Topic: Hello from Australia

[InterCooL]

Hi ladies and gents

Am posting to say G'day from Australia

I'm here to learn how to cook better Indian food, I have been trying for a few years now, gradually moving away from pre made packets and expanding my spice collection, -but I have A LOT to learn.

Indian is my favourite cuisine, I just wish I could make it like they do in the shops!

Btw, I used a local cooking section in the Sydney paper and requested a restaurant 'reveal' it's vindaloo recipe. They sort of did, but not entirely.  Should I post it up?

[Masala Mark]

Hi InterCool,

Welcome to the forum from another Aussie here in Brisbane.

Post away the recipe for us all to have a look at. One thing you will probably notice is that there is quite a difference between AIR and BIR dishes though.

I've had a lot of luck here in Brisbane going into restaurants and having lessons, and also with having Chefs out to my place for lessons as well.

Check out sydney.gumtree.com.au and the Job sections for Chefs, you'll often find Indian Chefs looking for work, post them and ask if they are interested in earning some extra income while looking for work, that's how I did it. Also too, search for Indian Restaurants in Sydney that do Cooking Classes and contact them to see if they will teach restaurant style rather then home style.

All the best and have fun.

Cheers,
Mark

[InterCooL]

Hi Mark

That's a great idea

I have just requested a birthday present as a Goan cooking class at a pish posh looking Indian restaurant ($120!), hopefully they will be teaching restaurant style there!

How much will chefs teach you in home? I understand people will vary but I don't want to offend someone by not offering enough money

[Masala Mark]

I've paid between $30-$40 per hour in home and pretty much the same in the restaurants.

It's quite high and more then I make an hour, but if I want to learn from them then I need to be prepared to pay for it, they've always been very happy with the amount and that has meant that I can continue to ask questions/clarify with them as well.

Also, I've yet to find any IR here in Brisbane that only uses one gravy to make all their dishes like we see in BIR, all use multiples from 3 through to 6 or so.

[Malc.]

Welcome onboard.