After last year’s successful inaugural Old Brods charity curry cook off, 2015 had a lot to live up to and it certainly didn’t disappoint, with the standard of the entrants surpassing the expectations of the judges and the membership all too ready to sample and praise the efforts of competitors from all sections of the club. Complimented by a great selection of mixed starters, poppadoms and chapatis (and pizzas for the less adventurous eaters) kindly donated by Saj’s Place.
Though the results were immaterial to the punters, treated to 13 outstanding and completely unique pots and pans of personal recipes and family favourites, there was a competitive edge at the higher end of the spectrum with 8 curries ticking the boxes on the judges score sheets and only been separated by 20 points which out of 250 - testament to the culinary skills and dishes on display.
Huge thanks to all the chefs and cooks and I’m already getting asked for the date for 2016 event so you all should be proud of your efforts. Special mention for young chef Isaac Lewis, aged 7, who allowed his Dad (“used to be a Beaver” Mark) to take some of the credit for their Killer Keema which was particularly popular with Isaac dishing it up.
Unfortunately there had to be a wooden spoon winner and taking Eddie Carter’s crown from last year was Phil (hands) Gatenby, a bit of a theme developing with whoever the head judge knows best losing, but he won the Hamper in the raffle so that soften the blow.
As already stated the standard was very high but there had to be a top 3 and bringing up the rear on the podium was Scott Parkin who’s “World Cup Curry” wowed the judges though didn’t stop him having a ‘you’ve been framed’ style tumble as he left the clubhouse. 2nd spot went to Phil Stapley (who got extra points for having to stand next to Scotty P) with his Karachi creation which went down a storm with a professionally palletted panel of judges led by Yvonne Mellor, catering manager from our charity partner the Overgate Hospice, Ryan ‘Bottomleys Arms’ Loach, El Presidentee, Forces representative Kez and Beavers past and present Phil ‘had a bit of a sweat on’ Horton and CeeJay.
The 2015 Champions were Steve and Molly McAvan, successfully defending the crown they’d won last year with a spicy Lamb Keema that just tipped the scales in their favour. Congratulations if you win it next year you can keep the trophy!
Massive thanks as usual to Ryan and Kirsty Loach, Sarah, Phil G and Oggy, the judges but especially all the entrants who made it a great club night with top notch grub on offer too.
See you next year!