CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
A two-horse town with on the outer-Barcoo of Western Queensland has today stood by their claims of having the most glorious hotbox in all of the land.
The once bustling agricultural hub of Stancoster, QLD is now a shadow of what it used to be. Following the wool crash 1991, and the discontinuation of the crucial inland railway, all but a police watchhouse, pub and canteen/servo has survived.
However, despite the 30 year decline in population – a community still thrives.
As does the culinary scene.
And according to local roo-shooter, Harry Bowden (23), you absolutely must try out the servo hotbox.
More commonly known as a ‘bain-marie’ in civilised society, the servo hotbox is a sacred landmark in regional Queensland towns of this size.
Recognised for the innovative cultural fusion that mixes Cantonese (deep fried dim sims and springies), Italian (pizza rounders) and Modern Australian (chiko rolls) – the hotbox brings great joy to locals and travellers alike.
And in cosmopolitan town’s like Stancoster, the local servo attendants make an effort to expand their horizons, and offer something that pushes both culinary boundaries and the Food Standards of Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
“Mate” says the local roo-shooter.
“You gotta try the Deep Fried Sauce Cake”
“It sells out first. Every day”
The roo-shooter’s recommendation is backed up by several town drunks who are loitering on the picnic tables next to the diesel pump.
“Definitely” says Old Bumper.
“I missed out yesterday. Get in quick” says Sammy the Serb.
The Deep Fried Sauce Cake, as it is labelled, appears to be a concoction of cheese, pasta sauce, dense deep fried batter – and perhaps several types of meat. It’s origins are unknown – leading many to believe it was simply an accidental creation by the Stancoster Servo owners.
However, the suggestion that this treasured delicacy is only available in one hotbox in the country appears to be inconsistent with the sign on the main road.
‘BEST DEEP FRIED SAUCE CAKE IN AUSTRALIA, VOTED NUMBER 1!’
