With a cold day — and an even colder week — settling in across Thunder Bay, the big conversation on the show this morning wasn’t just about the temperature. It was about survival… the delicious kind. When the wind chill bites, the snow piles up, and the car heater takes its sweet time waking up, we all turn to the same thing: comfort food.
So we asked you, What’s your go‑to meal when it’s freezing outside? And you delivered — with a list that could warm up an entire city.
The Heavy Hitters
Right out of the gate, the classics came pouring in. Stew and chili were the runaway favourites — the kind of meals that simmer all afternoon and make the whole house smell like a hug. Beef barley soup with garlic toast also made a strong showing, proving once again that carbs and cold weather are best friends.
Soup Season in Full Force
Thunder Bay listeners made it clear: when the temperature drops, soup rises. You mentioned:
- Tomato soup with a perfectly crispy grilled cheese
- Homemade cream of potato
- Cream of broccoli
- Lipton chicken noodle “stew” loaded with saltines
- And of course, the ultimate winter cure‑all: chicken noodle soup
It’s official — soup isn’t just a meal here, it’s a coping mechanism.
Comfort Food Royalty
Some of your picks were pure, hearty nostalgia:
- Shepherd’s pie
- Mashed potatoes
- Meatloaf
- Swedish meatballs
These are the dishes that feel like home, no matter how old you are.
Thunder Bay Originals
Only in Northwestern Ontario would we see this one rise to the top: A big plate of church perogies with sour cream, onions, and bacon. That’s not just comfort food — that’s a cultural event.
Finn pancakes also made the list, reminding us that comfort doesn’t always have to be heavy… sometimes it just has to be familiar.
Veggie Lovers Represent
Even roasted veggies got a shoutout — proof that comfort food doesn’t always have to be a calorie bomb. Sometimes a hot tray of roasted carrots and potatoes is exactly what the day calls for.
In the end, the list went on and on — far more than we could squeeze into one show. But one thing was clear: Thunder Bay knows how to eat when the weather turns brutal.
So stay warm, stay cozy, and enjoy every bite of your favourite cold‑weather comfort food.
As for me? Tonight it’s homemade chicken noodle soup. And yes… it already smells amazing.
