‘Tis the season for cosy nights and comfort food! Check out these delicious Hunter & Barrel dishes, guaranteed to make more than just your tummy smile
Can food really make us feel good? Scientists say yes! When we choose dishes from the fondly-known ‘comfort food’ category, studies show that we do in fact release more of the mood-boosting hormone dopamine, which sends signals of gratification to our brains, and sends us back for more.
Comfort foods are defined as those that provide a sense of emotional reassurance. Sometimes these foods tend to be high in fat, carbohydrates and sugar, and are likely to have a smooth, juicy and/or warming texture, with a scrumptious and inviting smell to match.
The festive season is a time for coming together with family, and making sure our loved ones know how much they mean to us. So, it’s no surprise that those warm and fuzzy feelings extend to our food at this time of year, too. “Good food equals good mood,” says Hayley Miller, registered dietitian nutritionist at Nestlé Health Science company, Persona. “Comfort food sparks joy; it brings a sense of peace into the chaos. And high-protein foods like meat have an added benefit as they contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid that your body converts into the feel-good hormone, serotonin. This cascading effect helps elevate your mood and relieve stress.”
Well, we certainly have mood-boosting meat – and Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s best steak! – covered right across the award-winning Hunter & Barrel menu, but there’s plenty more comfort food waiting for you to tuck into. Here are six winter warmers to make more than just your tummy smile!
Three Cheese Dip
An oozing mix of creamy Gouda, rich and nutty Gruyère and smooth and salty Edam – our hot cheese dip comes with warm pita bread for dunking. Ideal for sharing… if you’re generous enough to let anyone else near it!
LOBSTER FETTUCINE
A simple dish, sprinkled with luxury. Freshly handmade pasta ribbons mixed with sweet lobster medallions and a delectably creamy bisque sauce.
GARLIC & ROSEMARY WAGYU SKEWER
The scrummy scent of rosemary has been linked to improving mood, clearing the mind, relieving stress and lowering cortisol levels. Add in garlic, onion petals, our signature in-house basting and premium Wagyu, and there’s a lot to beam about.
EMERALD DAHL
Packed full of flavour, fresh spinach and serotonin-rich lentils, this hearty vegan stew is packed with low-glycemic nutrients that stabilise blood sugar, and taste like home.
YOUNG HUNTER'S MAC & CHEESE
The stuff of wonderful childhood memories – steamy, creamy, ultra-soothing and often sentimental Mac & Cheese simply HAD to feature on our Young Hunter’s menu.
BAKED PAIN PERDU
A Hunter twist on the French toast dessert dating back to ancient Roman times. Warm, sugary bread pieces, with the added extravagance of salted caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream.
