“There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man’s fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone.”
Well…actually, it’s just lockdown 2.0.
With new national restrictions coming into full force and throwing every plan we had the nerve of making right back out of the window, it’s time that we all roll our sleeves up once more and make staying in as entertaining as possible. Luckily, we’ve all had almost a year of making the best of a bad situation and restaurants, brands and companies around the world have pivoted spectacularly to ensure that we can attempt to maintain a sense of normality throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
One thing that we are a huge fan of are DIY boxes, restaurant kits and anything that can be delivered to our door that makes us feel that our favourite culinary hotspots are now operating out of our own kitchens. In celebration of our new ‘side hustle’ aka transforming into Jamie Oliver, here’s a round up of our top 5 DIY kits that you can get your hands on during round 2 of the UK lockdown.
1. Burger and Beyond
After over 30 trips in 2019 to the Burger and Beyond restaurant in Shoreditch, having drunk over 100 rhubarb margaritas and gained a comprehensive understanding of what everything on the menu tastes like, it’s safe to say that B+B is one of our favourite places to eat in London. That’s why when lockdown #1 hit we were devastated that our regular burger joint would be closed for business, yet all was not lost.
Without being biased (who are we kidding??) Burger and Beyond have excelled in creating the perfect home-dining experience with a delivery box system which can be tailored to your own dietary and tastebud requirements.
Our recommendation? All of it. A reasonable suggestion? Get your hands on the Bougie Burger and Krispie Chicken Kits, Bacon Poutine Tots, Dirty Tots and an extra jar of the sweet honey mayo. You can thank us later.
2. Pasta Evangelists
We’re unsure about you, but tucking into a posh plate of pasta with a large glass of wine just makes the evening seem a little bit more special. However preparing fresh Lobster, Crab & Prawn Ravioli with a Sage Butter Sauce, Beef & Truffle Tortelloni with Black Truffle Butter Sauce & Hazelnuts or Pappardelle with a Wild Mushroom Sauce doesn’t fall naturally within our repertoire. Nor do we have the time or patience to make our own pasta…
Each recipe includes everything you need to prepare a 5* pasta dish, including freshly made pasta, an authentic sauce & delicious garnish. You’ll also receive step-by-step instructions for each recipe (don’t worry, it couldn’t be easier & takes just minutes).
ASSISTANT ROOM MEMBERS RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT WITH PASTA EVANGELISTS – PLEASE CHECK THE TRIBUTE LOUNGE ON YOUR MEMBERS DASHBOARD FOR MORE INFORMATION
3. The Vurger Co
When a product is described as ‘soul satisfying’ it sets a steep expectation that most people would think a vegan burger just could not meet. Well, if you know us then you know how passionate we are about our food and The Vurger Co gets our full stamp of approval not only for their lip smacking plant based options but for the fact their packaging is sustainable, their promise to invest in local social causes is solid and all products are ethically produced and sourced. What’s not to like?
If you’ve been thinking of giving the plant way of life a go for a while, there is no better time than now. Their delivery kits include enough to knock up two plant based cheeseburgers, skin on fries and the best burger sauce on the vegan market.
They have a ton in inspiration online of how to up your plant based game when making your Vurger Co creations so get stuck in and have some fun!
4. Pizza Pilgrims
Legends in the pizza game, Thom and James Elliot, Founders of Pizza Pilgrims have pivoted spectacularly during the COVID-19 pandemic to bring you do-it-yourself frying pan pizzas. Yes, you heard it right, FRYING PAN pizzas.
Each frying pan pizza kit contains lovingly selected ingredients to make 2 authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Having spent many years on various “Pizza Pilgrimages” to Naples to find the best pizza ingredients they can, these at home kits are a true credit to the passion they have for their brand and their customers.
Great to do on your own, with kids, as unique gifts to send to loved ones during the pandemic, or a great team building option, Pizza Pilgrims have it sussed meaning you don’t need to wait until the 2nd of December to get your dough on!
5. Norma
We couldn’t really release our top 5 at home delivery kits without giving a shoutout to Ben Tish and the team at Norma.
With not only their feasting boxes on offer but access to their online deli and local delivery, those of you looking for an Italian feast at home need to look no further.
With two feasting box options either meaty or vegetarian both including everything you need for a three course menu with a bottle of wine AND a signed copy of Ben Tish’s book ‘Moorish’ all for just £100, get your hands on these in demand boxes while you can for the perfect date night in or to celebrate a special occasion.
You’ll be booking a table for their re-opening in December before you know it!
