110151 Tue Dec 11 10:14:57 -0800 2001 38 7 Chicago Area 0 594234 Last Saturday we spent the day in Northbrook and made a stop at Trader Joes. We've been there before so this was not a slow explore stop. (Although I keep finding things.) Trader Joes is not a full service supermarket. There produce department oleaves a lot to be desired. Very small and very poor selection. However what they do have is a mini version of many things from Whole Foods and a lot less money. One of the things I really like is their frozen fish. Fish is great if you can buy it and cook it which most nights I can't. Since Chicago is not on a seacoast most fish comes from some distance and either has been frozen or defrosted or lost something in transport. Good frozen fish is frozen on the boats and kept and shipped frozen. Trader Joes has salmon for $4.99 a pound. There is a wide selection including coho, sockeye and atlantic giving us a chance to try different types. I picked up a package of ahi tune for about $2.75 for two pieces. Its the only place I can buy raw shrimp frozen with the shell for $6.99 and 10-20 scallops for $8.99. Cashews were half the price per pound of the bulk at whole foods. Cereals are one to two dollars cheaper. They have a great pizza dough for 79cents. Loads of snack food such as pirates booty and wasabi soy nuts at good prices. I found their breads to be good and especially like there whole wheat raisin nut bread. Another suprise is they have cardboard cans of 28 oz of coffee for $7.49. We especially like the house blend. There are no Trader Joes at this time in Chicago. For those of you in the western suburbs there is one in Downers Grove. Also in Glenview and Lake Zurich if your traveling. Paulette Tue Dec 11 10:14:57 -0800 2001 0 Paulette 1 594235 There's one in Glen Ellyn, too. Tue Dec 11 10:37:38 -0800 2001 594234 0 goethean 2 594239 Funny this thread came up just now--on Saturday we happened to be out west and went to Trader Joe's (in Glen Ellyn) for the first time, and we were *very* impressed. Yes, the produce sucks, but I get the feeling that produce is not what TJ's is after. The cheese selection was nice, and very inexpensive. I declined to purchase any as I had a long trip ahead of me. Good, healthy cheddars. The Manchego looked good, and was about $4 for a big hunk of it. The Morbier looked like fake Morbier--you can always tell when the line of ash doesn't make it all the way to the rind. Still, they have it. Got a pretty decent Panettone for $4. I was also impressed by their soup selection and their frozen fish selection. I'll bring my cooler and ice bags next time I'm out that way! Tue Dec 11 11:23:30 -0800 2001 594235 0 Michael S. 3 594247 With winter bound to come, you won't have to worry about a cooler and ice as the weather will refrigerate everything. Tue Dec 11 11:50:19 -0800 2001 594239 0 Paulette 3 594257 imo, the trader joe manchego is dry and average, pretty much on par with the manchego at sunset foods or whole foods...the best and freshest manchego i've found so far in the city is at fox and obel. it was actually creamy tasting, rather than dry like a parmesan. Tue Dec 11 13:45:43 -0800 2001 594239 0 rhiannon 4 594272 The reason one Manchego would be dry like a parmesan, rather than creamy, is that it is aged. Manchego is aged anywhere from 3 months to two years, and most cheese shops carry a couple of different ages. If you buy it from a cheese shop you can actually choose the age you prefer. There will be major differences between a young Manchego and an aged one! Tue Dec 11 22:44:12 -0800 2001 594257 0 LisaPizza 3 594274 Hello Michael. The Doc Kevorikian of fruit flys? Could you elaborate on why you felt the produce sucked? Wed Dec 12 03:19:21 -0800 2001 594239 0 bryan 4 594280 Well, first of all, there was barely any of it in the Glen Ellyn store. A few spindly heads of broccoli, some celery, a few onions, bagged carrots, some sorry-looking eggplants. Lots of that pre-bagged lettuce mix that my sister who hates to cook loves to buy. And the produce section in a refrigerated case that looked like (and was about the same