Kate Connally wrote:

It's just too bad I am living in PA now. Out in CA
they had wines at TJ's and you could get some really
nice inexpensive wines there. But I live in the
Fascist state of PA where we have to buy from the
state monopoly at outrageous prices. Sigh.

I hear ya. The CA. TJ's are amazing, with far better prices &
selections than the ones where I live now (MA.). I used to do almost
all of my food shopping at TJ's.

On Oct 31, 12:55 pm, Kate Connally wrote:

I really can't get very excited about any other apple
varieties although I'll eat them if necessary. Except
for the mis-names Delicious apples which I abhor.

What is it you like about Macs? The tartness? I really only like
Apples in the fall, before they start getting foamy. Macs get foamy
real fast. I like empire, idas, and the darling Honeycrisp more.
Gingergold too, I think.

I know you could get
it in Michigan, but that's 5 hours of driving.

I think you'd have to ask to have it pressed special, but there are
lots of Macs.

There are apples all over the state. Most Counties have at least one
orchard. I grew up and live in South East Michigan, and can say that
Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland, Macomb, and Livingston counties all offer
many choices. Ingham (I think) also. I'm not so aware about the
Traverse Bay area, but there's probably lots up there. But cherry
season is mid July, and that's when you really want to be there. So
you'll have to stay for awhile.

Well, I'll look for some when I drive thru next fall on
my way to Montana to visit my sister. I want to visit
the Cherry Republic also. What's a good area for the
cider?

http://www.applejournal.com/mi01.htm

Check a map. You're adding some significant travel time by going
through Traverse. Although I'd humbly suggest it's worth it.

You can also get a coney dog, to see what that thread was all about.

Greg Zywicki

Another Day Another OS wrote:

So small that I'm wondering if the crowded isles and
long lines we saw Friday aren't going to be the norm.

I hope not because that was just way to stressful and I can't see
myself shopping there if it's going to be like that all the time.

Yeah, it's so crowded nobody goes there anymore. :-)

Kate Connally wrote:
Hooray!!! At last Pittsburgh has a Trader Joe's.

A Trader Joe's just opened near me in suburban Atlanta. I haven't been
able to get close to it yet, the parking lot is always jammed. I bet
PetsMart and Office Max (or is it Depot?) who are in the same shopping
center are anxious for the newness to wear off so their customers will
have a place to park!

Mike

Zywicki wrote:


On Oct 31, 12:55 pm, Kate Connally wrote:


I really can't get very excited about any other apple
varieties although I'll eat them if necessary. Except
for the mis-names Delicious apples which I abhor.


What is it you like about Macs? The tartness? I really only like
Apples in the fall, before they start getting foamy. Macs get foamy
real fast. I like empire, idas, and the darling Honeycrisp more.
Gingergold too, I think.

Well, they're sweet but not bland, a nice amount of tartness
to balance the sweetness. Many other apples I've eaten are
either sweet without any or with little tartness or they are
tartness but have little sweetness or flavor. Also, Macs have
the most wonderful flavor aside from the sweet/tart component.
Most other apples don't have what I consider an especially
yummy flavor. I also like the texture which is light and
delicate and crisp. And they are nice and juicy, not dry
like many other apples.

I know you could get
it in Michigan, but that's 5 hours of driving.

I think you'd have to ask to have it pressed special, but there are
lots of Macs.

There are apples all over the state. Most Counties have at least one
orchard. I grew up and live in South East Michigan, and can say that
Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland, Macomb, and Livingston counties all offer
many choices. Ingham (I think) also. I'm not so aware about the
Traverse Bay area, but there's probably lots up there. But cherry
season is mid July, and that's when you really want to be there. So
you'll have to stay for awhile.

No, I'm going in the fall, late Sept. I'm not going for
fresh cherries but for products from Cherry Republic and
I want to visit their facility. They sell dried cherries
and many products made from cherries such as cherry salsa,
cherry ketchup, cherry jam, cherry bbq sauce, choc-covered
dried cherries, and much much more. I love their stuff,
especially the hot cherry salsa.

Well, I'll look for some when I drive thru next fall on
my way to Montana to visit my sister. I want to visit
the Cherry Republic also. What's a good area for the
cider?


http://www.applejournal.com/mi01.htm

Check a map. You're adding some significant travel time by going
through Traverse. Although I'd humbly suggest it's worth it.

