Taking a mental break from the rat race of thoughts that course through my mind 24/7 that revolve around political/philosophical/moral ideas. To talk about Trader Joes and another one of my loves and passions...FOOD!
It saddens me that there are 14 states in the US that currently don't have even 1 Trader Joes. Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, (did you just start singing the States jingle in your head like I did the first time I read the list?), Hawaii, Idaho (although they are getting one soon), Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, ND, SD, Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Utah, and Wyoming. Those poor, poor souls probably have never even stepped foot in a Trader Joes. If you're lucky enough to live in a state that does have one, I highly suggest you try out a few of my favorites...
Olive Tapenade
The best idea since sliced bread, which coincidentally, is the best thing to put your tapenade on. Depending on my mood, either their fresh baguette or their fresh sourdough loaf. I buy 3 at a time because I can (and usually do) eat a whole container in one sitting. Seriously, the best little snack ever.
Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup
I don't even like tomatoes. I think they're absolutely gross. I try a fresh picked one every year to see if my little taste buds have decided to change their mind, but to no avail. They reject it the same way it went in. Barring fresh tomatoes though, I love ketchup, soups, and any tomato sauce used for pasta. I don't get it, but whatever.
This soup is sooooo good! I add my own twist to it though by poaching two eggs prior and pouring the hot soup over them. Depending on how you like your soup to taste, you can break open the egg early to release most of the yolk. Or wait a while and have the yolk harden up a bit more like a soft boiled egg. It is the perfect combination between rich/creamy and smooth and salty.
LOX BAGELS
A smoked salmon bagel essentially. You can't just walk in a buy these off the shelf, but you can get all the ingredients for them at TJ's. Starting off with their pretty damn good selection of smoked fish. Take your pick of different smoke salmon brands. Walk down a little farther and grab a fresh cucumber and your choice of cream cheese. Walk over to the vegetable bins and pick out a nice red onion and most importantly, you absolutely, positively, can NOT forget the capers. Get the capers, get the capers.
Some people also add a big ole fat slice on tomato on theirs. But if you've actually read this post, you know I definitely skip that step in the process.
Pretzel Bites
This is a no frills snack, salted pretzel cracker outside with a peanut butter ball inside. Didn't take a rocket scientist to come up with this one, probably more likely a crack head seeing as how addicting they are. I have to routinely tell my wife to get them away from me or I will just sit there and eat the whole bag. Same as the tapenade, multiple bags thrown in the cart otherwise we would have to go back every day to restock.
Besides the food, the employees that I have encountered seem to be more energized and happy to be at their place of work compared to some other grocery stores/chains. The prices are good for the most part and reasonable on more expensive items like the smoked fish. There are plenty more items I didn't list which are home runs as well, you'll just have to try them out and see for yourself.
It's not all sunshine and puppies though, the only negative thing I can say about TJ's (and this could be seen as a positive as well) is that their fresh produce doesn't often last long once I get it home. If it isn't eaten within 2 days sometimes, it rots or develops mold. That could just be a sign of how fresh their produce is and that it isn't loaded with a ton of preservatives. We have learned our lesson now after shopping there so frequently that we end up going pretty light on the produce. But when it's fresh and cooked the same day, it's delicious.
I don't work for TJ's nor am I being compensated by them for writing this. I just like their company.
all imgs sourced from google, TJ location stats from https://www.thedailymeal.com/15-states-dont-have-trader-joes/21814