Crossword Genius

Exclusive food, but not with cold dessert (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

choice

'exclusive food' is the definition.
(choice can describe excellent quality food)

'but not with cold dessert' is the wordplay.
'but not' becomes 'ho' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'cold' becomes 'c' (eg on taps).
'dessert' becomes 'ice' (ice is a kind of dessert).
'ho' after 'c' is 'cho'.
'cho'+'ice'='CHOICE'

(Other definitions for choice that I've seen before include "'Option, alternative (6)'" , "'Selection, option (6)'" , "Volition" , "of superior quality" , "Variety" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.