Remember when we waited, we crossed our fingers, we gave our zip codes freely in hope that someday Trader Joe's would come to Tacoma? We would give anything to put an end to the crippling journey to Federal Way. Thank goodness that changed. Even driving to University Place from my home in central Tacoma seems to take forever, with all the round a bouts and lack of turn lanes on Bridgeport. But it's clearly worth it.
What is it about Trader Joe's that we love? Geez where do I begin? It's not a big store, and strangely it hosts a vast selection of items to choose from, but yet it doesn't seem to be overly crowded. It's almost magical. Maybe when someone rings that bell up front, that's the signal for the TJ gnomes to restock?
Whatever the case maybe, I enjoy my shopping experience here and not necessarily in order to save money. It's about convenience and health-driven merchandise. I did however buy some MSM, which is good for your skin, muscles and joints and milk thistle extract which promotes liver health. I'll give you one guess why I take that every morning. Both were priced exceptionally well at $4.99 and $7.99 for 100.
Olive oil here is always a great deal. The Trader Giotto's (cute) is $5.49 for the one liter bottle. Here's a little tip: don't use extra virgin olive oil for cooking. It burns too easy, and it's too tasty to waste in a frying pan. Save it for your salads and bread dipping.
I picked up some garlic and herb pizza dough, and I promise to use it right away this time. The shelf life on this stuff is very limited, but it's only $1.29 for fresh pizza dough. It comes in whole-wheat and plain too. I should have bought the whole-wheat dough, but enough is enough. The whole-wheat couscous will have to suffice (17.6 ounces for $1.99).
OK, enough with the healthy, here comes the convenience. TJ Take-out Thali Aloo Matar, Yellow Dal and Basamati Rice all in one box, two servings and ready to eat in less than three minutes. All for the amazing price of $3.99 and it doesn't taste half bad. Add the amazing Tandoori Naan Curry Bread ($3.49), brushed with a little EXTRA virgin olive oil then sprinkle with Feta, and you're set!
In a nutshell, the meat section is great. Lots of beef, lamb chicken and turkey, but it could use some fresh seafood. The frozen seafood didn't impress me much on this trip, so I suppose Johnny's is in my future. Produce, dried fruits, grains and alternative milk sources score pretty high with me, but the dairy section, especially the cheese, lacks imagination. Oh, no she didn't. ...
I've chosen not to mention Two Buck Chuck because it's no longer $2 and it's horrid. However the special TJ Vintage beer made by Unibroue is worth giving a try. It's tough to go wrong with their beer.
Beware the bait at the registers! There's chocolate covered everything upfront, so rather than rely on my willpower, I decided to give in with the mini peanut butter cups for $3.99. Pretty darn tasty, but could use a touch of salt. Mmmm salt.
There's not much you can't find at Trader Joe's. Good deals are to be found for sure, but the real treat here is their imagination and great selection. I'm a kid in a candy store and it's worth driving through the maze of University Place.
[Trader Joe's, 3800 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.460.2672]
Comments for "Trader Joe's" (4)
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Liz Tagami said on Feb. 06, 2010 at 7:22pm
This blog post does not accurately convey the truth about cooking with extra virgin olive oil by making the unfortunate claim that EVOO should be saved for salads and bread dipping because it burns too easily. This is not the true.
Traditional cooking in olive growing regions has always relied on extra virgin olive oil to sauté and even deep fry. Ironically, the same day this posted one of the world's most respected authorities on olive oil posted an article about the smoke point of extra virgin olive oil. (see below)
The writer indicates that the retail price of the EVOO she picked up is only $5.49 per liter. If you know what it takes to grow, process, bottle and ship EVOO you would recognize that this is not possible. You get what you pay for, and I'd be mighty concerned about the FFA level for an oil this inexpensive, which could indeed indicate an issue about using this particular oil for frying.
Buy from a reputable grower, such as a COOC certified extra virgin, or an oil with a DOP or IGP designation on the bottle. Read this brief but explicit explanation by Richard Gawel to learn more:
http://www.aromadictionary.com/EVOO_blog/?p=147
Bill Sanders said on Feb. 07, 2010 at 12:15pm
I am a huge fan of Trader Joe's, but your statement that olive oil is not for cooking is simply wrong. In the past year, the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, the continuing education school for chefs, has embarked on an ambitious initiative to re-educate chefs about the benefits of cooking with olive oil. The people of Crete and Puglia experience the highest longevity in the world and they swim in olive oil. The average home cook does not use heat high enough to be overly concerned. Plus, once food is added to the cooking oil the temperature will drop and maintain a lower a lower temperature. Cooking with olive oil is an east way for the home cook to layer in flavor. Most other seed oils are flavorless. Higher quality Extra Virgin olive oils have a higher smoke point.
Also, high quality Extra Virgin olive oil is more than for salads and bread dipping. The surest way to obtain the health benefits of Extra Virgin olive oil is to drizzle a small amount over your food after it has been removed from the heat. This adds another layer flavor, freshness and health benefits.
Also, the $5.49 one liter bottle of olive oil is a bulk oil that was most likely "Packed or Imported" from Italy, which means the source and age of the fruit are unknown. Open the bottle and smell. Does it smell like paint thinner or over ripe bananas? This oil does not have health benefits that consumers desire. The antioxidant/polypenol levels (the healthy stuff) are nonexistent at that price point. Like many food writers, you are making the error by assuming that all Extra Virgin olive oils are the same. Much of the cheap, bulk olive oil in the supermarket shelves is not genuine Extra Virgin, despite what it says on the label. There are no Federal standards for Extra Virgin olive oil in this country. The U.S. has become a dumping ground for inferior and adulterated olive oil from the Europeans. Knowing the source is critical.
On a positive note, some Trader Joe stores carry a store brand from California, which is produced by the California Olive Ranch. This is an oil with good quality and value, although it's not $5.49.
I know you have good intentions but please be careful in making these types of statements. Many olive oil producers from around the world are dedicated and doing all they can to bring you a flavorful, fresh and healthy olive oil to your table. I urge you out of respect for them to not disseminate false information.
I agree with you that Trader Joe's rocks.
Jackson Friis said on Feb. 11, 2010 at 10:34am
The writer seems to merely be pointing out that olive oil DOES have a lower burn point then many other oils (which is well documented) and that its more pronounced flavors might be better enjoyed in the buff. Gawwwd.
Kris Blondin said on Feb. 11, 2010 at 11:40am
I really only do cook with olive oil, Pomace to be exact. If I need to sear something, I need my oil to have higher burning point. Scallops are a perfect example. Sorry if I didn't make that clear enough for you. Also, this column is about my experiences and opinions. I am very glad you have the opportunity to express (no pun intended) yours as well.
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