Curry Recipes Online
Curry Chat => Lets Talk Curry => Topic started by: George on February 02, 2010, 11:17 AM
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George's proposal to have a "curry meet" where members cook and taste each other's curries...This would be the ultimate. Throw a few local BIRs in wherever the (assume UK) venue is. Give me minimum 18 months notice and I will be there... granted its less than 20k km. I would love to meet George, JerryM, CA, SnS, Mick, Haldi, Unclebuck, Stew, Chinois, Curry King.... and the list goes on. Maybe Bruce Edwards would pay a visit.
Many thanks to several of you who have expressed a degree of initial enthusiasm for a meet-up of some type. One option is for a group to descend on someone's house, hold endless discussions and watch the host cook a meal. I fear it might quickly be a case of too many chefs spoil the broth; hence my suggestion instead for a series of regional dinner parties, something along the lines of the TV series 'Come Dine With Me'.
4-6 members in each region would agree to host an Indian dinner party in turn. That way, costs would be shared because you'd provide a meal for 5 guests, say, and then enjoy 5 meals in return.
People are hard to impress. My guess is that, with the best will in the world, we may think most of the meals are frankly 'OK, not bad' but hardly amazing. I hope I'm wrong and that everyone can lay on a superb spread of BIR-type food which puts most actual BIRs to shame. Either way, it seems almost inevitable that a handful of dishes might stand out, to general agreement. These would be the dishes to focus on, subsequently. Even better, if one or two members stood out as true 'master chefs' people might be more inclined to believe what they say.
I do not envisage any attendance at the host's home while each meal is being prepared. We'd turn up, like at a restaurant or on 'Come Dine With Me.' Any drill-down into recipes to investigate 'how it's done' can be done later or in discussion, while we're eating, e.g. 'that's delicious - what's in it?'.
Also like on that TV series, we might not get on. There might be personality clashes and the thought of up to 6 dinner parties with the same awful people might fill us with horror. That would be part of the challenge. Perhaps we need to meet for a coffee and see if each group gets on, to some extent, before moving to the dinner parties.
There might also be issues if you have a partner/and or children. I live alone, so it's not a problem. I don't need to tell anyone to buzz off for a weekend, or that I'm booked for the next 5 Saturdays, in addition, going to CR0 members dinner parties, to which the partner is not invited.
With 11,000 members of this forum, there must surely be enough of an interest to hold dinner parties in, say, 8 regions x 6 people = 48 members, or however many people are interested. Perhaps try one region first, and see how it goes.
The overall objective could be described as a sort of 'calibration' to see where we're all at, in our search for the best BIR-type tastes. It should also be fun.
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That's great George!
So can you kick it off in your region? If so, you'd be looking for 3 - 5 other people to be interested in doing the same? Which region are you in George?
I'm happy to do the same in my region (if anyone is interested!). Any takers (Perth, Australia!)? :P
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i'm happy to join in a north west eat.
mine won't be quite as refined as a come dine but my garage is not that bad and we do eat in the kitchen.
if it don't work out on a regional basis then my kitchen is actually quite mobile.
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We need a Scottish contingent to step up to the plate (pun intended). I know Bobby Bhuna is from Edinburgh but not sure about other Jocks.
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My guess is that I'm the only cr0 member within a 500 mile radius of where I am. :(
But I'd really like to see the London/Birmingham/Mancs/Glasgow members do as George suggests...
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My guess is that I'm the only cr0 member within a 500 mile radius of where I am.
Thanks to a handful of people for their support so far. But where is everyone else? This forum has a reported 11000 members and at least 50 must be quite active.
If you think you might be interested in this idea, please say so now. No commitment - just an initial expression of interest in the concept.
Or if you think it's not for you, then please say why, e.g. you hate dinner parties!
I'm not talking about this year, either - more likely in 12-18 months time.
I should have mentioned that I live in the North London - south Herts area. Is there anyone else within 50 miles of here?
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Anyone in Surrey?
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Ill have a bash at it, im near Berwick-upon-tweed, so edinburgh's what 60 miles away and the same to newcastle. People will be sat in an armchair witha plate on a tray though as i havn't got a Dining table, im common see.
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im common see.
But aren't all Scots? JUST KIDDING! ;D
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Peter<<<<<<<<<<<<Brummie till i die! ;D
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B(r)UM! I had a feeling you might say that! :P
...but I guess that explains it! ;)
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I reckon we shouldn't get too hung up on regions and timescales here....we just need a few people close enough to each other to make it actually happen (wherever that might be). It would be good if it could happen sooner rather than later, 12-18 months away seems FAR too far away George!
