Trader Joe's

[Rose]

Another favorite thread from the WC.

Right now I really like their frozen meatballs, gnocci (both flavors) and the chocolate truffle bites.

Has anyone tried their canned crab bisque? I am leary of anytype of canned crab but I figured everything else is good. I am a little scared to try it though.

[FallingforPhil]

I just bought some of the crab bisque last week--I'll let you know how it is when we finally get around to trying it. It's been 96 degrees here all week, though, and I am not feeling so much in a hot soup mood!

[ssstephanie]

When everyone tries the crab bisque, let me know and I'll go pick some up @ TJ's!!!

[Camdynlyn]

I want one near me! I hear all this good stuff and I want some!!! :(

[Rose]

I love Trader Joe's. We just got one about 6 months ago. Everything is so good and pretty cheap.

[flygirl]

DH tried the canned bisque & said it was good. I didn't get a "great" out of him, but that doesn't mean much these days. :rolleyes:

TJ's was our main grocer back in CA, and since we moved to TX a year ago I live just to go home & stock up. I just got back from a trip a few days ago and on the way home I had some dark chocolate-covered raisins. I've always *loved* their chocolate-covered things, but this time I had an immediate IBS reaction that lasted all day. Now I'm afraid to eat them or the other c-covered things I brought home. Has anyone else had this problem, recently or ever? They were purchased in OC, CA, if location makes a difference.

[Brandles]

I love Trader Joe's...but I have to drive 1 1/2 hours to get to one. We only get there 6 times a year at the most.

DH LOVES the ready-made sushi they have.

[dionysia]

I love love Trader Joe's!

Luckily for us, we live near one of only two in MA that have wine. ;)

Di

[twomidnightblues]

I always hear people talk about Trader joes and how great they are. I wish there was one near me so I could check them out!

[Kinetic]

I get to Trader Joes about every 3 weeks, and always pick up my favorites.
-Garlic + Onion Cashew Nuts
-Soy + Flax Seed Tortilla Chips
-Olive Hummus Dip
-Dark Chocolate bars from Guadamala
-Hi-Lo Cereal
-Parmesan Stuffed Salmon

Plus, I always wind up bringing home new items.

Trader Joes is also the best and cheapest place to find herbal Air-Borne, which is great for fighting off a cold.

[ssstephanie]

I love their:

-frozen crab cake bites
-pre-packaged cranberry&candied walnut salad with rasberry vinergarette
-packaged fresh basil
-all the flowers
-i forget the name but it's this mustard/garlic aioli that goes good in sandwiches
-fresh breads, mmmm

[soxgirlie]

Another Trader Joe's fan here! I love:

TJ's Fat Free Balsamic Dressing
Bruscetta (fresh, in refridgerated section)
Cat Cookies
Margarita Pizza (frozen)
French Onion Soup (frozen)
Peanut Butter Chocolate chunk cookies (with bakery items)

and lots more that I can't think of right now!

[Aimee]

I'm totally jealous of those of y'all with a Trader Joe's. I pay a king's ransom for stuff at Whole Food because it's all we've got. We're getting a Fresh Market in Aug, but I hear TJ's has the best price on stuff.

[Paperweight]

Guess I have to give the crab things a shot. I didn't care for the salmon patties. Too much of a "smoke" flavor.

HOWEVER, I loved the little round ginger cookies, the great assortment of cheese, they have some sparkling lemondade that's yummy. And ofcourse, the wine!

[Natasha]

Man, TJ's is great. I love all their candies and seafood. Mmmm, I am getting so hungry. Can't wait till we move to Concord (we're in San Jose now). We will have 2 within a 15 minute drive! Can't wait!

[Sarah051504]

Ahh Trader Joe's I love that place but hate that the nearest one is over an hour away. I try and go about once a month and stock my cupboard and freezer full. :p

[citrus619]

The Sweet Kalamata Olive Spread is so good! I serve it with goat cheese and their Tortilla Flat Breads (crackers) as an appetizer and everyone loves it.

We also love their:

Chicken Quesadillas
Meatballs
Frozen fruit and veggies
Jar Marsala sauce (actually good with the meatballs)
Cuban Mojito marinade for pork chops
I find their bagged salads stay fresher than other brands

[dionysia]

I pay a king's ransom for stuff at Whole Food because it's all we've got.That's why DH and I call it "Whole Paycheck." ;)

Di

[ee_chick]

We often buy

eggs (free range)
cheese
flour tortillas - these are excellent!
World's largest cashews
Pine Nuts
dried cranberries
dried apples
chocolate cranberry mix
frozen fruits (for baking and smoothies)
frozen enchiladas (DH eats these all the time)
premade salads (to take to work for lunch)
gnocchi
pre-marineted frozen fillets (for a quick dinner)
dog bones

[Lizard]

I wish we had a Trader Joe's around here... all we have is Wild Oats Market and it's horridly expensive. :(

[Elsie]

I tried the Cioppino Simmer Sauce last week with a lb bag of frozen (and then defrosted) bag of TJs Bay Scallops. It was way fab. :)

Their potstickers are THE BEST.

[gayle]

Yehiii Elsie found us!!!

Waving frantically!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[framboise]

There's not much at TJ's that isn't good! Some of my favorites are:

mango sauce (like applesauce)
French onion soup (in the freezers)
veggie enchiladas (in the freezers)

I used to have 2 within 10 minutes of my apartment. Now that I've moved, the nearest one is about 1/2 hour away which seems so far after being "spoiled" for so long!

[Rose]

Yehiii Elsie found us!!!

Ditto! Maybe she'll post more here.

[BryantRN]

"Whole Paycheck", LMAO!! We have a bunch of Whole Foods up here as well as Andronicos which are really too snooty for me. I thought we were the only ones who called it "Whole Paycheck"!! I love TJs so much that I make excuses to go anywhere near it so that I can have an excuse to shop there!! Luckily we have two that are about 1-2 miles away from us. The General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce is to die for! For any of the vegetarians in the house, the veggie meatballs are sooooo good. We make meatball subs with them on the days when I don't feel like cooking. Great seafood prices!! My husband loves the cookie section! I can't tear him away. The Crab Bisque that someone was asking about was not too impressive to me. It seemed really salty to me. They have a lentil bean soup that is really good.

~Renee~

[Aimee]

That's why DH and I call it "Whole Paycheck." ;)

Di

Yep! I still can't bring myself to pay $7.00/lb for chicken. If I had daughters, I would do it because all the hormones freak me out, I think they're related to early puberty, yadda yadda, but for just DH and me, it's not worth it *yet*

I do find that the 365 brand stuff at Whole Foods is pretty reasonable - about the same as a national brand, but it usually tastes much better.

[ssstephanie]

Their potstickers are THE BEST.


oooooh, the potstickers;) mmmmmm :D

[linekelei]

We love TJs. I try to do the majority of our grocery shopping there, as it is generally cheaper than the regular grocery store. A list of our favorites/staples:

TJ Carrot Muffins
Milton's whole grain bread
TJ Champagne Pear Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Prepackaged veggies (frozen and fresh) for stir fry
All the meats, though our favorite is the pre-marinated tri-tip-soooo good
Soy Barbeque Crips
Pita Chips
Low Carb Doritos
Terriyaki stir fry sauce
Frozen veggie enchiladas
Peachy Canyon Incredible Red wine
TJ Fat-Free Vanilla Yogurt
Steel Cut Oatmeal
Barbara's brand cereals-especially love the peanut butter puffs
Chocolate-covered peanut butter pretzels

TJs also has some delicious jams and butters (including an Irish cream butter that is divine).

Some things we don't care for:
Artichoke ravioli-had this last night-not so good, too lemony and just kind of yuck
Frozen shrimp-basically had no taste
Low carb pizza dough-ewww-tasted like wet cardboard

All in all, TJs is a great store! I actually look forward to going there every weekend!

[laurenc]

oh i LOVE trader joe's... we do our grocery shopping there every weekend. it's rare that we need to go elsewhere for something.

favorites and staples...
-baby spinach salad with the cranberries and candied pecans
-pita chips
-oatmeal flakes (i really loved their fruit and flakes cereal but they seem to have discontinued it... :( )
-gorgonzola and pear pizza
-bags of frozen chicken and shrimp
-chocolate pudding
-crabcakes
-teriyaki shrimp ricebowls
-their organic/free-range stuff -- free-range eggs, organic milk, organic chicken broth, organic yogurt...
-cheese, glorious cheese...
-kashi products for like... half of the price that wild oats charges...

and yeah, we tend to pick up lots of new items too -- anything from there is worth trying...

[BryantRN]

We just bought the coconut shrimp this last weekend and were a little disappointed. The amount of shrimp that you get for the price wasn't all that great.

~Renee~

[dana b]

i absolutely adore tj's, do all of our shopping there and haven't stepped foot in a grocery store in years

some of our faves:

jarred marsala sauce
frozen orange chicken
mochi ice cream
sesame cashews
prosciutto pasta sauce
jugs of iced tea
mango granola
carne asada
blue cheese pecan dip

the service is awesome, they even special ordered 25 bunches of pink peonies for me recently.

[juliebug]

TJs is great. I don't do all of my grocery shopping there, but it is certainly nice to supplement the items I regularly purchase at the grocery store with some of their specialty items.

