Welcome to Restaurant Dropout
Everything you'll need to get started...
First and foremost, thank you so much for being here. 🫂
Whether you subscribed to download a singular recipe, get inspiration for a week or two of dinners, or jump into a structured world where making dinner and grocery shopping are simplified for you, I am so happy you’re here.
Restaurant Dropout is ever-evolving and relies on subscribers (like you) to continue developing into a one-stop shop that answers the looming question, “What’s for dinner?”
Since its inception, Restaurant Dropout has developed into what it is today…
Video demos for every dish (with vibey jazz, because what’s not to love about that??), keys on all lists (both grocery & prep) to showcase what ingredient is included in what dish (in case you plan on making only 2-3 dinners, instead of 5), substitutions for those looking to avoid an allergy (or a less desirable ingredient), 75+ menus to cook through, and 250+ individual recipes to use at your own convenience (whenever & wherever).
To help answer any questions you might have, I recommend checking out the Restaurant Dropout Welcome Packet (below).
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send them to contact@restaurantdropout.com.
Whether it’s a question about your subscription, a specific menu, or perhaps you just want to say hi, I promise that someone—AJ (our RD Admin) or me—will get back to you as soon as we can.
You can also ask anything to the internet’s best community ever (my completely unbiased opinion, of course…) down below.
Otherwise, let’s get right into it…
Restaurant Dropout Framework
Every Friday, you’ll receive an email (or notification on Substack) for what we’re cooking.
Here’s what you’ll receive:
I highly encourage you to read over every element of each newsletter prior to cooking the dishes included in the Recipe Vault (included at the very end). I typically include notes or demonstrations for things like specialty ingredients, methods of preparation, or anything else you might find confusing, so by reading everything before prepping or cooking, you’ll go into each week with a better understanding of what to expect.
In Time to Shop, you’ll find a printable PDF including all of the ingredients (and their quantities) necessary to make each meal for the week. Each grocery list includes a key indicating which ingredients are included in each dish, as well as a list of Essential Ingredients (things you likely already have on hand) and Time Savers (ingredients you can save time on by buying already prepped).
In Mise en Place, you’ll find a printable PDF including a Prep List, which will map out all of the tasks you need to complete in order to prep for a full week of easy cooking. Each Prep List typically includes the following:
Prepping produce (like chopping carrots, washing kale, etc.)
Prepping breads (like pizza doughs, flatbreads, etc.)
Prepping sauces (like marinades, dressings/vinaigrettes, etc.)
Prepping dish toppings (like crispy shallots, tortilla strips, etc.)
In Recipe Vault, you’ll find recipes for individual elements (typically prepped ahead of time) and recipes for each meal of the week.
Browsing the Content
If you want to cook on the go—perhaps you’re traveling or don’t have the energy to prep—you can always find past and present recipes in the Recipe Vault page.
Every marinade, dressing, and dough recipe can be found in what is essentially the Recipe Element Index, AKA the Recipe Vault.
If you want to cook a different week—perhaps you don’t really like what’s on the new menu (no offense taken)—you can always revisit previous menus.
Flashback Fridays
The first week of each month will be Flashback Friday, where we revisit menus from previous weeks. They might be my favorite weeks, your favorite weeks, or a fun compilation of dishes from various weeks.
The idea is that Flashback Friday will provide ample time to diligently test recipes, ensuring Restaurant Dropout remains consistent and of the utmost quality.
The Dessert Menu
Whenever the kitchen isn’t too busy, you’ll receive a dessert recipe that can totally be made in advance (to enjoy throughout the week)—think cookies, sweet breads, muffins, ice cream, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
If it’s not covered here, it’s probably been addressed on our FAQ’s page
The Demo Index
From knife cuts to storage tips, if I’ve covered it, it’s been archived in the Demo Index.
All video demonstrations and cooking tips have been consolidated in one place for your convenience.
The Community
Pop into the chat if you have any questions or need any guidance. Our community has proven to be extremely supportive and responsive.
I try to say this often (but it doesn’t feel often enough): I appreciate every single one of you for tuning in to Restaurant Dropout. I wouldn’t be here without your support, and from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate and adore every single one of you. Your constant kind words of encouragement and feedback do not go unnoticed. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I can’t wait to cook with you!
Ciao for now & happy cooking!
Xx,
Zoe B. Soderstrom