We’re endlessly attempting to transform leftovers into something new. We’ve exhausted all recipes, condiments and spices. At the same time, take-out is more popular than ever. A new Aha Moment is born as restaurateurs offer unique and collaborative ways to enjoy the restaurant experience from the comfort of home. This is the latest trend in Toronto dining: DIY meal kits.
Skip the dirty dishes and grocery runs. These DIY meal kits are an “all you need” solution for healthy, different, and easy alternatives to meal planning. Check out some of Toronto’s best below.
Miku Toronto
Miku’s hallmark is their aburi sushi that has been lightly torched to elicit a charcoal essence as well as enhance the textural quality of the fish. The restaurant offers three meal kits showcasing their style: Temaki Sushi Kit, Soba Peperoncino Kit, Miso Seafood Chowder Kit.
The Temaki Sushi Kit includes pre-cooked sushi rice, nori, vegetables and a generous selection of sashimi. Fortunately, there is also a 6-step guide on how to prepare the sushi. I have not yet mastered this, so the step-by-step instruction is the perfect solution.
The Soba Peperoncino Kit includes fresh seafood, soba noodles, locally sourced vegetables, and a homemade Mentsuyu sauce (a sauce that is typically served with cold soba or udon noodle dishes.) There are three components: the base for the seafood sauté, the noodles, and the noodle toppings. Each is prepared by following the simple 9-step instruction manual provided by the restaurant. What is Peperoncino? It’s a fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine. Pepperoncino, a spiced Italian chilli flake, harmonizes with the umami of the Mentsuyu sauce, and adds to the complexity of the dish. The Seafood Chowder Kit includes all the fixings necessary for a rich miso-based sablefish chowder with winter root vegetables and smoked bacon.
For more details visit Miku via UberEats, Ritual, Tock, or at mikutoronto.com.
Oretta
While we may miss the Italian design and a refreshing aperitivo at the bar, Oretta now provides an authentic Italian dining experience at home. It’s like a piece of Italy without packing or paying for a flight. In addition to their pre-made meals of Lasagna and Parmigiana di Melanzane, included in their take-home menu are their unique Pizza Kits. This is not just like ordering another pizza. No more racing through traffic to get home while the box is still warm. These Cardinale and Margherita Kits, including pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and the toppings of our choice, provide all you need to be an expert Pizzaiolo at home!
To order online visit: https://order.online/store/Oretta-358783/en-US/?hideModal=true&pickup=true or check out their Instagram and UberEats for more information on pick-up and delivery orders.
Hotmess Tex Mex
I’m in the mood for tacos and not just on a Tuesday. Hotmess Tex Mex’s complete fajita kit is easy and authentic. You can’t have Mexican food without having a margarita…or two. Now you can have both at home! No matter my taco mood for there is a variety of options including Ancho Marinated Skirt Steak, Tinga Marinated Chicken Thighs, Lime and Cilantro Marinated White Shrimp, and Ancho Marinated Portobello Mushrooms. There is also a vegetarian option with flour tortillas, guacamole, roasted peppers, jalapenos, dairy and lactose free cheese queso, black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and a rich and cashew sour cream.
Imagine a warm homemade flour tortilla filled with fresh guacamole and a sweet yet peppery adobo sauce. Or, better yet, fresh shrimp doused in a tangy lime marinade coupled with a wedge of avocado and a dollop of sour cream. Hungry yet?
To pick up your fajita kit, email hotmesssavesdinner@gmail.com for more information or check out their website at www.hotmesstexmex.com.
Bar Raval
From a good Old-Fashioned to a tart Margarita, Bar Raval has got us covered this summer! Taking our summer drinking ideas to a whole new level, Bar Raval offers uniquely delicious cocktail kits!
Drink much? I order the Margarita Cocktail Kit. It’s a game-changer that makes my night at home a memorable one. This kit includes everything we need to complete our ultimate night-in, from freshly squeezed lime juice to Raval Margarita Salt. The Old Fashioned is served with Maker’s Mark bourbon and garnished with fresh orange slices. Perfect for any sophisticated drinker. Tried, trusted and true, Bar Raval’s Gin and Tonic cocktail kit hits the spot. This kit includes fresh, seasonal garnishes paired with Beefeater Gin for the drinker who knows how to hold their own.
For all your cocktail needs, visit Bar Raval’s website for more information at www.thisisbarraval.com. To order online, check out their UberEats and Instagram.