When I first walked into the new Trader Joe’s that opened up on Archer Road, the first thing I saw was a giddy toddler scurrying by me, pushing a child-sized red cart.
As I continued to venture through the store, weaving in and out of the crowd of people doing their Saturday afternoon shopping, a wall of assorted nuts and dried fruit caught my eye. I was then welcomed to a chicken meatball sample by a kind red headed woman with the sweetest disposition. While I feasted on a delicious morsel of chicken meatball, I perused the shelves upon shelves of signature Trader Joe’s teas and specialty coffees. For $1.99, I bought a mango black tea that was as good, if not better, than the soothing Yogi brand I usually opt for.
During my journey through Trader Joe’s I found that they offered the best options in the way of snacks. I decided to splurge on a jar of its infamous Cookie Butter for $3.69. I was very intrigued by this unique product. I even convinced the woman next to me to live on the wild side and try some. Make from Speculoos, a type of spiced shortcrust biscuit, cookie butter tastes like blended ginger snaps with the consistency of peanut butter. Paired with pretzels, cookie butter is a treat that you never want to stop indulging in.
I took my food adventure further with chocolate covered potato chips that I first heard of while watching an episode of Anderson Cooper’s daytime talk show. This bizarre snack for only $2.99 was frighteningly good because of the calorie content. Spreading a little Cookie Butter on a chip made it even more dangerous.
For $3.99, Trader Joe’s Mediterranean flavored hummus rivaled the Samba brand I usually purchase from Publix. It was much more creamy and smooth than any other brand of hummus I have ever tried.
Trader Joe’s has recently been in the press due to the price increase of its popular wine, Two Buck Chuck. At $2.99, I think that it is still a bargain. Both the Shiraz and Chardonnay flavors were high quality at a low price. This was especially delicious compared to Trader Joe’s Blue Fin Pinot Noir, which frankly tasted like knives. This wine was so bitter, I had to flush my mouth out with water. Do not be fooled by its attractive label with the quirky illustration of a swordfish.
Overall, after my visit to Trader Joe’s, I felt like that happy little child running around pushing a red cart.
From images top to bottom, photo courtesy of breweddaily.com, virginia-belle.blogspot.com, 2.bp.blogspot.com, traderjoes.com and drinks.seriouseats.com
