Dinner Made Easy With CookUnity

 CookUnity Review, Meal Delivery Service
While we really enjoy dining out and trying out restaurants in New York City, on weeknights, I'm all about home cooked meals since it''s healthier and cheaper. Most weeks I'm pretty good about meal planning and grocery shopping but sometimes when I get busy with work or it's just too hot to turn on the stove, I end up improvising and just throwing quick something together or we order something from Seamless (food delivery service). I've tried recipe meal kit services where pre-measured ingredients are delivered to your door and you just have to cook them but in some cases I found that those meals took even longer to prep than a dinner I would make from scratch which kind of defeated the purpose.

When CookUnity reached out to me a few weeks ago and introduced their service, they got my attention. They partner with local chefs who prepare homemade meals with farm-fresh ingredients. These chefs create specialty dishes featuring an intersection of timeless classics and reimagined recipes. The menu items utilize local and organic ingredients and are balanced both for nutrition and taste.

This definitely sounded appealing so I gave it try. When you go to the Cookunity site, you're presented with their weekly menu which typically consists of two adult meal options and one kids' meal option for each day. One of the adult meals is usually vegetarian friendly. The cuisine choices vary and include authentic meals from different regions of the world. All meals are clearly labeled if they meet certain dietary restrictions like gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, etc. and you can see exactly what goes into each dish. I added my choices, chose a delivery window, entered my address and sat back and waited for my food.

CookUnity Review, Meal Delivery Service

Our meal was delivered promptly within the time I chose in a carefully packed shopping bag. Each entrée was packaged in an oven and microwave safe container which made for simple reheating. The instructions came on a printed card with a meal story detailing the dish, nutrition information, a full list of ingredients as well as a bio of the chef who prepared it. Each meal also came with an additional side dish. And if that wasn't enough, they also included some cookies for dessert. The containers were labeled with the meal, the name of the chef and date it was made along with a sticker that said "handmade with love" which I thought was a nice touch since it had the feel of a care package.

CookUnity, CookUnity Review, Meal Delivery Service

We tried out the Chickpeas and Portobello Meatless Meatloaf by chef Ayacel Mejía which included a mixed greens salad on the side and the Chicken Saltimbocca by chef Oscar Monterroso which was served with gingered carrots. The preferred heating method for both was by microwave and our dinner was hot and ready to eat in a matter of minutes. Since there wasn't much else I had to do, I did plate our food instead of having it straight out of the containers and I was impressed with how much they resembled actual restaurant meals. My husband and I have a habit of eating half and then switching plates when we go out and we did it for this meal as well. We were equally impressed with both dishes. The meatless meatloaf had a wonderful flavor and texture and the mushroom gravy, roasted okra and sofrito rice were delicious. Chef Ayacel was described as passionate about vegetarian cooking and it definitely showed in this meal. We weren't missing the meat at all. The Chicken Saltimbocca tasted really good as well and I had to admire the juicy tenderness of the organic chicken breasts. The roasted potatoes and gingered carrots were lovely accompaniments. Everything was well cooked and the portions were generous and filling. We didn't even have room for the side salad or cookies. If I had any critique at all, it would be that the food was very well seasoned but I do tend to prefer less seasoning when I cook.


CookUnity, CookUnity Review, Meal Delivery Service



In partnership with In'Box Your Meal, CookUnity also offers kids's meals which they also sent along for us to try. We don't have kids but I think any of my friends who are parents would be happy to give this meal to their kids. We received Spanakopita with sautéed carrots, broccoli and a fruit compote which I ended up having for lunch the next day. It heated up in less than a minute. The spinach pie tasted authentic and fresh and with the vegetables, it made for a well balanced and tasty meal.

