Aldi is known for its deals and hidden gems, and not even a professional chef is immune to its frugal finds. We sent Adam Pawlak of Bay View’s Egg & Flour Pasta Bar out to Aldi in Brookfield (19555 W. Bluemound Rd.) with $100 and a challenge to bag the best bargains. The final haul of 30 items – ranging from a loaf of sliced sourdough bread ($4) to a 2-pack of grass-fed ribeye steaks ($14) – went just over our limit ($109). Some highlights, plus the former “Hell’s Kitchen” star’s pro tips:
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Specially Selected Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($9)
“I know it’s good – processed, created and brought over straight from Italy.”
Quick tip: The bold flavor makes it best for salad dressings, vinaigrettes and finishing dishes. It also comes in dark bottle, which keeps it fresher longer on the shelf.
Priano Lobster Ravioli ($4.80)
“This is fresh, not frozen. People probably don’t even know that Aldi carries this.”
Quick tip: Serve with tomato butter – made by taking a homemade or store-bought tomato sauce and emulsifying (combining slowly while whisking) with cold butter cubes.
Fresh Atlantic Salmon ($10)
“Super unexpected here – a really nice fish selection and seafood.” The salmon comes skin-on so it’s easy to make it perfectly crispy by cooking it skin side down.
Quick tip: Cook in a medium-high cast iron pan to brown it on one side, baste it in butter and fresh herbs and finish it off in the oven to medium inside.
Wild Wonder Gourmet Medley Tomatoes ($3)
“I’ve used these in the past at different restaurants and kitchens – really nice color, really nice flavor.”
Quick tip: These sweeties are great in salads or as a healthy snack.
Happy Farms Port Wine Cheese Spread ($4)
Aldi’s cheese selection gets a big thumbs up, and this spread is great for more than putting on crackers.
Quick tip: This one’s wild: cook it down with cream or milk for a delicious mac and cheese sauce.
Thomas Farms Grass Fed Beef Boneless Ribeye Steak ($14)
“There’s actually really nice marbling throughout.” And a total steal “compared to going to a butcher shop and spending in the high $20s.”
Quick tip: Marinate overnight in oil, garlic, fresh thyme and rosemary. Dry off, pan-sear in the cast iron and throw in the oven. Use it for everything from tacos to crusty sourdough sandwiches, with tomatoes and pesto.
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