A few weeks ago I was introduced to the newest craze in in-home dining. Sure everyone has poked holes in the clear plastic and hit 4 minutes on the microwave but you’re left with what... over-processed, under-flavored food in a black plastic tray. Yum. Ew. Or how about ordering from your favorite take-out joint only to realized they must have changed chefs and they totally forgot your side of hummus.

Pop-Up Pantry is unlike anything I’ve tried before. In a nutshell, here’s the process: You go online to a fun, interactive website and browse their mouthwatering menus. They are all at least 3 courses and will serve two people. With items like Portobello Wellington, Butternut Squash Lasagne, Wild Boar Ragu, how can you not be drooling! If you’re overwhelmed by the menu options, just fill out your flavor profile for some suggestions. I’m “Old World Rustic”. :-)

Once you’ve narrowed down your selections and head to “checkout” and select which day you want your food to arrive. This is pretty great because for example, I was super excited to order my dinners but with Thanksgiving I didn’t want to fill my freezer too early so I elected to have it delivered this week. I ordered the Short Rib and the Beer Braised Beef (had to keep The Mr. happy!) and my tastebuds are itching for them to arrive!

I got a preview of what to expect at a launch soiree at The Pop-Up Pantry Loft (I want to move into thatplace!) and saw first hand how the items will arrive at my door. Everything is packaged in airtight containers that either get put in the oven or placed in boiling water, so yes, even if all you can do is boil water... you can have a gourmet meal! I had the chance to sample a few of the dishes and was blown away! The stuffed pepper was fantastic and full of flavor (putting any other version, fresh or frozen, to shame), the onion soup was slurp-worthy and the Bastilla was was simply the best.

There’s only one thing [slightly] better than the food... the team behind it! Founders David Hauslaib and Tom Balamaci found their success in start-ups in the past and were ready for their next venture. David told me that this idea for Pop-Up Pantry was born one day sitting by the pool after a few cocktails and they both knew that this was their next gig. Everyone who works for the company loves food, and it shows! I had the chance to talk with Jose Vasconez, Manager of Special Projects and he told me how he tries every dish that comes through the office (tough gig!) and loves giving his honest feedback. Chef David Yeo is the mind behind the taste however he also shares the menu with celebrity chefs such as “The Fabulous Beekman Boys”, MasterChef’s Christina Ha and Joshua Marks along with a number of others.

BONUS: Since the Pop-Up Pantry team is so fab, they are offering fans of Kasey’s Kitchen and The Dish $10 off your first order with them! Just use coupon code KASEYFAVS at checkout! Keep an eye out for your chance to win a full dinner from Pop-Up Pantry starting next week on Kasey’s Favorite Things!