 InBox Your Meal, Kids meal, CookUnity, CookUnity Review, Meal Delivery Service

CookUnity is a better option than delivery or a recipe meal kit service from a cost, convenience and health standpoint in my opinion. Based on the meal that we tried, I would definitely order from CookUnity again. I liked the personal touch, the ease of heating the meals and knowing that they use fresh, quality ingredients. On nights when I don't have time or don't feel like cooking, this would be like having a chef quality home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

Delivery Details: CookUnity currently delivers Tuesdays - Thursdays. You can place your order a few days in advance or up until 3:30pm for same day delivery.


Cost: $14/adult meal and $9/kids' meal with a $3 delivery fee. Considering the average cost of takeout and recipe meal kits which you still have to cook up yourself, they're reasonably priced and if you're not a big eater, the portions could easily work into two meals.


CookUnity is currently only available in NYC but they are definitely growing so look out. Check their delivery map to see if they deliver to your area. CookUnity is generously offering rolala loves readers in Manhattan a chance to try them out. Just use the code rolalalovescookunity to receive 2 MEALS FOR FREE. 

You can learn more about CookUnity through their website or connect with them on Facebook or Twitter

Disclaimer: A complimentary set of meals was sent to me for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was provided and all opinions/words are my own.

41 comments

Coco said...

Please CookUnity come and help Italian Desperate HW too! Such a great idea!!
Baci,
Coco et La vie en rose fashion blog - Valeria Arizzi

The Dainty Dolls House said...

This looks so good, I would eat it all in seconds, ha :)) What a super idea xx

Emmylou said...

This is such a cool idea, Rowena. Although my husband and I do cook our meals at home most of the time, it would be nice to do this for variety.:)

Lilli said...

Wish they were even here, I would be so curious to try their service too! The concept is genial and so useful for who havent much time or is in a hurry, the food looks fresh and delicious too! Kisses Rowena! xo

Jackie Harrison said...

The ingredients do look fresh and the meal delicious.

Anonymous said...

Aaaand I am ready for lunch now! Awesome concept.

Jillian said...

Ah! Too bad they don't deliver to Queens. This actually sounds like a great service. I don't really like the takeout options in my area, so this would've been perfect. Hoping they expand soon!

miasmode said...

This looks very delicious Rowena. Sadly I don't live in NY. I would love to try it. I hate grocery shopping and I don't like to think about recipes. I prefer it delivered :D Happy hump day!!

xx

Elle Sees said...

what a fab service!

Shireen L. Platt said...

What a brilliant idea and great review, Rowena! I wish there's something like this where I live but I think such business will only bloom in major cities. Have you tried Plated? We saw it on Shark Tank and I read some great reviews on it too.

Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

Lena L said...

Ah, I didn't know about CookUnity. So I guess Munchery's got a competition. I've only tried Munchery but so far I really like ordering from them. For some reason, the food is kinder to my stomach than the ones ordered from restaurant. I know many (especially on the UES) hire private chefs and there a bunch of talented chefs in the city. This is a brilliant since we can experience that as well.
I will definitely look into CookUnity! :)

Kelsey&Kenecha said...

Wow love this! Too bad we don't have anything like this here x

Florals&Smiles
Twitter

Ivana Split said...

sounds like they do offer excellent service! it is wonderful that they offer so much information about each dish (and even chef's bio)....that sign 'prepared with love' is also very sweet.
If I lived in NY, I would surely look them up! it is clearly a much healthier option that your average takeaway....I like the fact they use organic products and according to these images, the dishes look quite yummy.

Beauty Editer said...

Fantastic post dear! Hope you have a lovely day.

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Unknown said...

Looks delicious!

jessssicahart.blogspot.co.uk

Unknown said...

Awesome post, love your blog! <3

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JeannLiew | Luminnej said...

Hi Rowena,

Wow! This does look and sound truly awesome and convenient. I feel it works wonder for city folks who are busy with work, but still yearn for that restaurant standard kind of meals. It does feel like having a chef at home to cook, just for you!

Yes, I do think it's reasonably priced granted you are getting quality ingredients!! Definitely worth it and they look delicious as well.

