Trader Joe's is coming to town!

GRAND OPENING
March 22nd!

It IS a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Trader Joe's is about to expand their "cult-like following" to the people of the Midlands- Forest Drive to be exact. Only a mile away from my office, thank you very much. Hours will be Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm.

Before we begin, I have learned of some sad news. "Two Buck Chuck" has gone on to that big vineyard in the sky. Charles Shaw Wines (known to friends and family as "Two Buck Chuck") were introduced to Trader Joe's 11 years ago and have since sold over 600 million bottles of wine. Due to unavoidable cost changes, Two Buck Chuck is no longer with us. It is survived by it's new $2.49 and up relatives (price varying due to state laws, taxes, and shipment fees).

Trader Joe's began as a small chain of convenience stores in the 1950s and has since grown to be a full-blown, privately held chain of specialty grocery stores that focus on great food, great prices, and value. They have nearly 400 stores and 80% of their items bear one of their own brand names. Because they cut out the middle man, their prices are hard to beat, but it doesn't show in their products. And they're super, duper friendly.

...and maybe you'll run in to Anna Faris while you're there?

My parents live next to a Trader Joe's in Kansas City and have some tried and true favorites. If something in the house isn't homemade, most of it is from Trader Joe's because it's "Oh my gosh, so good." I love giving credit where credit is due and when I love something, I'll probably tell you about it, then ask you again next week, "Did I tell you about..[it]..?" I asked my mom to send me a list of her favorite stuff. She's big on their frozen items so she can just pop them in the oven when friends stop by or kids are home.

Frozen

• Chicken and cilantro mini wontons (serve with Gyozo Sauce, on the aisle with soy sauce; warning: we inhale these)
• Mini Sprizzico di pizza
• Potato pancakes
• Mini chicken pot pies
• Mushroom turnovers
• Organic brown rice (microwave in bag for just 3 minutes)

Food

• Smoked almonds
• Dark roast coffee
• Boxed broth
• Salad dressings
• Produce is always fresh and they carry unusual items, too

Wine 

(In loving memory of Two Buck Chuck)

• Wide selection and prices are competitive
• And I quote my mother: "For real bargains, you can't beat their boxes of chardonnay ($9.99)"
• Favorite cheap bottle: Benefactor Cellars from Australia ($4.99)

Household

• Flower market
• Everything from cut flowers to orchids to potted herbs
• Prices are best in town and blooms are fresh every day
• Disposable sponges
• Make up remover packets (just as good as the cosmetic counters at 1/3 of the price)

I am chomping at the bit to learn my way around their store and find my favorites (although now we'll never be without those dang wontons). We already got an über creative "Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer" in the mail. I also learned they wear Hawaiian shirts because they don't think grocery shopping should be another chore. I happen to love grocery shopping, but appreciate their attention to detail.

[photo sources: Trader Joe's, Business Insider]