I think people need to say:
a) if they are interested and, if so
b) where they are situated and how far they would be willing to travel (Josh's would take some serious beating! :o), and
c) if they are willing to be the first host
All we need is just a few people serious enough to make it happen!
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hi guys i'm up for it amd i'm in kent just 14 miles south of maidstone. i know of at least 3 peeps in this area UB is 1 but the others not sure on. next time i'm in Mouchak in ST Michaels i will try to get a message to the owner Rezaul who owns four restaurants in kent who started as a chef in Eltham in London before opening a takeaway "Mouchak" before so much interest inspired him to change it to restaurant then the Raja of kent just 2 miles away on the outskirts of Biddenden ( if you drive past the restaurant on any day after 6 pm the carpark is packed!) then the Raja of kent in maidstone which is in an old salvation army church which seats 300 people :o and also a restaurant in dartford. i will ask if he would join the forum or at least be up for insider info on what he does/did as chef and now owner. i am 1 of their best customers and they all know me as gary or mr gary ;D so fingers crossed and will keep you posted. all going well thursday(2morrow) is normally "2 chicken vindaloos (hot and thick) bombay aloo, 2 pilau rice, 1 peshwari naan 1 plain naan 2 poppadums and mint sauce and an extra vindaloo sauce or 2( can't resist :D) absolutley delicious night! so will ask Joy/ Kulfi or Rupon to pass him my mobile no.
regards
gary
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Does anyone know of any website or simple (free) software comprising a map of the UK on to which one can plot flags of where people live, eventually giving some indication of population distribution for a given group? Or we could do it manually.
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i am from Glasgow !! home of the best curries in the world, shame i cant make them lol
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i am from Glasgow !! home of the best curries in the world, shame i cant make them lol
Then you'd be an ideal candidate to get together with Bobby Bhuna (and several others in your vicinity) Gazman ;)
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Nice one george, well done for getting this rolling ;D
I'm up for this, why not? I share my house with 3 others but there's no problem having people over. The table seats 6 and it's walking distance from the tube. There's a pub very near too!
So it turns out we're pretty close George, i'm in north london too. Harringay, near finsbury park. It's roughly here on the map (note to stalkers: it's only rough, i dont actually live in the park!
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?rlz=1C1CHNG_enGB362GB362&sourceid=chrome&q=n4&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?rlz=1C1CHNG_enGB362GB362&sourceid=chrome&q=n4&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl)
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George,
u can't dangle the hook and then put it back in u're bag for eternity. we need this to work and for it to be this yr.
for anyone boarder line - i must admit the thought of a come dine puts nightmares into my mind - it's one thing watching it but u must be a real plonker to take part on TV. in short this is what we make of it - it's a learn learn opportunity - it's certainly an informal occasion among like minded friends for me.
brummies must not go for dining room tables - eh.
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George, u can't dangle the hook and then put it back in u're bag for eternity. we need this to work and for it to be this yr.
I'll see what I can do. A key issue is that I'm mid-way through building alterations which seems to be taking an eternity. My home is not in a fit state to have anyone round, whereas I used to host perhaps 5 or 6 dinner parties a year. Another problem is that I can lay on a spread of half-decent Indian food for friends which will be 80% 'traditional' up to now (i.e. not using base sauce). This 'menu' for friends would now be updated to include some dishes using base sauce, simply because some of the recipes on this site are so good. But to have you lot round, I think I'd need to cook a 100% BIR type meal. I've never done that! I need a couple of trial runs first, perhaps with local friends as guests.
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Does anyone know of any website or simple (free) software comprising a map of the UK on to which one can plot flags of where people live, eventually giving some indication of population distribution for a given group? Or we could do it manually.
Google Earth does this George and has ways of sharing the information. It's free and you can put virtual drawing pins in the map!
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George,
fillip eck. sounds as if u need us to bring tools as well as plates. often best can be achieved out of near chaos. i know exactly how u must feel as living with alterations is no fun for sure.
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... to have you lot round, I think I'd need to cook a 100% BIR type meal. I've never done that!
George, just phone your local takaway, grab a selection of old favourites, take them out of the containers and voila, problem solved!!!
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One of our members, Will, kindly established a map on a website he's used before.
