Wolverhampton: Big Hunger for Curry Win!

Their population may be smaller but their curry passion is just as big! And with WV One, an organisation which describes themselves as being at the heart of Wolverhampton, working tirelessly to show Britain that their city is worthy of the Curry Capital title, Bradford and Glasgow better prepare themselves for some new hot competition.

We spoke with WV One Operations Director Kim Gilmour about staying up all night literally singing the praises of her city – READ how their creativity will put them ahead.

Curry Credits

Curry Capital of Britain Awards 3rd place in 2011, 2010

Cafe Rickshaw – Right Spice For Wolves Fight

This year Café Rickshaw, Bilash, Anise, and Massala Club make up team Wolverhampton! The city was just warming up in 2010 and 2011 with third place wins, now they’re proving that 2012 could be the year they have the fire to launch them to number one. We spoke with Café Rickshaw Chef Sam Hussain about having what it takes to be awarded Curry Capital.

Food at Cafe Rickshaw

- What will winning the Curry Capital of Britain title mean for Wolverhampton, and the Indian restaurants of the city?

It would be great achievement for the City and the Indian restaurant sector bringing in extra tourists, which mean better commerce stability.

- Why does Wolverhampton deserve to win?

Britain’s culinary favourite definitely is curry, which has a new high. Wolverhampton is the hot spot for the Country no doubt about it.
The food, culture and the diversity of our great city, which makes us stand out from rest.

- What will you be doing for your Curry Capital bid?

We had a great launch at the city centre with dhol players, henna painting and three selected restaurant giving samples to public. There are lots more events to follow on.

- Have you represented Wolverhampton in the Curry Capital of Britain Awards in the past, if so what has that involved?

We have been involved since we started to bid in 2010, it’s a great feeling getting selected by public votes from 37 Indian food outlet in the city.

- As a representing restaurant you will be judged on a number of things – standard of food, service, hygiene, cleanliness and how you serve the community. How does Cafe Rickshaw serve the community of Wolverhampton?

We are a focused passionate team mainly consisting of family members. Our aim is to provide high standard of fine dining without compromising on the quality, serving food with modern twist. We aim to change perception of Indian dining.

Does Cafe Rickshaw have a signature style/ what makes you unique?

We’ve currently adapted to sous vide style of cooking on some our signature dishes. Recipe are cooked under vacuum in a water bath at a low temperature for a longer period of time, which eliminate the concern of overcooking and the it remain moist and flavoursome.

What will you be doing to celebrate if Wolverhampton wins Curry Capital?

It’s already a success being part curry capital 2012, if Wolverhampton city wins the bid, we would hold a celebration charity ball. This would attract media well as raise funds for good cause.

Wolverhamption – Black Country to Bright City

A rich history as the largest and only city in the Black Country doesn’t mean Wolverhampton is stuck in the past, in fact they have struck a balance between holding onto their roots and growing into a culturally diverse thriving city. Here are some interesting facts about Wolvo.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Image, by Lee Jordan

What’s with the name?

Not only is the name Wolverhampton a bit of a mouthful, it also tends to spark a number of word associations, hence the city also being known as Wolvo, W’ton or Wolves. And if you come from Wolves, you’re likely to be referred to as a Wulfrunians or a Yam Yam.

Wolverhampton sign. Image, David H-W (Extrajection)

The name came about In 994, when Wolverhampton received a Charter from King Ethelred the Unready, at the command of a local noblewoman named Lady Wulfruna. This settlement was thus named after this woman ‘Wulfruna’s Heane Tun’ (even more of a mouthful), which then became Wolverhampton.

Art, literature and Led Zeppelin

The Black Country which stemmed from the English West Midlands north, west of Birmingham and south and east of Wolverhampton was the inspiration and focus for many artists and literates of the time. Poet William Shenstone and writer Francis Brett Young consistently celebrated the industrial Black Country in their work.

Led Zeppelin also had a song named Black Country Woman, which featured on their 1974 album Physical Graffiti.

Charlie Chaplin. Image, by twm1340

Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre is a big cultural focal point – it opened in 1884 and still stands today in its original form. Acts such as Laurel & Hardy, Bob Hope and even Charlie Chaplin have all performed there.

Culturally festive

As Wolverhampton has always been very welcoming to ethnic communities, the city now celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year, embracing their cultural diversities.

One which is a stand-out is Diwali, the festival of light celebrating the Hindu New Year. People congregate at Krishnan Hindu temple for worship, then there’s fireworks, a beautiful light display and entertainment at night for everyone to enjoy.

Another is Vaisakhi, which marks the start of the Sikh new year. Wolverhampton and surrounding areas host parades and celebrations said to be the largest of their kind outside India.

The celebrations included live music, dancing and craft stalls and of course food.

Fireworks. Image, by tsuacctnt

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