How Quarantine Changed my Delivery Patterns

I used to be very reserved when it came to food delivery. I would stick to only ordering ‘traditional’ delivery items – pizza, Chinese, Thai, Indian – that felt low risk. I worried that if I were to branch outside of those staples, I would end up with soggy mush and money not-well spent. Traditional delivery offerings feel safe – you know it will arrive warm and in decent condition, and if it doesn’t, at least it is easy to reheat.

Oh, how I had been missing out!

In today’s times, where I can no longer just venture out to eat the ‘real thing’ at a restaurant, I’ve explored further into the delivery world. With the vast majority of my experiences being overwhelmingly positive, I’m certain it has changed how I will order food even after quarantine.

Ordering delivery or takeout has also been my small way helping support local restaurants, suppliers, and bars through this unprecedented time. I’ve been astounded at the ingenuity and resilience that many owners have demonstrated as they’ve pivoted their offerings in an effort to battle this difficult phase.

Read on for what I’ve discovered in Toronto…

Speaking of pivoting, since quarantine was enforced, many restaurants have launched make-at-home meal kits. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or with a loved one, the kits are a great way to enjoy restaurant quality meals with the added satisfaction that you contributed to the end result.

My favourites have been the Pizza Margherita Tradizionale Kit from Ferro Bar Café, the Carbonara Kit and Nodini Kit from Buca, and the Red Curry Meal Kit from Sala Modern Thai Kitchen & Bar.

Stay tuned for a comprehensive list of meal kits that I’m dying to try!

Stepping out beyond the traditional delivery items has unlocked a world of possibilities for me. Whether you want a rack of lamb or freshly seared scallops from Brown’s Bistro, PEI mussels or a lobster roll from OysterMine, burgers for every craving, or fresh hummus, pita and tabbouleh salad from Parallel, I assure you it all exists.

Some restaurants have gotten really savvy about how they package meals, separating salad dressings or sauces for you to add at home, ensuring the food doesn’t get soggy before it hits your plate.

I’ll caveat this section with – although most of my experiences have been fantastic, they aren’t all perfect. For example, I’ve had some incredible burgers (Harry’s Charbroiled, Cabano’s & Chen Chen’s Hot Chicken) but I’ve also had some that arrived with a soggy bottom bun. Consider ordering from places closer to  home and provide feedback directly to restaurants (rather than posting a negative review online) when something doesn’t travel well. Give them the opportunity to adjust their packaging, and consider giving them another try when they do.

Is it just me, or has it been moderately terrifying darting down one-way aisles, attempting to touch as little as possible, while maintaining six feet of separation from everyone in busy grocery stores?

In an attempt to avoid the mayhem, I’ve opted to order delivery direct from suppliers or local shops. I’ve found that a lot of places have comparable prices to your regular grocery stores, especially if you order products directly from the supplier. Many also offer low or no delivery fees with a certain basket size.

My favourites so far have been produce from Country Boy’s Produce and meat and dairy from Kendall Hill Farms.

More to come on other at-home-grocery delivery options.