Topic: Confessions

[Rafa]

Hi all
My name is Rafa and I'm a curry addict. . . It all started in Paisley,  Scotland, 40 years ago. Student, away from home, hungry . . ."You must try it," they said, as I nursed my sixth pint of Guinness. I was weak, easily led . . . The place was down a lane, dark, upstairs. They gave me vindaloo and two chapattis. I can't remember enjoying the taste but I felt it. Burning all the way down. And the next day too. But I went back for more. And more. Then it was at lunchtime as well. I got off the hard stuff - the vindaloos and phalls. Madras was the staple, mutton the meat of choice. Then came the pathias, the dansaaks, rogan josh - I tried them all. Dropped out of college. Got a job in a newspaper office in Dundee, the city of jute, jam and journalism. Big Asian population went there to service the jute industry . . . and helped to feed my habit in the many curry joints which sprung up all over town. Got married, moved to Edinburgh, managed to get the wife into curry. But she was just the occasional user and it was all that designer stuff. I needed basic BIR and I needed it often. The habit was getting expensive though and the wife wouldn't go out. I worked late and started secretly frequenting the takeaway haunts on the way home. Some had open kitchens and I watched them make the stuff. Big pots of golden magic, the contents ladled into little woks.  Spices added, then more mysterious liquids, all coming together in a sizzling delicious alchemy.  I started to try to make my own. No Internet in those days. Just Madhur Jaffray books with complex recipes. Couldn't get the kick. Got frustrated trying to find the right blend of spices , the right texture , the right method. It wasn't  working. Was cutting my powder with crap. Tasted (moderated). But I just can't stop. Cold turkey is not an option for a curry freak. The pressure was on to change though. More Chinese, she said, there are so many good Oriental restaurants in Edinburgh. Let's try Thai.
But the cravings are back big time; I miss the rush I get when I see and smell a perfectly prepared curry; the lovely buttery taste of a warm nan straight  from the tandoor. I thought I couldn't go on, couldn't handle the denial . . . Until two night ago, when I discovered this forum. I think I am going to be saved. So, let me introduce myself again. My name is Rafa and I'm a curry addict. Can you please help me . . .

[Peripatetic Phil]

Welcome, brother Rafa, to your spiritual home.  Here shall you find salvation, a release from your longing and your car(nivor)al desires.  All shall be revealed to you, and you too shall join that happy band of fellow curry addicts who, no longer beholden to the proprietors of those dens of sin and iniquity known as "British Indian Restaurants", can finally sate their longings in the comfort of their own homes, confident that nothing is impossible and all can be achieved.  You are truly blessed.

** Phil.

[Les]

Welcome, brother Rafa, Go forth and enjoy. The brothers (and sisters) are here to help you should you need it, Fear not your sin, for we are here with you

Les

[rshome123]

Welcome Rafa.