Posh food creator Charlie Bigham has stood by his new range of ready meals priced at up to £30, following criticism comparing one dish to a steak bake.
The company’s Brasserie collection has recently been released at Waitrose, promising top-tier dining experiences at home, albeit without the ambiance and service, and with the added chore of washing up.
One critique likened the duck confit, priced at £17 for two portions, to a “gloopy brown puddle” with a flavor reminiscent of Bovril. The beef wellington, priced at £29.95 for two servings, was remarked to resemble and smell like a steak bake.
In an interview with the Mirror, Bigham refuted having seen the review but disagreed with the comparison. He justified the pricing of the range, emphasizing the focus on value for money rather than just the price tag.
Bigham argued that the range’s cost, with the beef wellington being the priciest, was justified given the quality ingredients used, like prime beef fillet, making it a good deal at £15 per person or £30 for two.
While some may draw parallels between Bigham’s offerings and supermarket own-label premium ready meals, Bigham emphasized a distinctive approach focusing on quality over pricing, asserting the need to be superior in taste and preparation.
Acknowledging the changing dining habits due to cost constraints, Bigham highlighted the desire to provide a restaurant-like experience at home, catering to consumers seeking a more affordable dining option.
Although the Mirror compared Bigham’s beef wellington to Greggs’ steak bake, noting the significant price difference, the verdict favored the affordability and taste of Greggs. The review concluded that Bigham’s version, while decent, fell short of expectations for a high-priced meal, lacking the wow factor of a restaurant dish.
In essence, despite the premium claims, the meal was deemed satisfactory but not exceptional, leaving room for improvement.