I don't like the fact that you can post anywhere in the world and the display is a bit small. It's put me down for Barnet, USA and I don't know how to delete it.
Can this map be set up to show just the UK, and nothing more or less? If anyone in the USA, Australia, France, etc want to set up similar dinner party groups, I think it's best if they establish separate maps, to help keep each map simple.
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One of our members, Will, kindly established a map here:
http://platial.com/mapv/www.cr0.co.uk/825601# (http://platial.com/mapv/www.cr0.co.uk/825601#)
I don't like the fact that you can post anywhere in the world. It's put me down for Barnet, USA and I don't know how to delete it. Can this map be set up to show just the UK, and nothing more or less? If anyone in the USA, Australia, France, etc want to set up similar dinner party groups, I think it's best if they establish separate maps, to help keep each map simple.
Type "Barnet, England" ?
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Type "Barnet, England" ?
That's easy to say after the mistake has been made. I thought it would give options if there's more than one Barnet in the UK, let alone the whole world. I posted to Barnet, London afterwards, so I think there are now 2 of me on the same map. Useless! Please dont use this map until we decide which one to go for.
"Uncle Buck" - Please delete reference to that website (quote of my original post) from your post, or we'll be into chaos before we're hardly started.
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Here's another map. If you're potentially interested in the 'Come Dine' concept of meeting up with other cr0 members in your region:
1. Please try and add yourself to the map
2. Or tell me how to alter the settings so people can add themselves
3. Or PM me and I'll add you to the map if you let me know your rough location
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=53.324312,-0.395508&spn=2.585591,4.938354&z=8&msid=101006025654766873822.00047ee38342b1c939aa5 (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=53.324312,-0.395508&spn=2.585591,4.938354&z=8&msid=101006025654766873822.00047ee38342b1c939aa5)
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George,
i think u need to change the seetings on the map under manage collaborators and select "Allow anyone to edit this map". as it's unlisted only those with the url will know of it so it will be weekly secure.
alternatively we will need to pm u with our post code for u to add.
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I think you're getting far too complex George! Just get a few people, within reasonably close proximity to each other, and organise them to meet! And sooner, rather than later, I'd suggest?
In my opinion, the problem, to date, is that we've over complicated things and put too many obstacles in the way of what should be a fairly simple event! :-\
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alternatively we will need to pm u with our post code for u to add.
Thinking about it, I agree that might be the best option , i.e for anyone interested to mention the fact on this thread, or send me a message. I can then add them to the map.The map thing may look a bit complex but I hope it helps use gauge roughly where we all live.
I'm all for simplicity but what's too complex, so far? And what obstacles?
I think I can handle manual additions to the map because I'll be lucky to get many responses, the way it's going. So far there are 2 people who might be interested in my region - me and one other. It needs at least 4 so we're half way there.
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for anyone boarder line - i must admit the thought of a come dine puts nightmares into my mind - it's one thing watching it but u must be a real plonker to take part on TV. in short this is what we make of it - it's a learn learn opportunity - it's certainly an informal occasion among like minded friends for me.
Just to reassure - yes my intention all along is for this to be friendly and informal. Also, since the main courses will presumably be mostly based on speedy BIR type cooking, I'd expect people to migrate to the kitchen to watch main course preparation, if the host is happy about that. The only aspect which I hope is taken from the TV series is the concept of each person taking turns to cook for the others. They'll be no TV crew, no interviews criticising each other, and no 1000 pounds prize!
I've now updated the Google map with more names. Please take another look and resister your interest soon, if you haven't already. Where members provide a postcode, I am moving their location a bit for 'security reasons'.
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George,
love the map.
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love the idea
im in fort william, so a little trip for the weegies out of the smoke to the foot of ben nevis :)
i cant accomadate overnight only small flat, but there is a travel-lodge at the end of my road doing 20 quid a night rooms, this way we are not all worried about having a few drinks or a long drive back. Pleasant drive through glen coe ect for ya.
sign me up, available anytime.
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Where members provide a postcode, I am moving their location a bit for 'security reasons'.
Yeah, we don't want the curry taliban paying us a visit eh George! ;D
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Where members provide a postcode, I am moving their location a bit for 'security reasons'.
Yeah, we don't want the curry taliban paying us a visit eh George! ;D
So, why haven't you indicated any interest in this idea, so far?
