As you may have read in an earlier post, I am so excited that they finally opened a Trader Joe’s nearby. My first experience with Trader Joe’s was when I visited my sister in CT. We went to run some errands and she brought me to this new, unheard of to me, grocery store, called Trader Joe’s.
At first I was thinking it was rather small for a grocery store considering I was used to Grand Union, A&P and Key Food, growing up in the northeast. Moving down south, I became assimilated with Publix, Albertson’s and Winn Dixie. Fresh Market came to our area about 7 years ago and was well-received; Whole Foods following suit about 3 years ago.
After experiencing Trader Joe’s in CT, I appreciated their concept – exceptional and downright helpful customer service, awesome frozen appetizer options & pre made foods, along with their staples. Once back in the southeast, I contacted them via their website numerous times, asking for consideration to open near me. They heard me! Well, not really…eventually they were going to make their way to my neck of the woods but I do like to think I may have had something to do with it (ha!).
Trader Joe’s opened here with a HUGE bang. Lines out the door to even get inside and see the offerings. Police in the shopping center parking lot directing traffic – I didn’t think I was going to go and visit for a while…a bit scared of what I saw on the news that fruitful morning. That evening we went to dinner in one of the restaurants within the same shopping center and I felt it would be sacrilegious if I went home without just peeking into the store…I mean, I was RIGHT there!
I enlisted my youngest son and we braved the crowds. I was able to gather up some great finds…some of them being the infamous Two Buck Chuck. Apparently in California, it costs $1.99 but here it is $2.99 – I am totally not complaining either way!
This wine is known for its inexpensive price tag…but you know what? It tastes good…I mean it isn’t the French bordeaux that we covet or the Chateau Montelena that we cellared for 10 years…but it is tasty!
It is meant to be enjoyed young – as in, drink right away…it wasn’t designed to be saved. I’ve tried the sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and merlot and have not been disappointed. They each have their signature vein of taste – they aren’t that house wine that you order at some restaurants that you know by the taste will invoke headaches later on. They are genuinely good!
If I was able to grab a cart that night, I would have purchased a case or so. I plan on visiting Trader Joe’s this weekend and grabbing some cases for the 4th of July weekend.
I also like their article on pairing food with wine. Their guide to wine isn’t too shabby either.
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