We love:
-wild turbot fish filets (in the freezer section - already seasoned, just heat and eat)
-eggplant cutlets (good to have on hand to warm up when one of us is eating alone)
-pita crisps
-pad thai bowls
-walnut gorgonzola tortellini
-orange chicken

[Janey]

B and I shop there fairly often. I have set a "Meal Limit" for myself of 600 calories, so I won't buy anything there that if we make a meal out of it and split it, it means more than that. Here are some of the things we buy:

- Frozen Pizza... there are a few kinds that are pretty low in calories. We take them home and "dood it up" with random fresh veggies & Turkey Pepperoni before we stick them in the oven.
- Thai Shrimp Gyoza
- Chicken Enchiladas -- the frozen ones in the red box
- Roasted Corn (frozen, to be eaten with Chicken Enchiladas above)
- Chicken Lasagna
- Veggie Pad Thai (we put shrimp & a bag of frozen grocery store veggies in it)
- La Tortilla Factory Low Carb Tortillas

I *heart* TJ's. :D

[Tempest_too]

I'm so glad I work right next to a Trader Joe's! My newest discovery is their boxed Thai tuna curries. The red curry is a little spicey and the yellow curry has potatoes and they taste so good. I'm not a big fan of tuna, but they're not fishy-tasting.

I also love the cheeses. The gorgonzola crumbles are really reasonably priced.

I also love the:
sake-wasabi mustard
potstickers
honey-sesame almonds
sweet & savory trail mix bars
fresh stir-fry veggies in a bag
gourment chicken sausage
flax tortilla chips
chocolate dipped dried fruit
Whipped butter - can't remember the name, but it's 1/2 the fat
Kiss My Face Olive and Aloe beauty bar
TJ's body moisturizing cream

and my favorite:
Dragon Fire Cinnamon Gum!! (best spicy cinammon flavor)

I love that their milk is hormone free and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

[Katie1]

I love their frozen chicken shumai, and, when they have it, the "2 buck Chuck" (Charles Shaw wine)

BF likes their flavored tuna

There are a few around here but none are located conveniently enough to go every week, so it's a rare treat when we get to shop there.

[FallingforPhil]

I'm dealing with a horrendous commute to school this summer, so I drove to TJ's (about half an hour) and stocked our freezer. In the past few weeks, we've had:

Chicken Chimichangas
Roasted Veggie and Black bean burritos (SOOOOOOOO good!)
Chicken Potstickers (I liked them, DH thought they were gross)
Mandarin Chicken and fried rice (yum!)

I still have pad thai in the freezer, but I need to get some chicken or shrimp to add to it. Also, I bought crab cakes and the condensed crab bisque, but it's still like 102 degrees here, so soup will have to wait!

I also like the organic non-fat chocolate yogurt and the kalmata olive hummus is to die for!

[quest]

I didn't read entirely through this thread so sorry if someone already posted these, but we love:

- the coconut ice cream thingys
- the frozen stir-fry vegetables
- the cheapy ground coffee they have (can't remember the name but it's really good!)
- the squash-filled ravioli (anyone with picky-eaters, I was pleasantly surprised to find my toddler DD loves this!)

One of these days I have to go there without DD and take part in their wine sampling ;)

[Delta]

Boo hoo. I shopped there 2-3 times a week when we lived in VA, but alas, there are no TJ's here in Texas. :(

I loved:

stuffed salmon
gazpacho
pot stickers
easy to cook frozen pasta w/ veggies


*sniff sniff*

[mrsliby2004]

My DH works at Trader Joe's, so we constantly shop there and he is always bringing home new stuff as soon as it arrives in store. Unfortunately, I am a very picky eater and am not into a lot of the food there, but he loves it!!

[apoppy]

I love TJ's! Although I have noticed that their prices have gone up quite a lot in the last year...anyone else notice this? Still a much better deal than Whole Foods or our local market

Some favorites:
-chocolate chips
-cheddar potato chips
-soy & flax seed chips
-pico de gallo (used to be cilantro salsa)
-frozen pizzas
-jasmine green tea (but not the regular green tea which is, well, too green for my taste)
-smooth & mellow blend whole bean coffee
-all of the TJ's spices and most condiments/cooking staples (mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, etc)
-natural granola
-chocolate covered peanuts
-cheese!
-whole wheat tortillas

I think that if you didn't like a product, you could let them know and get a refund...Anyone ever try that?

[mrsliby2004]

You can take stuff back for an exchange or refund. They are all about customer satisfaction!

[Rancid13]

My Trader Joe's favorites:

*Original hummus
*Whole wheat pita bread
*Seasoned turkey meatballs
*Frozen sweet corn
*Frozen organic brown rice
*Frozen chicken, beef, and/or green chili tamales
*Frozen chicken burritos
*Frozen cheese, chicken, and/or beef enchiladas (family size)
*Fresh fruit and veggies
*Frozen whole grain waffles
*Frozen whole wheat french toast
*Frozen pizzas

I think that's it, off the top of my head. My freezer's always packed w/good stuff. LOL!

[dnagirl]

My standing order:
milk, soy milk
water crackers (so cheap!)
dry pasta noodles
packaged salad mixes
frozen veggies and fruits, lemonade
tofu, canned beans (protein)
balsamic vinegar/olive oil/canola spray!!!
organic marinara sauce
anything you can get a regular grocery store (I always go to TJ first)

Things I like:
soy/flaxseed tortilla chips
fat free refried beans (they are very flavorful!)
cilantro hummus
moraccan tangine sauce, masala sauce
fat free chili con queso dip (tastes close enough to real cheese for me)
frozen meatballs, frozen multigrain waffles (lots of dietary fiber and even better when smothered in syrup)
mango iced tea (discontinued :()

Things I dislike:
prepared sauces: curry sauces, cuban mojito sauce, chicken marsala (it's okay)
some of the ethnic frozen food (noodles/rice)
soups - clam chowder, chicken noodle
salsas, mango chutney (is all right)

[miel]

How funny this thread is...we live 1/2 a mile from TJs and seriously ALL our food comes from there.

We have a baby and she is way into the baloons.

Of the special TJs stuff we are into the Chicken Shumai, the chicken sausages, the flax and soy tortilla chips and the WINE. I don't like the 2 buck Chuck but I do like the Italian wines. For $3.99!

I even kind of like the ??? De Egar...the Hungarian wine. It's OK!

[nic]

Di- I thought all TJ's sold alcohol until I went to the Burlington store and was very disappionted. Thank goodness the one in Cambridge sells it.

I think I'll take a trip there tomorrow.

[jimmysgirl424]

I love their flavored pistachios. They make a hot and spicy kind that is out of this world! I can't find 'tachios cheaper anywhere else than TJ's.

Thanks to all of the great stuff listed here, looks like I'm going for a shopping trip there very soon!! :D



P.S. Has anyone visited their website yet? It's great, they have recipes, their sales ad and lots of cool stuff, plus you can also sign up to receive their newsletter!

www.traderjoes.com

[seattleguamgirl]

Another huge TJ's fan here!

I recently discovered their Nuts About Chocolate and Coconut trek mix--to die for!

Some items on my regular shopping list:


TJ's organic low fat yogurt (plain--I add the TJ's triple berry cherry frozen mix into my yogurt with a squirt of honey and a sprinkling of granola and that is my breakfast almost every day!)
original hummus with sea salt pita chips
60% brie with Il Fornaio baguette
egg whites in carton
fresh bruschetta (so delish--usually eat with shaved parmesan cheese)
ready to eat beets (cooked and sweet, I usually add to my salads)
organic fruit leather
frozen pizza (love the marguerita, bbq chicken and four cheese)
meatless corn dogs
frozen appetizers (love the shrimp wraps, mushroom turnovers, spanikopita)
frozen desserts (love the Italian gelato, apple turnovers, chocolate ganache torte, tofutti cuties)
brownie bites (brownie cookies)
chicken chile verde burritos (great lunch item when I was working)
candied pecans for salads
crumbled gorganzola cheese in carton for salads

[Rose]

*bump*

I really didn't like the crab bisque. I couldn't eat it, after I tasted it. I am heading there tonight to pick up some groceries.

[bluhimmy]

**bump**

Any new favs?

[looch]

My faves are the frozen veggies and seafood. I love the grilled tri color peppers, the avocado halves, the string beans, the grilled corn kernels, the shrimp, scallops and stuffed salmon filets. The prices are unbeatable.
As far as the prepared stuff goes, i love the carolina pulled pork from the refrigerated section. It's a fantastic mid week dinner when i am feeling too tired to cook.
I try to like the simmer sauces, i find them too salty and too high in fat. I found a balsamic glaze one time that is divine on fish, but i haven't seen that in a while.

[Rosebud]

Looooooove Trader Joe's. I work across the street from one and buy almost everything there.

One of the things we love: their whole wheat pizza dough. We spread a homemade pesto, sauteed red onions and cheese on it, bake it and serve it up to serve as appetizers. It's always a hit!

[granada]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE TJ! :D Some things we like that I haven't seen mentioned yet: the frozen perogies (chicken or potato & cheese), frozen chicken and cheese tamales, frozen gnocchi with gorgonzola. DH likes the frozen meatless corndogs. They have a bunch of salads that I like, too, including the low-fat shrimp louie and the chicken ceasar salad.

I've seen a few people mention the frozen meatballs, so I'll have to try those next time I'm there.

[bookworm]

Has anyone mentioned the mushroom-madeira bisque? It's in the fresh food case. SO good, though I haven't had it much lately b/c it has been so hot.

I also love the spanakopita. I figured out if I get the appetizer kind and serve for 2 for dinner w/greek salad, it's really not bad calorie-wise and is SO good.

I actually buy the frozen turkey meatballs. I figure they are somewhere between the regular ones and the "meatless" ones, and it's a reasonable compromise :).

If you like to make panini, the ciabatta rolls do wonderfully for that.

