Tag: groceries
“What’re you doing here?”
People keep asking me this because they’re surprised to see me in Toronto. And yes, it’s true, the past few months I have had quite a few trips with little time spent at home. I think my poor cats are plotting to disown me.
Besides some lonely cats, my condo also has a very bare fridge and empty cupboards; since I haven’t been home for several weeks in a row, it’s been ages since I’ve come home from the grocery store with fresh goods to make several meals. I’ve been using the Ritual app for the occasional takeout meal, or just getting a handful of ingredients to make a really basic meal (ham and cheese sandwich day after day gets really boring, though, not to mention the fact that I’m missing important vitamins and minerals eating like this).
A solution I enjoyed is Chef’s Plate. Much like Mealspirations, this meal delivery service sets you up with the recipe and key ingredients for a tasty well-rounded meal. Rather than pore through recipes and grocery shop, Chef’s Plate sets me up with just what I need for the dish, meaning I get to eat a good home cooked meal (so welcome after eating often rich meals when I travel). It’s great for anyone who’s short on time or who maybe needs help with meal ideas or who simply isn’t a fan of going to the supermarket. It also works out well for me as I’m often reluctant to buy fresh produce if I’m only home for a couple of days since I won’t have a chance to eat everything and use up all the fresh ingredients. Since Chef’s Plate just provides the amount you need, I had less waste going in the garbage.
At $10.95 per plate it’s not unreasonable in price, and there are a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian plates that change each week, and you can order two to three meals, for two people or four people. One thing I think would make my life easier though is if you could choose the delivery day, currently orders placed by midnight on Thursday are delivered on Monday. My schedule is such that I might not be cooking until Thursday, for example, so an option of delivery dates would work better for me personally.
I chose the kale and tofu salad (above), which was very simple to make and one I’d happily make again, and the veal schnitzel, which took a little longer but was a comforting meal (it’s one I picture mom’s making for their kids).
Have you tried a meal planning service? Have they been a time-saver or do you prefer to do your own grocery shopping and menu planning?
November 11, 2015
You may have heard Jamie Oliver has partnered up with grocery chain Sobeys on a line of food, Jamie Oliver Discovers Canada.
A few weeks ago, I attended a lunch with Sobeys where I got to taste test much of the line. I didn’t have high expectations. Not because I’m not a fan of Jamie’s — I am! No, the reason I had low expectations was because I assumed the line was entirely frozen foods and it’s rare that I’ve tried prepared frozen foods and thought it was anything more than OK.
The line, though, includes many freshly prepared foods and hello, many are downright delicious. We tried many different items (hence the small sampler sizes of each one and my favourites? The Beef Blade Pot Roast, which comes with a rub and herbs you simply massage onto the meat and then pop into the oven. (the beef is certified humane, in case you were wondering.) It was so tender and I wanted more of it — and this is saying a lot as I don’t even like pot roast! Well, until now.
My other top pick? The focaccia with roasted garlic and rosemary (although the one with dried cherries is very good if you’re into sweet breads — I’m more of a savoury girl myself). With whole cloves of roasted garlic baked it, this bread is incredible.
Oh, also tasty is the Red Pepper and Garlic Flattened Chicken. Not a top favourite, but it wins points because if you hate handling raw chicken, this product is for you: you simply remove the outside wrapping and pop the entire tray into the oven. You never have to touch the chicken; prep a few simple sides and dinner is ready! For me, this would be perfect to pick up on the way home from a long flight — my fridge is always empty when I get home, but I hate ordering in; this way I get a fresh meal that sorta feels like I’ve cooked 
Honourable mentions go to the dips. I make hummus from scratch but I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up any of the dips from this line the next time I have people over.
November 27, 2013
To market, to market…
So didja know me and Gisele Bundchen are like total twinsies? I mean, isn’t it obvious? No?
I not only tried on the Kenzo sweatshirt she has on here a few days ago(but decided against dropping that amount of cash — $495 — on a sweatshirt), I own the same Apolis Market Bag she’s toting.
I received the Apolis Market Bag on a press trip to Philly (where I’ll be in less than two weeks to run the marathon!) and I can’t get enough of it. The luxe leather handles. The waterproof lining that keeps the insides easily wipe down-able. It’s just so well made — I look forward to using it for years to come. It’s perfect for quick stops into the market to pick up a few ingredients for dinner.
I’ve got my eye on their Standard Tote, too, with the shoulder straps…
(Photo: DailyMail.co.uk)
November 4, 2013
Previous page
