PrintTrader Joes = Disneyworld. Only better.
I bought gifts, of course, but after realizing that everything there is cheaper than at my local grocery stores, I also bought:
squash
mushrooms
goat yogurt (two pounds for four dollars! my local co-op sells 6 oz. cups for $2.00!)
0% Greek yogurt
dried mushrooms
white balsamic vinegar
dried persimmons
I would've done more damage, but I simply couldn't carry anymore (I was shopping in Georgetown, D.C. - I live three hours away).
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12 Comments:
Karyn I know it was an ephiphany. Welcome to the Trader Joes club and make sure next time you bring a cooler with ice or ice packs and look at the website before you go. (Cheering from sidelines!!!!) YAH!!!!
JerzeeTomato at 8:23PM on 12/21/07
You've got to try their Thai Vegetable Dumplings! In the freezer.
Curlz at 8:28PM on 12/21/07
This was my second trip ever. I didn't plan it - I just happened to get off work early enough to hop the Metro to Georgetown. I can't go often, and I certainly can't can't carry a cooler - I barely made it home with a backpack and two very heavy bags (I bought alcohol, too). I did a lot of walking carrying all of that!
I hear there's one in Gaithersburg, MD - I'm going to have to drive my car there so I can try the mochi ice cream. And buy heavier things, like oil and more vinegars. And tofu. And snacks.
Question - has anyone tried the European-style yogurt? What's that like? Is it similar to Greek yogurt?
What are some other great finds? (Keep in mind I don't eat meat, and I'm not a huge freezer-section or pre-cooked foods girl).
KarynMC at 8:44PM on 12/21/07
big packages of high quality organic frozen raspberries and artichoke hearts for two bucks!!!!
freeze dried mangosteens!
goat's milk for three bucks a quart less than my local grocer!
affordable pine nuts!
deeeelicious orange flavored vinegar!!!
boysenberry preserves!
dirt cheap plugra brand sweet butter!
ditto spanish saffron threads!
cybercita at 11:31PM on 12/21/07
oh, and i almost forgot... their liquid glycerin soap is non antibacterial, doesn't dry your hands, and smells delish!
udderly smooth moisturizer is three bucks for a big jar, is not scented, is not greasy, and works as well as much more expensive brands.
cybercita at 11:33PM on 12/21/07
Almond meal, coffee, soy milk, lemon curd, haricot verts, tortillas, chocolate-chocolate-chocolate, all kinds of jars of all kinds marinades and condiments and sauces.
JerzeeTomato at 2:11AM on 12/22/07
We don't have Trader Joe's :( but we do have Wild Oats which was recently purchased by Whole Foods (talk about a win/win situation). We also have Fresh Market which I frequent way too much.
Whenever I prepared for a trip to a gourmet paradise such as the above, my daughter used to say, "Mom, supermarket shopping is not a FIELD TRIP!" (I beg to differ!)
chiff0nade at 7:42AM on 12/22/07
I totally missed the pinenuts and the mangosteens (though I did see canned lychee). I will have to get those!
I'm so driving to the one in Gaithersburg. I need frozen fruit for baking, and I can't find affordable bags around here.
chiff0nade - I have a MOMs and an organic co-op near me - I consider the bulk foods section a sort of wondrous, magic candyland. Whole Foods, for me, is a "special trip place," but when I'm there I snap up produce that grocery stores won't sell here (persimmons, figs, lady apples). And then I go home and cry over the bill!
I also love visiting farmer's markets . . . .
KarynMC at 8:37AM on 12/22/07
Karyn-
Fwiw, I'm not a frozen food or prepared foods gal either, but those dumplings are now a staple in my freezer. Throw them in with any broth and some soy sauce, bok choy, water chestnuts and fresh ginger, and boom! Instant asian soup.
Other items that I always buy at TJs:
Amonds (they have a 50% less salt version that I mix with unsalted ones) and nuts in general; prices are great there.
Olive oil (I like the Australian one they carry but also the Trader Giotto's)
Dark chocolate-covered ginger, almonds, and Edamame! Note: I'm not a sweet freak, but all of the above are fantastic, imo.
Go Lean bars and cereals
Have fun! If nothing else, you'll have a fully stocked pantry when you get it all home. :-)
Curlz at 8:49AM on 12/22/07
The Pasta sauce starter is great. It comes in a UHT box and is a good size for only a couple of people. Chuck that in the pan and add your favorite herbs/spices and you have pasta sauce without all of those pesky cans.
That is my favorite thing about TJ's, most everything pre-prepared does not assume that you will be feeding 8 - 10 people. Their vacuum packed, premarinated meats are lovely and feed 2 with leftovers or 4 with none.
vox8ight at 12:30PM on 12/22/07
We love TJS...nuts, cheeses, olive oils are all great and priced right.
This is the only place we buy chicken stock now...organic and low sodium
and beats any price out there.
bessfour at 12:37PM on 12/22/07
Don't know how I could have forgotten to mention the tiny, slender spray can of Orange room deodorizer. It WORKS, and smells wonderful.
Curlz at 3:34PM on 12/22/07