Defining Features? Plated includes beautiful step-by-step recipe cards and pre-portioned ingredients to minimize food waste and prep time. They offer nine meal choices each week, consisting of beef, poultry, pork, fish, and veggie options. Plated offers desserts as well.

On the meal choice page, it shows what ingredients will be shipped, what items you'll need on hand (like oil, water, salt, pepper), calorie count, difficulty, and prep times. 

Another cool thing? The recipe cards are available as a .pdf download in case you lose yours, or prefer a digital copy. This applies only to the recipes you have purchased.

Price Tag? $12/plate. We ordered three meals for both of us, totaling: $12 x 3 meals x 2 people = $72/week.

Coupon Code? First of all, any box over $50 qualifies for free shipping. It appears that after a few orders you can also send free boxes to friends. I was able to find a coupon online to try four free plates ($48) when you buy two plates ($24). The code I used was b2fb9b. I will add a referral link when/if I receive one. 

My first box was scheduled to arrive on a Saturday. I was so excited! I work from home on my computer. When I'm not working, I'm still usually on my computer playing video games. I sat myself at my computer (right by the front door) and kept staring out the window, willing the FedEx truck to show. Around 4:45pm, I received a call from PeriShip, the company that packages Plated's boxes. He said the FedEx truck tried to deliver my package, but no one was home. He said he would have to destroy the shipment because FedEx wouldn't be reattempting to deliver until Tuesday (3 days later!) and it would be spoiled by then. He told me to contact Plated about my order.

I was heartbroken. I was also pissed at FedEx. I'll spare you the details, but it most likely had something to do with living on a newly-constructed street. Regardless, my precious box never made it to my house. The nice thing about these meal delivery boxes is that they are supposed to stay fresh on your doorstep for up to 24 hours after delivery. You aren't supposed to have to sign for them. You don't even have to be home.

How did Plated respond? The very next morning, I called Plated. I was expecting to have to detail the whole FedEx scenario and hoped she believed that I really was home. I told her I didn't receive my box. She looked up my tracking number and without explanation from me, credited me another three free meals PLUS a dessert. She was happy, helpful, and quick. Wonderful customer service. 

Hopefully, my real review will be just as wonderful. So, what's on the menu for next week?

Avocado, Quinoa, and Mango Salad with Jalapeno Vinaigrette

Steak and Zucchini Gyros with Pesto

Chinese-Style Chicken Salad with Napa Cabbage, Almonds, and Mustard Soy Vinaigrette

Greek Yogurt Cheesecake

I'm so excited I can barely stand it. A coworker of mine once brought in Chinese Chicken Salad to a potluck. I fell in love with it, but never tried to make it because it sounded so complicated. I have such high hopes for it. Mr. FedEx better show up this time!!!