614834 Sat Apr 25 05:02:29 -0700 2009 64 16 Mid-Atlantic 0 4627281 Saw this annoucement this morning. No decision yet as to whether the new store will have a liquor license. http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2009/04/25/topstory/doc49f0db2f155cc293953079.txt For the geographically challenged, West Windsor is very close to Princeton. Sat Apr 25 05:02:29 -0700 2009 57768 ambrose 1 4629239 This is great news. I usually stock up at the store down in Columbia, MD, where I spend alot of time, or trek up to Westfield. This is a great location for them - they will be very successful. Sun Apr 26 04:29:18 -0700 2009 4627281 28208 cranrob 1 4630164 Never been impressed with their vegetables but maybe that is just the Westfield NJ store. Interesting article http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/do-you-know-who-owns-trader-joes/ Sun Apr 26 13:05:20 -0700 2009 4627281 154727 shabbystorm 2 4630544 Hey, shabbystorm, I don't know anyone who goes to TJ's for veggies. I certainly don't. People flock there, however, for numerous other items. See the following for a few of them: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/300713?tag=search_results;results_list http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/493206?tag=search_results;results_list The NY Times blog is interesting but, strictly speaking, the ownership that is described is not quite correct. It doesn't really matter though. TJ's may have been started by an American but it has been in German hands for thirty years. BTW, people should not confuse Aldi stores with TJ stores. Sun Apr 26 16:10:10 -0700 2009 4630164 57768 ambrose 3 4630606 Usually buying stuff to make a salad on my way home, so if I stop at Trader Joe's would have to make another stop... Do like their Sesame Honey Cashews and inexpensive lavender sachets. I do not eat frozen food... The article was just something I didn't know, like learning. They are providing jobs in New Jersey and that is good. Sun Apr 26 16:38:01 -0700 2009 4630544 154727 shabbystorm 1 4630436 This is arguably the best news my wife and I have heard since moving from California six months ago. It might be enough to redeem the general lack of good food in Central Jersey... Sun Apr 26 15:12:44 -0700 2009 4627281 13350 glutton 2 4630531 Funny thing - I worked in Southern Ca for 12 years and have the opposite view . California vittles were drab and uninspired compared to NJ ! And produce - those beautiful looking tasteless Ca strawberries ! And the sweet corn - what we here would call horse corn ! Only really consistently good food in LaLa land were the cheap Mexican places ! Sun Apr 26 16:04:00 -0700 2009 4630436 109071 arpad 3 4633067 In total agreement, arpad! For those in the know, this state and the Central NJ region, is crammed with excellent food! Glutton, you might check out this thread for a few eye and mind-opening experiences: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/602020?tag=main_body;topic-602020 Mon Apr 27 12:38:18 -0700 2009 4630531 239573 choco_lab38 4 4634952 I've been working off that list and there are some tasty things on there. The sushi has generally been less-than-inspiring, but some of the guilty junk foods have been good. I've been a fan of some of the more traditional european ethnic foods, which weren't as common in California. The commentary about fresh fruits and vegetables in California vs. Central Jersey just doesn't hold water, in my opinion. With a 12-month growing season, a commitment to farmers markets that is unmatched in the country, and a regional cuisine based on freshness, California's fruit and vegetables are the best in the country. Sure, that cannot be said for every last fruit and vegetable they grow in California and there are many industrial farms in California turning out lousy produce to be shipped around the world, but a walk through a farmers market in California would surely be more appetizing than what I generally see in NJ. I don't think I'm alone in making that statement. Tue Apr 28 04:43:27 -0700 2009 4633067 13350 glutton 5 4635797 California produce is appearance over quality . I'll take a gnarly NJ strawberry any day over the beautiful plastic Ca stuff . Twelve years living there was more than enough . And yes I tried ' Farmer's Markets ' out there - mediocre at best . Fruits ? Try Washington and Oregon for good stuff . Tue Apr 28 09:59:24 -0700 2009 4634952 109071 arpad 1 4631163 *happy dance* they have great snax and such it's not one stop shopping, but a great once a month fill up for me Sun Apr 26 20:00:58 -0700 2009 4627281 11228 BeeZee 