a peek inside the fishbowl

1 | Elizabeth

March 2nd, 2011 at 2:18 pm

I love the idea that convenience doesn’t have to mean bland, boring or unhealthy food; my family deserves the best food I can provide for them, no matter how busy we are on any particular day. My favourite items on the Scratch Kitchen menu are the Singapore Chicken, Potato and Coconut Curry and the Coq au Vin – yum!

2 | Stacey Leek

March 2nd, 2011 at 2:30 pm

the concept is amazing, especially for on the go professionals such as myself. No time to cook, but KD doesnt cut it. Those with refined taste buds will love this option!
The menu looks delicious and is appetizing even to picky eaters. The stews, ragouts, pastas and shepherds pies all look fantastic!
Looks like a huge winner to me! Off to tweet, and Facebook and recommend to friends! mmm mmm mmmmm!

3 | elsewise

March 2nd, 2011 at 2:38 pm

Gosh – of all your giveaways, this is the one I’m most excited about. I raved in your previous Scratch Kitchen entry, but the biggest plus for me is that it’s all nut-free. I also love the idea of grab-and-go lunch portions, because I get sick of eating leftovers all the time (no matter how delicious they might’ve been in dinner form).

I’m super intrigued by the curries (Thai Chicken and Veg Green Curry in particular).

Fingers crossed!

4 | Patrick

March 2nd, 2011 at 2:41 pm

Mhm, me gusta. It looks like a solid concept. Healthy food, no need to: put on pants to leave the comfort of your home, sit in a restaurant for an hour waiting for dinner, or tip a server.

I’d have to say anything menu item with the word “curry” in it will drive my tastebuds wild.

5 | Sara

March 2nd, 2011 at 2:42 pm

Simply put, it is the convenience. Having something in the freezer that is healthy and tastes delicious for those nights when you aren’t able to cook from scratch is great.

I’m most interested in the Chicken and Fresh Herb Shepherds Pie – chicken is a shepherd’s pie is an interesting change on the traditional style.

6 | Bob LeDrew

March 2nd, 2011 at 2:48 pm

[homer] mmmm…. thai chicken and vegetable curry… drool… [/homer]

7 | Liisa

March 2nd, 2011 at 2:58 pm

Well, based on your last post about Scratch Kitchen, I ordered. The boys loved the chicken fingers but wouldn’t go near the shells with spinach and cheese sauce. However, Derek and I split the kid’s portion as a side dish and both agreed it was delish. I would definitely order this Kid’s Meal again for the grown-ups. Haven’t tried anything else yet.

I wish they had some vegetarian curries!

8 | binki

March 2nd, 2011 at 3:07 pm

We had their Butter Chicken last night. VERY good. Even the kids gobbled it up. Mmmm…..

9 | Sheldon

March 2nd, 2011 at 3:17 pm

I love you can get fast food with real quality ingredients and lots of flavor. Wife doesn’t eat mushrooms, so the guiness ragout for 1 is perfect.

10 | Annie @ PhD in Parenting

March 2nd, 2011 at 3:35 pm

So many dishes look great! I’m a big fan of curries and am craving some red curry right now, so I’d say THAI BEEF AND VEGETABLE RED CURRY. :)

11 | Renée

March 2nd, 2011 at 3:38 pm

Wow, what a cool business! I had no idea they even existed. I love this giveaway since I often work in the evenings and don’t feel like cooking a whole big meal before I have to rush off for a performance. I have to say the sweet potato casserole looks the most delicious. I’m a sucker for all things sweet potato :)

12 | Craig Pedersen

March 2nd, 2011 at 3:57 pm

I love the concept of whole food – fast food. Making the world a better place. Plus, I’m a sucker for delicious curries. Madras Chicken Curry all the way!

YUM!

13 | Shawna

March 2nd, 2011 at 5:15 pm

Anything that saves me time is a winner in my book. And the butter chicken would have to get my vote!

