Food, Dining, Indian Yusufs Journey Food, Dining, Indian Yusufs Journey

A Memorable Night at Haveli: Home-Style Feasts and Laughter

On January 11th, 2024, we savored a wonderful meal at Haveli Indian Restaurant in Great Lumley with Kamal, Shakir, Noz, and Ahmed Khan. Enjoy our story of home-cooked style dishes, great company, and the humorous mishaps that made the evening unforgettable.

The 11th of January, 2024 – a night destined to be etched in the annals of our dining escapades. Kamal, Shakir, Noz, Ahmed Khan, and I decided to break the monotony of our routine and head out for a culinary adventure at Haveli Indian Restaurant in Great Lumley. With our appetites roaring like tigers, we were ready to feast.


The Journey Begins

We set off from Shields with Ahmed Khan at the wheel, navigating through the crisp January air in his trusty 'A-Team van.' The van, a character in itself, has seen many an adventure and is as much a part of our group as any of us. The conversation was lively, filled with banter and laughter, setting the perfect tone for the night ahead.


The Warm Welcome

Upon arriving at Haveli, we were greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of Indian spices wafting through the air. The restaurant, a small establishment with modern decor, was buzzing with diners. The owner, Babu Miah and his son, greeted us with a smile. Babu Miah and Amir were distantly related, and although Amir couldn’t join us that night (he was busy holding down the fort at his fast food joint, SFC on Ocean Road), he had made sure to call ahead and arrange a special meal for us.


The Feast Begins

We kicked things off with an abundance of popadoms, a staple in our dining routine. Piled high with chutneys and pickles, they were the perfect start to our meal. We can never get enough of these crispy delights (especially me). Shakir, in particular, loves his popadoms with copious amounts of onion chutney. He always insists on an extra bowl or two, and this night was no exception.

Then came the starters – lamb chops, sheek kebabs, and spicy king prawns. Each bite was a symphony of flavours, setting the stage for what was to come.

The main event followed – home-cooked style beef curry, chicken curry, dhal, naan breads, and chapatis. The aromas alone were enough to make us drool, and the taste? Absolutely divine. We dug in with the enthusiasm of a group of lads who've been promised fasting for a day.



The Friendly Banter

As we were tucking into our meal, Babu Miah, ever the gracious host, came over to check on us. Now, Babu Miah has become somewhat of a mate over the years, thanks to Amir, who seems to have half of Syedpur as his relatives. So, naturally, we were expecting the usual overabundance of food.

However, this night was different. When Babu Miah noticed our plates looked as if they had been licked clean and there was barely any food left in the curry dishes, he asked, "Is everything alright, Khan Saab?"

Now, Ahmed Khan, being the straight shooter he is, didn’t miss a beat. He looked Babu Miah square in the eye and said, "The food was lovely, brother, but there wasn’t enough of it." The rest of us silently cringed, wishing we could disappear under the table. Ahmed, ever the pragmatist, shrugged and said, "Well, he did ask, and you've got to be honest with people."

Babu, bless him, apologised profusely and offered to have the chefs cook some more for us. However, we firmly declined, not wanting to put them to any trouble. After all, we had enjoyed the meal, and it was the company that mattered the most.




The Generous Gesture

Despite the minor hiccup, Babu insisted on not taking any money from us that night. "It’s on the house, I can’t take any money. Please, I insist." he said with a grin. We were touched by his generosity and assured him that we’d be back soon to enjoy our usual meals and make sure to pay him properly next time.




The Aftermath

On the drive home in Ahmed’s 'A-Team van,' Ahmed stuck to his guns. "Honesty is the best policy," he insisted. While we appreciated his candour, we weren’t too keen on adopting his approach in the future.


The Usual Suspects

Usually, in most restaurants, especially those where Amir’s clan from Syedpur ran the show, we ended up with heaps of leftover food to take home, because they are so generous. But this night at Haveli was a rare exception. Perhaps the miscommunication stemmed from Amir not being there to work his magic – he was busy holding down the fort at SFC on Ocean Road.




Final Thoughts

Despite the minor hiccup, it was a night filled with good food, great company, and plenty of laughs. We’ll chalk it up to a memorable experience, one that we’ll undoubtedly reminisce about in the years to come.