[Jenean]

I can't live without the mint chip meringues. I buy two tubs at a time so I never run out!

Also, I love most of the simmer sauces, the scones, pumpkin butter, frozen pizzas, meatless meatballs, and even the Hi Fiber cereal.

I think I need to make a stop there soon and stock up again!

[Rose]

I just tried the formaggio & wine sausages and they were so good.

[mgrace]

Some of my TJ's favorites:

-apple granola
-just the clusters, vanilla almond
-mandarin orange chicken
-chocolate covered pretzels
-Shave cream, honey mango
-midsummer night's cream herbal lotion
-nourish conditioner
-spinach pizza
-just blueberry juice
-vodka pasta sauce
-jo jo's

[LyLMyssChaos]

*sigh*
I wish we had a TJ's closer to us!! Our closest one I believe is an hour away, so I do not get there very often at all. But, I totally love their potstickers, general's sauce, eggrolls, dried cranberries and they have the best rice milk prices around. I know so many people who drive at least an hour to get to a Trader Joe's that I keep telling DH that I should write them a letter and tell them to build one out here! LOL

[kalogrias]

I love TJ's!!!

Our meal last night -- TJ's Carne Asada, grilled, and then made into soft shelled tacos with all the fixings -- homemade guacamole, chopped tomatoes, onions, fresh spinach (instead of lettuce). But the kicker was TJ's roasted sweet red and yellow peppers and TJ's mango salsa....yummmm....seriously one of the best (and easiest) meals I've had in a long time. And Trader Joe's made it what it was.

ETA: PUMPKIN BUTTER!!! Yum!! Is that a year-round staple??

[dana b]

i love their carne asada! and i come from a family that will only buy carne asada from a mexican market in east l.a.. i just noticed they now have chicken asada, must try that.

pumpkin butter -- i haven't seen it since last winter in our store, i think we'll get it soon. although i still have an unopened jar from last year, it's so good on a plain bagel with cream cheese.

meatballs -- personally, i like the turkey meatballs better than the beef, so yummy.

the packaged pot roast over by the lunch meats is sooo good, it doesn't look appetizing though.

i also like the fire roasted veggies with balsamic glaze in the frozen section and the mushroom risotto in the box.

[jimmysgirl424]

I am totally addicted to all of their 'flavored' nuts. The spicy onion cashews are to die for. And I love the fiery hot habanero pistachios.

I am sad to say I haven't been to TJ's since I switched jobs. And it's only about a 15 minute ride from my house. After reading all of the posts here, I just want to hop in my car and trek right on over there!!

Has anyone mentioned how nice their employees are there?? I always end up with a sweet-as-pie cashier. Every time! :D

[meggiedarlin]

There are no TJ's near me and I heard a rumor that we'd be getting one in the next year or so, but TJ's website doesn't mention it. I'm so lame, I'm going to DC in a couple of weeks and Las Vegas in November and I've already staked out side trips to TJs. Of course, I can't pick up any of the yummy frozen goodies, so that does limit me. Never-the-less, here are my favorites:

Chocolate covered cherries. Oh.My.God. I could kill for these!
TJ's foaming face cleanser. Cheap.

I'm sure I'd have more if I could actually have tried more stuff!!

[strwbrygirl]

For all of you who mentioned the potstickers: what sort of sauce do you use with them? We haven't found any good sauces yet, so even though we like the potstickers, we've been holding off on getting more.

[Sarah]

I just dip them in a mixture of soy sauce, scallions, and a dash of sesame oil.

[bookworm]

I do the same as Sarah, except I use ginger (usually fresh, sometimes dried if I'm feeling especially lazy) instead of the sesame oil.

[hockeybrat]

For all of you who mentioned the potstickers: what sort of sauce do you use with them? We haven't found any good sauces yet, so even though we like the potstickers, we've been holding off on getting more.


DH will use Sweet and Sour sauce for his. I usually make something up with some rice vinegar, soy sauce, and maybe some hot chili oil.

[Kellie]

For all of you who mentioned the potstickers: what sort of sauce do you use with them? We haven't found any good sauces yet, so even though we like the potstickers, we've been holding off on getting more.

We use a mixture of rice wine vinegar and soy sauce.

Yum! I have some pot stickers in the freezer and I think we will have them for lunch tomorrow! :)

[Rose]

I mix soy sauce together with chili paste. I get the low sodium soy sauce because the chili paste has some salt so together it was too much.

[cherry]

we visit TJ's weekly and the following are our staples:

* rosemary bread
* jumbo cheese ravioli
* goat cheese, basil and garlic fresh pizza
* vegetable samosas (frozen)
* vegetable potstickers (frozen)
* key lime pie (my favorite)
* nuts
* quinoa
* prosecco
* random funky 6-packs of weirdly-named micro-brews
* brown rice-cakes
* ginger cookies
* fresh flowers

we try to keep the majority of all of our grocery shopping to our local farmer's market (for produce and fresh sauces) and TJs (for everything else) to keep our budget down.

[SallieB]

This may be a silly question, but I've never shopped at TJs :o But, is it cheaper than a normal grocery store?

[strwbrygirl]

Our current weekly faves:

-Vegetable samosas
-Blue tortilla chips
-shaved beef (for steak sandwiches)
-Foccacini (sp?)- sandwich-sized "loaves" of foccacia bread- we use them for the aforementioned steak sandwiches w/Jarlsberg swiss & peppers
-Chicken potstickers
-Frozen bowtie pasta with sauce- yum!

[miel]

TJ's is way cheaper...

We do all our shopping there.

Now here's a funny story. My baby loves TJs...they give out balloons. "Boons!" She calls them. So they also give these stickers that say 'Trader Joe's Kids.' One day we were in the car and she kept pointing out the window saying what I thought was 'dedos! dedos!' (fingers in Spanish)....Then I looked up and saw one of those stickers. We live in walking distance of Trader Joe's so we go there a lot...but now I'm like "OK one of your first phrases is going to be Trader Joe's?"

Oh, well...they know their market. The place is like a riot on the weekends. It is crammed with kids and there are lines down the aisles. They are expanding our store, thank goodness. Sometimes they start running out of all the food.

I haven't noticed anyone mention the soups. The red pepper soup in the box is soooo good. And kind of good for you--except for the sodium.

There's lots of good food that you can use for baby food if you have a baby. There is mango sauce and peach sauce (has a little sugar but it can be for desert) and there are red and yellow peppers in a jar that you can feed to a baby. So now you know why a 15 month old is saying "Trader Joes!"

[jetter]

Wow, so many new TJ's things to try!

My faves are the whole wheat pizza dough, canned pears, goat cheese (they have an amazing selection of cheeses), wine. My absolute favorite is the total greek yogurt. Its more expensive than regular yogurt but its nice and creamy, even the fat free version. I like to flavor it with sugar free torani syrup.

[hockeybrat]

I like their flat breads especially the one that has the spinach on top. (I think you get those in the refrigerated deli section) I put those on the grill, top with some cheese and it makes a great appetizer.

[Muppetpinchess]

MMMMMM....Trader Joe's! I live in canada now so only get my fix when we go visit friends in Seattle.

Our faves:

frozen chicken fajitas
frozen vegie corndogs
frozen chicken fried rice
apricot sauce (like applesaucce)
mint chocolate chip meringues
madelines
fresh basil (SO cheap)
proscuittio
spiced tortilla chips
mango lemonade
low fat cilantro salad dressing
low carb dark cocolate bars
frozen breaded chicken tenders
peanut butter pretzels
canned dolmades
Women's Plus vitamins

[LyLMyssChaos]

For all of you who mentioned the potstickers: what sort of sauce do you use with them? We haven't found any good sauces yet, so even though we like the potstickers, we've been holding off on getting more.
Oh I totally love them!! And we use the General Tso's sauce for pretty much everything chinese! LOL

[dana b]

This may be a silly question, but I've never shopped at TJs But, is it cheaper than a normal grocery store?
i think it's a lot cheaper than the market and the quality of food is so much better.
i try not to feed my daughter any processed foods, but i have no problem giving her the pre-made food from there. almost every single ingredient is something you would have in your own kitchen and nothing has preservatives in it. miel is right, it's awesome for feeding young kids.

[doradora]

Another big Trader Joe's fan here :)

My staples from there are:
+ salad mix -- baby romaine & american
+ TJ Balsimic Vinegar dressing
+ Shitake Mushroom dressing
+ Frozen Meatballs
+ Frozen shelled Edamame
+ Pork Potstickers
+ persian cucumbers
+ sugar plum tomatoes
+ dried fruit -- love their apricot slabs & white peaches
+ indian food mixes
+ Flo Joes
+ Cheese & Green Chile Tamales
+ Artichoke & Lemon pesto
+ Garlic hummus

However, I have had a few not so good experiences, mainly frozen foods I've tried. But overall, I'm willing to try just about anything from there once! Anyone else get sucked in by their samples? I've bought a LOT of things because of their samples.

Next time, I will have to try the veggie samosas :)

[polarama]

TJ's has the best almonds I've ever had. I usually get the roasted/salted almonds, and they are so good. Bigger than Blue Diamon or other brands, and roasted to perfection.

I am also a big fan of their blueberry juice, ginger snaps, dunkaroos, and all the salsas. The Spicy Mango salsa is delish on chicken.

[chefker]

I really have to go back through here and skim everyone's recommendations--just found out they're opening a Trader Joe's right near us! Woo hoo! :D

[miel]

Wow...it's weird to have a TJs thread but we just tried the CHEESE BLINTZES tonight.

And the abrazo de toro wine we've been drinking for a long time.

