Thursday, April 16, 2009

Romano's Macaroni Grill Review & Giveaway



So I made you curious, eh?


I'll just go ahead and admit it - I am all about boxes. Cake mix, brownie mix, Dinner in a Box... Why not? It makes life so much easier when you've had a long day and haven't got the time to whip up something gourmet. That's not to say I don't like Slowfood...I do. I prefer it. But life moves at a quick pace and sometimes neccessity steps in. (Especially with a hungry toddler.)


Luckily, this Dinner in a Box provides all the taste of Slowfood in only 20 minutes. No kidding...20 Minutes.


The folks over at My Blog Spark were kind enough to send me a box of the Romano's macaroni Grill Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken & Pasta to review, and I am thrilled they did. I may have never noticed these products tucked in between the Hamburger Helper and Velveeta Shells and Cheese. What you get with this box is top quality pasta and seasonings (think sun dried tomatoes), which really do make a difference. You supply the Chicken (or Pork or Shrimp) and the box takes care of the rest. Don't be put off by the higher than Hamburger Helper pricetag - this box goes further and tastes out of this world better. Our Walmart carries these products for $3.62. Add a pound of Chicken and you have a great dinner for just about $5.00. Even better than that? Click here for a coupon that will save you a whopping $1.00 off just so you can try it yourself. Now we're talking.



But Susan, I want to try it for free! And I want a strainer. And a grater, and a big metal spoon, too! You do? Well, lucky for you I have exactly 3 Prize packs just like that to give away! All you have to do is Comment here. Tell me - have you tried any of the new Macaroni Grill products? How do you feel about Dinners in a Box in general?


Winners will be chosen at random on April 20, so enter to win now! Good Luck!

13 comments:

  1. I cook dinner every night. Not that I don't like to go out to dinner, but we live way out in the boonies and there aren't many places to choose from out here. Usually I have the hubby grill something while I provide the sides. I do use an occasional Dinner in a Box. This one looks amazing and I will be looking for it next time I get groceries. Thanks for the review. (Oh and I want a strainer. And a grater. And, a big metal spoon too!!! :D)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love Macaroni Grill..oh the bread and olive oil dipping sauce!!!
    I am so so about boxed stuff. I DONT do the hamburger helper stuff. But I do often buy Healthy Chocie dinners for myself for a quick lunch. I havent tried Macaroni Grills at home dinners yet, but I am sure I will with your rave reviews!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Any recipe that has "creamy, basil, and parmesan" in the title and I want to live there!
    I have not tried the Macaroni Grill recipes, but freqently use other boxed mean products. (especially those darned AuGratin Potatoes that taste so great)

    cassi

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'd sure love to try one of these on the free. I really enjoy sitting down at the Macaroni Grill. Wonder how it'll compare to the box version.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love Macaroni Grill....and this sounds so yummmmy!I have not tried any of the Macaroni Grill. But funny story I refused for my kids to hamburger helper and finally they begged me to make it a month ago and they LOVE it...not my favorite but it is a nice quick fix when your a busy working mom!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I haven't seen these Macaroni Grill boxed dinners yet. Cool! I definitely use boxed products often.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Honestly, I've tried boxed dinners - and to be honest, I've never been a fan. Bisquick dinners, Banquet Homestyle bakes... they taste dry and cakey and kinda of... sawdusty. I do NOT do Hamburger Helper and never have, but I am guilty of using Rice-A-Roni or pasta-in-a-pouch. Maybe I'm just not adding enough of my own touches to it. It's just as easy for me to whip up something that already tastes good as to worry about messing with the box dinner to make it taste good.

    Of course, there are no toddlers in my house. :)

    Kate

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have not tried any of the Romano's Macaroni Grill Restaurant Favorites but WOW, they look yummy! Being pregnant I think these are the meals for me because one, I don't have to spend time cooking as I am STARVING as soon as I hit the front door and two, my husband is tired of hot dogs every night! Can't wait to try it!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. No, I haven't tried any of the new Macaroni Grill products, and I haven't been to the restaurant.

    I rarely used box dinners. I'm not totally against the idea, using them occasionally to save time/convenience purposes, but I very much prefer making something fresh from scratch. It's not that hard. :)

    That photo looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I haven't tried these particular meals but would love to. I don't always eat dinners in a box but i like having some around for emergencies and quick meals.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I haven't tried any of the new Macaroni Grill products, but I imagine they wouldn't be half bad. In my experience, boxed dinners tend to hold up best if they contain ethnic (or rather, non-American) foods. It's like that adage, "________ (Italian, Mexican, Indian, Chinese-take your pick) food always tastes better the day after."

    I've definitely found that holds true for boxed dinners, as some of the best non-homemade, non-takeout Mexican food (and lasagna!) I've had has come in a box from Costco. I prefer to cook from scratch, or at least semi-homemade, but in a pinch boxed dinners are great. They can even be doctored up (once cooked) for more deliciousness!

    ReplyDelete
  12. My children LOVE these meals in a box! Awesome giveaway, thanks.

    ReplyDelete