What's a TJ's?

it's a grocery chain. the vision i have of it in my mind, just based on what i've heard about it, is that it's like whole foods but more affordable with great store brands. i have no idea if this is true, but i'll find out today.

I know Trader Joes, from visiting one near DC several times. I wish we had one near me, here in western West Virginia. It's Friday, and my brain fuzzed out! Thanks for the prompt response.

i've been hearing about it for years, so i'm interested in seeing what it's actually like. no two buck chuck, though. grocery stores here can't sell anything more than 3.2.

Three buck chuck.



Cher

p.s. this is like a suspense story. I hope I get down the thread to find out what you thought of TJs!

two pints and a sandwich later, all i wanted to do was take a nap. now i'm on the grass in front of my building, loving the sun and the breeze from the south. i'm on the corner of a major intersection, so there's the world's supply of traffic, but it's worth it.

i'll attempt tj's tomorrow and, of course, i will provide a full report when i get back.

i'm thinking mediterranean for delivery tonight. i need something light.

'Cuz $3 Buck Chuck has arsenic in it:

https://www.yahoo.com/health/popular-wines-contain-high-levels-of-arsenic-114094234722.html




Cher

I like the lasagna(s) and raviolis in the refrigerator section. The pizza dough is great and the cheese can not be beat.

In the freezer section, they have all kinds of things, including dumplings (and other chinese appetizers), gnocchi, pizza, french onion soup and other pre made foods.

I'm not a big fan of their produce or fresh meats, but some of the frozen meats are great. The bags of skinless boneless chicken are great and the frozen rack of lamb is always good. I would stay away from their marinated meats.

Baked goods can be worth taking a look at. They sell a frozen key lime pie that I love.

Big bags of frozen fruits are wonderful in winter, especially if you like smoothies.

Their greek yogurts are good, but I'm fond of the Vanana flavor of regular.

They have some really good indian and thai dishes in the dry foods section.

Just go hungry and try a bunch of stuff that appeals to you.

And take a look at the "Fearless Flyer" for ideas before you go.

http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer

I am so, so jealous.

i can't go completely hog wild and i have a feeling that's going to be a challenge. i have been hearing about them for years and am really absurdly excited to finally see it for myself.

and your dinner sounds very, very tasty. i'm a bit jealous myself.

have you kicked that cold?

But the prices are good, the quality high and you will be well fed for awhile, especially if you don't feel like fixing form scratch during this work cycle.

Cold has settled into my chest and I feel drained, but fortunately I don't have much to do.

Oh, yeah - the cream soups in cartons are perfect to have around.

i hope you get to feeling better soon. the weather is going to be glorious all weekend and ordinarily i'd go grill at dad's, but sister has the flu and i want nothing to do with that.

dressing. Raspberries in milk for dessert.

enjoy!

but it is my favorite thing right now.

Have fun at TJ's! I like the meat and produce I've bought there. Produce needs to be in season, but for someone in the Midwest, the selection and/or prices elsewhere are not great.

Fizz - do yourself a favor... don't buy everything at once at your TJ's! It'll still be there next week.

I made that mistake my first time at TJ's, and I blew my fun money for a month.

TJ's has great pantry items. The prepared stuff is really good too (see cbayer's post above). I dig their lobster ravioli, lamb vindaloo and shepherd's pie. Each time I go, I try to buy one thing I've never tried before. Makes shopping there more fun. Bummer that mine doesn't stock salmon jerky anymore. It rocked.

It's snowing out; chili will be great. I hope to make some type of no-grain "bread" to go with.

All the toppings: red onion, sour cream, shredded cheddar, tortilla strips.



Cher

So will probably pick at stuff through the evening.

(aside) So great to have had a good working relationship with a boss who was also a friend at the time and we've remained friends since. We've always clicked. Laid back 2 hour patio meal, small talk, a bit of gossip and "deep thoughts".

I'm glad you had a good time.

Galileo, I just had the lobster ravioli a day or two ago; you're talking about the striped stuff, right?

Today I stopped in at TJs again, despite my cold. I knew I needed to get more soup underway, so I wanted to buy their butternut squash raviolis. They are so good and half the price of what is at the grocery stores. Once again, I was amazed at the quantity/quality for the price. Now I am set to make more butternut squash/apple soup. I'm roasting the ingredients tonight.


Well, here I am at the bottom of the thread, awaiting to hear what fizzgig has to say about Trader Joe's!



Cher

p.s. at least in NJ, the fresh meats and vegetables are always top notch. I have never once seen poor quality. On the other hand, NJ is densely populated enough to support that kind of turnover.

I've found Indian, Asian, Eastern European, North African stuff, pre-made and frozen, affordable and tasty. For me it's a trial run usually. The best, I cut the label off the package and add to a stack of food ideas. Also side "fixings" and spices are worth a look.

I don't buy my basic veggies there nor my meat, chicken, fish etc. We're fortunate to have good quality supplies here, locally.

Their "Fearless Flyer" is a good read. Well done.

I like making a shrimp/cream/tomato sauce for it. Yum! (or use lobster stock if I have some reserved in the freezer).

Bought a loaf of crusty french bread to go along with tradition.