14 | Shawna

March 2nd, 2011 at 5:15 pm

Anything that saves me time is a winner in my book. And the butter chicken would have to get my vote!

15 | EmmyB

March 2nd, 2011 at 5:50 pm

Yum! We used another local food delivery service for a while, which was great, but they had a set menu, which turned into a problem when there were some things that none of us liked – the idea of just being able to order what you want AND have it delivered is fabulous. I want to try all of the curries.

16 | Mandy

March 2nd, 2011 at 6:18 pm

Love the idea of having good food ready and waiting on those nights when you just don’t have the gusto to turn the stove on.

17 | Krista R

March 2nd, 2011 at 6:44 pm

Great concept! I love the idea of a convenience food that is healthy and appetizing. All the selections look wonderful but the curries and and the rosemary and lemon chicken stew in particular have me drooling!

18 | Kaitlin

March 2nd, 2011 at 6:54 pm

Oh, man. I love the idea of this for lunch. I can come home from work and spend the whole afternoon in the kitchen, but I’m constantly uninspired for lunches. I know that everyone feels busy, but managing a part-time job (20 hours a week) and doing my Master’s, while looking after a dog? It leaves very little time for me and my husband to hang out. Convenience is definitely one aspect of Scratch that appeals to me.

The curries are making my mouth water, but I think most, I would like to try the beef and mushroom ragout. I’m a sucker for a good, thick ragout and this sounds like just the thing.

19 | Pamela

March 2nd, 2011 at 7:53 pm

Thank you for this amazing giveaway! The nut free aspect is great news for us. I would love to try the butter and singapore chicken dishes.
Thanks again

20 | sara

March 2nd, 2011 at 8:39 pm

Yay for good food! Loved reading about Scratch Kitchen in your earlier post, and am determined to give them a try sometime soon. Winning would be a great intro!

Love that they are committed to convenience, health, and great tasting food. I was also really happy to see them include allergy information on their website. I am a cheese lover who has had to give up dairy while nursing my allergic son. Boeuf Bourguignon would be my pick:)

21 | KarenL

March 2nd, 2011 at 9:10 pm

I like the idea of just some variety without having to buy all the ingredients and spices. Would love the curries too!

22 | Patricia

March 2nd, 2011 at 9:59 pm

I love the idea of being able to have healthy food easy and ready for my family on the nights that I don’t have the time/energy to cook. Having an option other then take out is great!
I like the sound of the Rosemary and Lemon Chicken Stew. Also love that they have a kids menu :)

23 | Mary @ Parenthood

March 2nd, 2011 at 10:06 pm

I’ve always wanted to try this! I like that they have gluten free options. Didn’t realize they delivered, thought it was just a local option I could buy at the Glebe metro!

24 | Mary @ Parenthood

March 2nd, 2011 at 10:13 pm

Sheesh. Forgot to say that the lemon Rosemary chicken stew sounds the tastiest to me! Tough choice though. Lots of yummy things to try.

25 | Fiona

March 2nd, 2011 at 10:24 pm

I’m a picky cook who sometimes feels like it has to be “all or nothing” therefor, there are nights when I have run out of time to make dinner and settle for take-out. Having some quality ‘instant’ meals in the freezer is very appealing. I would definitely try the thai curry, the flavours are so fresh, even in the middle of winter.

26 | Natalie

March 3rd, 2011 at 6:03 am

Anything curry has got my attention! But truthfully, I find all of their dishes appealing. If I don’t win, I might just try them anyway. And if I do win, I’ll split the loot with my grandmother and we’ll use them for picnic lunches together at the residence where she lives. :)

27 | kathleen

March 3rd, 2011 at 7:53 am

Wow. This sounds incredible. I’m really excited about Shepherd’s Pie. Anything with ground beef in it is delicious. Reminds me of coming home after swimming lessons when I was a kid and dinner would be ready to eat (thanks, oven timer).

I love that Scratch Kitchen focuses on delicious home cooking. Because really, who doesn’t want to eat like that all the time?