For anyone who is interested, PM me and I'll add you to the map if you let me know your rough location. Please see:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=53.324312,-0.395508&spn=2.585591,4.938354&z=8&msid=101006025654766873822.00047ee38342b1c939aa5 (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=53.324312,-0.395508&spn=2.585591,4.938354&z=8&msid=101006025654766873822.00047ee38342b1c939aa5)
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That's great George!
So can you kick it off in your region? If so, you'd be looking for 3 - 5 other people to be interested in doing the same? Which region are you in George?
I'm happy to do the same in my region (if anyone is interested!). Any takers (Perth, Australia!)? :P
CA I am Western Australia , I'd be more than happy to hook up for a night . ;)
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I've recently added a couple more members to the map. Thank you for your interest.
One further good member has asked to be put down as anonymous, which I'm a bit reluctant to do. If you're eventually prepared to open the door of your home to 'people off the Internet' it doesn't seem too much to ask to put your member ID on a map which is not easily found. If I put a single anon, I fear we could have dozens of anons and it would spoil the map a bit. What do others think? Another option is to change the screen name to something effectively anonymous like Cory. That's not "Cory's" real name, presumably.
For anyone who is interested, PM me and I'll add you to the map if you let me know your rough location. Please see:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=53.324312,-0.395508&spn=2.585591,4.938354&z=8&msid=101006025654766873822.00047ee38342b1c939aa5 (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=53.324312,-0.395508&spn=2.585591,4.938354&z=8&msid=101006025654766873822.00047ee38342b1c939aa5)
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George - Toronto, Ontario, Canada :(
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George,
i can understand the anon. why don't they just put down a different but close town for now.
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Does it really matter? Provided George knows who they are and other members can see that sufficient members in their area are interested enough to make it happen (isn't this the purpose of the map?)?
Details can surely be worked out (by George), subsequently, on a need to know basis, thereby protecting members' anonymity if that's what they so desire?
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i can understand the anon. why don't they just put down a different but close town for now.
My thinking, too. I've now logged 'anonymous' from Newcastle but I still think it looks wrong. If I'm John from Exeter, there must be 1000s of John's in Exeter, so where's the risk? And if I log it as John from Torquay it makes it even less 'risky'.
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It doesn't really matter (at this stage anyway). You know who they are, they know who they are, you both know that they are interested and other members can see that there is someone else in their area that is interested.
It's a good example of what I mean by potentially complicating things and potentially putting obstacles in the way. Keep it simple. If someone wishes to remain anonymous on this forum then that's their prerogative IMHO.
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It's a good example of what I mean by potentially complicating things and potentially putting obstacles in the way. Keep it simple. If someone wishes to remain anonymous on this forum then that's their prerogative IMHO.
I agree about the need to keep things simple and that's what I'm trying to do. If I need hold a 'conversion table' of anon 1, anon 2 etc against members names, that's more complicated, I agree and just makes the map less interesting to look at. I agree also that the simplest way is to keep your own name, like I use George. It's putting an obstacle in the way to make up a name like Cory Ander as presumably derived from the spice Coriander. It's more complex and a deliberate obstacle.
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I don't see any problem with members wanting to be anonymous. I personally don't have a problem with having my name on it, and the map points a good 5 miles away from where I live. If more people sign up because they are able to be anonymous then the result will be better, there aren't many people putting their names forward anyway so lets not put anyone off.
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I agree also that the simplest way is to keep your own name, like I use George. It's putting an obstacle in the way to make up a name like Cory Ander as presumably derived from the spice Coriander. It's more complex and a deliberate obstacle.
;D nahhhh, you just SEE it as an obstacle George ;)
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;D nahhhh, you just SEE it as an obstacle George ;)
On second thoughts it was a poor example of mine by way of retaliation for your comments! You never did give examples of obstacles for the dinner party idea, though. You may have had in mind my comment about family members not being welcome. Perhaps it is a bit unfair but, then again, nobody has said why they haven't yet signed up. If they did, we could address any objections. I suggest we can agree the minor logistics for each regional gathering, once we achieve the requisite numbers to make it viable.
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You never did give examples of obstacles
Yeah, sorry about that George. My comments about complexity and obstacles were meant to be in a general sense (I can see that they might read differently!) in that we generally have difficulty getting things like this going (cooking lessons, in a BIR, is another example). Apart from peoples' seeming general lack of interest, I think we do also often tend to over complicate things.
