaway orders. The menu is to the point, half Village favourites (which include the radical 'Lemon Cocktail' curry) and half Classic dishes. The Madras from the latter half was serviceable if not extraordinary. The treasures of the Village may be found in the exotic sounding selections on the Favourites side of the menu. Tommy T's Lemon Cocktail experience certainly suggested so. The lesson here: in Garston leave all expectations at the door, well, in Cressington. Thanks to Mike Doleman, Niamh, Natasha Young, Chris Jenkins (representing Top Joe in absentia) and Lemon Tommy for Project assistance.

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PROJECT CURRY In my comprehensive search to find my favourite curry house in Liverpool I will be going to all corners of the city and Project Curry has alreasy taken me to such far flung destinations as Waterloo and Woolton Village. For PC#017 however I went to a special restaurant which, like speed cameras and celebrity paedophiles, has been hiding in plain sight. The Taj Mahal motif frontage of Indian Delight on Renshaw Street is so familiar that it could be a Liverpool landmark along with the Liver Buildings or the Sainburys at the top of Bold Street which makes it surprising that it is rarely spoken about as a curry destination. My team found last night that this is a huge oversight, from the top banter with the waiter to the linoleum and artex decor of the bathroom, Indian Delight is a holistic curry house experience. They've honed their poppadom dip selection down to the triumvirate of chopped onion, mango chutney and garlic sauce and the menu has a similarly minimalist policy as this is a curry house what knows what it is: classy, classic. The chicken bhuna met expectations and the sundries were serviceable. The BYOB is another policy we champion at Project Curry and it was pleasing to see it at play at this city centre institution. Indian Delight deserves to be in the conversation more. Thanks to James Davidson, Joely, Chris Jenkins (in place of Top Joe), Natasha Young and Tommy T Thomas for project support. 

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#016 Saffron After some intensive pre-season training and an active summer in the transfer market we're back with our mission to visit every curry house in Liverpool. PC#016 brought us to Saffron in Waterloo. Part of the region's thriving Nepalese scene, Saffron offers a chilled out vibe that reflects its suburban surroundings and a stripped back menu of specials plus the classics. Making the error of ordering from the specials area of the menu I feel my Saffron Special Saharan Chicken wasn't wholly representative of what's hot in Nepal right now. The chicken stuffed with the lamb mince suffered from dryness in its decadence. The sauce however was a joy and the staff attentive and welcoming. The limited pickle options with the poppadums was slightly disappointing but the garlic naans pulled it back. A tough season opener but plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Thanks to James Davidson for project support.

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#014 Masterchef The idea for Project Curry was conceived upon the realisation that our favourite curry house had earned its status amongst a very modest frame of reference. While the curry house was reasonably priced, had a BYOB policy and served delicious curries, how confident could one be in declaring it the best when it was only up against a small number of its peers? And so, Project Curry wasborn. Now, 15 curry houses in, we come to our erstwhile favourite. PC#015 is Masterchef on Renshaw Street. So far on Project Curry we've seen innovative, futuristic interior decor, experienced charm offensives from waiting staff and sampled some truly exquisite dishes. With the exception of the "Mad Lamb Frenzy", a 48-hour marinated lamb dish which was the centre piece of tonights meal (which marked the birthday of frenzy enthusiast and pioneer Paul Khan), Masterchef is an altogether more demure affair. The waiter is a true professional, doing enough to ensure our needs are met but not going beyond the boundaries of familiarity. The decor is tasteful, the furnishings comfortable, but in no way loud or brash. The MLF is a must-have for any Merseyside carniverous curry fan, a spectacular explosion of flavours with the most tender lamb. The other classic dishes hit the spot but perhaps don't reach the heights of some of PCs big hitters. However, for a classic curry night out with your own tins of beer, you can't go wrong with Masterchef. Thanks to Ian, Enes Senussi , Helen Robinson , Rob, David, Paul, Angus and Helen for project support.

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#014 We were pleased to return to curry hotspot Woolton Village for PC#014. In this suburban idyll curry chefs are creating a real vibrant scene and a curry house which has been blazing a trail for many a year is Dostana (formerly The Raj). Walking into Dostana and crossing its Georgian threshold you'd be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into just another trendy Woolton eatery as the traditional curry house decor is dispensed with in favour of a subtle nautical theme. The menu is pure curry house though. A choice of Mumbai street food as well as your classics. A comprehensive five dip choice with the poppadums was a fitting prelude to a top notch curry. An absolutely flawless tandoori tikka masala that I would eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner given half the chance. While it may not look like a curry house, Dostana proves its credentials in the important places. Thanks to rice regulator Greg Keenan and the team Carl Roberts, Paul Christiansen, Mike Doleman and Top Joe's representative Chris Jenkins. You can now follow Project Curry on Twitter using the hashtag #ProjectCurry.