Thanks, Andrea!

28 | Vanessa

March 3rd, 2011 at 8:49 am

As a working mom of 2, who’s always on the go, and looking for healthy, quick meals for my family! These look like perfect solutions for those evening where we have to be out the door not long after we get home, and cooking a “real” meal can be a challenge! This would sure beat a grilled cheese sandwich and a banana! The kids could each chose a meal of their liking (they’re not picky by any means, but both have distinct likes and dislikes!)
My mouth started watering at the mention of butter chicken… mmmm..

29 | Debbie

March 3rd, 2011 at 8:58 am

I think it’s a great idea to be able to get healthy, ‘home made’ food – no preservatives etc. I have emailed Scratch Kitchen about their ingredients, and they are very open about the contents of their recipes, so it’s great for people with allergies (to ensure everything is ok. I love Indian food, so would love to try their Indian Butter Chicken!

30 | Heather

March 3rd, 2011 at 9:10 am

I love the concept of having prepared meals delivered to your home – I mean seriously if I didn’t have to cook…ever…I would be a happy mommy :) The whole menu looks delicious, I’d love to try the Boeuf Bourguignon & Singapore Chicken, Potato and Coconut Curry (yum)

31 | Connie

March 3rd, 2011 at 9:19 am

Love the idea of ready-made-but-healthy meals for the family. I’ll be going back to work shortly, and am dreading the weekday crunch of getting kids home, fed and bathed while leaving time for play. Scratch Kitchen sounds like another good reason for my chest freezer! Today, with -20C out there, the photo of the 3-cheese and meat lasagna is making my toes curl…:-)

32 | Tammy

March 3rd, 2011 at 9:22 am

What a great giveaway! I think this business is onto something special. Providing nourishing, quick meals is brilliant. Our family certainly has those busy days where I’d love to provide a great meal without the prep/cleanup. Awesome. The curry dishes sound fabulous!!

33 | David Clarke

March 3rd, 2011 at 9:25 am

The concept is fab!
I choose Indian Butter Chicken!

34 | Kayla

March 3rd, 2011 at 9:31 am

Wow wow wow. I have been missing out. As a young single I often run into the problem of not wanting to cook large meals for one person, I do try to make a batch and freeze, but then my life gets the best of me and that 9 bean soup recipe stays on the fridge instead of made inside the freezer. This place is great, and as you said, maybe a little bit more then your traditional frozen meals but so much better for you. My family has a history of high blood pressure so I am always conscious of my sodium intake, and a lunch on the go made with good ingredients that don’t require a PHD to understand! Oh and as a OCTranspo-er I also love that THEY DELIVER!!! Great food, good for you ingredients, prepackaged and frozen annnnnd RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR? Sign me up! As for the yummiest sounding menu item…. Do I have to choose just one?! They all sound soo delicious!!! But if I had to choose one it would have to be the Rosemary and Lemon Chicken Stew. Yummy sounds like a perfect lunch on a cold winter’s day. Love it!

35 | DA

March 3rd, 2011 at 9:34 am

Homemade food without the work sounds good to me. I’d like to try the Indian Butter Chicken.

36 | Carla

March 3rd, 2011 at 10:00 am

So exciting I am in the delivery area! I love the concept of wholesome food that someone else makes, delivery and all. I’d love to try the Pasta with Sausage (Pennine). We are starting to stock up the freezer in advance of arrival of baby3, and this would be a fantastic way to get ahead on that

37 | Chantal

March 3rd, 2011 at 10:49 am

I love this idea and have been meaning to order as a stop gap for DH and my lunches. For those days when there are no left overs in the fridge. I looked at the menu and I love curries, but I also love the idea of the sides and Vegetables. It would be a nice option to mix things up as far as sides go. At my house we often get caught up with just plain salad, steamed carrots/broccoli and rice. And that gets boring :)

38 | coffee with julie

March 3rd, 2011 at 12:17 pm

I absolutely LOVE Scratch Kitchen. I found out about them from your blog (and told them that of course!) and made two orders from them. In particular, the mac and cheese for kids was an enormous hit for my son who does not carry for sandwiches one bit, but his preschool will heat up food for the children. But, *sniff* sniff** they changed their delivery zone and I can’t order from them anymore. I was soooo disappointed.