Well, I'm taking a leisurely trip from Pgh. to Hamilton,
MT and there are tons of things I want to see along the
way up and back. I will be taking many detours. I plan
to be on the road for a week up and a week back. Besides
visiting Cherry Republic on the way up, I plan to stop
at Carhenge in Nebraska on the way back.

You can also get a coney dog, to see what that thread was all about.

Well, I just might if I happen to run across one at the
right time. I have a number of food places I want to
check out along the way. I will be looking for diners
and unique eateries, more funky than fancy. Places like
the general store in Moonshine, IL, to enjoy a Moonburger.

Kate

--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?

On Nov 1, 11:35 am, Kate Connally wrote:
You can also get a coney dog, to see what that thread was all about.

Well, I just might if I happen to run across one at the
right time. I have a number of food places I want to
check out along the way. I will be looking for diners
and unique eateries, more funky than fancy. Places like
the general store in Moonshine, IL, to enjoy a Moonburger.

Kate

Roadfood.com. Jan and Michael Stern. Invaluable.

Greg Zywicki

Zywicki wrote:

On Nov 1, 11:35 am, Kate Connally wrote:

You can also get a coney dog, to see what that thread was all about.


Well, I just might if I happen to run across one at the
right time. I have a number of food places I want to
check out along the way. I will be looking for diners
and unique eateries, more funky than fancy. Places like
the general store in Moonshine, IL, to enjoy a Moonburger.

Kate


Roadfood.com. Jan and Michael Stern. Invaluable.

Thanks. Already know about them. And I belong to a
couple of roadside (food and points of interest) mailing
lists. They're very useful. Already have way too many
things I'd like to see and eat along the way. Gonna
have to whittle down the list.

Kate
--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?

They just opened a new Trader Joe's in Washington DC. I am so excited
-- I used to have to go to Maryland or Virginia to shop there. If there
is a Trader Joe's by me, I pretty much dont shop anywhere else. I love
that place. And the best part is...the one in DC sells beer and wine.
Ah...good old Charles Shaw wine at 2.99 a bottle.

The only bad part is -- they opened it less than a block from my old
apartment! I can't believe I moved. hahahah

On Tue, 31 Oct 2006 11:16:27 -0500, "John McDowell"
wrote:

Ditto here! My wife & I took a walk over to TJs on Sunday afternoon. It was
a mad house of course but like you we were surprised at how small the store
is. It sort of reminded me of a glorified East End Food Coop. We'll give it
a try in a few weeks. Hopefully it will make a better impression then.

John Mc

TJ's is so unique that it seems you either like it or not. The first
time I stopped in I left empty handed and un-impressed. Many people I
know like them so I get reviews form time to time and try the
recommended products. Their pot stickers are very good and reasonably
priced. Once I was looking for oyster sauce and the associate took me
to clam juice and said I should use that. gasp Chances are if you
didn't like it the first time you'll never like it. At least that was
the case with me.

lou

Lou Decruss wrote:
On Tue, 31 Oct 2006 11:16:27 -0500, "John McDowell"
wrote:


Ditto here! My wife & I took a walk over to TJs on Sunday afternoon. It was
a mad house of course but like you we were surprised at how small the store
is. It sort of reminded me of a glorified East End Food Coop. We'll give it
a try in a few weeks. Hopefully it will make a better impression then.

John Mc


TJ's is so unique that it seems you either like it or not. The first
time I stopped in I left empty handed and un-impressed. Many people I
know like them so I get reviews form time to time and try the
recommended products. Their pot stickers are very good and reasonably
priced. Once I was looking for oyster sauce and the associate took me
to clam juice and said I should use that. gasp Chances are if you
didn't like it the first time you'll never like it. At least that was
the case with me.

lou

They're somewhat different than when I went there in
the early 80's in CA. There is much more emphasis now
on organic and "healthy" stuff - no trans fats, etc.
And there is a much heavier emphasis on organic stuff.
The organic-ness of the products drives the price up
so many things aren't as cheap as I remember but
many things are really great buys.

I was really happy to see whole milk yogurt. It seemed
like all the other dairy products were low fat. Blecch!
Anyway, I have become a real fan of yogurt since I
discovered Stonyfields Farms whole milk yogurt. Now
they have a whole milk yogurt at TJ's. I can't wait
to try it to see how it compares to Stonyfield. It's
50 cents less at TJs. Unfortunately for some they only
have it in the French Vanilla flavor. For me that's fine
because that's what I usually buy anyway. Yum.

I noticed that a lot of the prepared foods are what I
consider a little pricey, due no doubt to being organic.
I always liked a lot of their prepared foods in the past
but they weren't that expensive back then. I would probably
still treat myself from time to time on the better ones.

