One point I will make is that I have been eating a few takeaways from Al Frash recently. I am shocked by the lack of consistency. The last one I had from there, I reckon they had forgotten to add any spice mix at all to it. The resultant balti was completely tasteless except for one thing........Chicken Stock!

I had this happen at Mint in Yardley, they sent me two bowls of chicken soup.

It was supposed to be a special meal for my Wife and I on our wedding anniversary, talk about bad timing for them to drop the ball.

That Katlama looks lush Bob.  Where did you buy it from?

Perhaps when you return, you could ask for his recipes so that we can continue the restaurants legacy right here on this forum. 

I wish mate, but you know how secretive these curry chefs are.

Sunday lunch at Saleem's, not the first time but could be the last.

Saleem the owner and all round good person told me a few months back that things were bad and all the fast food outlets up and down Ladypool Road were strangling his business.  I know exactly what he means, there is a desi takeaway 500 yards down the road that sells a curry and 2 roti for ?1.99, obviously at that price it is not freshly made to order like Saleem's food.  But the constant queue out the door tells me things are going well and a myriad of other similar takeaway's have really put the squeeze on the old school balti restaurants.

He told me today that he will close his doors for good the first week in November.  It makes me really sad but it seems to be the way things are going.  I don't know where we will eat as a family from now on, Saleem's was IMHO the last of the old school balti houses where you ate genuine Pakistani food made to the original recipes that were passed down from father to son.

So, what about todays food?  Well it was awesome!

Usual free poppadoms, warm and fresh, which came with a bowl of mango chutney which my kids love.

I had a Katlama to start, along with a Sheekh Kebab.  Feeling greedy today 

Then Meat Balti for main, I asked for it to be made hot today instead of my usual medium.  Even though I had a good sweat on, I was still glad I had the hotter version.  It was full of subtle flavours, not just chilli heat, and I literally finished with a clean bowl aided by the best naan bread in Birmingham (I kid you not).

Wife opted for veg balti, she said it's the best veg curry she's ever had.  Kids had their usual korma and scoffed the lot.

Will try and make it back in 2 weeks before he closes for good. 

Many thanks guys for the warm welcome

Not Bermuda (thank God) but Birmingham, Saleem's on Ladypool Road being my eatery of choice!