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#013 The Spice City

A stones throw away from PC favourites Sanskruti and Sultans Palace PC#013 was The Spice City. A curry house that prides itself on its longevity and Valentines Day offer (apparently promoted all year round on the first page of the menu), The Spice City appears to be a curry house resting on its laurels. While my jalfrezi was pleasantly spiced and featuring freshly cut and cooked peppers my fellow project facilitators felt let down by bland dishes and blander service. The naans were the saving grace, but the chutney offer lacked spark. Situated in a location rich of curry pickings, The Spice City needs to up its game. Thanks and apologies to project team Joely, Liam Nolan, Anna And-Pearsand Top Joe (standing in for Chris Jenkins in absentia). — with Top Joe and Anna And-Pears.

Vibe rating: 52%

Summer in the City? Isn’t it a pity

BYOB? 0%

Staff: ******

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#012: Yukti

Project Curry has benefitted massively from people on here, the official PC website, recommending curry houses. PC#012 is an establishment which has been suggested a number of times, and I can see why. YUKTI is situated not far from Liverpool's main artery, the A5080 and could very well be the beating heart of it's curry scene. If this restaurant was BYOB and 10% cheaper it would be the perfect curry house. From asking if we were comfortable in our elegant glass booth complete with erotic art to a stern but polite warning about ordering too much rice, the staff were fantastic. The decor edged towards the uber modern with hints of neon but kept firmly in the realms of the traditional, complete with erotic art. The curry will rival anything you'll find in the famous scenes in Manchester or Birmingham with my lamb bhuna consisting of beautifully tender meat in delectably spiced sauce. The garlic naan was an absolute pleasure. Yukti is not overly generous with its array of poppadum pickles but this is a small criticism of what is a truly excellent curry house. Thanks to Suzi Gage, Kyle Lee, Carl Roberts and Paul Christiansen for project support.

Vibe rating: 94%

Yuck tea? No

BYOB? NOYN

Staff: ************

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#011: Light Of Bengal

After a hiatus, my project to visit every curry house in Liverpool returns with PC#011 Light Of Bengal on Aigburth Road. As the nation anxiously awaits election day there was only one choice on our polling card - the curry party! With a manifesto boasting traditional indian decor with over 11 images of tigers, laconic waiting staff and classy, classic crockery, Light Of Bengal was winning over the electorate. Unfortunately over-priced soft drink policies, under-garlic-ed naan policy and a tendency towards sweeter curry means it will struggle in the polls. However, Light Of Bengal should be awarded for not going for the modern populist vote and it's always a pleasure to visit a curry house which is upholding an important tradition. The extensive selection of chutneys including a delightful home-made chilli sauce was also a vote-winner. Thanks to my team Stacey Finley, Anna And-Pears and Top Joe's stand-in Chris Jenks for project delivery. — with Anna And-Pears and Stacey Finley.

Vibe rating: 68%

Swingometer: Lime pickle

BYOB? SDAAP

Staff: *************

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#010: Madhari

For the special PC#010, I returned to pre-PC favourite; Madhari on Aigburth Road. Colloquially referred to as 'Mad Harry', the curry house sits on the other side of Pauls Place Bistro from its more famous, award-winning neighbour The Gulshan. However, Mad Harry or 'The Peoples Curry House' as it is known by its patrons (all of whom come from a 3 mile radius of the restaurant) holds a special place in curry fans hearts for its commitment to an inexpensive menu which features all the classic dishes as well as traditional decor and a warm welcome. You'll often hear die hard Mad Harry supporters shouting at the diners entering the Gulshan bemoaning them for their lax attitude to curry eating, distracted as they are with the fancy tapas style dishes and Michellin Guide '08 sticker. They haven't won anything since, etc. Trusty Mad Harry delivered with a text book jalfrezi and 5-star garlic naan. The veggie green masala seeemed to use birds eye frozen veg which was a bit disappointing. Nil Curry Nisi Optimum. Thanks to Chris for filling in for Top Joe in a project support role.

Vibe rating: 83%

Keema the crop? amen

BYOB? n/a

Staff: *********

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#009: Landmark

PC#009 brought us to the heart of Liverpools student quarter. Tonight we were hoping to get a BA hons in curry. Our university: Landmark. So called because it sits opposite Smithdown Roads most famous landmark The Asda, Landmark once had its entire exterior painted a daring, vibrant, bright pink. It has since opted for a more demure coat while the interior remains a jazzy curry night club with more bubbling flourescent water features (see PC#008), purple snake skin effect chairs and oversized sexy booths. The atmosphere however is at odds with this futuristic party decor. A very quiet tannoy was playing unidentfiable music from some corner of this huge establishment but we were pretty much dining in silence while a table of the Landmark big wigs gave us a muted welcome. Down to brass tacks - the menu is a reasonably price litany of classics and curve balls. Yet again lime pickle sent its apologies. Gintis, the welsh country rock combo joining the project for the evening however sang the praises of the curry. I was underwhelmed by my Jalfrezi but would be more than happy to spend £8 on it for a post-Willowbank chow down which come 11pm a number of punters were. In summary, while the curry doesn't match the pazzaz of the furniture, there will be worse curry houses on my mission. Thanks to Chris (representing Top Joe), Carl Roberts, Kyle Lee, Dave Cartledge, Rob and Joe for text book project support.

