Aldi's Valentine's Meal Deal: Highs and Lows of a Budget Romantic Dinner
Valentine's Day often brings pressure for extravagant gestures, but many couples find romance in simpler pleasures like a home-cooked meal. Aldi aims to cater to this with its Valentine's meal options, offering a budget-friendly alternative to pricey restaurant outings. While there's no fixed price, the supermarket promises bargains even on fancier items, with the cheapest three-course meal for two costing just £2.99 per person—a rarity in today's economy.
Starter: A Cheesy Triumph Sets the Stage
The meal began with the Specially Selected Monsigny Champagne & Vintage Cheddar Cheese Bake, priced at £2.99. This starter was described as "almost illegal in terms of cheesiness," delivering a hot, bubbly delight. It comes in a reusable tapas-style dish, a thoughtful touch that impressed. Though it lacked bread, improvisation with bagel bites proved successful for soaking up the juicy goodness. This dish earned a strong 8/10 rating, making it a recommended start for its value.
Main Course: Wagyu Beef Steals the Show
Next up was the Specially Selected Wagyu Côte du Boeuf at £18.75. While the price might initially cause hesitation, this main course was hailed as a standout. For less than £10 per person, it offers a huge slab of tender, perfectly cooked meat that rivals restaurant-quality dishes costing over £60. The reviewer's partner praised it enthusiastically, saying, "I would eat that a million times over." It received a flawless 10/10 rating, carrying much of the meal's appeal.
Side Dish: Truffle Fries Impress
The Specially Selected Truffle & Parmesan Fries, priced at £2.69, complemented the main perfectly. Cooked like regular chips and topped with truffle and parmesan, they were deemed "genuinely so lovely" and even better than some restaurant versions. This side dish earned a high 9/10 rating, adding to the meal's overall success.
Dessert: A Catastrophic Conclusion
Unfortunately, the meal took a downturn with the Share the Love Tear and Share Cookie with Milk Chocolate Dip at £1.99. The experience began with a microwave explosion, coating the appliance in chocolate sauce—a messy and unwelcome cleanup on Valentine's Day. The cookie itself was fine when warmed, but an excess of confetti hearts on top created a weird, stale-like texture that detracted from the taste. The reviewer noted, "It just sort of ruined the experience," emphasizing that taste should trump aesthetics for at-home meals. This dessert received a disappointing 5/10 rating, leaving room for Aldi to improve next year.
Overall Verdict: Value Despite the Flaw
The total cost for the meal was £26.42, offering exceptional value for two people. The Côte du Boeuf did "a lot of heavy lifting," but the overall experience was very enjoyable. Despite the dessert mishap, the meal deal is recommended for its affordability and quality. As the reviewer concluded, "Where would you be able to eat out for two people at such a low price with such good food?" The overall rating summed to 32/40, highlighting that Aldi's Valentine's offerings are worth considering, albeit with caution on the dessert front.