Oh, dear those cheese blintzes will be the death of me. I'm sitting here eating the dry roasted almonds. No, I'm not doing this for the constant chatter site. It's just that now someone is interested in my grocery shopping so I'm gonna milk it!

[mrsfromage]

Those blintzes are great though sometimes I have trouble cooking them without burning them! Yum.

I really love the Trader Joe's orange juice (in the cold section). It almost tastes fresh squeeezed.

[Bastille]

Love Trader Joes and have enjoyed reading everyone's suggestions :)

Some of my staples from TJ's include:

Crystal Geyser Sparling Water flavored - love the Berry, DH loves Orange
2 Buck Chuck - Merlot
Turkey Meatballs
Frozen Blueberries
Brown Rice Pasta (LOVE it, it is gluten-free)
TJ Vodka Marinara Sauce so yummy
Raw Almonds
Raw Pepitas
Frozen Lemonade Concentrate
Smoky Black Bean Dip (fat free)
Recently tried the Greek Yogurt and really like it so rich and creamy without the fat

Has anyone mentioned the Mud Pie - oh my God it is so good perfect for a birthday, special event and/or total pig out ;)

[strwbrygirl]

I have a new favorite! When I went to TJ's this afternoon, they were giving out samples of the pumpkin butter mixed with an equal amount of cream cheese- mmm... (those samples are really dangerous!!) I've already tried it at home using light cream cheese and eating the mixture on slightly salty crackers (Wheat Thins)- delish!

[lawyergirl25]

I love TJ's! I was so excited to see it when we first moved here because you all made it sound so good. :)

This weekend we bought...
-Orange/mango/peach juice - YUM!
-Fruit leather
-Fresh salsa - OMG, this was *so* good, we ate the whole thing while watching football!
-Raw almonds
-Lobster bisque
-Cashew butter
-Earl Grey tea

We wanted to buy a lot more, especially in the frozen food section, but we're on a strict budget right now so we had to go to Kroger for the rest. I can't wait to go back though!

[lawyergirl25]

Add to my favorites:
-Chicken cheese tamales
-Mushroom turnovers

[wine_o_girlie]

I am in love with their potato latkes (frozen food). I made real latkes last night and I won't be doing that again. The frozen ones were so much better and a million times easier. They are a great and quick side dish. Try them with pork chops and a little applesauce on the latkes. Yum.

Has anyone ever had their apple blossoms (apple dumplings). OMG. They are the best but so bad for you. They are the greatest dessert for entertaining. So easy and delicious.

[nixer]

I love the Zen Bakery cinnamon rolls, and some of their muffin varieties too. The actual Zen Bakery used to be located locally before they expanded into stores and gosh those were some good pastries! While the TJs versions aren't exactly the same quality, they're still not too bad for a sweet tooth fix, and relatively healthy compared to other choices.

Based on the good reviews in this thread, I'm definitely putting the vodka marinara sauce on my list for next time. My recent attempts at homemade pasta sauce have been hit or miss, and it would be good to have a tried and true success on hand for rescues. :)

[dana b]

had some cheese blintzes with pumpkin butter for breakfast today...yummy!

for pasta sauce i like the 3 cheese sauce (or maybe it's 4 cheese??)

[dollface]

I love Trader Joe's! My favs:

Toasted Coconut Cashews
Turkey Meatballs
Spicy Black Bean Soup
Chicken Chili
Flaxseed Tortilla chips
Sundried Tomato & Basil Hummus
Mini whole wheat pitas
Pasta Sauces: Vodka Sauce & Procuitto sauce
Whole Wheat Penne
Brown rice pasta
Fruits & veggies especially blueberries, asparagus & celery.

Whole Food is such a rip. The only reason I go there is to buy canned green tea and Kombucha because that's the only place that carries them.

[AnastasiaK]

They don't have the toasted coconut cashews by me anymore!!!!!! I love love love the Flaxseed Chips!

[yby1]

Right now I'm hooked on their Korma sauce and frozen garlic naan. Just add some chicken and a bit of cilantro - yum!

[strwbrygirl]

Mmm, I wondered about the garlic naan. I'll have to pick some up based on your good review!

I'm really into the TJ's "India Relish" right now- goes well with the frozen vegetable samosas... I also just tried their creamy spinach artichoke dip (frozen) and it was really yummy. I'm having leftovers from the (frozen) Penne Peppanato (sp?) for lunch.

[SiValleySteph]

Unburied Treasure
organic cream top whole milk (for my son)
free-range eggs
gyoza
gnocchi (not the frozen kind)
pasta sauces
organic European style plain yogurt


The produce at the TJs by us is not as good as that from Safeway.

[clammyinsf]

Originally Posted by strwbrygirl
For all of you who mentioned the potstickers: what sort of sauce do you use with them? We haven't found any good sauces yet, so even though we like the potstickers, we've been holding off on getting more.

we use a soy sauce that has molasses in it and it makes the potstickers soooo good. the sauce is called "kecap manis" and can be found at most asian supermarkets.

ETA: just to clarify, this sauce should be used in making the stuffing of potstickers, not as a dipping sauce. for dipping sauce, i like a mixture of:

-soy sauce
-sriracha chili sauce
-rice wine vinegar

[Sumike]

Favorite items of mine are:

- Asparagous soup (in the freezer isle)
- Greek salad
- Thin crust pizza
- Edamame ( in the freezer isle)

..and our dogs love their turkey liver treats

[dana b]

we liked the asparagus risotto in the frozen section. the panettone is back, it makes the best french toast.

[kathywathy]

I don't think I've noticed either asparagus item, the risotto or the soup.

I'll have to make a note to buy it next time we're there.

[Amuse Bouche]

I spend way way way too much money at Trader Joe's.


I like their salads a lot for lunches -- my favorite is the Chinese Chicken Salad but it's super bad for you, and the Fiesta Chicken Salad is a close second.
Chicken and Cheese Tamales in the Freezer Section
The spicy green beans they have in the freezer section -- I forget what they're called but they're frozen green beans and they come with this Thai spicy sauce which is totally addicting.
Organic Crystallized Ginger nuggets
Honey Moon Viognier
Cornbread Mix

And about a million other things ...

[cece]

i'm so excited to find this thread. there are too many favorites for me to list. thanks dana for the asparagus risotto suggestion....i never would have noticed it. i added add'l asparagus [tj's frozen asparagus tips/stems], some toasted pinenuts and a little freshly grated parmesan. i could eat this every night.

my other new favorite is stir fry...well, i guess my version of it anyway. it's the best quick dinner and i don't feel so guilty like i do with a pizza:

-over some olive oil and crushed garlic [frozen cubes at tj-best invention ever], i add (all tj's) largely diced zucchini, cubed "terriyaki just chicken", sliced crimini mushrooms, shredded carrots, broccoli, "stir fry vegetables w/bok choy, sugar snaps & snow peas", and a dash of soy sauce. i cover it and let it cook for about 8-10 min's. i think next time i'll add some tofu too.

*c

[godsgift77]

I *heart* TJ's!!

Thanks for the heads up on the Vodka sauce - I'll have to pick some up on my next trip. Only wish I'd found this thread yesterday...

My faves - being a new mom and all, i have to find the quickest and yummiest meals... [see frozen]

~ Frozen Orange chicken
~ Frozen Teriyaki chicken
~ Frozen Organic black bean and corn enchiladas
~ Frozen Naan
~ Frozen Fettucini alfredo
~ All frozen veggies
~ Frozen Brown and Jasmine rice
~creamy spinach dip
~ Vanilla Coffee
~ Rice Krispie Treats
~ Most salads
~ All spices - who knew their spices would be fresh AND cheap :D

I think i'll try that pumpkin butter the next time I'm in there too :)

[FallingforPhil]

Just got back from TJ's--it's a bit of a drive from our place, so I made DH stop since we were in the neighborhood. :)

I picked up:

frozen green beans (waaaay better than anything I can get at cub)
mini whole wheat pitas
kalmata olive hummus
frozen mandarin chicken
frozen tri-color pepper strips
chicken breasts
Simmer sauce (a cuban one, I think??)
Sourdough bread
LF chicken noodle soup
almond granola bars (my favorite!)

[jasma]

Mmmmm.... TJ's....

Our faves are:

-Vegetable Birdsnests
-Garlic Nan (fantastic with Indian leftovers!)
-Potstickers
-Veggie Burritos
-Goat Cheese (they have a 3-pack with 2 herb ones)
-Paneer (I just noticed this in the cheese section. Very good!)
-Frozen Leg of Lamb (DH eats this, I'm veggie)
-Frozen Artichoke or Mushroom Risotto (can't beat a meal in 5 minutes!)
-Any of the frozen veggies, such as the assorted mushrooms & mixes. They are great for stir fries
-And I third (or is it 4th?) the recommendation for the French Onion Soup!

[pixielou]

has anyone ever tried the "frugal joes ordinary beer"? i just bought some this weekend - but haven't tried it yet.

our staples are:
apple-apricot sauce
apple-raspberry sauce
mango nectar
canned chicken and turkey
sun dried tomatoes
canned artichoke hearts
2 buck chuck
oyster crackers

i also buy all of my dried fruits and nuts there

[strwbrygirl]

For those who have had the carne asada-- how did you cook it, and what did you serve it with?

Thanks!

[bunkerhillst]

is the frozen naan. So easy to make in the toaster oven!

[dana b]

For those who have had the carne asada-- how did you cook it, and what did you serve it with?
i cook it in a grill pan and serve with tortillas, sliced avocado, shredded cheese and salsa (i like the salsa autentica).