So, if you ever find yourself in Great Lumley, pop into Haveli and give Babu Miah our regards. Just maybe don’t bring Ahmed along if you’re hoping for a subtle dining experience!

As we walked out into the crisp January night, we couldn’t help but feel a warm glow – partly from the spices and partly from the joy of spending time together. Here’s to many more nights out in 2024, filled with good food, great friends, and unforgettable moments.

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2024's First Curry Night: A Feast of Friendship at Shampan

Join me, Yusuf, for a recap of 2024's first curry night at Shampan, where friendship and a mixed grill of Tandoori delights warm the heart. It's an evening of spice-infused stories and laughter, all in support of a good cause.

Happy New Year to you all! I'm excited to bring you the lowdown on our first curry night of 2024 at the much-loved Shampan in Whitley Bay. It was an evening of delightful tastes, heartwarming stories, and a bit of badminton banter. The gang – Amir, Noz, Shakir, and I – were in for a culinary treat.

The Venue

Shampan is a staple of Whitley Bay, known for its exquisite Indian cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by the tantalising aromas of spices and the friendly smile of Kamrul, the genius behind Shampan's delicious dishes.

The Company

Joining us at the table was Kamrul himself, fresh from a recent charity badminton tournament he and Naz participated in. Their energy and dedication to supporting the people of Gaza were as inspiring as the flavours coming from the kitchen. Kamrul was equally enthusiastic about the upcoming badminton tournament sponsored by his restaurant. It's not every day you see a chef trade his kitchen for the badminton court, but Kamrul is full of surprises!

The Starters

Our evening started with a popadom party – a mountain of these crispy delights, perfect for whetting our appetites. Then came the showstopper: a mixed grill starter featuring succulent Tandoori king prawns, spicy grilled lamb, and mouth-watering chicken tikka. Each bite was a melody of spices and smoky goodness.

The Main Event

For the main course, we indulged in:

  • King Prawn Saag: A delightful blend of prawns and spinach, bursting with flavour.

  • Tarka Dal: Rich and creamy lentils, seasoned to perfection.

  • Bhuna Eggs: Spicy and tangy, a unique twist to the traditional egg dish.

  • Lamb Curry with Aloo: Tender lamb pieces and potatoes in a rich, spicy gravy.

All paired with fluffy Basmati rice, making for a feast that was as satisfying as it was delicious. The drinks? Diet Cola for most of us, and a refreshing pineapple and lemonade for Naz.

The Banter

In between bites, Amir shared news about his new job as a partnership and engagement officer at the Bangladeshi Centre in Sunderland, which he started just last week. His animated tales of adapting to the new role had us all in stitches – it's a whirlwind of paperwork and excitement for him.

The Experience

As we wrapped up the night, full of good food and laughter, I realised these evenings are about more than just satisfying our curry cravings. They're about strengthening bonds, sharing experiences, and making memories that linger long after the last bite.

Final Thoughts

So, here's to more nights like this in 2024 – a blend of delectable food, great company, and shared stories. Keep an eye out for more from Yusuf's Journey, and remember, the best meals are those shared with friends. Until our next culinary escapade, keep relishing the good times!

Yusuf

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Food, Dining, Thai Yusufs Journey Food, Dining, Thai Yusufs Journey

A Spicy Kickoff to 2024: Our First Night Out at Orange Grass Thai Restaurant

Join us for our first meal night out of 2024 at Orange Grass, South Shields' only Thai restaurant. Enjoy a night of laughter, spicy Thai food, and ambitious business dreams as we recount our culinary adventure and dream of striking it rich like Del Boy. Don't miss out on the fun and flavours in this engaging blog post!

Ah, January 4th, – a date that will forever be etched in our taste buds. It was the night Shakir, Noz, and I decided to brave the chilly Shields winds and head to Orange Grass Thai restaurant in South Shields for our first meal out of the year. Little did we know, it would be a night filled with laughter, spice, and a few tears – but not the sad kind.


The Venue

Orange Grass is a gem tucked away in the heart of South Shields and holds the prestigious title of being the only Thai restaurant in town, having opened all the way back in 2007. This charming spot is especially beloved by the Bangladeshi community, who often flock here when they crave a break from their regular diet of curries and rice. The restaurant offers a delicious alternative, allowing us to explore different tastes, styles, spiciness, and heat.

