Topic: Bonjour!

[Berni the Balti]

Hi Everyone
I was so pleased to find this site, soooo much info on here. FYI I live in the south of france and have tried to get good curries but as there are only 2 indian restaurants within a 100 mile radius and to get any hint of a chilli hit you have to order a phall, I decided to make my own.
Have had the KD book for many years but never really tried any recipes. I used to live in Suffolk and cook curries using 'Raffi's Spice boxes' and was kind of happy enough with the results. I tried the KD base and was amazed at how much better it was than Raffi (better texture to the final curry) but still felt something was lacking. I tweaked many of her recipes (in particular her Tikka and CTM which if you follow the book are disgusting!!) and was fairly happy with the end results.
However, since finding this site I have really moved on. I have cooked bases using the Mark J method, Darth's, Chilli Prawns UCB and latterly Andy's. I am happy to share my views/comments on each of these if you wish.
I have also tried Laynes tikka and Cory Anders (both great), the Veggie Pakoras from (sorry I forget right now, but they were brilliant, but sauce not quite right) and Cory Anders Naan and Lamb kebabs, both brilliant.
Have also followed Andys Madras, Vindaloo and Medium Chicken Curry recipes to the letter, along with his pre cooked paste and special spice mix with really good results.
FYI I host a 'Curry Club' evening at my home every fortnight for fellow ex pats who miss curry and each meal gets better (so I am told) and this is in no small part due to the recipes, hints and tips I have gained from this site.
If anyone wants to share my experience of gaining 'the taste' I am not sure I am 100% there yet but almost, but more importantly I guess hopefully to learn from my mistakes! Have thrown away a huge batch of Andy's paste as burnt and bitter but think  I have cracked it now

[Curry King]

'the taste' I am not sure I am 100% there yet but almost

Welcome to the club  ;D

[Dragon]

welcome its an awsome site and full of info for u to get cooking some great curries : :

[Cory Ander]

Welcome to this site Bernie,

Crikey Bernie!  You've certainly seem to have been bolting (Bernie the Bolt.....sheesh!  You're going back a bit are't ya!) it down you!    ;D

It would be brilliant if you could provide feedback in the relevant recipe threads.  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! 

Rather sadly (IMHO), it seems that we all too seldom get feedback from those who have actually tried the recipes here.  We (including me!) seem far more inclined to have a huge debate, and argue the toss, without even actually trying the recipes!    :

Post away Bernie! 

[spicysarsy]

 ;D ;D Welcome to our domain bernie.

[Panpot]

Bonjout too Bernie, I am also an ex-pat in the South of France and where I live there is a host of Indian Resteraunts but as you say none that come close to the best Birs. I am also inspired that you have cooked so many dishes.

I suspect we would all like to hear about your results, there does appear to be a lot of comment from many who are not claiming like you to have had a go cooking some of the meals especially Andy's.

Everyone will make you welcome and while people do comment without cooking they are all appreciated because the site is not just about cooking the food its also about the love of everything to do with it.

I am certain there is no better site on anything so enjoy.  Panpot

[DARTHPHALL]

Hi Berni, welcome.

[CurryCanuck]

Greetings BtB .

[curryqueen]

Hi Bernie and welcome.  Don't be afraid to ask, thats what we're here for! CQ

[merrybaker]

Hi, Bernie.  Welcome!  I love the idea of expats getting together for curries.