[mgrace]

is the frozen naan. So easy to make in the toaster oven!
YUM! I'll have to get some on my next trip.

Any good special holiday things at TJ's right now?

[Kinetic]

Any good special holiday things at TJ's right now?

Just back from Trader Joes, and they have revamped our store with new holiday items - large boxes of cookies, chocolate collections, and new appetizers. They also expanded the wine selection.

[mgrace]

Kinetic, thanks! Glad to hear they have an expanded wine selection.

Another question....does TJ's have any really good cocoa mixes?

[hockeybrat]

is the frozen naan. So easy to make in the toaster oven!

Does it taste like the naan you get in restaurants? If they do, I might have to get some of that.

[bookworm]

does TJ's have any really good cocoa mixes?

I buy the Ghiradelli cocoa powder and make cocoa with that. I love it. It's the kind you make with milk, though. I haven't tried any to make with water.

[wine_o_girlie]

We had some sparkling cranberry juice from TJ's mixed with cava (cheapy Freixinet) last night and it was so good. We also had some Niman Ranch bacon from there - yum, but really, what's not good about bacon in general? ;)

Has anyone ever tried the Chudleigh Apple Blossoms? Oh my god, they are so good but fattening. They are such a great fall/winter dessert for entertaining. All you have to do is heat them up and spoon on some vanilla ice cream and you are set.

[Belm]

Bumping this up...They just opened up a TJ's about 35-40 minutes from us and we are heading out there tomorrow to check them out.

[Dasha]

I absolutely love shopping at Trader Joe's and go there at least once a week.
One thing I really like is that they offer so many organic products at affordable prices, so that eating additive-free healthy foods isn't only reserved for the upper-middle class and wealthy.

Among my favorite products are:

Ranch Salad Dressing
Organic Frozen Spinich
Low Fat Alfredo Tomato Sauce
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Dried White Peaches
Non-fat Feta Cheese (though I'm not eating it now during pregnancy)
Biscotti
No Pudge Brownies (about half the price in the supermarket)
Shampoo and conditioner

I also bought several packages of chocolate covered apricots to give as holiday gifts.

[camberne]

News Flash: Trader Joe's just opened a location in Newport News, VA and they're scouting sites in Virginia Beach.

[mgrace]

Has anyone tried the sparkling blueberry juice?

[wine_o_girlie]

I have tried the sparkling cranberry juice and it's really good. It's even better mixed with some sparkling wine and a lemon curl in a martini glass. ;) I think I am going to try the blueberry one next.

[chinita]

Does it taste like the naan you get in restaurants? If they do, I might have to get some of that.

They taste pretty good to me. Key is to pop them in the toaster oven for only a minute and immediately remove and spread with butter.

My quickie TJ Indian meal:
- frozen garlic naan
- Tasty Treat Indian entrees
(They are so easy to make as you just boil the foil packs in water. Great for camping too! There are also packs that have a microwable container and fork perfect for office lunch. No refrigeration required)
- some sort of veggies like snow peas or frozen okra

My current TJ favoritres:
- Red pepper and eggplant spread. Yummy and low cal/sodium/fat
- their new French frozen tarte (looks like a pizza from CPK to me!) with gruyere cheese and ham. Serve with argula salad like the picture (and CPK)
- frozen avocado - genius! Now I don't have to wait for ripening
- frozen "Just Chicken" - perfect for salads and quick meals

[simplicity]

Here are some of my favorites from TJ:

* pizza dough (we make pizza at least once a week)
* gourmet pepperoni
* TJ pizza sauce
* cocoa almonds (VERY addictive though!)
* organic strawberry lemonade (hubby's favorite)
* vanilla almond bars
* fresh bruschetta
* TJ yogurt with fruit on the bottom (mixed berries is my fave)

[jesvet]

I tried the naan on your glowing recommendations- yummm!

I really like:
frozen thai lemongrass chicken with rice- good for a quick lunch
Soy Vay sauce- fantastic on stir fries
Pre-cut and washed stir fry veggies, because I'm lazy
Il fornaiao bread

[Kinetic]

I have been looking for the Naan every time I go to Trader Joes and can't find it. Where is it exactly located? I am anxious to try it. I picked up two soups - Carrot and Ginger Soup and Butternut Squash. The Carrot and Ginger one is a bit to "carroty" for me. But, the Butternut Squash soup will be a regular item from now on.

[dana b]

it's in the frozen section.

i tried something new this week...sweet kalamata olive spread. it's really sweet, like a jam made with olives, it was yummy with goat cheese and french bread.

[mgrace]

Kinetic, I found it in the frozen section with the Indian food. Actually, I couldn't find it so I asked someone who worked there.

[Myra]

Does anyone know when TJ's gets their new shipments or puts out the new stuff? I love the balsamic vegetables and haven't been able to find them for weeks!

[hockeybrat]

Kinetic, I found it in the frozen section with the Indian food. Actually, I couldn't find it so I asked someone who worked there.

I finally tried it and it is really yummy!

[Katy]

Does anyone know when TJ's gets their new shipments or puts out the new stuff? I love the balsamic vegetables and haven't been able to find them for weeks!I haven't been able to find the frozen jasmine rice lately either. They told me that when things "run out" there's no regular schedule to get it in, you just have to wait. Funny for us, considering their warehouse is not more than 15 miles from us.

[cindilouwho]

I LOVE their Vodka Marinara sauce

[meatpie]

Our TJoe's has fresh garlic naan as well. Really yummy...

[strwbrygirl]

Lately I've been buying a lot of the TJ's Natural Mint Cocoa, Quattro Formaggio 4-cheese blend, Trader Joes' O's (taste just like Cheerios to me, but only $1.99!), the guacasalsa, the salsa autentica, and mango sauce (like applesauce, only with mango). Yum! I'm so glad that we have a TJ's up the street!

[mrsliby2004]

My hubby works at TJs so I will ask him today when I get home about shipments/stock/availability. I will let you know tonight what I find out!

[laurenc]

I haven't been able to find the frozen jasmine rice lately either. They told me that when things "run out" there's no regular schedule to get it in, you just have to wait. Funny for us, considering their warehouse is not more than 15 miles from us.

i've been given a variety of reasons why things are not on the shelves. some of them are sort of weird. i'm not sure if these are legit or if the clerks in my local TJ's are just bizarrely creative.

for example, i once asked why they didn't have any frozen shrimp available and they said something about the shrimp being over-fished and they had to wait to replenish the oceans or something to that effect. i was sort of like, ummm ok... i mean, i know that really happens in real life, but it was sort of an odd thing to hear, especially when five days prior there was plenty of shrimp in the freezer bin.

or once, i was told that the apple growing season was over so that's why they didn't have any more of a particular kind of apple juice. lo and behold, next week there was more of that kind on the shelves...

[Katy]

i've been given a variety of reasons why things are not on the shelves. some of them are sort of weird. i'm not sure if these are legit or if the clerks in my local TJ's are just bizarrely creative.

for example, i once asked why they didn't have any frozen shrimp available and they said something about the shrimp being over-fished and they had to wait to replenish the oceans or something to that effect. i was sort of like, ummm ok... i mean, i know that really happens in real life, but it was sort of an odd thing to hear, especially when five days prior there was plenty of shrimp in the freezer bin.

or once, i was told that the apple growing season was over so that's why they didn't have any more of a particular kind of apple juice. lo and behold, next week there was more of that kind on the shelves...Wow, those are some interesting excuses :rolleyes: And a quick update, the frozen basmati is back!!

[mrsliby2004]

They get shipments on a daily basis -- just ask them to order it. Sometimes demand exceeds supply . . . and they just have to wait until they get more from the suppliers!

[MsRo]

There isn't a Trader Joe's in MN yet but according to their website one is coming soon. Yahoo!!!

[bookworm]

Has anyone else tried the "Alsatian Tart"? I'd only had it at restaurants, but the frozen rendition is pretty good! Now the challenge is making sure I eat 1/2 of it with a salad for dinner, not the whole thing...

[Katy]

Has anyone else tried the "Alsatian Tart"? I'd only had it at restaurants, but the frozen rendition is pretty good! Now the challenge is making sure I eat 1/2 of it with a salad for dinner, not the whole thing...I've heard this mentioned before, but I've not found it. Is it frozen?

[dana b]

katy it's with the frozen pizzas. i've never seen frozen basmati, we have jasmine, i'll have to check next time.

[strwbrygirl]

Something that I just returned to my local store- TJ's "Wintry Blend" coffee. We thought that it was particularly awful- especially the peppercorns that were mixed in with the coffee. Yuck.

[meggiedarlin]

MsRo: A Trader Joe's is opening in St. Louis Park in April. I can not wait!!!! Of course, I'll be away during the month, but when I get back, jet-lag be damned, I'll be at Trader Joe's!!

[Katy]

Okay, I've heard of this Alsatian Tart many times now and I even posted above. But I can't seem to find it. Where in the frozen section do I look for it? I think my next trip, I just might need to ask :sigh:

[chinita]

Okay, I've heard of this Alsatian Tart many times now and I even posted above. But I can't seem to find it. Where in the frozen section do I look for it? I think my next trip, I just might need to ask :sigh:

Katy - The tartes are usually with the frozen pizzas as dana b mentioned. I bought them recently at W. LA stores so they are in stock locally.

A precaution while cooking the tartes:
The crust is VERY soft and thin (compared to pizza crust) so if you do not use a cookie sheet underneath it, the tarte can fall between the wires at the edges thus dripping cheese and whatnot onto your oven. I speak from experience as I have set off the smoke alarm mutliple times cooking these tartes! So either use a cookie sheet, or place the tarte carefully to avoid above mentioned scenario.

