HOT STUFF

London authorities had to evacuate parts of the Soho district and close streets earlier this week after a pungent odor from a Thai restaurant dry-frying extra-hot chilies left passers-by overcome by the smell.


Members of the Fire Brigade's chemical response team were wearing masks when they were called to the scene to find the source of the smell that coughing, sputtering shoppers said burned their throats.

Firefighters smashed down the door of the Thai Cottage restaurant and seized the hot chilies being prepared for a spicy Thai dip.

The smoke from the frying bird's eye chilies did not dissipate due to the rainy conditions and heavy air. No arrests were made, according to police, who said it was not a criminal offense to cook very strong chili.

It is, though, an olfactory offense in my house when the man eats it.



Chili photo by Bethany King