The nuts and dried fruits and trail mixes are awesome.
I saw a one-pound bag of shelled pistachio halves and
pieces for something like $4.39. They will be perfect
for when I make baklava, which I always make with pistachios
as I really hate walnuts. And the prices on the cashews
look good. They've got dried *wild* blueberries as well
as dried reg. blueberries. And dried Montmorency cherries.

I still have more things to try. I can only afford a few
things each month, but I plan to go as often as possible
and search out the best stuff.

I just wish they hadn't gone so healthy and organic.
I don't like the first and I can't afford the second. ;-)

Kate


--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?

On 2006-11-07, Kate Connally wrote:

so many things aren't as cheap as I remember but
many things are really great buys.

TJ's has always been a crap shoot. Some of their products are
diamonds in the rough and others are a total rip-off. One needs to
look and try and compare. A lot of their items appear to be seconds.
Terra Chip are a good example.

I fell in love with Terra Chips, the other-root-vegetable chips. But,
at $5 bag, too pricey. I found TJ had a brand that tasted identical
for almost half the price. Then, one day I noticed the TJ brand was
no longer available, but there on the shelf in their place was Terra
Chips. Exact same package, etc, at the same low price as the TJ
version. But! ...here's the kicker.... both the TJ brand and the
Terra Chips offered at the lower price were all small bits and pieces
of whole chips. Never a single whole chip in the bag. No biggie if
you don't mind bits and pieces, but useless for dipping.

Other TJ weirdness has to do with availability. Too often I've become
accustomed to a particular brand/price only to see it disappear
forever. Their awesome 4 yr aged cheddar which has no equal I can
currently find was a good example. They used to carry Boodles gin at a
fantastic price. I haven't seen it in a couple years, now. A real
bummer.

Other stuff they carry is beyond bad. I bought some crab cakes once.
I don't know what was in them, but now 4 years later, I'm still
working on removing the bullet-proof miracle substance they splattered
all over my best teflon skillet. I won't even look at their frozen
Mex offerings. The worst. OTOH, their frozen cioppino meal and their
NYC cheesecake are to die for. And they offer a little bole of SF
sourdough that shames even the great historical gold rush SF sourdough
bakeries. Like I said, a real crap shoot.

nb

notbob wrote:
On 2006-11-07, Kate Connally wrote:

so many things aren't as cheap as I remember but
many things are really great buys.

TJ's has always been a crap shoot. Some of their products are
diamonds in the rough and others are a total rip-off. One needs to
look and try and compare. A lot of their items appear to be seconds.
Terra Chip are a good example.

I fell in love with Terra Chips, the other-root-vegetable chips. But,
at $5 bag, too pricey. I found TJ had a brand that tasted identical
for almost half the price. Then, one day I noticed the TJ brand was
no longer available, but there on the shelf in their place was Terra
Chips. Exact same package, etc, at the same low price as the TJ
version. But! ...here's the kicker.... both the TJ brand and the
Terra Chips offered at the lower price were all small bits and pieces
of whole chips. Never a single whole chip in the bag. No biggie if
you don't mind bits and pieces, but useless for dipping.

Other TJ weirdness has to do with availability. Too often I've become
accustomed to a particular brand/price only to see it disappear
forever. Their awesome 4 yr aged cheddar which has no equal I can
currently find was a good example. They used to carry Boodles gin at a
fantastic price. I haven't seen it in a couple years, now. A real
bummer.

Other stuff they carry is beyond bad. I bought some crab cakes once.
I don't know what was in them, but now 4 years later, I'm still
working on removing the bullet-proof miracle substance they splattered
all over my best teflon skillet. I won't even look at their frozen
Mex offerings. The worst. OTOH, their frozen cioppino meal and their
NYC cheesecake are to die for. And they offer a little bole of SF
sourdough that shames even the great historical gold rush SF sourdough
bakeries. Like I said, a real crap shoot.


What ever you do, don't get the Vrut!

I'm not a big TJ's fan. A lot of it has to do with the employees. I
once stopped in a store at 4 in the afternoon after working out at the
gym. I grabbed some salmon, a bag of frozen gyoza, and a big tin of
Altoids. The checkout girl asked if it was my lunch.

Susan B.

sueb wrote:

What ever you do, don't get the Vrut!

