Red Hot Chilli Pepper Caloundra West, Sunshine Coast

User Reviews of Red Hot Chilli Pepper, Caloundra West

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9 Highly Recommended

Quality 9 Ambience 9 Service 9 Value 9

Update: Ever time I re-visit RHCP I see new products and Vicki seems to really listen to what her customers want or are requesting. She is in the process of installing a 'Chilli Corner' so that Chilli lovers on a quick visit can instantly head for the hot stuff. Me? I just love having a good browse to see what's new!

I previously reviewed:

As I am not one to ever allocate a 'perfect 10' I must apologise to the Proprietor of Red Hot Chilli Pepper in advance of my review.

I was excited when this retail store opened just over one year ago not far from where I live, as access to Purveyors of quality food products on a daily basis are sadly still few & far between on the Sunshine Coast Strip.

The intoxicating aroma of destinations far more exotic than downtown Caloundra assail your senses even before entering this homage to seductive spices garnered from all corners of the globe.

Hats off to Vicki Taylor, who followed her heart after a successful career in the financial arena, to focus on a passion instead.

Chilli heads will be chuffed at the vast array of foodstuffs featuring this ingredient, from chocolate through to sauces, chutneys, carbs and seasonings.

Quality spices packs from 'Herbies' vie with bespoke 'Red Hot Chilli Pepper' blends, created on-site by Vicki, not to mention a selection of seed packs for those with a patch to plant, and other value-added mixes, pastes and even impregnated skewers for BBQ's and a baked dinner with a difference!

Gourmet items from Regional food producers around Australia create a point of difference here at RHCP. For example, here one can find 'Zimmy's' products direct from their small family business in South Australia's Barossa Valley.

Zimmy's has been creating Germanic specialties for generations and they are rarely found outside Tanunda, S.A. for retail sale. I'm a great believer in their 'Doc Away' - strange name but a great marinade/cordial replacement/ ingredient in salad dressings, with the base made from pure apple cider vinegar produced from their orchards and their own organic honey.

Zimmy's horseradish is the real thing, if you can't handle it 'as is', try mixing with sour cream or cream for a subtle taste sensation. Their
'Trinity' garlic will change your way of thinking regarding 'jarred' garlic, again with a hint of their famous apple cider vinegar and honey.

And the 'Barossa Valley Pickle'? Let's just say that the man of the house would have it on everything from a cheese or ham sandwich, through to urging me to make it into a delicious dip for crudites mixed with sour cream.

But wait! there's more! Again from the Barossa, Weich's hand-made Noodles are produced from Barossa Valley eggs and slow-dried to produce an authentic noodle that doesn't break apart. RHCP stocks them in the traditional wide egg noodle variety, perfect for a home-made Ragu or Carbonara with bite. Or try the Organic Chilli noodles, I boiled and then wokked them in a stir-fry to really fabulous results.

Calasperra Rice for a paella or authentic Arborio for risotto. Bronze die cut-pasta that both hold their shape & sauce can also be found.

Traditional Moroccan Tagines have long been a favourite of mine when treating friends to dinner, and here not only can you purchase the spices to make a memorable meal, but also the Tagine in which to cook it! Vicki stocks the same hand-made tagines as made for famous chef Steven Snow at 'Fins' Restaurant in Byron Shire by a talented local potter, not to mention some more purely decorative models and also terracotta ones sourced from overseas.

Great gift ideas include Masala Dabba Spice Tins which are filled with the spices of your choice and make a seriously practical gift for any enthusiastic cook. Decorative Indian ceramic spice drawers (not to mention the most gorgeous drawer pulls/handles you will find on the Coast) are all available here.

Do I sound like I love this store? Yes! And I love that there are free tastings every weekend so I can swing past and try something new, I also like the fact I can speak to a personable proprietor who believes in sourcing a varied range with a reasonable mark-up, whilst providing old fashioned service with a smile, whether a free sample here or a recipe there, nothing seems to be too much trouble (which is sadly a rarity nowadays).

So to quote a famous Aussie - 'Do yourself a favour' and visit Red Hot Chilli Pepper soon (and I won't mention the German designed Chilli grinder stocked - you will have to see it for yourself but I will go as far as to say that having this sit on your table may create many memorable conversations and meals!)

Feb 11, 2012

newfarmfoodie
58

9.8 Highly Recommended

Quality 10 Ambience 10 Service 10 Value 9

What a fantastic hidden little gem I stumbled across! I was enticed in by the exotic spices that were floating down the street. A truly magical shop.I didn't know where to look first when I walked in as there are just so many things to look at. The owner (Vicki) is passionate about spices and all things in her shop and loves a chat, especially about the countries and places she has lived in outside of Australia. There is a lovely selection of gourmet food on offer and beautiful colourful Moroccan plates, bowls and tagines. Spice blends? Heaps! Try the butter chicken! I'm definitely going back. A great place to buy gifts!

Feb 09, 2012