Curry Oscars Win For Local Takeaway
– Spice Plus named Takeaway of the Year
– Christmas Party Package Announced
– New January Detox Menu Planned
– ‘Cymru Curry’ to be reprieved for National Laverbread Day
Spice Plus in Talbot Green, Pontyclun, in South Wales, was named Take-Away of the Year, Mid Glamorgan, at this year’s Asian Curry Awards, widely known as the ‘Curry Oscars’.
The presentation ceremony and gala dinner was held at the prestigious Grosvenor House on London’s Park Lane on 19th November. The event was hosted by BBC news anchor Samantha Simmons, with London Mayor, Saddiq Khan, as guest of honour.
“This is the proudest moment in my career and I’ll be eternally grateful to the many loyal customers who nominated us in sufficient numbers to make the final shortlist,” said Spice Plus owner, Shakil Syed.
Yawar Khan, chairman of the Asian Catering Federation which organises the annual Awards, commented: “Our judges were highly impressed by the exclusive dishes with a unique Welsh twist.”
On St David’s Day the restaurant offered Leek & Onion Bhajis. Another popular starter was its ‘Slay the Dragon’, a spicy Mysore delicacy of pineapple-flavoured, honey-glazed tandori chicken.
For National Curry Week (2nd to 8th October) www.nationalcurryweek.co.uk, Spice Plus created a special ‘Cymru Curry’ dish of Welsh lamb in laverbread (seaweed), as an alternative to sag (spinach), donating £5 for each one sold to charity. The dish will be reprieved for National Laverbread Day, 14th April 2023.
For home and office Christmas parties this year, Spice Plus will be offering bespoke Christmas party special takeaway packages for from £20 a head throughout December.
In the New Year, when many curry lovers plan to lose the inches gained during the festive season’s excesses, Spice Plus will introduce a special Detox Menu.
Many people avoid spicy food and curries when they want to lose weight.
That can be a mistake, according to Shak. Food is regarded as medicine throughout the Indian subcontinent. Many spices boost the immune system, cleanse the body and stimulate the metabolism – promoting weight loss.
“You rarely see an overweight Indian chef or serving staff. People need to avoid dishes heavy in oil, butter or cream and opt for more pulses and vegetable dishes. Choosing both rice and bread is best avoided. As is the lager. Reducing meat will cut the calorie count, with fish a much healthier alternative,” said Shak.
The January Detox Menus will be live on the Spice Plus website in the New Year www.spice-plus.co.uk
