Comments on: Ode to Trader Joe’s

By: skellie

skellie — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:28:24 +0000

Lindsay, you just might get a lot of unexpected guests after that comment! I’m on my way! (I wish!)

and high sodium levels for preservation in packaged foods, because of the lack of other chemical preservatives, right?

By: Lindsay Todd

Lindsay Todd — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:42:31 +0000

I second the Tarte d Alsace “A French Style Flat Bread with Ham, carmalized onions and Gruyere cheese” and Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Carmelized Onions. Both are perfect to have in the freezer as appetizers or for unexpected guests-just add wine.

By: jennifer

jennifer — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 02:00:59 +0000

I have heard rumors of this miraculous mac-n-cheese lately, even before Nikki chimed in. Thanks to everyone for the great ideas…I’m making my list now! Becky, your paradise contains no big box stores – sounds like heaven.

By: guitargarden

guitargarden — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:28:42 +0000

I think of Trader Joe’s as “Salty Joe’s,” as they put an *absurd* amount of salt in their preserved foods. Check out their packaged Indian or Asian foods and be prepared for some scary sodium numbers.

On the brighter side, get the Tandoori naan bread, or the Chickenless Nuggets, which are as good as the real thing.

By: becky up the hill

becky up the hill — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:11:07 +0000

Dear me..I live in a town/county where there is no TJ’s. Locals whine about it all the time. A few months ago there was an urban legend that one was coming in, when a smallish grocery closed. They finally hung a banner across the windows and it said ‘No Trader’s Joes’..at least once a month there would be a letter to editor in our local paper bemoaning the lack of TJ’s. Locals have sent TJ’s countless letters pleading with them to come. Not happening baby. We are blessed to have a few decent grocery stores and living up the hill has it’s sacrifices. Did I mention, I whine about no Target ;o)! Thanks Jennifer for the fun link.

By: NikkiBenner

NikkiBenner — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:56:54 +0000

Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese. If you haven’t had it, you’re missing heaven in a microwaveable container.

By: MemeGRL

MemeGRL — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:35:54 +0000

I live in fear of the day they discontinue the Alcase ham & gruyere tart. I calculate freezer space before I go every time to stock up.
Their pancake mix is the only one my husband will use.
And I’m totally with Emily–the dark chocolate pretzels are truly amazing. We also get one container of the caramel-macadamia popcorn each holiday.
Currently the only fruit my younger son will eat is the TJ freeze dried strawberry.
And the nut selection and prices are awesome. Same with their orange juice.
And the new favorite in my book is the mushroom & truffle flatbread. Yum.

By: Emily

Emily — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:03:01 +0000

Fat free honey wheat pretzels, Better N’ Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries, Rosencrantz and Guildnpop (?) Carmel Corn, Tulips, Puppermints (for when Mo eats her own poop), organic cocoa for days like today, brown rice in a bag, extra sweet frozen corn… shall I go on???

By: skellie

skellie — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:35:45 +0000

…remembering a moment of comic relief in an airport line when a woman was pulled aside for intense inspection. Turns out the illegal substance was a small jar of something from Trader Joe’s she was bringing to a friend in a small town with no access to TJ’s. Still wonder what it was! Another time a very embarrassed woman had forgotten to remove a can of Slim Fast. “Anybody want the shake? security asked the crowd. I always wonder if the security guards enjoy the conficated stuff at break time.

By: MelanieO

MelanieO — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:21:26 +0000

I was despondent when dark chocolate pretzels went away last year, and thrilled when my husband brought home four bags over the weekend to celebrate their reappearance. The milk chocolate version just doesn’t compare…