I'm not a big TJ's fan. A lot of it has to do with the employees. I
once stopped in a store at 4 in the afternoon after working out at the
gym. I grabbed some salmon, a bag of frozen gyoza, and a big tin of
Altoids. The checkout girl asked if it was my lunch.

I have to add my two cents here... We made our second trip to TJ
yesterday afternoon and while the crowd we saw the first time was gone
and we were able to pick up a few things our encounter with the
employees was less than encouraging. TJs seems to have followed the GE
model of hiring the - service jobs are beneath us crowd from the
immediate neighborhood - in fact many of them reminded me of the former
Shop -N Save crew that I desperately avoided when I lived in Squirrel Hill.

We couldn't get anyone to help us find what we were looking for and when
we located the stuff and went to check out, it was all the cashier could
do to tear herself away from her conversation with her co-worker and
trouble herself to check us out.

Whatever Whole Foods does to hire their pleasant and helpful, if a bit
quirky and sometimes too familiar staff, Whole Foods is about the only
store in the city that has figured out a way to keep the sneering at the
customers they loath element out of their employee ranks.

Another Day Another OS said...

sueb wrote:

What ever you do, don't get the Vrut!

I'm not a big TJ's fan. A lot of it has to do with the employees. I
once stopped in a store at 4 in the afternoon after working out at
the gym. I grabbed some salmon, a bag of frozen gyoza, and a big tin
of Altoids. The checkout girl asked if it was my lunch.

I have to add my two cents here... We made our second trip to TJ
yesterday afternoon and while the crowd we saw the first time was gone
and we were able to pick up a few things our encounter with the
employees was less than encouraging. TJs seems to have followed the
GE model of hiring the - service jobs are beneath us crowd from the
immediate neighborhood - in fact many of them reminded me of the
former Shop -N Save crew that I desperately avoided when I lived in
Squirrel Hill.

We couldn't get anyone to help us find what we were looking for and
when we located the stuff and went to check out, it was all the
cashier could do to tear herself away from her conversation with her
co-worker and trouble herself to check us out.

Whatever Whole Foods does to hire their pleasant and helpful, if a bit
quirky and sometimes too familiar staff, Whole Foods is about the only
store in the city that has figured out a way to keep the sneering at
the customers they loath element out of their employee ranks.


The hired help at all places and the quality of service they impart to an
individual customer really depends on the customer's state of mind, imho.

The first thing I always do is note the employee's name, then it's a
first name basis issue and I find they're much more comfortable with that
rather than "miss or sir". Plus I always seek out the opposite sex if I
need help cause I have an uncanny ability to flirt and make them blush or
at least smile!

If an employee doesn't have a name tag, after they've helped, I always
ask "And your name is?" followed up with "Thanks, name." They always
walk away beaming.

Could be that's why I shop almost every other day. It's more social than
hanging around in bars times 10*1000 power.

I also charm the women at the other end of the phone when I call to order
"stuff." I always ask where they're located and how's the weather and ask
about good places to eat, should I visit. I AND they LOVE it!

I've rarely pressed my luck beyond flirting.

Trader Joes is fun 'cause most of their aisles are too narrow for two
carts to pass without "excuse me, pardon, my fault, good choice, my
compliments" etc., remarks.

Andy
I need to go shopping later. Oh, and there's the phone!

Another Day Another OS wrote:

sueb wrote:

What ever you do, don't get the Vrut!

I'm not a big TJ's fan. A lot of it has to do with the employees. I
once stopped in a store at 4 in the afternoon after working out at the
gym. I grabbed some salmon, a bag of frozen gyoza, and a big tin of
Altoids. The checkout girl asked if it was my lunch.


I have to add my two cents here... We made our second trip to TJ
yesterday afternoon and while the crowd we saw the first time was gone
and we were able to pick up a few things our encounter with the
employees was less than encouraging. TJs seems to have followed the GE
model of hiring the - service jobs are beneath us crowd from the
immediate neighborhood - in fact many of them reminded me of the former
Shop -N Save crew that I desperately avoided when I lived in Squirrel Hill.

We couldn't get anyone to help us find what we were looking for and when
we located the stuff and went to check out, it was all the cashier could
do to tear herself away from her conversation with her co-worker and
trouble herself to check us out.

Whatever Whole Foods does to hire their pleasant and helpful, if a bit
quirky and sometimes too familiar staff, Whole Foods is about the only
store in the city that has figured out a way to keep the sneering at the
customers they loath element out of their employee ranks.

Well, so far I've found the employees to be extremely polite,
friendly and helpful.

Kate

--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?