182320 Fri Aug 27 10:36:24 -0700 2004 10 15 Pennsylvania 0 978345 Next weekend I'm going to be driving down From Toronto to Philly with my husband and some friends, to visit my best friend and her husband. I think they live in Bryn Mawr, rather than Philadelphia proper. I have two culinarily goals- to eat my approximate bodyweight in real cheesesteaks, and to go to Trader Joe's. I know (through assiduous reading of chowhound) that their stock varies between regions. What should I buy? I can bring $200 worth of stuff back, if my husband doesn't try to stop me. I can't bringm eat or uncooked veggies back, and although we'll have a small cooler I think we'll be using it for drinks, not a lot of imported cheeses. So, what are your favourite Trader Joe's items? And, incidentally, where should I eat cheesesteak? Thanks. Fri Aug 27 10:36:24 -0700 2004 0 lissar 1 978347 I think you're getting your hopes up way too high for what Trader Joe's is. Most of them are not that large, think more in terms of an upscale 7-11 rather than some vast emporium of edible goodies. Sure you could spend $200 there, but not easily. Most of their private label "Trader Joe" products are quite good and reasonable, but to think that it is a place that would be a "must stop" when visiting from Canada is way off the mark. I'm sure you'd pass more than one Wegman's on the way home to Canada, for example, that would have a much bigger selection of similar foodstuffs. The "two buck chuck" wine (which is actually 3 bucks in NJ/PA) is a great buy, but then you have those border guards to worry about. Hope this helps. ---Ken Fri Aug 27 11:28:01 -0700 2004 978345 0 Ken K. 2 978368 Did anyone mention the Cats Cookies (Lowfat Chocolate or Vanilla) I know the TJ in CC has them on backorder as of last week. Also the Pralines are devine. Fri Aug 27 16:25:27 -0700 2004 978347 0 Jenny 1 978349 I agree with Ken K's thoughts re: TJ & Wegmans. Also, PA Trader Joe's do NOT sell wine. Fri Aug 27 12:24:17 -0700 2004 978345 0 Liz K 1 978350 I have to agree with Ken's post-- I hope you will not be dissapointed with TJ's. I personally love the place-- but primarily because they offer many high-end items at a much better price than you'll find elsewhere. I tend to buy my staples there-- soy milk, soy butter, bread, cheese, etc. However there are a number of pantry items I usually stock up on at a bargain: Sea Salt Pita Chips Rice crackers Smoked Trout Annie's Natural Salad Dressings Hot Pepper Shooters (peppers stuffed with provolone & proscuitto) Olive Medley-- nothing too special, but great price. Organic Marinara w/no sugar Peace brand cereals Spanish Tuna in Olive Oil Soy Vey Terriyaki Sauce White Truffle Oil Saffron Unsweetened Cranberry Juice Cranberry Mustard (great w/turkey) Sparkling Waters Kiss My Face beauty products They also have a number of interesting salsas, sauces, marinades, etc. I have tried many and like about 50% of what I try-- often they have too much sugar for my taste. I do really like their Artichoke Tapenade and their "simmer sauces". However, if you do not have a good Italian market in Toronto, you may also want to visit Carlino's Market, which is close by in Ardmore. They have some great cured meats, olives, oils, vinegars. Finally cheesesteaks... For your end of the suburbs, I suggest Chubby's in Roxborough. Mama's Steaks in Bala Cynwyd can also provide you with a good portion of your bodyweight in one meal. Enjoy your trip! Fri Aug 27 12:24:29 -0700 2004 978345 0 xtian 2 978355 Oh, I'm not expecting miracles- I just love going to food stores I haven't visited before, and I know that Trader Joe's has interesting bulk items and a good store brand. It's also a great excuse to buy things that I don't normally splurge on at home. Your list was just what I was looking for: a few interesting things to bring back. I'll probably not spend too much, but I do want to know if there's anything that comes highly recommended. Fri Aug 27 13:11:11 -0700 2004 978350 0 lissar 3 978367 Just had some fantastic unsalted cashews from TJs. I also like the red pepper tapenade, the refrigerated guacamole (avocado's number -- a math fiend's pun), and the Indian dinner packs -- they have an excellent baigan bartha (eggplant). Fri Aug 27 16:09:03 -0700 2004 978355 0 Susan H 1 978361 I'm a weekly (if not more) regular at Trader Joe's. The things I usually buy are coffee (whole bean or fresh ground) and tea, nut butters (peanut, soy, almond, cashew), nuts/trail mixes, cereals, tuna in olive oil, sparkling water, simmer sauces (Mojito or Morrocan Tagine). Also, bulk chocolate for baking/desserts and 70% dark bars for eating. They also have vitamins at reasonable prices (and fresh flowers, too!). For cheesesteaks, Delassandro's (near Manayunk) is great! Fri Aug 27 14:19:06 -0700 2004 978345 0 Maria 1 978377 An olive topping for muffaletta type sandwiches--called muffaletta spread/salad is great. (Deli meats, tomoto, cheese, topped with the olive spread) Tuna in olive oil is a great price and quality. Goat cheese logs are excellent and best price around. Dried nectarines/plums unusual. Pity the frozen veggies and fruit won't keep. Fri Aug 27 21:42:53 -0700 2004 978345 0 Bashful3 1 978464 Most of what we buy at Trader Joe's is frozen or refrigerated, but we do get some other items. Try the blister peanuts. They come in a plastic tub - very crunchy, very good. We get the unsalted. Their marmalades are delicious. I love Citrus Symphony, which I haven't seen for awhile, and their orange - full of rind and flavor. Our favorite canned tuna is now Trader Joe's brand. I think it's called Giovanni - their Italian name for Joe. We like the solid pack light meat. It is very reasonable, and just as good as the expensive brand we had been getting. Other good items: olive oil, vinegar, olives, other condiments. Have fun shopping! Tue Aug 31 18:19:37 -0700 2004 978345 0 Sylvia G 1 978477 First, let me say I applaud your savvyness. I respectfully disagree with some of the others......Trader Joe's is DEFINITELY a destination to visit, if only for the unbelievable customer experience from the minute you walk in the door. Cozy; explorable layout; friendly staff -- and great value. Go to the one at 22nd & Market in Philly -- free parking in the back. I too buy mostly frozen and refrigerated items from TJs, but for your comfort food urges, buy a box of Trader Joe's White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese. Also, the "Imagine" brand of boxed soups [which are also available elsewhere] are worth stocking up on, esp. Creamy Tomato and Butternut Squash. Do you like cold cereal? Neither do I, very much, but Trader Joe's Vanilla Almond Crunch is unique and tasty. Cheesesteaks? Sorry everyone, I love Geno's, in South Philly where S. 9th meets Passyunk Avenue. Asked for a cheddar [a.k.a. melted] with fried onions. And you will get to plant your feet on the crossroads of the cheesesteak world, where the Montagues and Capulets (Pat's and arch-rival Geno's] stare each other down. Wed Sep 01 10:25:56 -0700 2004 978345 0 JB