Supperworks Logo
There is a new, easier way to get dinner on the table, and it is called Supperworks. Their slogan is “taking the work out of supper,” and they do just that! But we are not talking about MSG filled TV suppers or nutrient-lacking pots of Kraft Dinner. Supperworks makes it easier for you to have healthy, home-cooked meals ready for your family in minutes rather than hours. There is no planning, shopping, washing, chopping, or elaborate clean-up because that has already all been done for you.
How Does It Work?
When you walk into a Supperworks store, you will see a series of stations. Each station has a food fridge similar to what you would see in a Subway Sandwiches or Quiznos store. The vegetables in there are already chopped, and there are the appropriately sized measuring scoops to go with them. Above the fridge are all the spices you will need as well as the simple instructions that you need to follow. Each station is different, but for the majority, you end up combining all the necessary spices, vegetables, and meat in a Ziploc bag. You seal the bag, label it with the cooking instructions, place it in a labeled bin and move on to the next station. You continue in this manner until you have made all the meals you signed up for. Then you take your bin to the front. The staff will make sure that nothing is missing – because there is nothing like preparing a cranberry & BBQ pot chicken only to discover you forgot the rice – and then you are good to go!
Stations
Upon getting home, you simply toss all your prepared meals in the freezer. When you come across a day where you know you will have no time to get dinner on the table, you defrost the meal of your choosing the night before and then heat it up according to the easy cooking instructions when you return from your busy day.
Alternatively, if you don’t think you have time to put the meals together in the store, you can pay a little extra and have the staff prepare them for you. Then all you have to do is pick them up and go!
In addition, Supperworks has a deal for new parents. They understand that the first few months with a baby can be exhausting and time-consuming. So for the first two months of new parenthood, they will make up your meals absolutely free!
Cook It By Yourself!
But if you have an hour to spare, I would definitely recommend making the meals up yourself, as it certainly does not feel like work. If you come in during the day, there is coffee and tea to be had, as well as cookies for the kids. For the night-time sessions, the wine is flowing, and some delicious hors d’oeuvres are served. You are also allowed to bring a helper, so you and a friend could make a night of it and then split your creations. Or you can have one of your children come along and learn all about how things work in the kitchen.
Personalize Your Recipe
Supperworks Meal
It is also interesting to note that whether you put it together yourself or have it made up for you, there is no other prepared meal system that allows you to customize your meal exactly how you want it. You can see just what is going into your meal and tailor it to your likes and dislikes. Sure, there are instructions, but if you don’t enjoy garlic, you don’t have to put it in, or you can request that the staff leave it out. If you are a vegetarian and want Tofu Tenders instead of Chicken Tenders – not a problem! However you want your meal done is just how it will be.
Menu
The menu changes every month, and there are always fourteen meals to choose from. They offer several vegetarian options and even offer a “Naturally Raised” session the second Tuesday of each month.
Some of their meals, like the ratatouille provençal, are suppers all in themselves, but some, such as the herbed pork loin, could use a side dish or two. Not to worry: they have those as well! Their side dishes come already put together, so all you have to do is cook them alongside your main dish. You can pick from such options as creamy peas and orzo, sweet potato fries with chipotle mayo, and many more! And to finish everything off, they have some delicious dessert options, such as chocolate chip cookies and brownies.
They also understand that families come in all shapes and sizes. That is why they offer two options for the size of your meal. When you order your meals, you can either do them in “Fulls” for four to six people or “Splits” for two to three people.
Reservations
Forest Hill Centre
with Customers
All you have to do to take part in this wonderful service is give them a call or go online a few days before you want to come in. The reason you need to give them notice is that they order all their meat in fresh. Then you select whether you would like to make up six, nine, or twelve meals. Although, if you are a first-time visitor, they will happily let you make up just three so you can see whether you like it. The meals range in prices for “fulls” like this:
$180 for six ($4.67 per serving)
$265 for nine ($4.67 per serving)
$333 for twelve ($4.29 per serving)
There is a small added charge for “splits” as the full size is split and prepared in two portions, so they therefore require more packaging. If you would prefer to pick up your order instead of putting it together yourself in-store, there is an added fee of $25 for six, $35 for nine, and $45 for twelve. But if you order in store or online, you get a $5 discount!
Locations
There are three easily accessible locations in Toronto. One is down in the Beaches on Queen near Woodbine. There is another up by the Leaside Centre at Eglinton and Laird. And there is also one on Eglinton just West of Avenue Road.
The staff at these locations are knowledgeable and friendly, so feel free to give them a call or stop in for a tour of the store!
The Forest Hill Location:
497 Eglinton Avenue West
Toronto, ON
(416) 481-2778
The Leaside Location:
105 Vanderhoof Avenue #18
Toronto, Ontario
(416) 913-2881
The Beaches Location:
1733 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON
(416) 690-3535
All photos courtesy of Supperworks.