5 OF THE BEST WINTER WARMERS
Blame the cool weather or the fact we can now cover the evidence with winter layers, but suddenly comfort food is looking very appealing. Sally Coates finds five favourites
It’s two parts chocolate, one part theatre that combine to create Elk Espresso’s new hot chocolate sphere. Elk owner Andrew Whiting explains what it takes to take hot chocolate to the next level. “It’s a really smooth, lightly tempered chocolate sphere and inside there are secret mini vanilla-bean marshmallows. We bring out the sphere in a big cup and hot chocolate in these awesome glass milk cartons. So when the chocolate is poured over the sphere it melts and these little marshmallows pop out and float to the surface. It looks really visually amazing, but the spheres are made by a chocolatier in Melbourne, so it tastes really delicious too.”
STEAMY SOUP MR BENGEL 1099 GOLD COAST HWY, PALM BEACH
“We’re changing our soup pot flavours weekly in line with what’s available seasonally,” co-owner Justine Tompsett says. “The majority of our soups are vegetarian if not vegan, so very friendly for everyone, such as Thai pumpkin, red lentil and coconut, Moroccan carrot. We do by the cup for takeaway or by the bowl for dine in and all our soups are served with toasted sourdough.”
HOT POT DELICIOUS HOT POT 5 LAWSON STREET, SOUTHPORT
Steamy, simmering broth, loaded with flavour and wafting savoury aromas – it’s no wonder Chinese hot pot has existed for more than 1000 years. Delicious Hot Pot manager Vicky Lu says the combinations are endless. “We have live fish and seafood available, many different meats and lots of vegetables all prepared to cook in the broth.” Diners can choose a spicy broth for extra kick.
MULLED WINE FINDERS KEEPERS 49 JAMES ST, BURLEIGH HEADS
At Finders Keepers, you won’t have to choose between being cold and sober this winter. “Our mulled wine is the perfect drink for these cooler months,” manager Loren Telfer says. “We combine red wine, orange, nutmeg, cinnamon and star anise together and heat to the optimum winter temperature. You can also add in a dash of brandy, frangelico or amaretto to give it more oomph.”
MELTY TOASTIE THE SANDWICH BROS SHOP 7/38 CAVILL AVE, SURFERS PARADISE
Get toasty with a toastie or two at The Sandwich Bros this winter. These guys have the simple dish down to a cheesy, golden art form. There’s the classic Cubano and Reuben and even a vego eggplant parmigiana option, but the piece de resistance is the Three Cheese – red Leicester, gruyere and vintage cheddar together for one epic toastie party.