[Katy]

aha! I will check by the frozen pizza (don't now how I missed that part) :o And I will heed your warning, Chinita.

[raz91]

i love their bags of avocados. and huge bars of 70% chocolate.

[alootikki]

I just stocked up at a Trader Joe's four hours away! :rolleyes: I will be so happy when the new one in Union Square finally opens.

My recent favorite was a packet of "Chili Spiced Mango" - dried mango slices dipped in a mixture of paprika, red pepper, and a tiny bit of sugar. It sounds a little strange at first - but yum! I could snack on these all day.

[mgrace]

I love the frozen pineapple. It's so sweet and good. I bought some at the grocery store that said super sweet and it wasn't sweet at all.

[looch]

March 17th is the open date for the TJ's in NYC! Jumping up and down!

[alootikki]

looch - did you see the NYT article about the store today? It's in the top 5 "most emailed" articles list, so I guess everyone is getting very excited about it! ;)

[xhristina]

I just tried TJ's Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce (its in the salad section with their dressings) on their Green Tea Noodles. Soooo good!

We added some chicken tenders (which we marinated in some of the Peanut Sauce) and some veggies (they sell these great packages of fresh stir fry veggies that have snow peas, nappa cabbage, broccoli and carrots). We also added some chopped green onions.

It was a pretty healthy, tasty meal. I think the Peanut Sauce only has 70 cals and 2g fat per 2 tbsps. I will definately be repurchasing this!

[looch]

looch - did you see the NYT article about the store today? It's in the top 5 "most emailed" articles list, so I guess everyone is getting very excited about it! ;)

Yes, NYT is my homepage. I can't tell you how happy this makes me!

[alootikki]

I tried the frozen Penne Pepperonata yesterday - penne in a red "cream" sauce with red pepper. Eh...it was tasty, but messier than I expected (lots of splatters when I lifted the pan lid). And I think I could have gotten the same flavors in the same amount of time by just making penne myself, and adding some chopped red pepper and onion to jarred tomato sauce.

[meggiedarlin]

Bumping this up since one opened in the Twin Cities Yesterday!!! I'm so excited!

[Dettes]

Don't know if this was mentioned before, but the frozen pesto pizza is good.

[Katy]

mobox turned me on to these frozen, stuffed chicken breasts - they're stuffed with dressing and cranberry. So yummy! I also love their 5/6/7 (?) layer dip and the frozen fruit juice bars.

[Adaya]

Just had to share that they are opening a few stores in Atlanta. Yipeeeee!!

[Janey]

My favorite TJ's Dessert: Their Spiced Chunky Apples, heated in the microwave for 45 seconds, with a little extra cinnamon. deeee-lish!

I love to make an open-face turkey sandwich on their Garlic Naan bread.

Also, they've got a great price on the Luna Bars. (try the Choclate Caramel Brownie!)

Katy I love their layer-dip too! Soooo good.

[bluhimmy]

My toddler loves the banana waffles.

[Rosebud]

Trader Joe's has a new snack called "Banana Crisps" (not to be confused with banana chips, which are high in calories and sugar).

They taste like a lighter, crispier version of banana chips-- more like the consistency of potato chips. And for 1 serving size (3/4 cup) they have only 40 calories. No trans fats. 1 gr. fat, 1 gr. sugar, 7 gr. carbs. That's just ONE Weight Watchers point per serving. I'm loving them-- and they're so perfect for dieters.

Lots more feedback on them at Trader Joe's Fan (http://www.traderjoesfan.com/Trader_Joes/Products/Snacks,_Chips,_Salsas/Banana_Crisps/details/)

[SiValleySteph]

Unburied Treasure
organic cream top whole milk (for my son)
free-range eggs
gyoza
gnocchi (not the frozen kind)
pasta sauces
organic European style plain yogurt



I need to revise my list. Here are our current TJ staples:
unburied treasure (I'm an addict)
TJ's whole milk & fat free milk
eggs
Strauss plain yogurt
TJ's organic crunchy peanut better
TJ's fruit spreads
gyoza
freeze-dried strawberries
freeze-dried pineapple
Kashi Mighty Bites cereal
pork tenderloin (every other time)
mozarella balls (every other time)
honey whole weat pretzel sticks
fire-roasted balsamic veggies (frozen) - so delish!


I think that's about our current list

[PurpleRose]

Just had to share that they are opening a few stores in Atlanta. Yipeeeee!!

Adaya, do you know when they're opening in Atlanta? I'm not-so-patiently waiting to check one out!

[Katy]

I recently fell in love with their chinese chicken lettuce wraps (freezer section)...well, not the wraps themselves, but I cook the chicken as directed and then make a chinese chicken salad on broccoli slaw with it. It's SO good and such a quick and easy meal. Their carne asada was pretty darn good too - again, I prepared it as directed, stir fried some fajita veggies and threw it on lettuce. Good fajita salad.

[Adaya]

Adaya, do you know when they're opening in Atlanta? I'm not-so-patiently waiting to check one out!

I don't know what Trader Joe's problem is. They are being so secretive about the whole store opening thing. The last newspaper article I read said that they were leasing space in Midtown (Monroe Drive) and Sandy Springs (Roswell Road) and were considering places in Buckhead and East Cobb. When I checked their website this morning, it only said a store coming soon in Roswell, GA.

So I guess it's more not-so-patient waiting. I'm so ready for a store to open up here!!

[MLA]

I don't know what Trader Joe's problem is. They are being so secretive about the whole store opening thing.

I'm experiencing the same thing in NC. There are rumors and some newspaper articles indicating that they'll be opening up a store in Cary this fall, but damned if there's anything concrete about it on their website or anywhere else for that matter!

TJ's is one of the things I miss most about L.A. I can't wait for it to open here!

[Adaya]

MLA, that's interesting. I thought it was just us in Atlanta. Then I just did a search for articles about the opening here, and one of the articles said that it is typical TJ style to be so tight-lipped about their openings. No reason was given about why this is the case. The writer even contact a TJ's spokesperson and she said that she could not comment on any store openings.

Now I am curious about why they are so secretive.

[alienhost]

This is what I like to buy at TJs:

extra virgin olive oil
balsamic vinegar
capers (great price)
soy vay marinade (great price - $2 more at my reg grocery)
Organic Mac and Cheese for DD
I really liked the frozen risotto (mushroom or articoke)
Gyoza
their cheese selection is good
dried fruits/nuts
DH loves the green olive tapenade
Frozen French Onion Soup

I bought the Unburied Treasure but it seemed more styrofoam textured than Pirate's Booty.

there are other things I get but can't recall...

[PurpleRose]

That's strange that they're so secretive about their store openings. Oh well. At least there will be one in Roswell (hopefully soon). Thanks, Adaya!

[Adaya]

That's strange that they're so secretive about their store openings. Oh well. At least there will be one in Roswell (hopefully soon). Thanks, Adaya!

How ironic that we were talking about this and I just got around to reading Thursday's food section of the AJC. The resident food writer, John Kessler, has an article about Trader Joe's coming to Atlanta. Here's the link.

AJC Article (http://www.ajc.com/living/content/living/food/kessler/stories/2006/2006/09/12/0914FDkessler.html)

[PurpleRose]

Thanks for posting that, Adaya!

[mgrace]

Does anyone know how much organic milk is at Trader Joe's? I can't remember.

[JamBray]

Does anyone know how much organic milk is at Trader Joe's? I can't remember.
I believe that I pay about $5~ for a gallon, and $3~ for the 1/2.

[alootikki]

Trader Joe's chicken shumai have become my favorite alone-dinner when DH is away and I don't feel like cooking. Very quick, easy (and pretty low in calories and fat, too)

I also tried the TJ's brand of low-fat "Cheese Doodles" (forget exactly what they call them) and they were great.

[karina]

i just got the veggie gyoza w/ the gyoza dipping sauce --- SOOOO GOOD!

[charmcitygirl]

love:
- apricot-apple sauce (really good, kids gobble it up)
- low-fat granola
- greek-style yogurt
- cheap gallons of organic whole milk (~$5/gal)
- frozen haricot verts
- dry roasted pine nuts
- chunky marinara sauce
- frozen avocado (but i haven't found it at my store in a while)
- frozen coconut curry chicken stix (these are like little egg rolls)

things i haven't liked:
- frozen chicken strips
- frozen peppers
- frozen lemongrass chicken stix
- frozen vegetarian "sausage" breakfast patties (the morningstar brand is much better)
- frozen creme brulee (inedible)

[Cr8nme]

Aww this thread breaks my heart... I just moved from AZ to TX and there isn't one here. I did a majority of my shopping there. Here they have whole foods and something called central market~ both insanely expensive

[charmcitygirl]

a few more items that i was reminded of during today's trip:
- thai yellow curry simmer sauce
- thai red curry simmer sauce
- frozen mango chunks
- frozen pineapple bits

mmmmmmmm........

[eponymous]

I just tried the creme brulee and it is SOOOO good. I had some difficulty making it warm all the way through, but having it chilly in the middle was actually quite tasty.

[diam124]

Has anyone seen any new good Fall foods at TJ's? I think last Fall they had pumpkin butter -is that back?

[lisariv]

diam124 - I was there yesterday. I can't remember what exactly they had in terms of fall food, but the pumpkin butter is back. I also picked up some pumkin bread mix - they reformulated it to not require pumpkin, (just oil, water and egg).

[PurpleRose]

Adaya (and any other Atlanta area CCer's),

Heard this AM that the Trader Joe's in Roswell is now open! I didn't check it out today because there were major crowds, but just thought I'd let you know. Happy shopping!