In this specific case, I think the following risk overcomplicating things (certainly at this stage) and risk putting obstacles in the way:
- setting geographical areas (though that might be a practical thing to do)
- setting a number of people required to make it happen
- setting timescales of 12 - 18 months time (or any timescale, for that matter)
- worrying about maps, sticking names on it and worrying about if it looks interesting or not
- worrying about anonymity
- worrying about "conversion tables" (whatever that is?)
I refer you to my previous response about keeping it as simple as possible. My answer would be as follows:
a) CA is interested
b) Situated in Perth, WA
c) Willing to travel 100km
d) Yes, I'd be willing to host the first dinner
Thereafter, a simple table of people's responses should suffice at this stage. There is one other in my area that is interested so I (we) could even run with that if necessary.
Sorry if I sounded negative or attacking, I'm otherwise fully supportive of the idea.
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In this specific case, I think the following risk overcomplicating things (certainly at this stage) and risk putting obstacles in the way:
- setting geographical areas (though that might be a practical thing to do)
- setting a number of people required to make it happen
- setting timescales of 12 - 18 months time (or any timescale, for that matter)
- worrying about maps, sticking names on it and worrying about if it looks interesting or not
- worrying about anonymity
- worrying about "conversion tables" (whatever that is?)
CA - I'm very pleased that you're willing to be one of the forerunners for this idea in your area. I'm reluctant to extend the google map to Australia, though, because I think the map will then be too stretched out. Perhaps you could set up a map for Australia if you think it's necessary, which it's probably not!
There really are no obstacles or complexities for this idea. Everything is up for discussion and agreement once we get enough people in a 'bunch' rather than a region. I'm not defining any regions at all. So far, everyone looks too spread out, which is the whole point of the map - to make it obvious. Chinois and me are the only people in one area. As for numbers, don't you think it takes at least 4 and up to 6 to make it viable and feel like a dinner party rather than a meal for two? It's also the approach on 'Come Dine with Me'. The timescale (12-18 months) is not an obstacle - I'm just being honest, given my own situation. I also think it might take quite a while to get enough people 'signed up'.
Why do you use the word 'worrying' three times:? I'm not worrying at all. The map is a useful visual aid. Why criticise that? Anonymous submissions are not allowed in lots of areas of life so I think I was right to question it. If I don't keep a simple list of any 'annons' against member names (I called it a conversion table!), how else are we to keep track?
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I'm reluctant to extend the google map to Australia, though.....perhaps you could set up a map for Australia if you think it's necessary
Noooooooo! I'm sure it's not necessary George! :P
As for numbers, don't you think it takes at least 4 and up to 6 to make it viable and feel like a dinner party rather than a meal for two?
I think the more the merrier but, I feel two is preferable to the alternative of none! :P
The timescale (12-18 months) is not an obstacle - I'm just being honest, given my own situation
I think you should leave it to the "group" and that they should do it sooner rather than later. 12 to 18 months down the road is simply too long IMHO. 1 or 2 months maybe? Or even weeks?
why do you use the word 'worrying' three times:?
Cos I like to repeat myself and I worry about you worrying about trivia? ;)
The map is a useful visual aid. Why criticise that?
Yes it is George, but it's also a means to an end and not the means itself.
Anonymous submissions are not allowed in lots of areas of life so I think I was right to question it
Who cares? If it prevents it from happening, don't "worry" about it! oooops! Sorry! :P
If I don't keep a simple list of any 'anons' against member names (I called it a conversion table!), how else are we to keep track?
Yes, I understand that you would need to correlate "anons" with cr0 user names.
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Hi guy's,
Having never watched "come dine with me" what would be the format? Starter, Main and pudding? I don't know any BIR puddings, or at leat, I've never had one.
Would it be the host's choice of menu or would we provide a choice of menu in advance?
If the guest list was upto 6 people, over what time scale would we be talking to conclude the "round robin" One each concecutive weekend, for me, would seem too close together! I would suggest 1 every 1 - 2 months.
How do members feel about pre-prepairing the dishes, or would it be better to cook the dishes in front of the guest's. If the latter is the preferred way, that would put the fear of god into me as I don't think that I could do more than one main at a time plus, it would take me at least an hour to complete all mains from the first to last, too long IMHO.