size as) the case you buy butter and eggs in. It was mixed together with the cheeses. It was strange, and to be honest, I didn't spend much time perusing the produce. I guess I shouldn't say that the produce sucks, just more that there wasn't any selection and barely any produce to speak of. Granted I'm looking in December, so I'd be eager to see what the produce section looks like in August. Wed Dec 12 11:36:51 -0800 2001 594274 0 Michael S. 5 594283 Produce looks the same no matter what month you go. Best to use farmers markets in the summer and other venues the rest of the year. Wed Dec 12 12:26:22 -0800 2001 594280 0 Paulette 6 594404 From my experience, which has been at TJs in Westchester, New York, the produce situation is the same. It is their weak link. If they could upgrade this section, they might be able to go head to head with Whole Foods. Being a NY transplant to Chicago, I am baffled why there is absolutely nothing that comes even close to Fairway, Zabar,s Citarella's, Balducci's etc here. I am told that the new market on Navy Pier is an attempt. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Wed Dec 19 11:54:41 -0800 2001 594283 0 Bonnie 7 594414 see the Fox & Obels Links below Wed Dec 19 17:34:54 -0800 2001 594404 0 atomicman 3 596291 Hello My sister and I like Trader Joe's so much. We like to buy vitamist there. For me is easy to find a store here in california, but for her is difficult because she lives in Chicago Ill. I am requesting the address in Chicago Ill. I would appreciate that information, thank you. Fri May 14 21:23:46 -0700 2004 594239 0 Elizabeth 3 596292 Hello My sister and I like Trader Joe's so much. We like to buy vitamist there. For me is easy to find a store here in california, but for her is difficult because she lives in Chicago Ill. I am requesting the address in Chicago Ill. I would appreciate that information, thank you. Fri May 14 21:26:50 -0700 2004 594239 0 Elizabeth 1 594237 Trader Joe's is a great place. Especially great are their dark-chocolate covered caramels, and their three-layer dips (in the refrigerated section). Rumor has it they will open in Chicago sometime soon (I hope) somewhere along the Clybourn corridor. If you haven't been, it's worth a trip. It started in California, and the founder always thought there should be a place where people who were hip to different kinds of foods of the world who didn't necessarily have a lot of money could go and indulge. From the beginning, he said he was "aiming" Trader Joe's at "unemployed Ph.D's." Nice description. Tue Dec 11 11:01:20 -0800 2001 594234 0 Old School 2 594262 I don't know who started Trader Joe's, but its now owned by a German supermarket chain mogul. Tue Dec 11 15:44:34 -0800 2001 594237 0 rjka 1 594240 I pretty much concur with the opinion of Trader Joe's. On my one visit, I was pleasantly surprised. I expected something a bit more like Cost Plus. Instead, it was a bit closer to whole foods. I do have something important to add to the conversation on Trader Joe's. We picked up one of those crate's of Spannish clemintimes there, and ever since, have had a swarm of fruit flies in the bungalow. Rob Tue Dec 11 11:26:21 -0800 2001 594234 0 Vital Information 2 594241 I think it might have more to do with the clementines than Trader Joes. We had the same problem with our box of clementines, and we got them from the Whole Foods on Ashland/School. Tue Dec 11 11:30:41 -0800 2001 594240 0 Michael S 3 594243 "I think it might have more to do with the clementines than Trader Joes. We had the same problem with our box of clementines, and we got them from the Whole Foods on Ashland/School." I know! I read on the way out to Vegas that Spanish clemintines were being banned in Western states. So, how'd you get rid of 'em? Rob Tue Dec 11 11:35:16 -0800 2001 594241 0 Vital Information 4 594245 They eventually die off. However, every now and then, I'll come across a lonely, aged fly, and will quickly euthanize it out of its (and my) misery. Also, if you have any cheap sweet red wine, fruit flies love it. They love to bathe in it, and they will die in