1 4631653 Some of my favorite TJ's things: - Grade B Maple Syrup (Much better than Grade A, trust me) - Truffle Brownie Mix - Chocolate and Sea Salt covered Almonds - Those tiny crispy chocolate chip cookies that come in a tub - Freeze-dried Mangosteens I could go on and on... Mon Apr 27 05:22:56 -0700 2009 4627281 28208 cranrob 2 4631826 dark chocolate-chipotle hazelnuts.. oil-packed sundried tomatoes brown rice pasta all the nut butters Mon Apr 27 06:58:57 -0700 2009 4631653 30139 aklein 3 4634956 The nuts and dried fruits are the best deal going, especially their marcona almonds. Their dairy products are well-priced. Their chicken tends to be very good (for grocery store chicken, that is). The veggies in the stores out East have not been all that great -- much better in other parts of the country. Their lavash is pretty good, which is nice because it's been hard to find decent lavash in this area. Their almond and cashew butters are outstanding and all-natural. (I don't think they're just selling frozen, sugar-loaded, processed, junk food, as some people below are suggesting.) Tue Apr 28 04:47:33 -0700 2009 4631826 13350 glutton 1 4631733 Clearly in the minority here, I've tried TJ's a number of times and fail to see the attraction. The selection is very limited, and the quality of the goods I have tried is just OK. And it's usually way too crowded. I guess it's probably good for a hand full of items you can't find elsewhere. But I am also the kind of person that thinks Wegman's is just an over-priced, over-crowded, and over-hyped grocery store with a nice food court. I actually wish I bought into the buzz of these places more, but I just don't get the hype and loyal following. Mon Apr 27 06:11:00 -0700 2009 4627281 21348 frackit 2 4632195 I tend to agree with you in general. If you notice above the main things that people mention are the sugar based products. The rest of their selection is rather limited and only average in quality. Even the wine seltection, if they happen to carry it, is limited. It may be priced right but the old saying you get what you pay for comes to mind. All that said there is one redeming thing that I would take the 35 mile drive over to West Windsor for and that is Double Rainbow icecream, one of the best products of it's kind in all the land. Notice that I too have a favorite sugar based pruduct at Traders... Mon Apr 27 09:01:48 -0700 2009 4631733 169391 JerzeyShore 3 4632954 No need to drive all the way there for that ice cream. Days in Ocean Grove has it. Well, once they open for the season... Mon Apr 27 12:00:23 -0700 2009 4632195 269827 ejdb 4 4635718 Thanks for the mention and I do realize that and have been to Days many times. Mother's Day is right around the bend and that is their opening day ... Tue Apr 28 09:39:15 -0700 2009 4632954 169391 JerzeyShore 5 4639022 Just doing my best to give props to a favorite Wed Apr 29 09:58:32 -0700 2009 4635718 269827 ejdb 3 4633145 I agree with frackit and JerzeyShore. It's not for lack of trying, but I've been to the TJ in Marlton a number of times and fail to see what the appeal is. Am I just seeing a poor example of the franchise? The produce is astoundingly poor in selection and quality and the meat selection is limited--with some items, such as bacon, looking as though they were past their expiration date. The items that people seems to rave about (taste and price) are prepared or processed, boxed, canned or frozen food--snacks, cookies and candy. Definitely not a store I'd shop for staples. That being said, it's not bad to have another choice in the area when I need a quick frozen lunch or dinner, and hopefully the store will be larger and better than the Marlton store. As far as the liquor license goes, I've never been a fan of "Two-Buck Chuck (Yuck!)", so that makes no difference to me. Of paramount importance: get the parking layout right! Never seems that the planners in this area are prepared for parking or traffic needs--there will be a heck of a lot more traffic turning into that little shopping center once TJs is open... Mon Apr 27 12:58:23 -0700 2009 4632195 239573 choco_lab38 4 4634959 I've yet to find a TJ's with a good parking scheme. That's after visiting dozens of stores all over the country. They must take perverse pleasure in offering lousy parking lots. Tue Apr 28 04:48:23 -0700 2009 4633145 13350 glutton 2 4845578 I agree about TJs but Wegmans does have some things I like - such as the bulk foods and their baked goods . Fri Jul 10 05:28:49 -0700 2009 4631733 109071 arpad 2 5066766 I just tried TJs today and it's pretty much what I remember