Another thing that occured to me is, would we be expecting to cook our "own" recipes or is it fine to use other members recipes or at least a few elements? My nightmare would be that I use one of Jerry' recipes for example, and then Jerry ends up being on of my guest's, and I absolutely murder his dish :o
I have got a few building projects on at the moment but, I've run the idea past the missus and she didn't responed by calling me a Knob ed so I would be interested later rather than sooner though!
Razor
Manchester
UK
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Having never watched "come dine with me" what would be the format? Starter, Main and pudding? I don't know any BIR puddings, or at leat, I've never had one.
Razor - I can only answer your questions in line with the outline idea/concept of this, as kicked off by me. Final details for each bunch of people can be agreed later and may well vary. The overall objective is simple: between 2 and 6 people get together and agree to cook BIR style food for each other in turn. Do watch 'Come dine with me' on TV - it's on all the time. That's just about the only aspect I'm borrowing from the TV prog, though.
I generally provide starter, main and pudding (e.g. homemade kulfi) but that's for each host to decide. It will be wholly the host's choice of menu but I guess they could check if anyone is allergic to, or hates, certain dishes. I suggest the aim is to serve up the best food you can, to try and impress. I agree that meet-ups somewhere between every other weekend and every 1-2 months would seem about right, but that's for each group to decide. I also suggest it might be expected to prepare the main course dishes in front of the guests, just like the BIRs do. I agree that's a challenge but how can it take an hour if you're following a BIR type approach. You could cook 2 dishes at a time, like they do. I don't know if I can do that though, because I've never tried. You're right to be concerned. That's the challenge and the fun. We'll see who can deliver. I think it's essential to be allowed to cook 'other members' dishes. But because of all the changes and interpretations, I bet the results vary. Do sign-up, and that's only as far as a provisional expression of interest, with no commitment at all!
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Hi George,
Yeah, what I mean about taking an hour to cook all the mains is purely based on about 8 - 10 mins each main, x 6 = 1hr.
As far as cooking 2 at a time, i'd struggle with that aswell as I use a wok and the only way I could fit 2 woks at time would be to cook them diagonally on the hob as they won't fit next to each other, unfortunately, that would mean cooking one on the big ring, and one on a medium ring, don't know how that would work out. Still, it would equate to 20 mins from the first pair to the last but I guess that's the challenge :)
I might have to invest in some kit ;D
I'm well up for it though, sign me up please or is there something more formal that I need to do?
Ray
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Kulfi is an Indian ice cream made with condensed milk, also Gulab Jamuns are little sweet flour dumplings deep fried and steeped in sweet rose water syrup. I have made them both from scratch and they are yummy.
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Hi Stephen,
I have seen Kulfi and Gulab Jamuns on the menu at my fav BIR, I've just never seen anyone ever order them lol.
But, if that's what the format would require, then I would give it a go, even if to just confirm that I'm crap at sweets ;D
Ray
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Hey Razor
How about chilli ice cream?
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Hey Razor
How about chilli ice cream?
Haha, Hey Stephen, why not? As the chilli burns your tounge off, just have another spoonful of ice-cream, but then the burn would happen again so another spoonful would be required, but then the burn would happen again so another spoonful would be required, but then the burn................mmmmm maybe not a great idea afterall :P
Ray
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I believe it's been done before Razor but I've always been scared of ruining a damn good vanilla ice cream.
Think I might chicken out and do fruit salad with a little cinnamon and cream!
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Ha, don't blame ya mate.
Just out of interest Steve, where are you from and are you up for this "come dine with me" idea?
Ray
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Although I'm 100% behind the idea of getting 3 or 4 of us together for a round robin 'come dine with me' style series of evenings, maybe it is a bit optimistic. How about a similar theme but all 4 guests cook a main of their choice on a single evening at a hosts house for everyone else to sample? It would have the same effect but would only require one day rather than 4.
I'm happy either way, but I'm just trying to be realistic. There are 4 or 5 of us in or around London, surely we could arrange something within the next couple of months.
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Although I'm 100% behind the idea of getting 3 or 4 of us together for a round robin 'come dine with me' style series of evenings, maybe it is a bit optimistic. How about a similar theme but all 4 guests cook a main of their choice on a single evening at a hosts house for everyone else to sample? It would have the same effect but would only require one day rather than 4.
I don't know about you but I hate cooking in anybody else's kitchen. I think what you're suggesting isn't a bad idea but it's very different. It would be more of a workshop. It wouldn't have the same effect or benefits as a 'Come Dine' approach because you wouldn't get to taste anywhere near the same quantity of dishes, and the conditions would be far from optimal. Surely nobody is going to say they can produce better food by carrying base sauce round to someone else's house, and then finding the host's cooker is just not what they're used to, and a load of other things which could and will go wrong.
