Meal preparation services experiences?

[Blue Collar Guy]

Fed Ex delivered my half pound of caviar this morning. Today's supper;

Appetizer - Paddle fish caviar on saltines topped with creme fraiche and followed with icy cold vodka

Entree - Charcoal grilled wagyu tenderloin with a skewer of brown crimini mushrooms soaked in olive oil and garlic

Rob, I looked for it I couldnt find it. Do you have a link to your caviar guy? I gave you my guys yesterday. thanks Id like to do some comparison shopping.

 

[Marita40]

Maybe Seattle Sutton is only local? I thought it was national. Anyway, I know some people who use them here in the Twin Cities and like the service very much. Healthy food, lots of choices, used by some for weight control. If they are local perhaps there are other local companies as well. Also, I am a Weight Watcher and I heard as someone mentioned above that they are getting into that gig.
Years ago I did Jenny Craig and was completely turned off by the horrible, expensive food. That's my only experience so far with "prepared" food of this type. I eat very simply these days and will probably never use a meal service as my routine typically takes less than 10-15 minutes per meal, with perhaps a bit more on Sundays when preparing soups, crock pot dishes, etc. for the week.

 

[RobbieB]

Rob, I looked for it I couldnt find it. Do you have a link to your caviar guy? I gave you my guys yesterday. thanks Id like to do some comparison shopping.

No problem. I have bought from a few internet purveyors and these guys are my current fave.

I buy my (American) wagyu from Snake River Farms (gold grade) and am on my second load.

The King Crab came from here

Blow some dough! -

 

[Sunset]

........
Third, and most importantly. I like the idea of these services because you get the amount of ingredients that you need to for the meal without a lot of wastage. With some recipes, they call for ingredients that I don't usually eat. I have to buy a jar to use a tablespoon for example. I am then stuck with the jar that I have no use for. If I end up eventually throwing it out then the cost of my meal is higher than originally thought because I spent to buy the entire container but only used a small amount of it. Some recipes have things, also, that I just don't find in stores or are very expensive for even a small quantity. I really love the idea of not having to buy more than I will use.

Many of the left over ingredients can be saved in cupboard, fridge, or freezer to use when you repeat a meal you really liked.
or
many of the ingredients can be used in another recipe.

 

[Katsmeow]

Many of the left over ingredients can be saved in cupboard, fridge, or freezer to use when you repeat a meal you really liked.
or
many of the ingredients can be used in another recipe.

For some people that is true but for me it is a hassle that doesn't work.

I just cleaned out my freezer and pantry of expired stuff (really expired, not just a little bit). And, a lot of it was this type of stuff. Stuff that I bought for a specific recipe and then didn't use again.

Yes, theoretically I could find another recipe to use this spice I don't use for anything else or this perishable item that I only used 1/4 of for the recipe. But, it is more likely I have to find 2 different recipes, one for the spice and one for the perishable item. And, that kind of hassle just gets to be more cooking and searching for recipes that I like.

Someone who likes to do a lot of cooking or who likes the puzzle piece aspect of this would like it. But, that just isn't me....

 

[Scuba]

Here's hoping that Robbie caters the first annual ER picnic/cook out. Haven't seen my invite yet. I can dream.

[emoji23]

 

[W2R]

This isn't exactly a prepared meal, but I also ordered a box of meat from ButcherBox for the first time, and today is the delivery date for it.

Like ChefD, ButcherBox is sending its product to me via FedEx. Unlike ChefD, ButcherBox sent me emails both yesterday and today, each reminding me of today's delivery, and each containing a link to the FedEx tracking information. Right now the box is on the delivery truck and out for delivery.

So far, I really like their way of doing business! If the meat is as good as I have heard, I will keep my subscription with them.

I love just plain grilled meat with veggies for dinner, and I have an indoor electric grill. So to me this box represents a lot of dinners that are healthy and quick to prepare. I plan to freeze the meat in portions.