Such a great concept, I only wish we have something like this in Malaysia (though we have our standard catering service, but don't look as good as these!)

Looking forward to seeing your next meal with them *_^

Big hugs,
Jeann
http://luminnej.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Wow, this is such a great idea! The food looks amazing!

http://ourruins.com

Paola Lauretano said...

Wow... it sounds great, I need it in Italy too!!!!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

My Facebook

JOURNAL OF STYLE said...

My mouth is watering while reading and watching your post, Rowena! My hubby and I are switching plates too or I feed him... haha! :-DD I really love the personal touch of their concept! Great idea for customer loyalty!
Have a wonderful day with your hubby, dear!!

xxx Ira
JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

Unknown said...

What a great concept! everything looks so good.

http://www.racheldinh.com

Margaret Dallospedale said...

Yummy Yummy
they looks delicious
kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog

ALLIE NYC said...

Wow this sounds awesome. Really nice to have something link this in NY. My friend started a company similar to this in Seattle called Eat Local. It is doing very well and they are even expanding.

Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com

Vanessa said...

Mmmh, looks so yummy. *__*
New outfit is online...

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Rowena, I can't get over the cost! It's amazing what you get for the price. Everything looks so delicious. I wish they had that here in New Orleans. This is HEALTHY & DELICIOUS! Awesome review.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Hoda Katebi said...

Oh my gosh this is such an adorable idea! As a university student, I feel like this would be such a life saver during finals...aka now, hahaha. Unfortunately I'm not in NY but I will look forward to when they expand to Chicago! What a wonderful review!

<(') Hoda | JooJoo Azad, a fashion + social action blog

Effortlesslady said...

Love that they offer kids meal!! Great service for great price.
www.effortlesslady.com

Unknown said...

Sounds like a brilliant service Rowena - and great value!
Emma | http://www.fluffandfripperies.com

Lenya said...

This is exactly how I love it ;) Great service esp for girls like me who can't even boil an egg, lol. Thx for sharing.
kisses
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle

Stanislava E. said...

This is the first time I hear about this service, such a nice idea! I enjoy dining out, but honestly, home prepared food is much more healthier. So this one is time and effort saving! And everything looks so delicious from your photos! I wouldn't mind it's vegetarian, as long as it is delicious! Cool idea, somebody has to bring it to my country too! Have a nice day, Rowena! xo

Jane said...

This sounds like a great service Rowena!!

Anonymous said...

Hi, this is Matias from CookUnity =) Thanks everyone for your nice comments. Reading this makes us work harder to provide a great dinner experience for all of you. You can't imagine how much this means for every chef that works with us.

Rebeca Muñoz López said...

Honestly everything looks delicious and very healthy would love to have the recipes of dishes.

www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com

BEAUTYEDITER.COM – Beauty Blog said...

I so love this. Thank you for sharing and have a great day! :)

STYLEFORMANKIND.COM

Diana Mieczan said...

Everything looks really delicious and I'd love to try that meatless meatloaf. Kisses, love

Anonymous said...

This sounds seriously delicious, we'll have to wait for them to come to LA!

xx 365Hangers

Gabrielle said...

Farm-fresh ingredients brought to your door? That sounds ideal! Everything you've photographed looks delicious and filling :)

Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice

x

Nnenna said...

CookUnity sounds like an interesting service. Thanks for sharing your very detailed review!

My Garden Diaries said...

OH MAN!!! I wish they were in Chicago! What a great idea! And the dishes look insanely INCREDIBLE! That meatloaf! I so want that recipe! I hope this philosophy catches on in other cities because I would use it in a heartbeat! Thanks for sharing friend! Nicole xo

Albert Wijaya said...

Looks yummy! great post :)

Best, Albert | Palming Pebbles

Michelle said...

Cookunity looks really cool! I wish we had something like that here! I'm pretty good about meal planning most of the time, but there are definitely days I could use a little help!