With its warm, inviting decor and the tantalising aroma of Thai spices wafting through the air, we knew we were in for a treat as soon as we walked through the door. The owner, Titu, greeted us with a smile that could melt even the iciest of days, and we felt right at home.



The Company

It was a motley crew that night – Shakir, Noz, and yours truly. We’d been mates for ages, well, except Shakir who’d joined the gang less than a decade ago. But we were bound by our shared love of food and our penchant for getting into culinary adventures (or misadventures, as it sometimes happens).



The Starters

We kicked things off with prawn crackers, a favourite that always promises a good start. Not just one bowl, but two – because one simply isn’t enough when you’re dealing with our appetites. The sweet chilli sauce and the hot chilli sauce in oil were the perfect accompaniments, and we devoured the lot with gusto.



The Main Event

Then came the main dishes, each more tantalising than the last:

  • Lamb and Bamboo Shoots in Spicy Sauce: A dish that could only be described as a flavour explosion. The tender lamb paired with the crunchy bamboo shoots and the rich, spicy sauce was an absolute winner.

  • Beef with Bamboo Shoots in Spicy Sauce: Noz’s choice, and a solid one at that. The beef was cooked to perfection, and the bamboo shoots added a delightful texture. The spicy sauce? Just the right amount of heat.

  • Spicy Chips: Because why settle for regular chips when you can have them spicy? These were crispy, hot, and utterly addictive.

  • 3 Egg Fried Rice: A mountain of fluffy, flavourful rice that tied everything together.

  • Steak for Shakir: A man of simple tastes, Shakir opted for the steak, which arrived cooked to his exact specifications. Juicy, tender, and absolutely delicious.




The Heat

Titu, knowing my love for all things spicy, decided to crank up the heat on my dishes. By the end of the meal, I was sweating buckets like our mate Kohinoor when he’s lounging around the sauna at Haven Point. The lads found it highly entertaining as I dabbed my forehead and fanned my face, tears streaming down from the sheer intensity of the spices.




The Desserts

To cool things down, we finished off with a selection of desserts:

  • Chocolate Cakes: Rich, decadent, and exactly what we needed after the spice onslaught.

  • Coconut Cake: Light, fluffy, and with just the right amount of sweetness to round off the meal.




The Highlights

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the camaraderie. We laughed, joked, and reminisced about the good old days. Shakir, always the entrepreneur, kept us engrossed with his tales of potential new business opportunities in Bangladesh. He was convinced that by next year, we could be millionaires, just like Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses. Shakir's enthusiasm for his latest ventures, from importing exotic spices to launching tech startups in Dhaka, had us all dreaming of a future filled with riches.

Noz, ever the voice of reason, chimed in, saying, "Maybe one day we’ll strike it rich like Del Boy when they found that watch in his garage. But lads, we better be prepared not to faint like he did when it happens!" His comment had us all laughing, adding a lighthearted reality check to Shakir's ambitious plans.




The Experience

Our first night out in 2024 at Orange Grass wasn’t just about the food; it was about reconnecting with friends and making new memories. Titu’s hospitality and the incredible flavours of the dishes made it a night to remember.




Final Thoughts

As we walked out into the crisp January night, we couldn’t help but feel a warm glow – partly from the spices and partly from the joy of spending time together. Here’s to many more nights out in 2024, filled with good food, great friends, and unforgettable moments.

So, if you find yourself in South Shields and in need of a culinary adventure, head over to Orange Grass. Just be sure to ask Titu to go easy on the spice – unless you’re up for the challenge!

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Food, Dining, Charity, Gaza, Palestine, Badminton Yusufs Journey Food, Dining, Charity, Gaza, Palestine, Badminton Yusufs Journey

A Night of Badminton, Beef Curry, and Benevolence: Charity Tournament at Delhi 6 Lounge

Join us at Delhi 6 Lounge in South Shields for an unforgettable charity night filled with delicious food, heartfelt conversations, and a strong community spirit. This special event was dedicated to raising funds for Palestine through the Ocean Badminton Academy Charity Badminton Tournament. Read on to discover the highlights of the evening, the people who made it special, and the rustic charm of Delhi 6 Lounge.