 

[FIREmenow]

Ticks me off that I have to sell my email address just to "See our Boxes" at BB.
I'll wait....

EDIT: Curiosity got the best of me and I went ahead and put it in so that I could see the "meat". Counted 19 seconds before my Inbox "dinged" with spam for beef-order add-ons. Sigh.

 

[Katsmeow]

Like ChefD, ButcherBox is sending its product to me via FedEx. Unlike ChefD, ButcherBox sent me emails both yesterday and today, each reminding me of today's delivery, and each containing a link to the FedEx tracking information. Right now the box is on the delivery truck and out for delivery.

I am really curious if your express with Chef'd was a one off bad experience or if they just don't update shipping at all. Did you inquire at all to find out if something went awry with their normal procedure or if what you experienced was the normal procedure?

I had been planning on trying them and would probably still chance it once particularly if what you experienced might be atypical. More problematical, of course, if what you experienced was the routine.

 

[W2R]

I'm absolutely, 100% sure that ChefD would claim that what I experienced was atypical... and probably it really WAS atypical; they have a website capable of being updated and specifically promised to send e-mails. Somebody probably is tasked with doing each of those tasks, but didn't. I wasn't impressed.

I cooked the second meal from them tonight, Turkey Scallopine Dijonnaise. Like the other meal, the cooking directions were simple and easy. All the ingredients were included and pre-measured. It was absolutely delicious, and the quantity was large enough for two hungry men (four times too much for me) so I froze the extra. I think their product is very good; by that I mean that for something I could prepare that fast and so easily, it tasted very good and was filling. Honestly I would encourage you to try them. I'm sure the delivery issues were a one time thing. Even though I don't plan to order from them again, I encourage you to do so. In the unlikely event that you have the same problems, you can always call them and ask about your order. But really, I'm sure you will have a better experience than I did.

The meat from ButcherBox was frozen as hard as a rock, despite sitting on the porch in 90F weather. It was packed with dry ice. It was already divided into reasonable sized portions, so I didn't have to do a thing but put it in the freezer. I'm pretty happy with them. This will work out better for me, because I haven't been getting enough protein and this will fix that.

 

[Blue Collar Guy]

I'm absolutely, 100% sure that ChefD would claim that what I experienced was atypical... and probably it really WAS atypical; they have a website capable of being updated and specifically promised to send e-mails. Somebody probably is tasked with doing each of those tasks, but didn't. I wasn't impressed.

I cooked the second meal from them tonight, Turkey Scallopine Dijonnaise. Like the other meal, the cooking directions were simple and easy. All the ingredients were included and pre-measured. It was absolutely delicious, and the quantity was large enough for two hungry men (four times too much for me) so I froze the extra. Really I think their product is very good and I would encourage you to try them. I'm sure the delivery issues were a one time thing. Even though I don't plan to order from them again, I encourage you to do so. I'm sure you will have a better experience.

The meat from ButcherBox was frozen as hard as a rock, despite sitting on the porch in 90F weather. It was packed with dry ice. It was already divided into reasonable sized portions, so I didn't have to do a thing but put it in the frig. I'm pretty happy with them. This will work out better for me, because I haven't been getting enough protein and this will fix that.

Let us know how you liked the butcherbox meat. I find that a previously frozen steak somehow losses something over a fresh one. It could be my handling of them, maybe a professionally done one quick frozen is better.

 

[W2R]

Let us know how you liked the butcherbox meat. I find that a previously frozen steak somehow losses something over a fresh one. It could be my handling of them, maybe a professionally done one quick frozen is better.

Well, I always get my steaks from a chain grocery store, not from a butcher. I would not be at all shocked to find out that they are frozen at some point along the way. Then when I get them home, the first thing I do is cut them into portions and freeze them. I think I can confidently tell you that I have never had a steak at home in my entire life that wasn't frozen at some point.

