'Turning up the heat' - by Anastasia Edwards

Published: 23 July, 2008

Although Cyrus Todiwala MBE, owner and executive chef of Caf Spice Namast in the City of London, has been a long-standing supporter of National Curry Week, which this year takes place from 22 to 28 October, he would like to set the record straight about a few things. For starters, he'll have you know, there is no such thing as curry.

Team up with your local curry house for a wine-and-food matching evening

Display a selection of your favourite take-out-curry-friendly wines during National Curry Week, and donate a percentage of the sales

Hold a raffle

Hold an in-store tasting of wines that go well with curry

Display a selection of unusual curry spices and herbs in-store, with a prize for the person who guesses them right

If you're interested in receiving a marketing pack (which includes a window sticker, donation sheets and a tent card with information about National Curry Week) or would like to donate a prize, contact Peter or Colleen Grove on 020 8397 7517 or at groveint@aol.com

Each participating restaurant will be sent a pack consisting of window sticker, table card and donations forms. The window sticker will show which restaurants are participating (these will also be listed on the website) and the table card will advise why donations are being sought. The donations sheet will be offered by the restaurant (probably with the bill) and customers give name, address and amount of donation (not compulsory) to enter for the prize draw to be made two weeks after National Curry Week/Eating Out Week.

A 'focus' restaurant will be appointed in most cities and towns on which the local media can focus for publicity.

The Poppadom Tower Record attempt will be run for the third year where customers or restaurants themselves attempt the record and donate 1 per poppadom in the tower (160 is the current record). Restaurants will also be encouraged to engage in any other special promotions such as special menu, biggest curry, biggest naan, etc.

National Curry Week also falls during Diwali this year so it is being suggested that restaurants donate a percentage of any special Diwali meals to the charity.

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