Trader Joe's again, and again

I haven't looked back at the past posts, but I'm pretty sure I have only complained about things I haven't liked at Trader Joe's. I know there was one about olive oil and another about sun dried tomato chicken tenders. So, off the top of my head, here's a list of things I do like at Trader Joe's: Columbus salami, cheese sticks, various fruits, maple frosted shredded wheat, a few of the breads, yogurt (if you're into soy, their soy yogurts are as good as soy yogurts get), sour cream, milk, whipped cream cheese, some frozen vegetables, a quinoa duo vegetable side dish that is strangely good, cereal bars, black olives, ketchup, jar of marina (in a pinch), a few pastas, lentil soup, these little cheese/cracker sandwiches (don't open the box unless you plan to eat them all), crumbled blue cheese for salads, lightly salted almonds, decaf Irish breakfast tea, kosher turkey breast splits, hot dogs, white grape juice (great when mixed with seltzer) and I'm sure I'm leaving several things off the list.

Truth be told, I've spend a lot of time roaming the aisles of the store. Probably too much time. Earlier today I was in Trader Joe's looking over a shelf. To my right, a gentleman was talking to a crew member. They finished their conversation and as the crew member walked away, she started helping another customer. The gentleman, turned around with another question and asked it before he realized the crew member was already talking to another customer. After 8 months of repeatedly visiting the store, I knew the answer and directed the gentleman where he needed to go. As we walked over there, we chatted. Nice guy, lives mostly in Phoenix and is looking forward to Whole Foods coming to the area. He really likes Whole Foods.

If I get laid off, I guess I'll fill out a Trader Joe's application.

Trader Joe's Olive Oils

Trader Joe's has several varieties of olive oil on their shelves. Since our Albany Trader Joe's opened last August, I have purchased two of their olive oils. I was disappointed in the first and almost didn't buy the second. Throwing caution to the wind (the stakes were pretty low here), I said screw it and bought bottle number two. Much, much better.

The first bottle was the Santini Premium for $7.99 on the middle shelf. Average oil at best. I think you'd be better off with one of the big name oils you'd find in a supermarket. Plus the little pour spout it comes with is useless. The spout went in the trash after it's first use. Bottle number two is the Extra Virgin Spanish Olive Oil on the top shelf. Surprisingly pretty damn good. Good for cooking. Good in a salad dressing. What a significant improvement. Save two bucks and go with Spanish oil. Or one of the many others, but pass on the Santini Premium.

Trader Joe's Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Chicken Tenders

Looking for a quick dinner fix, I gave these a try.

 

Not very good. I had my doubts/concerns when I bought the package but the desire for a quick dinner that produced a minimal amount of heat in the kitchen overrode them. Doubt this will find its way into my basket again. That cookie butter I read about and bought...strangely addicting. It's one of those Trader Joe's things that isn't great, but you just keep eating until it's gone. Those chocolate dipped dunker cookies aren't very good cookies. That won't stop me from eating a bucket of them though. Anyhow, I've got an idea for using that cookie butter. One of these days...

Couldn't Resist

I walked over during lunch and made my first $50 donation to Trader Joe's. Parking looked crazy, a few aisles were jammed but checkout only took 10 minutes. nice inside.

They're heeere!

I haven't beeet but I've heard it's not too bad. Traffic is better than I thought it would be. This is the most cars I have ever seen in front of the Honey Baked Ham store.

Still More Trader Joe's Progress

Flyers have been sent. This came in the mail yesterday.

The pitch:  Bring the postcard in for a reusable Trader Joe's shopping bag. You can also add your phone number to be entered in a drawing for $50 to use in the store. Valid from August 3rd to August 17th.

More Trader Joe's Progress

The red shopping carts are out front, there's a coming soon sign in the window and a lot of cars out front. Too many cars. If this is the lot during construction, good luck parking any time after August 3rd.

More Progress

The sign is up at the Trader Joe's...

And the hiring tent has been open for business all week. That kid at the left table might be a little young to stock shelves though.

 

Progress

I walked past the future Trader Joe's this morning. Looks like a concrete floor went in today.