From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
Have you ever wondered why food equals comfort?
Many of us rely on comfort food when we are depressed, anxious, or simply in need of a little mood boost – these foods can evoke cosiness and comfort as they are frequently linked to carefree memories.
Comfort meals are typically easy to prepare, frequently connected to a previous celebration and often heavy in sugars or carbs, meaning they are almost always high in calories – is that what we are craving?
This week it’s all about comfort as we contemplate the arrival of Winter and think about slow-cooked meals full of hearty beef, flaky satisfying pies, everyone’s fave chicken parmigiana and so much more…
It’s National Hamburger Day tomorrow, Tuesday, May 28 – could that be any more comforting? We have seven burger joints sure to tempt no matter what you are craving between your buns; along with where to go for the perfect plate of pasta, from spaghetti to penne there is a venue out there to bring out the pastaholic in you!
Pizza dates back thousands of years, tracing its roots to the flatbreads with toppings that were popular with ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Whoever invented it, this little slice of paradise has become a staple in our comfort food diet – we dish up seven restaurants where pizza is the name of the game.
Don’t miss Marie- Antoinette Issa’s guide on how to transform hearty classic recipes into healthier comfort food, whether it’s smart wraps, tweaking cooking techniques or practising portion control, there are numerous ways to create healthier options.
In a world that is constantly changing, comforting culinary creations can serve as a reminder of the enduring power of tradition, love and the simple joy of a delicious meal – Marie-Antoinette also talks to 12 Aussie Chefs about their most nostalgic food memories.
From a terrible waiter to a Michelin-starred Chef, for this week’s Chef Chat we head to Harrisons Restaurant in Port Douglas where Spencer Patrick has been head of the kitchen for the past 17 years. The youngest UK Chef to be awarded a Michelin Star at just 26, Spencer brings a contemporary Australian approach to English classics with a distinct regional North Queensland influence.
Check out his stunning recipe for scallops, XO sauce, fried seaweed and bottarga which is one of diners’ favourite dishes on the restaurant menu.
Read on for all this week’s news, recipes and interviews…
