Topic: Pat Chapmans Cooking Classes

[haldi]

I know that some people do not rate Pat Chapman, but this seems a pretty good deal.
He is doing the cookery lesson in an actual indian restaurant
Here's a quote from his site

SATURDAY MORNING CURRY
3 hour Saturday Course Itinerary ~ Curry Cooking in a small group.
?70 per person.
Two people ?135.
plus ?60 per person for the third or more.
Min 10 persons, max 18


This course is held at an award-winning operational Indian restaurant in north Hampshire. After a welcoming soft drink, Dominique and Pat Chapman show the spices and flavourings needed, then they demonstrate a full Indian curry main course which will serve at least 6 people.
This consists of Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Jalfrezi, Bombay Potato and Pullao Rice.
They also make Indian Breads, Chana Chat Salad and Tandoori Mint Raita.
Everyone will get a taste of these dishes which you can eat there and then.
Pat will call for volunteers to help cook.
The Tikka Masala and Jalfrezi can be made vegetarian if prior notice given.
Venue has on-street parking and full facilities.

For anyone starting to cook, this would be a real shortcut
(I'm sure that his demos used to be at his home)

[Jethro]

"After a welcoming soft drink"

Thats me out  ;D

[Curry King]

Didn't they used to cost a lot more as well!

Seems a good deal but will it be BIR as we know it or Pats own "take" on it 

[IanR]

I have attended that course. It is in a BIR restaurant but in the dining area not in the kitchen ! I assume this is so the chefs are not hindered as they prepare for the day
Pat uses camping stoves to demonstrate his recipes. It was an enjoyable morning and his dishes tasted pretty good but unless you are completely new to curry making you probably won't learn a great deal on this course.

Ian

[haldi]

Pat uses camping stoves

Until you said that, I was intrigued
Camping Stoves?!!
I thought we had decided that the intense heat from restaurant cookers, was a key factor in achieving the "Taste"

[IanR]

Also, the Chicken Tikka Masala is probably not what you would expect to receive in a BIR. I think Pat also calls it Murgh Makhani which is more like butter chicken. Tastes good though

Ian

[George]

Pat uses camping stoves

Many thanks for the warning. Before that, I was sort of thinking it might be worth consideration. But no way, now. This is typical of PC IMHO. Examples: (1)build up false expectations on book covers and totally fail to deliver with the text inside. (2) build up expectaions that a course at an Indian restaurant will be all about BIRs, when it sounds as though it's nothing of the sort.

Regards
George

[Curry King]

I would be feel very let down to arrive and find out that you won't actually be doing any cooking in the kitchen!  Why else would you be going to an Indian Restairant to do the course, just for the atmosphere     

Assuming that the CTM is the same one that appears on the his dvd you could in fact watch that instead and save yourself 70 quid.

cK

[IanR]

The course and DVD are very similar. As I said if you are a complete newbie then you would really enjoy the course but the advert is a bit misleading

Ian