Vibe rating: 46%

Naan-ty naan problems? yes

BYOB? --

Staff: ****

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#008: Holdi

My objective to visit every curry house in Liverpool brought me to the leafy idyll of Woolton Village for PC#008 Holdi. Said to be the jewel in the crown for Wooltons celebrated curry scene, Holdi is an award winner and favourite of mega stars such as Millwall striker Teddy Sheringhams ex-girlfriend and some people off Hollyoaks. You're immediately hit with Holdi's glitz and glamour as you leave the quaint choco box scene outside for bubbling flourescent water features and indiscernible big cat skin furnishings. Its impressive. The manager is a larger than life character no doubt still high on his award win. But would the curry come up to scratch? Im delighted to say Danielle Lloyd is once again spot on! The Raj Shahi is a sensation, the garlic naan is a work of art, and although lime pickle is notable for its absence once again (fourth time in a row Paul Fitzgerald), the poppadums are magnificent. I'd say Holdi's dispensing of traditional decor is to its detriment and it is pricier (but not a lot) than the average curry house but when it comes down to a friendly welcome, big laughs and huge flavours, it deserves its throbbing trophy cabinet. Thanks toHelen Robinson, Laura Mac, Enes Senussi, Rob and Macca for excellent project delivery.

Vibe rating: 92%

Celeb-ratio: 40%

BYOB? n/a

Staff: *********

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#007: Da Gurka

My mission to visit every curry house in Liverpool took me to the far reaches for PC#007, both geographically and metaphysically. Da Gurka is a Nepalese restaurant in Waterloo. A short walk from the train station transports you to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas and I have to say the service in Da Gurka was a tad frosty. Moreover, the presumptive serving of poppodoms and sauces without request (then charged for) would have Joanna Lumley questioning her allegiencies. That being said, the curry was a winner - fragrant, subtle, delectable. In terms of ambience, more rowdy than the normal oasis of calm curry houses are reknown for but the sleak decor makes you feel like a WAG or a trendy soap star. All in all, uneven as the topography of its native country. Gratitude to project administratorsMichael Fowler Natasha Young Hannah Dee Tommy T Thomas and Carmel.

Vibe rating: 78%

Manager hug ratio? Sexist

BYOB? DNBYOB

Staff: *****

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#006 Sanskruti

In a collaboration with Liverpool music magazine 'Bido Lito!' curryhouse no. 6 was the much-recommended Sanskruti. This vegetarian and vegan establishment is a comforting oasis in the citys cut-throat 'business district' - our business this evening was curry. And I have to say Sanskruti cut us a great deal! There isn't a bhuna, dopiaza or tikka mas anywhere on the menu but in their place are some veggie beauties just waiting to be explored. The first oversized naan on Project Curry (a maligned rarity on Merseysides curry scene) was a great bonus. My jack fruit Kathal Lazeez was a revelation. Decor-wise Sanskruti belongs to the new school, but the staff were great and we were moved tables a record amount of times to help us get different perspectives of the restaurant. Thanks to Christopher Torpey Bethany Garrett andCraig G Pennington for project support and Graeme Rowe for the venue suggestion.

Vibe rating: 88%

Naan size factor: Cosmic

BYOB? CYOT

Staff: ********

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#005 Remora

PC#005 brought me to a curry establishment which represents the next generation of curry house. Remora on South Hunter Street chooses industrial chic over the traditional curry house trappings - bare brick walls, exposed light bulbs and furniture made out of pallets. I was worried. Our order was taken down on an iPad. However, Remora get the important things spot on. The staff were delightfully warm, my dopiaza, laden with onion and an extraordinary amount of garlic, was fantastic and the toilets were slightly rubbish. Everything a curry house should be. Fear not for the future. Also, its BYOB. Thanks to Danielle Youds for the tip-off and props to Project Curry participants Tommy T and Natasha Young

Vibe rating: 84%

Remora the Merrier? Yes

BYOB? Do not

Staff: *******

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PROJECT CURRY

PC#004: Passage To India

My objective to visit every curry house in Liverpool - Project Curry - brought us to Passage To India: PC#004. PTI brings together contemporary decor with a lean, traditional menu which features an array of exotic Chefs Specials. The BYOB policy and reasonable prices makes PTI a well-priced oasis on 'gentirific' Bold Street and I'm pleased to say the curry was a real 'worldy'. The staff, a diverse selection of Bangladeshis, very short people and Eastern Europeans were delightfully hospitable and not averse to leaning on their patrons. An absolute treat which i would not hesitate to recommend for a business dinner, pals tea or sensuous first date. Thanks to project participants James Davidson, Lányi Juli, Chris (representing Top Joe) and Beamer Edward.

Vibe rating: 92%

Top of the Poppadoms? 8/10

BYOB? Y.E.S

Staff: ********