At the Chilli Rooms Tooting Bec, 2002, club was formed and “precious” born. Founding members were Charlie Byriani Sing, Wakham Wasley, Fish ‘n’ Chips Fiaz and of course the intrepid Peter Patel. The club was named the TCC, some said we must be Madras, but we grew fast. 22 restaurants were scrutinised over a gruelling 22 week period. In those days the club was not for the faint hearted and Chairpersons were elected to the post for a month at a time!! Accidents in those days were common most notably the severe burn injury suffered by Raza Redman during a facilities assessment. Confirming attendance and then dropping out was punishable by a fahl at the next meeting. A particularly memorable experience was Jalfhazi Jones nailing a fish fahl in under 5 mins – the next days journey to work being a particularly traumatic one for him. New members like Lanky Stalkawardene bhajied their way to the fore developing the TCC rule book. In the inaugural year the club shadowed the cricket world cup and so it was only Raita and proper that the top 8 restaurants from the early rounds progressed into the super 8 knock-out stages. Curry house went up against curry house Sihking the flavours of the TCC, before at last in the grand final the Shanaz triumphed. Awards were presented and I in particular was slightly embarrassed to receive the “club man of the year”. This trophy is still displayed for all to see.  Other highlights from the TCC included curry cottages, miniature zoo, the Tooting travelling curry circus and of course the lively debate on famous Indian artists including Vincent Van Ghost and Learnardo Da Vindaloo. The TCC met a staggering 36 times and welcomed 38 people to the curry table. 268 meals were eaten in the name of curry research. That meant we collectively spent over £3,000 supporting the local curry trade this is equivalent to the price of an average round the world trip. The club did not receive any freebies that year and no waiter responded to "do the chickens karahi around here?" with "only if their naan has died". The spirit of the club lives on in the popular and expanding Swansea Curry Club, reviving the format and breaking into new markets! Please also see the Tooting Curry club blog |