[Adaya]

Adaya (and any other Atlanta area CCer's),

Heard this AM that the Trader Joe's in Roswell is now open! I didn't check it out today because there were major crowds, but just thought I'd let you know. Happy shopping!

Yippeeee!! I read about it yesterday's paper (AJC). That article also gave dates and locations for the other store openings. I think there will be 4 more. Roswell is rather far from me, but I just have to go. I may go tomorrow.

[psusna]

Adaya: Do you remember the date for the Norcross opening? (everytime I try to pull the article up on ajc.com it crashes my browser) I saw the signs up at the Norcross location for "coming soon" the other weekend. I can't wait. It will be the closest location, but just far enough away from me that I won't go broke :)

[Adaya]

I had to get the paper out of the newspaper recyle bin. :D

Here are the store opening dates:

Sandy Springs Plaza/Sandy Spring: Mid-November
Pinestraw Plaza on Roswell & Johnson Ferry Roads/Cobb County: December
The Forum/Norcross: December
Midtown Promenade/10th Street & Monroe Drive: Early 2007

[psusna]

Adaya: Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

[Maggie8202]

I just bought the pumpkin butter today. Any suggestions on what to eat it on?

[Kellie]

I just bought the pumpkin butter today. Any suggestions on what to eat it on?

I couldn't figure out what to do with it, so I toasted some whole grain bread, spread on cream cheese, and spread the pumpkin butter on top of that. I think it's really yummy. Kinda like pumpkin cheesecake to me! :)

[Cr8nme]

Ooh I am sooo jealous of all the openings...sadly none is Dallas yet :(

[psusna]

I would eat the pumpkin butter like I do apple butter -- on slices of french bread or freshly baked bread of any sort. MMmmmm.

[Kellie]

I forgot to mention....I also made a peanut butter and pumpkin butter sandwich. That was pretty good too, but I think I like it better with cream cheese.

[diam124]

I haven't opened my pumpkin butter yet, but that's a great idea to use it with cream cheese. I bet it would be good on a bagel.

[mgrace]

Adding the Organic Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup. Mmmm.

[gumball]

I mixed a few spoonfuls of the pumpkin butter into mashed butternut squash the other night and it was really good!

[PurpleRose]

I had to get the paper out of the newspaper recyle bin. :D

Here are the store opening dates:

Sandy Springs Plaza/Sandy Spring: Mid-November
Pinestraw Plaza on Roswell & Johnson Ferry Roads/Cobb County: December
The Forum/Norcross: December
Midtown Promenade/10th Street & Monroe Drive: Early 2007

Thanks for posting these, Adaya!

[mgrace]

Yum, I want some pumpkin butter!

[framboise]

We recently tried the teriyaki & pineapple salmon from the freezer section (I think it's new) and really liked it. It was a very convenient meal combined with their frozen organic brown rice (I have tried several brands of the microwave-in-the-bag rice options, & that one is BY FAR the best) and steamed green beans. The same thing is on the menu again for one night this week/weekend!

[LeslieR]

This thread is so helpful! DH and I went to TJ's a couple years ago and were not very impressed. I gave it another try today with my toddler in mind and found so much stuff I wanted to try! I only bought a few things because I wasn't sure what was good. I bought sunflower seed butter, Annie's microwavable mac & cheese, TJ mini chicken tacos (I gave these to DS for lunch and he was not a fan-I thought they were delicious), Cats Ginger Cookies (I had to open these in the store for him and he was gobbling them down-I was surprised how spicy they are!), TJ meatless breakfast patties, TJ Frozen blueberry waffles, and Trader Giattos Spizzico Di Pizza (he had these for dinner-yum!). I'm looking forward to making him a sunflower seed butter and jelly sandwich tomorrow.:D

Oh, and I have to say thanks to those who recommended trying pumpkin butter with cream cheese! I bought some this Summer at our local farm stand. I usually eat it on toast with regular butter. I've also made pumpkin butter and jelly sandwiches for DS. Trying it with cream cheese sounds waaaaay better.:)

[dana b]

the pumpkin butter w/ cream cheese is so good. i used to put it on their cheese blintzes as well, but they've only the tofutti ones lately. i haven't tried it yet, but mom said she put the pumpkin butter on a pork tenderloin and it was yummy.

[miel]

Eating TJs today: Spinach tofu egg rolls and red pepper tomato soup. Yum!

Pumpkin butter is good. THE CHEESE BLINTZES MAKE ME WEAK.

[Katy]

I just picked up some graham crackers today and man...those things ROCK!

[dana b]

so what do all the mamas buy for their kids at tj's?
i'm always looking for new stuff for dd. she won't eat much, but these are some of the things i buy for her:

spinach nuggets
veggie corn dogs
chicken nuggets
cheese sticks
edamame
whole wheat pasta
mighty bites
gorilla munch
pirate's booty
yogurt
fruit bars
frozen quiche
dr. ? veggie burgers
frozen waffles
all kinds of cookies
snapea crisps

some things become like crack to her and i have to stop buying them, like the freeze dried strawberries, carrot cake muffins and squeeze yogurts.

this week i got some of those individual boxes of snack packs and some boxes of chocolate soy milk to keep in the diaper bag.

and dh and i are completely addicted to the wine country chicken salad.

[miel]

whole wheat pasta Aw, my daughter refused to eat whole wheat pasta now! Damn.

But there are a couple of other things she used to eat: Grilled bell peppers (in a jar)--she won't eat them now, but she used to. We used to buy the mango puree and frozen mango pieces for her. (Also won't eat those now)

One thing she loooooves are the TJ's chicken sausages. Pretty low in fat and tasty.

Thank God this kid still likes broccoli. She's a seriously picky eater now. I ate my weight in broccoli when I was pregnant so who knows if that's the reason.

[charmcitygirl]

dana b
-frozen mango (eaten frozen)
-frozen pineapple (also eaten frozen, so sweet it tastes like candy)
-frozen avocado (my store doesn't seem to stock these anymore...maybe yours does)
-turkey dogs
-apricot-apple sauce
-mango sauce
-mini whole wheat bagels
-mini whole wheat pitas
-rice crackers
-frozen petite sweet peas
-frozen green garbanzos
-all sorts of cheese (because it's cheaper than my regular grocery store)

some things i plan on trying soon:
-almond butter
-miso soup
-whole wheat gnocchi

[dollface]

I've probably already posted way earlier in the thread but I am always finding new stuff I like!

-Frozen quesadillas (the one with cheese, black beans, corn, etc)
-Frozen chicken coconut curry stix
-Frozen brown rice
-Frozen penne in sauce
-Pumpkin pie mousse cake
-Chicken flautas (the fresh ones in the 4 pack w/sauce)
-Pumpkin butter
-Cornichons
-Whole wheat penne
-No Pudge brownie mix
-Mini peanut butter cups
-Pecan pralines
-White cheddar popcorn
-Flaxseed tortilla chips

[miel]

Hey, anyone want to recommend a wine they like?

I get all my wine at TJ's. Now I'm blanking on the names of the kinds I like--so I'll get back to you on this--but does anyone here buy wine at TJs?

[J&K2003]

-Frozen quesadillas (the one with cheese, black beans, corn, etc)


These are amazing! So tasty and great for lunch at work.

[wine_o_girlie]

-Mini peanut butter cups


OMG, my husband's step-mother brought these over 2 weeks ago and now we are addicted! It's a bad, bad thing. :o They are so damn small and it's easy to eat a bunch of them. At my last mid-wife appointment, I gained 5 pounds in 4 weeks after only gaining 1 pound TOTAL for 28 weeks. I think I see a correlation...:eek: Those damn things are so good on ice cream...sigh...

[Foley42]

I went on traderjoes.com and searched for one in our area and it's not working for me. Can anyone help? Columbus, GA 31904

ETA: found it here (http://www.traderjoes.com/Attachments/all_locations.pdf)

[bluhimmy]

I went on traderjoes.com and searched for one in our area and it's not working for me. Can anyone help? Columbus, GA 31904

Here's what they have listed for Georgia:

Marietta
Store Hours: 9 am – 9 pm
Phone: 678-560-3585

Norcross
Store Hours: 9 am – 9 pm
Phone: 678-966-9236

Roswell
Store Hours: 9 am – 9 pm
Phone: 770-645-8505

Sandy Springs
Store Hours: 9 am – 9 pm
Phone: 404-236-2414

[ansturge]

AHA cary, NC store has a phone number so it should be open soon

giggity

[Katy]

-Mini peanut butter cups
OMG, my husband's step-mother brought these over 2 weeks ago and now we are addicted! It's a bad, bad thing. :o They are so damn small and it's easy to eat a bunch of them. At my last mid-wife appointment, I gained 5 pounds in 4 weeks after only gaining 1 pound TOTAL for 28 weeks. I think I see a correlation...:eek: Those damn things are so good on ice cream...sigh...Man those things were the death of me a few weeks back. I bought them because it seemed (ha!) like I'd have more control over the portion size. Sadly, like W_O_G said, it's just SO easy to eat a bunch at a time and not really think about it. Needless to say, they're so good they're no longer welcome in our home.

[mgrace]

Got another fave: Peppermint/Candy Cane Jo Jo's. (I can't remember what they are called for sure)

Real candy cane pieces in the filling. YUM!

[dh5678]

Has anyone tried TJ's baking mixes yet? I saw a green tea one and I think lemon and a few others. I was intrigued, but didn't buy it.

[janders6]

I've used a lot of their mixes - lemon, vanilla, brownie, pumpkin bread, banana bread, cornbread and jalapeno blue cornbread. I like all of them.