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Razor,
looks like i might have found my nearest chummy.
i can't get het up about the format - the group can decide. what's important is meeting up to share our knowledge.
a formal come dine i could not sell to my wife. building projects sound real good to me too.
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Great stuff Jerry, that's 2 of us then to start with. How near to Manchester are then mate, I noticed that you mentioned Bolton market in another post!
Another thought just popped into my head, wouldn't it be great if at one of these venues, a member managed to get hold of (or purchase) some spice mix, base, and pre-cooked chicken from their favourate BIR/TA and made a side by side (like for like) dish, say Madras, using the TA ingredients and then compare it to the dish using their own ingredients.
This should answer a few of our questions, I.E, if the intensity of the flame is a factor, if cooking method makes that much difference and so on....
I've even wondered if the type of pan makes any difference. I use a carbon steel wok, which allows me to really thrash the food about but I did buy a BIR style curry pan. Unfortunately, I carried on frying as if I was using the wok! There was more curry on the hob, the walls, and the floor, than ended up on my plate. I must say, the wife was well chuffed when she saw the kitchen :o
Ray
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a formal come dine i could not sell to my wife. building projects sound real good to me too.
I don't remember saying there was anything formal about what I was proposing unless having a few people round for dinner is just that. Anyway, please confirm - do you want to remain on the map for the 'Come dine' idea? Razor, too - should I remove you from the map? It's great that everyone's resolve and enthusiasm is being questioned - a sort of early shake-out - before any real effort goes into this.
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I doubt anyone on here is near me in NJ but I'd like to add my ID to the roster too.
Also I think some folks should chill out some. It's about people just as much as it is the food on hand, so enjoy it, food is great, people are great.
Cheers.
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George,
a formal come dine i could not sell to my wife. building projects sound real good to me too.
I don't remember saying there was anything formal about what I was proposing unless having a few people round for dinner is just that. Anyway, please confirm - do you want to remain on the map for the 'Come dine' idea? Razor, too - should I remove you from the map? It's great that everyone's resolve and enthusiasm is being questioned - a sort of early shake-out - before any real effort goes into this.
I'm not sure if I'm taking this the way you intended but, I've read through all my post's on this subject, and I fail to see anything that I have written, that would make you ask me if I would like to be removed from the map? If anything, I'm quite excited about the whole concept!
The comment that I made, "later rather than sooner" simply meant that, I have a few building projects in my home that I would like to finish before I host a curry night, meaning, that if we found 6 members in my region, I would like to host my night, 5th or 6th, to give me a chance to complete, that's all!
Also, who is "questioning" people's resolve and enthusiasm? because I'm certainly not!
Forgive me if I'm taking your comments the wrong way but, the written word can easily be mis-construed and it does sound like you've got the right hump for some reason!
Ray
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Ha, don't blame ya mate.
Just out of interest Steve, where are you from and are you up for this "come dine with me" idea?
Ray
Ray
I'm from Dundee in Scotland but please don't use that against me!!
The idea - alas I can't claim any credit for it as that belongs to George, however I think he came up with a good un'.
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Hi Steve,
No mate, I think you mis-understand me, what I mean is, would you be willing to give the "come dine" project a go.
Haha, nothing against Dundee mate, I think my sis in law was born there but you wouldn't know from her accent, she's now got a proper scally Manc accent now, like something off Shameless ;D
Ray
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I'm quite excited about the whole concept!
Great! I should say I share your concern about cooking BIR style food for a group. I've never done it and it will be fun to try. I also have building work so, like you, I'm not talking about invites being sent out for some time. I also like the idea of small 'workshop' type gatherings and maybe we could hold some of those in the meantime. I suggested this 1 or 2 years back, but there seemed little interest at that time; hence my suggestion for a dinner party format this time.
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Sorry Ray I certainly did read your post wrongly.
Yeah I am a big fan of the idea but there are quite a few practicalities to work out though. For example I am moving into a new house in May so it would have to be after that.
I am also wondering about the take up from other members and not sure how much expressions of interest there are so far. If not a could be a long way to travel for some of us Jocks!!
I also like the other thread started by Cory on trying to nail a basic medium curry and I am trying to rise to that challenge using the Ashoka base and it would be good to include that in the whole Come Dine With Me idea.