If you want gourmet meat, look at RobbieB's links. This isn't gourmet, AFAIK.

 

[Scuba]

I'm absolutely, 100% sure that ChefD would claim that what I experienced was atypical... and probably it really WAS atypical; they have a website capable of being updated and specifically promised to send e-mails. Somebody probably is tasked with doing each of those tasks, but didn't. I wasn't impressed.

I cooked the second meal from them tonight, Turkey Scallopine Dijonnaise. Like the other meal, the cooking directions were simple and easy. All the ingredients were included and pre-measured. It was absolutely delicious, and the quantity was large enough for two hungry men (four times too much for me) so I froze the extra. I think their product is very good; by that I mean that for something I could prepare that fast and so easily, it tasted very good and was filling. Honestly I would encourage you to try them. I'm sure the delivery issues were a one time thing. Even though I don't plan to order from them again, I encourage you to do so. In the unlikely event that you have the same problems, you can always call them and ask about your order. But really, I'm sure you will have a better experience than I did.

The meat from ButcherBox was frozen as hard as a rock, despite sitting on the porch in 90F weather. It was packed with dry ice. It was already divided into reasonable sized portions, so I didn't have to do a thing but put it in the freezer. I'm pretty happy with them. This will work out better for me, because I haven't been getting enough protein and this will fix that.

If Chef'd meals are so good, why would you not give them another chance to see if delivery snafus are the norm or not?

 

[W2R]

If Chef'd meals are so good, why would you not give them another chance to see if delivery snafus are the norm or not?

Because I don't want to. Not only did they tick me off, but also I am not sure if I want this type of service on a regular basis.

I might order them again someday. Not right now.


Why do you ask? Are you on the verge of ordering from them tonight?

 

[marymom]

An option I use is Emeals. It is menus and shopping lists for the ingredients. You can specify serving size for 2 or 4-6. We are a family of 3 so I double the 2 portion recipe and have leftovers for lunch. There are many meal plans to choose from, vegetarian,low carb, gourmet, etc...

I use the low calorie plan and know that my dinner will be 500 calories or less. Great for calorie planning! I have the app on my phone so I typically will choose 4-5 meals for the week and shop the list with my phone at the grocery store. You still have to shop and prepare but the planning is easy!

I do have leftover ingredients and uncommon spices that sit on my shelf though.

Mary

 

[Sunset]

Ticks me off that I have to sell my email address just to "See our Boxes" at BB.
I'll wait....

EDIT: Curiosity got the best of me and I went ahead and put it in so that I could see the "meat". Counted 19 seconds before my Inbox "dinged" with spam for beef-order add-ons. Sigh.

I just used the email alsdkdf@example.com and a random zip code.

 

[W2R]

Ticks me off that I have to sell my email address just to "See our Boxes" at BB.
I'll wait....

EDIT: Curiosity got the best of me and I went ahead and put it in so that I could see the "meat". Counted 19 seconds before my Inbox "dinged" with spam for beef-order add-ons. Sigh.

That's so odd. I haven't had any "meat spams" like that at all this week. Could that be because I ordered from them? At any rate, I just went through 64 spam e-mails this morning , and while one was from ChefD, none were from BB or meat related.

 

[nash031]

the hello fresh boxes are ridiculously overpriced and tend to be thrown around and crushed by the courier service! my friend had one delivered, it looked like a smoothie when she opened it!

I've had probably 20 boxes delivered by HF, and have never had this issue. Doesn't make sense anyway with the way HF packages their meals. It'd be hard for it to "look like a smoothie" considering 80% of the ingredients are individually wrapped.

 

[Scuba]

Because I don't want to. Not only did they tick me off, but also I am not sure if I want this type of service on a regular basis.

I might order them again someday. Not right now.


Why do you ask? Are you on the verge of ordering from them tonight?

