Melbourne‘s top cafés are currently locked in a fierce battle with victory hinging on one thing, and one thing only: creating a toastie that has enough X-factor to be declared the best in the city.
A plethora of Chapel Street businesses are competing in the Chapel Champion Awards to be crowned the best of the best across 16 categories, including best restaurant, bar, entertainment venue and even hair and beauty.
But the one that’s on everyone’s lips – literally and figuratively – is the ‘Best Toastie’ category, with insiders claiming it’s already the most hotly contested side of the competition.
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“I’m most excited about the new ‘Toasted Sandwich’ category. Melbourne has become a toastie tourist destination and we’re on a mission to declare the cream of the crop,” Chapel Street Precinct Association General Manager Matt Lanigan says.
“Simple sangas aren’t going to cut it. We’re expecting never-before-seen combinations, from decadent toasties with world-class ingredients to unusual pairings that will shock the public’s taste buds.
“Sweet, savoury or both, it’s up to you! Creativity is key and we’re looking for anything but the norm in this category.”
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Businesses were encouraged in the competition brief to create out-of-the-box toasties that are so mouth-watering that people will travel from all over the state – and, ideally, the country – just to have a bite.
The competition runs from today, June 26, to Friday, July 26, and competition has already heated up among entrants. Quite literally, in some cases.
Café Delilah’s entry is one that’s not for the faint of heart, with the establishment submitting ‘Delilah’s Choripán Inferno with Carolina Reapers’ for consideration.
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“Prepare for an inferno with Australia’s hottest toastie: Delilah’s Choripan. This Argentinian delight combines juicy chorizo and tangy chimichurri on crusty tiger bread,” the toastie’s description reads.
“But here’s the kicker: Delilah’s twist includes a locally-made Derek’s Hot Sauce featuring Carolina Reaper chillies, the second hottest in the world with a fiery 2,200,000 Scoville Heat Units rating.
“With whole chorizo, sharp red onion, ripe tomato, and melted cheese, this toastie isn’t just a meal – it’s a dare. Feel the heat and taste the burn in every bite.”
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Public voting on the finalists of each category in the Chapel Champion Awards opens on Friday, July 12, and closes at 12 noon on Friday, July 26.
The winners are set to be announced the following week commencing July 29.
For more information on the entrants and how to vote, click here.
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