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Hi George,
I think it's a brilliant idea, and I for one, am certainly up for it. Really looking forward to cooking for fellow curryholics and just hope I can give them something close to what they would expect from their TA/BIR
Ray
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An option, I'd personally be in favour of, is for each person to prepare their own curries and then reheat them at the agreed venue (together with BIR curries as a reality check)....perhaps using "blind tasting" to eliminate any bias....just a thought.
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An option, I'd personally be in favour of, is for each person to prepare their own curries and then reheat them at the agreed venue (together with BIR curries as a reality check)....perhaps using "blind tasting" to eliminate any bias....just a thought.
I assume you refer to the separate idea of a near one-off meeting (for each local grouping) at someone's house. I agree it would make sense to have some 'control samples' from a BIR for that, but we're in danger of this thread going off-topic. Could you please open a separate thread for the proposed 'workshop' meetings, rather than confuse this 'Come Dine' thread based on a series of dinner parties. I'm interested in both. They're separate events.
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Could you please open a separate thread for the proposed 'workshop' meetings, rather than confuse this 'Come Dine' thread based on a series of dinner parties
In which case, George, I'm confused :-\
What is the main purpose of this "come dine with me" event then (if not to evaluate each others' curry cooking prowess compared to a BIR)?
I would have thought that the simplest and most practical way to achieve this might be to do it in one hit. That doesn't mean to say that it can't also be repeated (if that's what the group wants to do)?
Perhaps you would be kind enough to (re) elaborate?
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My in-laws live near Chester so I could attend, but unfortunately not host, an evening in the Manchester / Warrington area.
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In which case, George, I'm confused
I thought I'd been very clear, but in case not...
I assumed nearly everyone knows the rough format of a dinner party: friends invite you round for dinner. They invariably spend many hours slaving away in the kitchen to prepare the food, tidy up the house, lay the table, etc before their guests arrive at perhaps 7.30pm You might start off with a drink and a bit of conversation whilst the host puts the finishing touches to the food preparation and you all sit down to eat. Guests might offer to help with food prep or washing -up but I wouldn't say it's expected. The host does 99% of the work. Now, there must be 101 variations on this theme but that's basically the format of 'Come Dine' and whAt I'm proposing on this thread. It's simple because each host does their best and we see what they can deliver. My guess is that it might reveal some excellent food. Nobody will be bringing round samples of base sauce or trying to persuade the host to use a different recipe, half an hour before you eat.
The 'workshop'/ Saturday morning/lunchtime type get together I suggested several years back would be an opportunity to meet up and 'play around' with different base sauces, compare them with BIR samples, etc. It will probably be a one-off for each bunch of people. One member would make his kitchen available.
I suggest we could hold the 'workshop' type sessions first, to see how we get on, and then move on to dinner parties later. if we want to.
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OK, as long as someone brings a slab of beer as well as the cabernet sauvignon! ;D
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My in-laws live near Chester
chriswg,
u're pushing it - i think chester is in merseyside "hollyoaks land". no probs with u joining a North West get together.
before anyone get's upset i consider merseyside my 2nd home.
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Razor,
the map shows my location ie warrington. i used to shop in longsight but get to bolton more often (closer) and gradually found i can almost get everything i need their. i do like a walk up the mile though.
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Hi Jerry,
I love the mile meself mate, not been there for a few years but I'm there this coming Saturday with friends. Really looking forward to it but it can be a bit hit and miss though!
By the way Jerry, how do I view the map?
Ray
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Razor,
we stopped going for the very same reason.
to get to the map u just click on the link George has provided - u can then if u wish save it as one of your google saved maps.
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Does anyone know of any website or simple (free) software comprising a map of the UK on to which one can plot flags of where people live, eventually giving some indication of population distribution for a given group? Or we could do it manually.
I know this is an old post I'm picking up on, but perhaps the best way of achieving what you're talking about here is to install the Google Earth modification to SMF (the software on which the forum is built). The plugin is here (http://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?mod=1010) and should be a simple install, all members of the site would then have access to a map where they could drop a pin to indicate their location anywhere in the world. Other members could view the whole map and find members by location. It does need someone with access to the server to install it so I guess it's a question of whether admin is interested in the idea.
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natterjak,
we did get the interested members on the map.
for the life of me i can't believe this has not taken off - i guess the internet has won.