from California . With Wegmans a mile down the road I can't see the sense of TJs at all . Limited selection and prices seem comparable to other local stores . Tue Sep 29 09:25:29 -0700 2009 4631733 109071 arpad 3 5067385 Once the initial crowds thin out, it'll be far faster to go to TJ's than Wegmans. Avoiding that mess of a parking lot and all the traffic snaking through that Wegmans shopping center will be worth a lot. Add to that the fact that there are many items, especially dried fruit and nuts, that are available at TJs, but not at Wegmans. Tue Sep 29 12:26:15 -0700 2009 5066766 13350 glutton 4 5069113 You haven't found the dried fruits and nuts at Wegman's ? Couldn't have looked very hard ... I just bought a pound of shelled walnut halves and another pound of dark chocolate cashew turtles .there yesterday . As for dried fruits ... apricots , apples , pineapples and plenty more . Wed Sep 30 07:29:46 -0700 2009 5067385 109071 arpad 5 5071492 I'm not Mr. Magoo -- of course I found that section at Wegmans. I just like the section at TJ's better because it has more variety, lower prices, and always seems to have some new discovery that keeps things interesting. Experience tells me that even the slightest question about the superiority of Wegmans in all matters food will get me shot on the Mid-Atlantic board. I would be better off announcing that I club pup seals in the Arctic for sport than doubting the wonders of Wegmans on this board... Thu Oct 01 04:36:47 -0700 2009 5069113 13350 glutton 6 5071559 Glutton, you are too funny!, and how true. I have two friends who INSIST that Wegmans is the cheapest grocery store around on every single item. This because they give you a 'Club Card' and do discount some items. Gee, I wonder if all the other grocery store chains have discovered customer loyalty cards, coupons and weekly specials? They are indeed, a very nice store, but not everything is the best there, imo. And who can deal with walking that huge store when you only need 10 items? TJ offers convenience and a fast exit if you hit it at the right time. I like many of their items, not just the food products. I do love their body wash and lemon verbena soap! Thu Oct 01 05:30:24 -0700 2009 5071492 95489 mschow 7 5073434 Totally! And there's a lot there that I can't get at Wegmans. Like the frozen brown rice I like. And I just discovered TJ's multi-grain mini chocolate chip cookies, which allow me to delude myself with the idea that they are actually "healthy" cookies. But every grocery store has their strengths and weaknesses. I rotate between the Shop Rite near me in Hamilton (for basics), Wegmans, Whole Foods, and now TJ's. But glutton's seal pups comment cracked me up:D Thu Oct 01 17:54:39 -0700 2009 5071559 43173 Heatherb 7 5106320 Love their Chinese Food.. far better than what is around the Bridgewater/Hillsborough area! Thu Oct 15 14:48:21 -0700 2009 5071559 1116611 SeaGlassHunter 6 5107414 OMG!!! Glutton, you had me rolling on the floor...."club pup seals"..To funny! You made my day with laughter!! Fri Oct 16 05:44:27 -0700 2009 5071492 14274 Angelina 6 5107745 Glutton, Do you happen to know if they carry Double Rainbow ice cream at this store? Fri Oct 16 08:08:34 -0700 2009 5071492 169391 JerzeyShore 7 5108384 I did not check when I was there, but my general impression was that they had the full freezer selection that they had at the stores I knew so well in California, so that would make me think that they've got it. The next time I go in there, I'll check. I'll probably stop by this weekend at some point. Fri Oct 16 11:19:20 -0700 2009 5107745 13350 glutton 8 5108435 Thanks much... Fri Oct 16 11:40:23 -0700 2009 5108384 169391 JerzeyShore 8 5116670 I saw a half dozen flavors. That's a somewhat more limited range of flavors than what I used to see in California, but not too bad in the grand scheme of things. Tue Oct 20 06:26:46 -0700 2009 5108384 13350 glutton 9 5117499 As long as they have my favorite which is ultra chocolate a deep dark and creamy chocolate I'm in heaven. Thanks again for your reply. Tue Oct 20 11:10:36 -0700 2009 5116670 169391 JerzeyShore 10 5119182 I'm nearly positive I saw that flavor. Welcome back to heaven. Wed Oct 21 04:35:11 -0700 2009 5117499 13350 glutton 11 5123751 Good news, thanks. Thu Oct 22 16:16:55 -0700 2009 5119182 169391 JerzeyShore 7 5113837 They do... a few days ago they had about 4 flavors. Mon Oct 19 06:28:42 -0700 2009 5107745 28208 cranrob 8 5115666 THANK YOU! Mon Oct 19 16:59:54 -0700 2009 5113837 169391 JerzeyShore 1 4632223 So does that mean you're getting an Aldi too? Mon Apr 27 09:07:00 -0700 2009 4627281 50674 rockhopper 1 4636187 This discussion just reminded me of this must-see video - The TJ's Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdB7GDZY3Pk Tue Apr 28 11:39:55 -0700 2009 4627281 28208 cranrob 2 4638371 LOVE that video and it's all so true!! Why oh why do they have products that you fall in love with and then they disappear? And the parking lot issue: I've been in at least a dozen different TJ locations and each of the parking lots are scary as hell. What's up with that? Wed Apr 29 06:47:57 -0700 2009 4636187 95489 mschow 1 4711541 In terms of products, Friends brought us wine from Trader Joe's, 2005 Project Happiness California Syrah. Not Italian wine but a HAPPY bottle! See Picture Sun May 24 16:51:30 -0700 2009 4627281 154727 shabbystorm 1 4807940 Has anyone heard any recent news regarding this opening? The Trader Joe's site still doesn't have any information. I doubt that liquor will be sold; in this area, stores that have liquor licenses require separate check out counters and entrances/exits. They're more of a winter store for me--things I can't get from the Farmer's Market (love the French Green Beans), as well as dried cranberries, raw sunflower seeds, mini toast, and the 3-pack of goat cheese. I used to like one of the sealed pouches of guacamole (to keep in the refrigerator for when we were out avocados), but the version I've seen recently haven't been worth it. Fri Jun 26 06:58:11 -0700 2009 4627281 224238 Caralien 2 4813592 drove past the shopping center on Friday, no signs yet. The articles I had seen had said they were planning on opening in July, so maybe late July... Sun Jun 28 17:15:42 -0700 2009 4807940 11228 BeeZee 3 4819985 I'll keep my fingers crossed. It's just strange that it's not even on the TJ's site yet. Tue Jun 30 19:56:36 -0700 2009 4813592 224238 Caralien 4 4820786 Below Google Search info, looks positive, that it will indeed come to fruition, it has a store number in line with those currently operational on the TJ website.. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=trader+joes+princeton+nj&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&latlng=18128069677185888195 Wed Jul 01 07:27:56 -0700 2009 4819985 154727 shabbystorm 4 4822251 Now listed as "coming soon" on TJ's web site. http://www.traderjoes.com/locations.asp Wed Jul 01 14:06:45 -0700 2009 4819985 12256 retchef 5 4834522 finally! okay, I'll sit and wait now. Thanks for the update! Mon Jul 06 15:39:37 -0700 2009 4822251 224238 Caralien 5 4845456 and they posted a sign outside the new location that says "coming soon." Looks like a late July opening at the earliest. Can't come soon enough. Fri Jul 10 03:38:09 -0700 2009 4822251 13350 glutton 6 4904200 Opening is now August / September time frame and no alcohol to be sold. http://centraljersey.com/articles/2009/07/23/the_princeton_packet/news/doc4a68dcd2bbbda824770338.txt Thu Jul 30 13:27:41 -0700 2009 4845456 1097987 FrozenSTIFF 7 5003273 last I read on various blogs was September 25th, no booze. My current plan is to go there to get nuts for the birds to eat (and for me too), as birdfood is more expensive than dog, cat, or people food. Thu Sep 03 15:18:25 -0700 2009 4904200 224238 Caralien 8 5004204 Trader Joe's website location page http://www.traderjoes.com/locations.asp links to Google Maps and clicking on the icon for West Windsor brings up a window for directions, hours, etc., and notes "Alcohol:None" so it seems pretty official. Most of TJ's tri-state area stores don't have licenses, with the exceptions of NJ's Westfield store, and some NYC stores which sell beer only (different license necessary in NY state for wine and liquor). Fri Sep 04 03:17:45 -0700 2009 5003273 11059 JessKidden 8 5008006 caralein: I am a huge bird-lover and have more than a few feeders. You can get decent birdseed any number of places. I have bought decent birdseed at Ace hardware on sale recently and added some black oil sunflower seeds (also from Ace), and I get TONS of birds. Also try doing the same at Walmart. Friends of mine swear by a feed store in Hopewell and they feel the birds, deer, and other critters with what they buy there. Just a heads up on this, because I have priced the nuts at TJ and if you are even a casual bird feeder, you will go broke!! Sat Sep 05 17:04:00 -0700 2009 5003273 95489 mschow 9 5029050 thanks! Mon Sep 14 12:00:34 -0700 2009 5008006 224238 Caralien 1 5024805 I know some people just like the sweet things, but we have some things that are our staples at TJs, and are generally cheaper (sometimes much cheaper) than most other grocery stores (not to mention better). Just to mention our TJ stand-bys: coffee, cereals (for kids & adults), salsas, fruit/granola bars (for school lunches), jams/preserves (especially the low-sugar strawberry), marinara sauce (for when it's not convenient to make homemade), nuts (fresher and cheaper than other stores -- peanuts, walnuts, almonds), dried fruit & trail mixes, and probably more that I'm forgetting. One of the things I like is that when you read most of the labels (especially the marinara and the salsas), the ingredients are the "real thing" -- not chemicals or preservatives. Sat Sep 12 12:12:15 -0700 2009 4627281 63260 eamcd 2 5040570 According to TJs website, the store will open Sept. 25. We are very excited! Fri Sep 18 14:28:46 -0700 2009 5024805 17238 ElaineL 3 5041463 Thanks for the update ElaineL, will definitely be around that weekend to check out the store. Fri Sep 18 23:11:15 -0700 2009 5040570 1092171 Check17 1 5059313 Now that it's open, has anyone been? It's on the other side of Route 1, so I may not go as often (I am not used to having to turn right, wait at a stoplight to make a left, just to head a mile south, spoiled as I was in the midwest and CA). I've gotten lazy or fuel efficient--if there's a turnabout involved during evening traffic, it's too much of a bother. That said, I'm down to 2 bottles of olive oil, from the 12 I purchased last year. So it's likely I'll stop in during the next month or so. Possibly sooner for the minitoasts, the omega infused dried cranberries, the pine nuts, and other non-locally sourced things I crave. hmm Fri Sep 25 20:52:29 -0700 2009 4627281 224238 Caralien 2 5062225 Went last night, around 6:30 pm figuring it wouldn't be too crowded...wrong. They were slammed. Restocking shelves like crazy. I'll go back when the gawkers are all gone. Sun Sep 27 13:56:03 -0700 2009 5059313 11228 BeeZee 3 5062236 good to know; I may stop by during lunch tomorrow, but there's really no rush, as I still have 2 bottles of olive oil! Sun Sep 27 13:59:30 -0700 2009 5062225 224238 Caralien 2 5066783 It's crowded but efficient. I just walked out the door and found everything I needed. Only spent about 30 minutes in the store. They have all the standard goods. It's a fairly large store for TJs. From Princeton I go Alexander to Canal Point to Meadow. There's no backtracking. Tue Sep 29 09:30:56 -0700 2009 5059313 1112771 rubyjones 2 5067648 Trader Joe's is the ONLY grocery store on Route 1 North for at least 50 miles! Route 1 South is full of them. But from the Pennsylvania state line up to Edison (at least), there are no other grocery stores on Rt 1 North side. Trader Joe's being on that side of Route 1 is exactly why I'll be going often. I commute to South Jersey for work from Princeton, so on the way home, it' Rt 1 north. And if I need to pick up a quart of milk on the way, there are NO options without crossing to the other side and crossing back, until now. I predict they will do extra well for this very reason. Tue Sep 29 14:02:40 -0700 2009 5059313 21348 frackit 1 5069155 If you are a fan of Trader Joe's, or even if you've never been, I thought you might be interested in what others like to buy there. Lots of duplicates in these threads and there's no guarantee that all items will be available at the West Windsor store. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/493206 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/300713 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/546755 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/404393 Wed Sep 30 07:43:21 -0700 2009 4627281 57768 ambrose 1 5107343 I haven't been to this store yet, but my wife has stopped by on a few ocassions. With out busy schedules, sometimes something frozen is convenient, and we love their apps to throw into the oven for guests who pop in on ocassion for a glass of vino with us. I really love the thin pizza they have that has ham and caramelized onion on it. This is a treat for the money! Lots of people will rant and rave about their wine selection, not at this store obviously, but I have not found their prices to be all that great, nor have I found any of their sub $10 selections very good. Best wines I have every purchased from them is their Sanford pinot noir, but I can get better pricing at Glendale...or similar pricing at Canal's. I do however stock up on their "Two Buck Chuck" to pour for the parents on Halloween and during the Bordentown Christmas House Tour. Amazing to see how many people say it is great when they have no idea what it is! Chuckle! ;-) -mJ Fri Oct 16 04:50:41 -0700 2009 4627281 192452 njfoodies