39 | Michelle

March 3rd, 2011 at 1:19 pm

Love the whole idea! It’s tough being a busy family trying to get healthy eating into our family. We do our best but a little help is always welcome. To add to my personal challenge it needs to be gluten free for my husband. Ironically enough, I have already contacted Scratch Kitchen about doing one large order to fill up my freezer before going back to work in the spring. Great giveaway! Well okay they are always great!

40 | Carolyn

March 3rd, 2011 at 2:44 pm

You had me at “curries” when I checked out their website a few weeks ago on your recommendation. Mouthwatering and nothing I seem to be able to replicate in my own kitchen. Also huge bonus – they have 4 kids items on their menu and I have 4 kids – it’s meant to be – they complete me! (well they would complete a few meals for me at least!)

41 | Amy B

March 3rd, 2011 at 8:18 pm

What a wonderful idea, and I love that there are kids meals too. Sides are where I tend to fall down in my menu planning and I would love to try the risotto with roaster butternut squash.

42 | Meghan

March 3rd, 2011 at 8:46 pm

YUMMMM!!! I have been meat free for the last three weeks an am obsessing over food. I would really like to try the salmon dish – especially when cooked by someone else.

43 | Jay

March 3rd, 2011 at 10:19 pm

Real homemad – fast food! Yum!

I’ve been thinking about the butter chicken and thia chicken since you first posted:)

44 | Cath

March 4th, 2011 at 1:04 am

We’ve tried them once before but some of the new recipes look even better! I love the fresh-and-local factor, combined with the convenience …

45 | Cari

March 4th, 2011 at 8:09 am

I refuse to feed my family processed high sodium food, but I still have those days when I just don’t have the time to cook. I love the idea that I have a solution when I’m in a hurry that doesn’t sacrifice the health of my family.

46 | Dear Fishies >> a peek inside the fishbowl

March 4th, 2011 at 9:12 am

[…] going to sequester myself and leave you with a couple recent items you may have missed (1) the giveaway from Scratch Kitchen and (2) the casting call from Mountain Road Productions. They both make me weak in the knees […]

47 | Kate S.

March 4th, 2011 at 10:25 am

Its gotta be the Lemon Rosemary Chicken. My two kitchen go-to flavours.. and chicken.. my children even eat chicken! Whats not to love!!
I love the home made, healthy, flavourful food mantra over at Scratch Kitchens. I mean, really, who doesn’t need a little convenience food without the convenience additives..??

48 | Natalie

March 4th, 2011 at 1:19 pm

Love that they are a local biz.
I’ll be trying a curry whether I win or not!
YUM.

49 | Lisa

March 4th, 2011 at 1:23 pm

I love that they have a kids’ menu too! Everything sounds good. We’d have to try the butter chicken.

50 | Sasha

March 4th, 2011 at 2:58 pm

What’s not to love about this? It’s REAL food, and not only did I not cook it, I didn’t even have to shop for it. Love the look of the Indian & Thai dishes, you’re not actually going to make me pick just one, are you???

51 | AllisonP

March 4th, 2011 at 4:13 pm

It’s the variety and value that appeals to me the most — $6.00 for a homemade hot lunch is awesome.

There are days when I don’t want the leftovers in the fridge for lunch and I work in a business park that doesn’t have a lot of food options. In my books, these handy meals win out over french fries and a sandwich anytime.

I’m familiar with the flavours in curries so for something new my choice is Rosemary and Lemon Chicken Stew.

52 | Sonya

March 4th, 2011 at 4:28 pm

Mmm, chicken curry! And who doesn’t love fast food that is also healthy?! Not always an easy combination to find.