[strwbrygirl]

Second on the baking mixes- I've used the banana bread, brownie, and cornbread ones-- all were a hit!

[mgrace]

I used the pumpkin mix and it was good. I was intrigued by the vanilla and green tea mixes!

[framboise]

I picked up the pumpkin butter, bagels & creame cheese for the weekend since the ILs were all in town & we were primarly responsible for breakfasts before each days' events & outings. Everyone loved it! I need more bagels so we can keep enjoying it!

[dana b]

the vanilla mix is pretty good. i was impressed -- it has vanilla bean seeds in it.

[looch]

DH and I had the carne asada last night. I actually shredded it a bit more before I tossed it my wok. I just turned it once, put the lid on it, and served it with refried black beans, shredded cheese and flour tortillas. Delicious!

Also on my new list of faves:

Mexican Red Sauce
Punjab Spinach Simmer Sauce
Organic apples
Precut squash

[MLA]

Just had to post that I'm so excited! TJ's just opened its first location in NC, and it's only about 20 minutes from me. DH and I went on the day they opened and stocked up. I've been enjoying TJ yumminess all week. :D

[Katy]

I use the carne asada for salads all the time (with the fresh sliced onions and peppers and their guacamole and salsa).

Last night we tried their new pot roast. They were sampling it with the potato medley and it was tasty. Made for a very quick and easy meal.

[missemily]

Ok, yesterday I went to the new store in Cary, NC. Oh my, it was so crowded I didn't have room to look and they were out of alot of things. I had never been in one, but the prices were great. I got a brownie mix, salsa, frozen pizza and ravioli. We had the pizza last night and it was really good, crust was thin but awesome sauce. I can't wait to go back when it isn't so crazy, maybe on a weeknight.

[cela-bela]

Ok, yesterday I went to the new store in Cary, NC. Oh my, it was so crowded I didn't have room to look and they were out of alot of things. I had never been in one, but the prices were great. I got a brownie mix, salsa, frozen pizza and ravioli. We had the pizza last night and it was really good, crust was thin but awesome sauce. I can't wait to go back when it isn't so crazy, maybe on a weeknight.

Trust me, it won't be any better then. We tried going Wednesday night and it was CRAZY! We could barely move around.

[Adaya]

I use the carne asada for salads all the time (with the fresh sliced onions and peppers and their guacamole and salsa).

Last night we tried their new pot roast. They were sampling it with the potato medley and it was tasty. Made for a very quick and easy meal.

Yum, that all sounds good. I may have to pick up both the carne asada and the pot roast when I stop in there next time. So glad they opened up one here in Atlanta and will be even happier when the stores closer to me open up.

[Jill1228]

I love the pomegranate seeds. I buy those every time I go there

[vee05]

Ah TJ's is the ultimate destination for DH & I. DH loves their Chile lime Salsa, Penne pasta, crab cakes, organic veegie pizza and i love everyting else :)

[tgal]

I was intrigued by the vanilla and green tea mixes!


I was wondering if anyone commented on the green tea mixes! OMG, I bought two boxes and dh and I just sat there trying to figure out what the heck the green tea tasted like. It took us awhile, but it tasted so much like grass. We really like the banana. I'll have to sng the vanilla the next visit.

[Rosebud]

I'm eating a TJ's Fiesta Chicken & Vegetable Salad right now.... lettuce, chicken, cheese, beans and a tomato dressing. It's really good! A lot of their salads get very fatty/ high calorie when you add in the dressing, but this one's not too bad. 6 WW points for the whole thing.

[Rosebud]

Hey, anyone want to recommend a wine they like?

We buy a couple of cheap bottles there that are always a big hit:

HoneyMoon Viognier
- This is a TJ's brand and for a $5 wine it is ridiculously good. A friend who's a bit of wine snob turned me on to it, saying it's his guilty pleasure. I concur!

Chateau Ste. Michelle Reisling
- I think Chateau Ste. Michelle makes some of the best domestic Reisling. It's like $7/8 a bottle, which I think is a steal for that quality.

[Amuse Bouche]

I'll ditto Rosebud's recs. We drink a lot of the viognier in the summer. Another wine we like is the Vidal Fleury Cote De Rhone, for about $6. A nice drinkable French red.

Holiday stuff is near us -- don't forget to get your candy cane joe-joes (oreos with no trans fats, and the holiday ones have crushed candy cane in the filling!), liqueur cakes and gingerbread (at about $3 apiece, make great gifts), peppermint bark and other holiday goodies!

[mgrace]

Amuse Bouche, I *love* the Candy Cane Joe-Joe's! They were out of them this week.

I picked up some Mint Cocoa mix. Yummy!

[wine_o_girlie]

I got some of the Sparkling Cranberry juice to have out for Thanksgiving and it was gone in a flash! Everyone was crazy for it. I plan to re-stock heavily for the Christmas season.

[mgrace]

Where is the fearless flyer on their site? I can't find it.

[Happyaugust]

One of my local stores just got Wasabi almonds...yummy!!

[Katy]

I have two things to avoid: the frozen chicken lasagna and their frozen coconut shrimp. And just a warning (because I'm sure I'm the only dumbass that's done this)...TJ's frozen bagged dinners are NOT boil in the bag - I repeat...do NOT boil them in their bags!

[MES in Chicago]

Some yummy finds this week...

Shepard's Pie - really yummy and the whole thing is only 7.5pts (for those of you on WW). We had it for dinner tonight and both DH and I thought it was pretty good.

Dark Chocolate Covered Soynuts. Delish :) (1/4c. 2pts)

Multigrain Hot Cereal (2pts) - better than oatmeal...more nutty and very filling.

[cynder]

I went to TJ for the first time this weekend and oh. my. god. I was not really prepared but I did pick up a bunch of stuff. Need to go through this thread more carefully.

[Sevilla]

My favorites from TJ's:

Pumpkin spice granola
frozen organic jasmine and brown rice
frozen waffles
instant indian food (in boxes near the soups) - especially Punjab Eggplant
all their fruit sauces - especially Pear Sauce and Apricot Sauce
Jarred soups/stews like the Indian Sambhar Lentil and Spanish Chicken
Pita chips with hummus
Mocci ice cream balls
macaroni and cheese
dried fruit
organic jams/preserves
jarred bruschetta topping

[Sevilla]

Oh, and this deserves its own post - the frozen Chimichurri Wild Salmon is to die for! you just put it in a pan in the oven to cook for like 12 minutes and it's all done - seasoned with oil, lemon, and spices. it's the best 'instant' dinner ever.

[Bloomwood]

And just a warning (because I'm sure I'm the only dumbass that's done this)...TJ's frozen bagged dinners are NOT boil in the bag - I repeat...do NOT boil them in their bags!

This has me LOL. I have no idea what a frozen bagged dinner looks like, but the image I have in my head right now is priceless.

[oshannon]

I went to TJ for the first time this weekend and oh. my. god. I was not really prepared but I did pick up a bunch of stuff. Need to go through this thread more carefully.

Me too, me too! Ours is pretty small, and was INSANELY packed (crappy weather, nothing better to do than shop) but i'll definitely be back. Lots of healthy snacky stuff for DS!

[mgrace]

I just discovered Belgian butter waffle cookies (or something like that). All I can say is YUM!

I must try the pear sauce as I'm currently obsessed with all things pear. :)

[Adaya]

Does anyone know if TJ's sells a Japanese Ginger salad dressing? Kinda like the one they have at those Japanese steakhouses. For some reason, I just have it in my head that I might be able to find it there.

If not, any ideas of where I might be able to buy it? I found some good recipes, but I want to try finding it first....I'm lazy.

[steviem]

Adaya, I've bought that type of salad dressing at TJ's before. If I remember correctly, it is in the refridgerated section.

Good luck!

[Adaya]

steviem, you just made my night. Thanks so much. I'm going to TJ's tomorrow morning. :D

[Bloomwood]

I tried TJ's chinese mustard wonton chips the other day. Yummy! I couldn't eat very many, which might be a good thing.

[ansturge]

trader joes honey mango shave cream rocks


and i heard last night from a cashier that TJ's is coming to N Raleigh next year after the chapel hill store opens

[cela-bela]

I just discovered Belgian butter waffle cookies (or something like that). All I can say is YUM!

These are the BEST COOKIES EVER!!!!! DH and I went through a whole box in one sitting the other night :o. They're yummy with ice cream too!

[Amuse Bouche]

The ginger spread is excellent -- fantastic on greek yogurt or to make a tea gingery.

[Emilie]

The Kung Pao boxes are amazing! Such a great lunch - spicy but not overly so.

[SweetRed]

This week I tried the 100-calorie snack packs with Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies. Pretty darned good for 100 calories.

And DH and I went to Costa Rica this past January, and brought back a bottle of Chilean wine we had with dinner a couple of nights there. Too funny when we walked in the door of our local TJ's and saw Casillo del Diablo cabernet sitting right in front of us. :)

[Adaya]

And DH and I went to Costa Rica this past January, and brought back a bottle of Chilean wine we had with dinner a couple of nights there. Too funny when we walked in the door of our local TJ's and saw Casillo del Diablo cabernet sitting right in front of us. :)

Is it by Concha y Toro? If so, I love that cabernet. I became a much bigger fan of reds after my trip to Chile and that specific wine is one of my favs. :)

~~~
I can't wait to get back to TJ's. I wanna check out the scrubs mentioned earlier. :)

[hokiegirl]

ansturge - you just made my day. so glad they are closer than my having to travel and stock up when I visit NOVA, but N Raleigh would be fantastic!