Pictured above: Arfan Razak (Raz) with some of the 40
Commando Royal Marines at their base in Somerset
A crack troop of Royal Marines is preparing to visit Nottingham
to learn how to cook a traditional curry from one of the city's
leading experts in authentic Indian cuisine.
The six men from 40 Commando, based in Somerset, will spend a
week in the kitchens of the multi award-winning Curry Lounge
restaurant, where they will be trained by owner Arfan Razak (better
known as Raz).
The training session was arranged after Raz visited the Marines'
base in Taunton in November to cook for more than 700 servicemen as
part a special evening arranged by The British Forces
Foundation.
"The troops that I worked with in the kitchens down in Somerset
were very keen to learn some of the techniques associated with
traditional Indian cooking," commented Raz. "However, there was
only so much I could teach them in the space of a few hours, so we
decided to invite them to the restaurant.
"During their time with us, they'll be adding to their already
comprehensive cookery skills and learning how to make dishes that
differ greatly from the more westernised curries that many people
are used to. They'll also be learning techniques that they'll be
able to put to good use during their travels across the
world.
"I'm told that curry is one of the foods most missed by troops
returning from the front line, so their new skills should be very
welcome."
The group's training will culminate in a charity evening on
Thursday 20 January, when they will be put to the test and asked to
cook for a restaurant full of special guests.
As well as the three-course meal, diners will also be treated to
live music, a henna artist and an auction. All proceeds from the
evening will be donated to The Royal Marines Benevolent Fund, a
charity that supports those who are currently serving, or who have
served, as a Royal Marine, as well as the next of kin of those
killed in the line of duty.
"The charity evening is not only the culmination of the Marines'
training with us, but it's also the region's chance to say thank
you to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces," added Raz.
"Everyone at The Curry Lounge is delighted that we'll be sharing
our kitchen with some of this country's true heroes."
For further information on The Curry Lounge, visit www.currylounge.co.uk