On the 12th of January, 2024, Joynul and I embarked on an evening filled with good food, great company, and a noble cause. We joined friends, relatives, and fellow community members at Delhi 6 Lounge on Dean Road in South Shields for the Ocean Badminton Academy Charity Badminton Tournament for Palestine 2024. Our mission? To raise funds for Palestinians suffering under the ongoing genocidal onslaught by the evil Israeli military.




The Cause and Company

We joined many of our friends, relatives, and other good-hearted folks from nearby towns for the Ocean Badminton Academy Charity Badminton Tournament for Palestine 2024. The mission? To raise money for the Palestinians who were being tragically affected by the ongoing massacres and genocide.

The food was scrumptious, featuring beef curry, Basmati rice, and vegetable curries. But it was the company that made the night special.

Among the notable characters were:

  • Rubel Bhai: Always ready with an opinion on everything from politics to the perfect biryani. He’s got the credentials to back it up too, running his own small charity, Al-Buraq Foundation, for years. He’s the man who knows how to get things done, with a heart as big as his voice.

  • Masum from the Crown of India: The social butterfly and the comic, he’s the life of the party and manages to get everyone involved. He keeps us all laughing but also ensures everything runs smoothly.

  • Juned Khan: Our new amateur journalist, always with a camera in hand, ready to film and edit videos for Bangla satellite channels like Channel S. He’s our very own Peter Parker, capturing every moment with the aim to broadcast our efforts to the world.

The Generous Host

Monir, Joynul's cousin and one of the partners at Delhi 6 Lounge, kindly provided his restaurant free of charge for the charity night. It’s not every day you get to enjoy a meal in such a generous setting, and we were all grateful for his contribution.







The Venue

Delhi 6 Lounge, open for a couple of years, is a gem in South Shields. The place has a rustic charm, especially upstairs, where I wandered off to have a tour. Despite having frequented many eateries in the area, this was my first visit to Delhi 6. The decor was cosy, and the ambiance had an inviting feel.

The Feast

Our evening kicked off with plates of beef curry, Basmati rice, and a variety of vegetable curries. Each dish was cooked to perfection, bursting with flavors that transported us straight to the heart of India.

The Generosity

People were generous with their donations, contributing around £20 each for their meals. The atmosphere was buzzing with good cheer, meaningful conversations, and a shared sense of purpose.

In total, there was over £1250 raised for the people of Gaza!

The Characters

  • Joynal Bhai: Always ready with a kind word and a helping hand.

  • Johir Bhai: Another pillar of the community, always there to support a good cause.

  • Abubakr Siddique: The main man from the Badminton group and one of the event’s main organisers, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

  • Sponsors: The event was supported by generous local businesses and individuals such as Bangla Link grocery store, Jabed Bhai, Jamil Bhai, Shofu Bhai, Monir Bhai from Delhi Lounge, and Ocean Taxis.






The Social Dynamics

Rubel Bhai held court with his opinions on everything from charity work to cricket. His experience with Al-Buraq Foundation added a layer of depth to the discussions, reminding us of the importance of giving back.

Masum, ever the social butterfly, flitted from group to group, cracking jokes and ensuring everyone was having a good time. He might be the comic, but he’s also the one who gets things done.

Juned Khan, with his camera in hand, was capturing every moment for the Bangla satellite channels. He’s got the eye of a journalist and the heart of a storyteller, making sure our efforts are seen by a wider audience.






The Evening's Highlight

The highlight of the night, apart from the delicious food, was the camaraderie. We laughed, shared stories, and made plans for future events. The discussions were lively, with Rubel Bhai’s insights, Masum’s jokes, and Juned’s filming adding to the vibrant atmosphere.






Final Thoughts

As the night drew to a close, we felt a sense of accomplishment. We had come together for a worthy cause, enjoyed a fantastic meal, and strengthened our bonds of friendship.

So, here’s to more nights like this in 2024 – a blend of delectable food, great company, and shared stories. Keep an eye out for more from Yusuf’s Journey, and remember, the best meals are those shared with friends. Until our next culinary escapade, keep relishing the good times!

Remember, every meal tastes better when shared with good friends for a great cause.

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