I popped into Chutneys last night for a cheeky mid week curry and tried to ask the person behind the counter if I could speak to the Chef. He didn't seem to understand me but disappeared into the kitchen for a few seconds, shouted something in an Indian dialect then came back and didn't say anything else to me. I wasn't hopeful.
A few minutes later a young Indian chap comes bounding out. "Hi mate, I'm Azz, I hear you wanted a chat with me. I'm the head chef and owner here". He was a really nice chap and nothing like any other chefs I have met who are generally very difficult to understand. He must have been born in the UK or moved here very young. Either way he produces the nicest BIR food I have ever eaten, anywhere. And that is a very high accolade given my love of curry!
Anyway, he knew how I was when I mentioned my address. Not surprising given the deliver there every week. Unfortunately he had already cooked my dish when he came out - he said he had just tasted it "man that is hoooooot!" he said rather amusingly. He mentioned a Masala that they use in the dish that has 15 ingredients including coconut and tamarind paste. He then said that next time I want to order on a Mon or Tues to pop in and he'll show me how to cook it - result. I was lucky yesterday, he doesn't usually cook on Wednesdays if there is footie on the tele!!! If this is the next generation of Indian chefs then the country is in for a real treat!