it. Leave it out a few days, mixed with a little sugar, in a coffee mug and they'll all have a nice liquor-induced death. Tue Dec 11 11:40:46 -0800 2001 594243 0 Michael S 5 594246 Fruitflies are attracted by fermenting food, this can be fruit, yeast products, pickles or other pickled stuff. They also like things sweet. I have heard that if you put out a dish of honey they will be attracted and dye within. I have also heard that cleaning the area with a chlorine solution of about 2 oz of bleach to a gallon of water will help to get rid of them. Tue Dec 11 11:47:25 -0800 2001 594245 0 Paulette 5 594266 Also, Gardener's Supply Co. sells a fruit fly trap that is non-toxic and inconspicuous. I couldn't live without them in the summer. Tue Dec 11 16:42:23 -0800 2001 594245 0 annieb 2 594270 some more info on the fruit-fly thing: Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A5459-2001Dec6.html Tue Dec 11 17:44:51 -0800 2001 594240 0 sc 1 594251 Produce IMO don't bother. What I like at Trader Joe's. New Zealand Lamb Loin chops, very good ~5.60lb. 48oz organic lemonade 1.99 Smart Water .99 Frozen tri peppers roasted/deseeded. This is one of the best deals IMO, The peppers have been deseeded, roasted and are ready to throw into many dishes. A nut/honey mix (think nut bars held together by the honey) Most frozen seafood I've tried has been good. Tue Dec 11 12:28:12 -0800 2001 594234 0 Sweet Willie 2 594255 what i love from trader joes: the olive tapenade with feta their low-salt pistachios the frozen belgian cream puffs with chocolate sauce wasabi peas i think they might be putting one by CB2 on lincoln. Tue Dec 11 13:37:23 -0800 2001 594251 0 rhiannon 3 594256 Wish it were closer to the North Clybourn corridor or on elston but I'll accept Lincoln Ave. I'll have to try some of these other items next time we go they sure sound good. Tue Dec 11 13:39:46 -0800 2001 594255 0 Paulette 4 596251 Now, why does EVERYTHING have to be put on the "Clybourn Corridor." People do live in other parts of the city besides Lincoln Park. Sat Feb 01 16:00:06 -0800 2003 594256 0 Chef Greene 3 594258 I want one in Evanston! They should put it where the Dominick's or old Whole Foods was, but of course, both of those are going to become condos instead. Tue Dec 11 14:34:35 -0800 2001 594255 0 leek 4 594281 Oh c'mon, I think Evanston is pretty spoiled when it comes to good grocery stores. I'm no fan of suburbs in general (nothing personal, just not my thing) but I, for one, am glad Trader Joes is seeing markets in places that aren't so obvious. Places that Whole Foods consider below their spectrum of vision. Other burbs deserve good food options too, and I'm grateful to TJ's for providing it. And the people seem to be responding. Wed Dec 12 11:41:05 -0800 2001 594258 0 Michael S. 5 594284 Dude! I'm not saying ONLY Evanston can have one! I'm just saying I want one too. It's my post and I'll pout if I want to ;) Wed Dec 12 12:40:53 -0800 2001 594281 0 leek 3 596201 Just a huge sigh of agreement on the wasabi peas. I do sometimes cheat and add a bag of peas to the wasabi "chips" which already have some peas, but not enough for me. There are just some things that are beyond description, but would sinus destruction come close? Thu May 30 20:54:46 -0700 2002 594255 0 SandyBC 2 596202 Here's my four cents worth: 1. The frozen Pad Thai bowl, veggie, warmed in m/wave is super for frozen 2. The small bags of baby greens for salad have been outstanding for me 3. Brownie Bites. Nothing more need be said. I buy other things there, but why should I tell all my secret passions??? Thu May 30 21:04:42 -0700 2002 594251 0 SandyBC 1 594260 I was very disappointed to see T.Joe's use a cheap technique to lure in new customers: when they opened in Glenview several months ago, they priced Power Bars at $1.19, which is much less than I've seen elsewhere. Now, they've hiked the price up to $1.99. That's more than at Dominick's, Jewel, and even Active Endeavors. Don't assume everything there is cheaper. Check before you buy. Tue Dec 11 15:02:54 -0800 2001 594234 0 L 2 594267 i worked at a grocery store