53 | Cathy

March 4th, 2011 at 5:46 pm

Love the concept, simply because I love to eat real food, not take-out but I have limited time to cook from scratch. I would love to try their curry dishes.

54 | Stephane Desrosiers

March 4th, 2011 at 10:57 pm

I like the fact that it’s “home made” fast food that gets delivered straight to your door!

Although I would probably look at the Lasagna or perhaps the Butter Chicken. I think some of the side-dishes like Chili Lime Rice or Quinoa With Mixed Mushrooms might tickle my fancy. I’m always at a loss when it comes to making interesting sides.

55 | Pat Denny

March 6th, 2011 at 11:24 am

I’m a Stay-At-Home Dad who does interactive web dev on the side. The convenience of being able to whip something out of the freezer on project-heavy weeks that’s as good for the kids as cooking it myself is awesome. Especially something guaranteed nut-free — Peanut allergies suck.

However, what I’m looking forward to doing with this is gifting it to a single student friend, and former coworker of mine who’s helped me out numerous times in the past. His diet is pretty fast-food heavy, so I think he’d get more out of a bunch of single serving samplers than I would.

I’d probably be most interested in the various stew & pie selections on the menu, as those are family favourites.

56 | Hellcat13

March 7th, 2011 at 8:45 am

I think what I like most about Scratch Kitchen is that it’s got some alternatives to my usual lunches – it’s nice to have something special once in a while. I tend to get in a rut when I batch cook and fill my freezer, so this could be a special treat; additionally, it could inspire me to try new dishes.

The chicken and fresh herb shepherd’s pie most intrigues me – I’ve never had a chicken-based shepherd’s pie!

57 | Alison Thomas

March 7th, 2011 at 4:23 pm

I like the fact that these are healthy, INTERESTING meals perfect for if you are on the go. The Rosemary and Lemon Chicken Stew intrigues me the most because I have never had chicken stew before, only red meats.

58 | Fern

March 8th, 2011 at 1:20 pm

I am looking to bring a meal to an aquaintance who is going through a tough time. While, I don’t know her all that well, I do know that she dietary restrictions (gluten for example). The Scratch Kitchen Menu gives me the unique opportunity to give her a gift certificate so she can pick her own meal(s). While my favourites would be the curries (especially the THAI BEEF AND VEGETABLE RED CURRY), stews and pastas — I don’t really know what she would want. So Scratch Kitchens allows to to offer a meaningful getsure to a friend during a tough time! Thank you :)

59 | Ottawa giveaway alert: a cure for March Break madness >> a peek inside the fishbowl

March 8th, 2011 at 3:23 pm

[…] Don’t forget the Scratch giveaway too. There’s only a couple of days left to enter. […]

60 | margo

March 8th, 2011 at 8:22 pm

love Scratch Kitchen’s homemade – fast food plus the delivery right to my doorstep and supporting a local business!

Madras chicken curry = yum (also a hit with the kids – my 5 year old asked the other night if we had any Scratch Kitchen food in the freezer)

61 | Faustina

March 9th, 2011 at 7:47 am

OMG! Hubby would love to take these to work with him for lunch. I could dole them out slowly to remind him of what an awesome spouse I am! He doesn’t have to know I won them right? Right?

faustina.konkal at gmail.com

62 | Georgina Vranas

March 9th, 2011 at 12:51 pm

Love the home made goodness that Scratch Kitchen entails.
For me anything with curry is very yummy.

63 | KL

March 9th, 2011 at 1:36 pm

I love the idea of convenience that is not processed. I have a friend who works full time with 2 kids and this is something she would appreciate. I will have to keep that in mind as a perfect gift when her b’day rolls around!

64 | Chris

March 9th, 2011 at 4:12 pm

I love this idea! I like to eat healthy food, but also appreciate something fast and pre-made. This is the best of both of those worlds!

Very interested in the curries!

