NOSH NEWS

Have you checked out the boutique EUMUNDI DISTILLERS at The Imperial Hotel Eumundi yet? The distillery produces small-batch gins craft ed in a custom-built copper still. Head distiller Mick Reif lives and breathes the science of distilling, so much so that the Imperial team call him the resident ‘gin-tellectual’. So what can you expect? There’s the Folktale Eumundi Gin, made with juniper, angelica root, coriander seed, lavender flower, cassia bark, cardamom, native lemon and anise myrtles, plus pepperberry and Cooroy Mountain spring water. The Folktale Navy Strength Eumundi Gin combines fresh local ginger, limes and lemon myrtle. As well as the signature gins, the distilling team will release a range of seasonal varieties – each with its own personality and delicate flavour profile. These will be available only at the Tasting Bar at The Imperial Hotel Eumundi, which is at 1 Etheridge Street, Eumundi. 5442 8811 or eumundidistillers.com.au

Dining has never played a bigger part in our lives, so here salt shares news, information and products that enhance our passionate consumption.

Not that long ago, if you wanted a healthy sweet treat your options were pretty limited. But with so many clever cooks experimenting with ingredients and flavours, the quality of healthy and raw treats means that we can all ditch refined, unhealthy cakes and chocolates for good. Leading the way is the incredible SUNSHINE COAST RAW TREATS. These guys really do produce some of the best raw and plant-based cakes, slices and treats that you’ll ever come across. The treats are free from gluten, dairy, refined sugars, preservatives and soy, and packed with nutritious wholefood ingredients. And did we mention they taste amazing! Sunshine Coast Raw Treats are stocked at various cafes around the Coast, you can shop online or pick up your treats directly from the Kunda Park factory. But what to buy? Salt’s editor Jemma is particularly partial to the Shnickerz and Strawberry Ripe, but our advice is to try the mini treat box, which gives you a taste of eight delicacies. Sunshine Coast Raw Treats is at 1/13 Endeavour Drive, Kunda Park. 0417 004 426 or sunshinecoastrawtreats.com

If someone says ‘bamboo’ and you immediately think of flooring or furniture, it’s time to shift your perspective and taste-test a relatively new product on the Sunshine Coast foodie scene. BIG HEART BAMBOO produces a range of gourmet bamboo condiments such as pickles, relishes, chutneys, toppings and teas, plus fresh bamboo shoots. The hinterland company was established by Becky Dart, who was inspired to take bamboo into the kitchen aft er working on her father’s bamboo plantation and studying applied science. “Bamboo has an unexpectedly powerful nutritional profile and a really delicate flavour that adapts eff ortlessly to other flavours and textures without losing its own fragrance and crunch,” Becky says. Bamboo is also a readily renewable crop that requires no pesticides, minimal organic fertilisers and is able to sequester one-and-a-half times the amount of carbon dioxide as an equivalent acreage of broadleaf forest. Find out more at bigheartbamboo.com

Winter means cosy days at home, long drives to explore other parts of the Coast, and hiding in cafes relaxing with friends. We love ELEMENTS AT MONTVILLE at any time of the year, but in winter there is something special about heading to Montville for a high tea. Share it with a friend or three – the servings are generous and the tea range is incredible. Every time we go to Elements we are left breathless by the view. Aft erwards, we recommend you have a browse in the gift shop – Sarah and the team stock loads of homewares and other bits and pieces that make perfect gift s. Elements at Montville is at 38 Kondalilla Falls Road, Montville. 5478 6212 or elementsmontville.com.au COFFEE LUNCH • DINNER SUNSET BAR • FISH & CHIPS WEDDING & EVENTS

OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 6AM TILL LATE

194 GYMPIE TCE NOOSAVILLE 5440 5070 NOOSABOATHOUSE.COM.AU

Lots of cafes do chai tea, but not all chais are created equal. In the salt off ice we love to brew up a beverage from FRESH CHAI CO – these chais are seriously easy to make and taste amazing. And by indulging in a Fresh Chai Co brew, you’re supporting a Sunshine Coast business. Founder Adam Donoghue creates his chai with a lot of love and all the ingredients he uses are certified organic and Fairtrade. He carefully mills whole spices with other selected spices and infuses these in raw honey, agave and vanilla for weeks. The result is a selection of chais that are full of flavour. And they are easy to brew up at home. If you’re new to chai our advice is to get the Chai Sampler pack, which contains Fresh Chai Co’s four most popular blends plus a free chai strainer. There are loads of stockists around the Coast – try your local wholefood store, cafe or supermarket, or jump online and buy direct from Adam at freshchaico.com.au

Have you visited THE WONKY LOAF cafe in Kuluin yet? This bakery’s delicious sourdoughs have gained a loyal following of Sunshine Coast bread lovers. Loaves include traditional and light rye, wholegrain plus caramelised onion and parmesan, and fig, date, apricot and ginger. There’s a lighter sandwich loaf and you can even stock up on pizza bases for you to create at home. You can pop into the cafe to pick up your loaf but we reckon it’s worth staying for a coff ee and a sandwich or pie, or a sweet treat like the sourdough brownie or pastries. The cafe is cosy and welcoming and there is plenty of seating out the back. The Wonky Loaf is at shop 1&2, 2-4 Melaleuca Street, Kuluin. 5343 7627 or facebook.com/thewonkyloaf

HUMBLE ON DUKE is just the kind of little eatery we need in our lives right now. What the restaurant lacks in space it more than makes up for in service and taste – the staff are warm and the menu is brimming with hearty dishes that are made with love. Standouts include the house-smoked potato gnocchi, the pistachio-crusted lamb rump and the housemade blue cheese ice cream. The food has been described as modern Australian with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, but we think one word sums it up – delicious! Humble on Duke is at 4/48-54 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach. 5345 5530 or humbleonduke.com.au

Need a dining option that’s just a bit special? We love NOOSA SPRINGS, which is open daily for breakfast, and for lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. The menus are brimming with mouth-watering dishes using fresh local products. Our pick? Now that the weather has cooled we’re loving the look of dishes like the slow-cooked Sovereign lamb shank curry. It’s a mild curry with a hint of spice. Yum! Noosa Springs is at Links Drive, Noosa Heads. 5440 3333 or noosasprings.com.au

If you love the idea of making your own healthy protein balls but the thought of buying all those nuts, seeds and powders leaves you feeling overwhelmed, we’ve discovered a local small business that is here to make your life easier. BLITZ BALLZ off ers a range of pre-prepared packs full of all the ingredients you need to make your own bliss balls at home. The packs come with all the ingredients measured and weighed – all you have to do is follow the simple instructions and roll your own. Flavours include tropical, gingerbread, apricot, choc fudge and aft er-dinner mint. Each pack is a generous 720 grams and from that you’ll be able to make 36 20-gram balls. Stockists include Yandina’s Silo Wholefoods, The Shop at Coolum, Foodworks at Moff at Beach, Noosa Farmers Market and Bunya Grove Produce. blitzballz.com.au

PEREGIAN BEACH HOTEL has been taking pub meals to the next level ever since it opened its doors, and now that it’s curry weather, it’s the perfect time to head to the seaside town for lunch or dinner. How tasty do these dishes look? There is the beef short-rib jungle curry and the vegetarian Massaman curry with tofu, chickpeas and vegies. Peregian Beach Hotel is also known for its woodfired pizzas, plus tapas and starters that are perfect for sharing. Head there for the food and stay for the live music and relaxed atmosphere. Peregian Beach Hotel is at 221-229 David Low Way, Peregian Beach. 5448 3111 or peregianbeachhotel.com.au