Aldi is back and bigger than ever with the triumphant return of its Pigs in Blankets (PIBs) pop-up restaurant! This year, the festive feast has relocated to Shoreditch, boasting a completely revamped six-course menu designed to tantalize the taste buds of even the most discerning Christmas enthusiast. Having experienced this year’s culinary adventure firsthand, I can confidently say Aldi isn’t just playing it safe; they’re pushing the boundaries of festive flavor combinations.
The one constant from last year’s success? The unlimited supply of Aldi’s Specially Selected Pigs in Blankets – a comforting classic and a reliable benchmark against which to judge the newer creations. Alongside these trusty favorites, we sampled the new Specially Selected Pigs In Blankets Hand Cooked Crisps, a deliciously salty and satisfying snack. But the true star of the show? Surprisingly, it was the cheese.
Aldi’s Specially Selected Cheese in Blankets were an absolute revelation. These miniature morsels of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, offered a delightful textural contrast and a much-needed break from the pork-centric dishes. It’s a stroke of genius, seamlessly marrying the comforting familiarity of Christmas dinner with the sophisticated indulgence of a cheese board.
For those seeking a more substantial PIB experience, the Specially Selected Ultimate Pigs in Blankets are a must-try. These are PIBs on steroids – chunky, nearly golf-ball sized, and undeniably luxurious. They represent a significant upgrade from the standard fare, offering a premium taste without the premium price tag.
Another high point was the Specially Selected Truffle Chipolata Pigs in Blankets. Truffle is a divisive flavor, but for those with a penchant for extravagance, these PIBs add a sophisticated layer of depth and complexity to the traditional recipe. A similar level of adventurousness is found in the Ashfields Pigs in Blankets Roulette.
The Roulette offered a gamble of mild, medium, or a fearsome ‘grim reaper’ spicy PIB. While my spin landed on the spicy side (I’m still not sure if I dodged the reaper!), the gamble adds an exciting element of surprise. However, not all novelties were created equal.
The Specially Selected Honey and Ginger Candy Cane Pigs in Blankets, sadly, fell short. While visually appealing, the promised honey and ginger notes were largely absent, leaving a somewhat bland sweetness that failed to complement the pork. This paled in comparison to last year’s brie and cranberry version, which was far more successful. The same could be said for the Ashfields Loaded Yorkshire Sliders; a fantastic idea let down by a lack of hearty gravy to bring it all together.
Even after a truly epic feast, we were presented with Aldi’s latest creation: the Footlong Vegan Pig in Blanket. Let’s just say, its appearance was… suggestive. It’s certainly a conversation starter!
Overall, Aldi’s Pigs in Blankets Restaurant provided a fantastic opportunity to sample inventive new takes on a festive classic. While some dishes shone brilliantly, others could benefit from a touch more festive magic. The pop-up runs on Friday, November 29th and Saturday, November 30th. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique culinary event! More information can be found [here](insert link here).