65 | Cat

March 9th, 2011 at 4:12 pm

As a single young professional, I love that you get a variety of slow foods… if I make a pot of stew, for example, it is huge and means I’m eating the same thing all week. It’s also great because I’m on the go all the time and don’t always have time to cook properly.

I just recently discovered how amazing Boeuf Bourguignon is, so I’m definitely looking forward to that if I win. :)

66 | Chris

March 9th, 2011 at 4:31 pm

I enjoy cooking, but would love to try Scratch Kitchen. So many good dishes to choose from, but I have to say I’m particularly interested in one of the curries.

67 | Lara

March 9th, 2011 at 5:31 pm

I love the idea of being able to sample all kinds of different meals – plus it sounds like the perfect solution to lunch!

I love Asian and Indian food so those appeal to me the most.

68 | Emily

March 9th, 2011 at 8:31 pm

The Traditional Beef Stew was a lifesaver one day when I was really feeling under the weather, taking care of my new born baby and wandering around Metro trying to find something appetizing to eat. I noticed the freezer with many entrees and side dishes and was quite impressed with the ingredients. I was so pleasantly surprised with the taste and quality of the stew that I couldn’t help but send them a thank you note for providing such an awesome product. The portion was also just right.

69 | Erin

March 9th, 2011 at 9:34 pm

Love the idea of having homemade meals, and small batches, in the freezer ready to pull out. The shepherd’s pie and stew sound very appetizing. Can’t go wrong with those comfort foods.

70 | Valerie

March 10th, 2011 at 8:54 am

The Guinness Beef and Mushroom Ragout sounds awesome. I’d also love to try the pastas and the curries.

This would be so great for lunches at work. We usually take leftovers to heat up so these would be a fancier version. And let me eat some things that I don’t get at home (lasagna, for example, because hubby is lactose intolerant).

71 | Laura S

March 10th, 2011 at 11:24 am

Everything on the menu appeals to me — my favourite foods! Although I tend to cook a lot of pasta (easy) so I’m excited by the idea of the curries (yum) and stews. As a busy single mom who works over 20 km away from home, I don’t have a lot of time to get everything done, so the Scratch Kitchen concept definitely appeals to me.

72 | ML

March 10th, 2011 at 11:34 am

Now this is one give-away I want to win!

73 | Eric F

March 10th, 2011 at 11:39 am

Finding local ingredients can sometimes be a challenge, but I believe in supporting local growers and businesses. Many of our diets contain too much salt, so the fact that no preservatives are used is a big plus. With our lifestyles being busier than ever there are options besides typical fatty fast-foods!! Kudos to the family for creating an alternative.

74 | andrea

March 10th, 2011 at 11:53 am

This entry is from Heather Unhola

“I am a stay at home mom of 3 little ones, trying to run my small business and I have a brain injury. This food looks delightful! With three little minds that seldom agree with each other on what they want to eat, I am usually voted off the island when it comes to meal choices. Their finicky nature, with my injury and lack of super mom powers, means that I often end up eating junk food. I miss yummy food…I would dearly love to give this fabulous food a great home if I win!!!

Thank you!

Heather Unhola
alittlebitofbling@rogers.com
http://www.alittlebitofbling.ca and http://www.thepaintedbelly.com“

75 | andrea

March 10th, 2011 at 12:03 pm

Comments are officially closed. Thanks for your entries. Please stay tuned for the winner!

76 | andrea

March 10th, 2011 at 12:17 pm

Congratulations Laura S – comment #71 – who wrote:

“Everything on the menu appeals to me — my favourite foods! Although I tend to cook a lot of pasta (easy) so I’m excited by the idea of the curries (yum) and stews. As a busy single mom who works over 20 km away from home, I don’t have a lot of time to get everything done, so the Scratch Kitchen concept definitely appeals to me.”

I’ll be contacting you shortly Laura!

And thank you Scratch for hosting this yummy giveaway!

77 | Dana

March 11th, 2011 at 12:40 pm

The pasta and shepherd’s pie looks delicious :) I had never heard of this company. Great idea!