when i was in college, and the reason why some things are priced lower at times, is because the distributor gets deals on them. the store doesn't arbitrarily decide that this month for example "canned peaches" will be on sale and not "canned pears," it's cos the supermarkets get a deal on them for buying a certain amount. then it's up to the store to move them. so just cos the powerbars were originally priced lower, doesn't necessarily mean they are out to scam you. trader joe probably just got them on deal. Tue Dec 11 16:54:09 -0800 2001 594260 0 rhiannon 3 594268 I hope that's the case with T.Joe's. However, it is not an unknown business practice to open a new location, price aggressively to attract new customers, then raise prices once they're hooked. Grocery stores have something of a sad history of this. Kroger, a particularly bad example, was accused of opening new locations with fire-sale prices, pulling in the business from the local mom-and-pop's until the locals couldn't hang on anymore, then raising prices after they successfully eliminated the competition. Tue Dec 11 17:21:58 -0800 2001 594267 0 L 2 594271 Doubt they're scamming you. Trader Joe's deals a lot in overstocks, discontinued, odd lot imports, and god knows what else. Although they have certain items always in stock and at relatively standard prices, they always seem to get these waves of oddities and short term deals. I was always impressed by the general quality and selection. Wish they had one in Texas. David "Zeb" Cook Tue Dec 11 19:43:36 -0800 2001 594260 0 David "Zeb" Cook 1 594261 The URL is http://www.traderjoes.com. The website lists 7 Illinois locations... all in the Chicago 'burbs. Check out the 'Fearless Flyer' for items being featured in Illinois stores. Tue Dec 11 15:14:00 -0800 2001 594234 0 gordon bogdansky-kucaba 1 594273 greetings chicago from lost angeles....just a humble opinion on trader joes...it is a cut above the chain markets but not so high a quality as to be considered the best...i think of it as a place to pick up certain exclusive items at a great price..it is great to pack up picnic baskets with goodies...the selection is always varied...one never knows what you will find....i love the salsa chips, variety of crackers at good price points, salad mixes in the refrigerated case, dips for parties>everything from decent hummus to the fire roasted garlic salsa here we do have good produce although the selection is rather limited...the produce is always tasty, ripe and fresh...ive bought excellent mangos, avocados, kiwi and melon..the selection of meat and sausage is ever increasing and becoming more popular and of course the huge wine and beer selections and the soft drinks..hansens, and other sodas that are not easy to find....enjoy..bye bye Wed Dec 12 00:06:59 -0800 2001 594234 0 frank 1 594483 I shop at Trader Joe's in San Francisco regularly. There are a lot of great products. (The goat-cheese pizza is a bit of heaven right here on earth.) But -- the store is notoriously bad at inventory management, frequently running out of items usually in stock, sometimes for weeks at a time. I have also found that quality control on some products seems deficient. A product will be excellent for a while; then the quality falls off. Example: they had a terrific sauerkraut (in a jar). For a while it was really good--crunchy in texture and well flavored. Then the same product in the same packaging turned out to be soggy, watery, and flavorless. Go figure. Still, I'm awfully glad they're here. Link: http://www.culturevulture.net Image: http://www.culturevulture.net/culturevulture.gif Sat Dec 22 18:48:33 -0800 2001 594234 0 Arthur 1 594636 As I work my way thru our holiday stash, I have these notes on Trader Joe's: Trader Do - Crunchy chocolate chip cookies in plastic tub. Buttery like Famous Amos, but a lot less greasy and not so broken. Trader Don't - Belgian Chocolate Miniature Praline assortment - The one mini chocolate with orange liquor flavoring perfumes the whole box, permiating every thing else, yuck! Rob Thu Jan 03 11:37:40 -0800 2002 594234 0 Vital Information