The much heralded book about British Food ‘Pie Fidelity‘ is out this week and after picking my way through pie and peas, fish and chips and cream teas, I found a chapter on British style curry. However, even better, the author Pete Brown acknowleged the Balti specifically and, even better he mentioned Al Frash one of the top Baltihouses in the Balti Triangle:
… ‘a spectacular meal … ‘almost too good’.
Long overdue praise indeed!
Dan Toombs
The Curry Guy: Recreate Over 100 of the Best British Indian Restaurant Recipes at Home (Hardback at Waterstones) – Dan Toombs (author)
Dan Toombs tome (now there’s a tongue twister) ‘The Curry Guy’ (@TheCurryGuy) is an excellent insight into BIR (British Indian Restaurant) cuisine. This is a book short on pomposity but long on valuable hints and tips accompanying some great recipes. Dan’s valuable ‘insider’ information is made possible by his many links with the type of well used and locally revered restaurants which may never win Michelin Stars but turn out the sort of tasty cuisine that makes Indian food so popular.
A particular delight is some literally mouth watering photography and a handy introductory précis for each recipe.
Definitely a must read for both the keen curry goer and the home cook.
The Curry Guy
More information and where to buy this book at http://www.greatcurryrecipes.net
The Story of Birmingham’s Signature Dish is a new book by Andy Munro
The Birmingham Balti has received world wide recognition and acclaim from the New York Times to the travellers’ bible, The Rough Guide, but more than anything else, it holds a place in the hearts and minds (and stomachs) of avid baltigoers everywhere. Going For A Balti traces back the story of this unique dish from its birth, through its boom years to the present day.
This is the inside track on Birmingham’s signature dish, as never told before, through the eyes of ‘Baltiholic’ and Champion of all things uniquely Birmingham, Andy Munro.
AUTHOR NOTE Andy Munro was born and bred in the Balti Triangle and, as a passionate Brummie, has championed the Birmingham Balti to the extent of working with the restaurants to apply for a European Food Trademark of Authenticity. Recently semi-retired after ten years leading the regeneration of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, he continues to be involved in championing his home city.
Details of how to get a signed copy from this site:
‘Just out, the Definite History of Birmingham’s iconic dish!
A great present for Balti Lovers everywhere! (Published by Brewin Books)
Order your signed copy of this definitive history of the Birmingham Balti by sending a cheque for £7- 50p (inc postage and packing) made out to Andy Munro and send to 11 Orchard Way, Hollywood, Birmingham, B47 5NH.’
Or you can get your copy online by clicking this link or on Amazon.