Just curious I guess. Your descriptions of the meals made them sound really good. I don't think I'm a great candidate for any of these services since I enjoy grocery shopping and meal prep, but the way you described these particular meals sounded quite appealing. If I were to order any, I'd probably go with Chefd based on your comments, despite their lack of communication.

 

[45th Birthday]

Just received this week's Blue Apron shipment.

Here's a little data to shed some light on the portion size issue. Two meals for four people each.

The chicken meal contained four six-ounce boneless chicken breasts, 1/2 pound of pasta, three celery stalks, two oz. baby greens, one red pepper and some spices and seasonings.

The hamburger meal contained 1 1/8 pounds of ground beef, four buns, one pound of potatoes, two oz. cheese, and some spices and seasonings.

Unfortunately, the pepper, a potato, and some basil were rotten. Second time this is happened in maybe six deliveries. Not good.

By way of update, we decided to cancel our Blue Apron service because: took too long to prepare, rotten food was happening too often, and meals started to look repetitive (how many times can you eat chicken breasts without getting bored).

We cancelled after our last shipment was sent, which we knew about. Unfortunately, this shipment was supposed to arrive Friday and is now delayed until Monday (FedEx's fault, not Blue Apron's). By then, the food will be spoiled.

After numerous emails, they agreed to refund that week's cost, but since we cancelled our account, they would not honor the partial refund for the prior week's spoiled food. Said we have to reactivate if we want that. We won't be doing that, what we will be doing is contacting American Express, who will make things right. We will try Chefd next. The quick meals look interesting, there is more variety, and the timing seems more flexible.

 

[nash031]

Made a shrimp risotto from Hello Fresh last night that was among the better meals I've made. Enjoyed learning the process of making one. Easier than I thought, just takes time.

 

[Meadbh]

By way of update, we decided to cancel our Blue Apron service because: took too long to prepare, rotten food was happening too often, and meals started to look repetitive (how many times can you eat chicken breasts without getting bored).

We cancelled after our last shipment was sent, which we knew about. Unfortunately, this shipment was supposed to arrive Friday and is now delayed until Monday (FedEx's fault, not Blue Apron's). By then, the food will be spoiled.

After numerous emails, they agreed to refund that week's cost, but since we cancelled our account, they would not honor the partial refund for the prior week's spoiled food. Said we have to reactivate if we want that. We won't be doing that, what we will be doing is contacting American Express, who will make things right. We will try Chefd next. The quick meals look interesting, there is more variety, and the timing seems more flexible.

Rotten food certainly would be a deal breaker! If you delegate both the selection and delivery of fresh produce, you are now depending on two other parties to get things right. If the supply chain is poorly organized, it's a disaster.

 

[Meadbh]

Made a shrimp risotto from Hello Fresh last night that was among the better meals I've made. Enjoyed learning the process of making one. Easier than I thought, just takes time.

I learnt to make great risotto by reviewing YouTube videos and trying it out. Sounds like you learnt from the recipe provided with the ingredients. How did that add value?

 

[MichaelB]

Following written instructions and imitating the steps in a video are different ways to learn, but both work.

This approach - to send the ingredients, recipe and instructions - is really interesting. This is a reasonable option for a senior with mobility issues, or someone without good transportation resources.

 

[W2R]

Good point, MichaelB, and in fact one reason I tried ChefD is my mobility issues with my knees (that the surgeon isn't ready to operate on yet). It's nice to know that I can have some sort of food delivered to the door. I guess I should also investigate restaurant delivery in my area but was concerned about calories.

Maybe it was just a coincidence, but something that surprised me about the two meals I ordered and cooked from ChefD, is that both had butter and whipping cream in them. This was probably partly responsible for the meals tasting so delicious to me. I'm not used to eating food that rich.

Despite this, the calories are reasonable, probably because it's not a huge quantity of butter and whipping cream for the relatively large quantity of food cooked. Guess it's just a different way of eating but I thought it was interesting so I thought I"d mention it.