Really. Turn it upside down, tap it on the top and the sides and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Get a toothpick from the counter on your way in and make a chapatti flag for it.

I forget what I ordered to get one of those now. Something like a chef's special karahi, but I forget the actual name.

Yeah you can make a curry castle, I've done similar, although I can't remember what I ordered either. Pretty much any balti comes in a mini bucket and depending on the texture of the curry, you can make your castle.

As far as Omar Khan's go, I would agree it's nice, but I still think the International tops it for food. But yeah, it depends if you're wanting the place itself to look nicer and have all fancy napkins and stuff.

True, but the first catch is that I would be wasting valuable eating time in turning the receptacle over. I know I now have a leap second to play with, but still it is a problem.

The second is that I can guarantee - for any meal - that something will fall on my shirt. So I think such dextrous manoeuvres might be a bridge too far for me.

May have to ask to ensure I get one!

Not really bothered about the decor as long as the food's good. There will be two couple and no kids going to the panto after the meal...

Oh yes there is...

Inevitable for me too I'm afraid.

Think they use it instead of a balti dish. I was amused first time I got one.

Mmmmmm International curry....

I've been advised that Akbar's Cafe at the bottom of Leeds Road is a top notch curry. I may try it out.

We've just discovered a new takeaway when we were on night shift the other month. It's called 'Indilishus' (Yeah,I know!) and is on Great Horton Road just above Southfield Lane and on the same side. Fantastic food. The chicken is top notch. It comes in microwaveable plastic dishes as well which is handy for us shift workers! I can heartily recommend the Pathia and Madras.

Went to The International last night.

I'm surprised the waiter didn't ask if we wanted curry with our salt.

It was a shame as bar the salt element the food was good, very reasonable priced and the service was great.

Thanks for the tip though. Is it always like that? It would be a shame if it is.

Bad luck. I've been on "salt night" myself and it was pants.

Ah the infamous Salty Chef of the International.