have any BC'ers been to Trader Joe's lately - what do you have to bring back over the border from TJ's?

[Georgia Strait]

i went in early Sept to the location in BLI - which is such a nice clean and friendly TJ"s ---- all those Canadians there.

Are there as many at the Spokane WA location? I don't know. I've never been to that fairly new one.

I also often go to TJ's in PDX (i see a lot of people on this board go to PDX)
and also several in CA

i have certain stand-by products ---
*Cat Cookies for People (someone up here actually thought i was giving their cat chocolate crackers!)
*TJs pesto --- it's a handy pantry stand-by and better than any reasonably priced normal supermarket option up here. PLus, I don't often have enuf fresh basil in summer to make my own.
*Mesquite almonds - a bit salty but i'm a bbq flavour person
*TJ's canned alaska pink salmon - no skin, no bones - a bit salty, not much diff than what we get in stores here - tho no queezy skin/bone factor
*TJ's wild rice mix - it's just something different on a boring dinner nite.
*TJ"s laundry soap - it is probably made in Canada but it's about 20 dollars here and 12 dollars there. Lavender liquid in something like a 3 or 4 liter size.
*TJ's liquid hand soap in the bergamot flavor
*TJ's cuban style beans in a can
*various TJ's salsas ---- there is a low-salt one that is pretty good --- and the corn one too.
ETC

i also impulse buy some things that i regret later - like the "light brie" ... that was bad!

I realize there is an entire list of TJ's YAY, NAY and MEH but i think that for those of us who don't have a TJ's nearby - and esp when an international border is involved, we have certain "just have to have" or "ask our friend to buy it for us" products.

i am curious
Thx!

ps - i also buy some of the cake mixes (check out the "lite" brownies) and the vanilla cake mix, i use orange-scented olive oil for the fat requirement - people think i'm something else - or maybe they are being kind! no really, the vanilla bean cake mix is very handy. At xmas they come out with a cranberry orange quick bread - that's good too.

and then we divert from here to the other Pac NW products we just have to have from south of the border (like Krustez Snickerdoodle mix - avail only at certain safeway or is it albertsons --- and diet rite splenda cola from target or albertsons in BLI, WA.

EDIT - maybe i should have continued this past thread - i remembered it afterwards
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/811928

[LotusRapper]

CBSA agent: "Put down that TJ Angus rib-eye and walk away from the vehicle ..... " ;-)

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Sear...

[LotusRapper]

Survived a car club run today (13-hr drive day for me) that saw us go from Edmonds > Kingston > Pt. Gamble > Poulsbo > Pt. Orchard > Tacoma > Alki Beach in Seattle. Insane SB lines early this morning on #99 for Peace Arch (backed up to almost the Pacific Inn Hotel, or what I call the Pink Palace) and on Hwy 15 to north of 8 Ave. That Nexus card should be on the TSX ......

Too tired to go to TJ's on the way home.

BTW, there are 10 TJ's between Everett and Tacoma for those of you hitting that stretch of the Sound. Many of 'em are bigger than Bham's TJ too.

[Georgia Strait]

that's right - there is that list back by the washrooms at the BLI TJ's ---- i wondered about the 1 turkey (i remember that was a big deal in the old days -go to USA and get cheap turkey)

yet my friend's neighbor or something goes to Costco in BLI and picks up pounds of cheap chicken pieces and brings it back to the fraser valley area - a major chicken processing area.

- and i was surprised that there actually IS a limit on dairy - yet i have seen people loading milk - an entire shopping cart full of milk jugs - in to a BC license plate car at that Rite Aid or whatever it is near Cost Cutter and ACE hardware in Blaine. (the 176 crossing) (that was last Sept 2012)

one time last year the Cdn border person asked me about the cheese i was bringing back - he asked if it was hard or soft cheese - so even tho you buy the Cdn Brie (for a deal) at TJ's - maybe we're not supposed to bring it back (I had hard cheddar cheese, commercially packaged, so i suppose that's ok).

another time, i had my cooked chicken salad product taken away. I was coming in from the USA to Cda.

i would think that the majority of us are the least of their worries - my friend watches that ultra-reality show on Slice network Canada about Cdn border services inspections - and the one episode i saw showed all these people bringing raw meat in their luggage from another continent on an extra-long-haul flight - and i presume they planned to eat it later - after how many hours? I certainly do not envy the job that they do.

maybe someone already posted this link - here you go about the 1 turkey and dairy limits etc
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/fpa-apa/re...

[meghany]

Thanks everyone! I think I'll do it tomorrow...

[meghany]

Planning my first TJ run from Vancouver since I was in LA three years ago - any chance someone/anyone could advise as to what I'm NOT allowed to bring back into Canada? I have tried a dozen border websites and the like and can't seem to get a straight answer when it comes to dairy/butter/meat...

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[LotusRapper]

There's nothing you can't bring back. You can even bring back (raw) meat. I was there last Saturday, and noticed by the cashiers they now have this new type of insulated shopping bag. Can't recall how much $. But I joked to my wife that it was the "Canadian special" item, for people like us to haul back dairy (and/or meat) products by the trunk-fuls, LOL.

At the back of the store near the washrooms there's a place where you can get printouts of what's exempt and not exempt when coming back across the border. All groceries ('cept maybe some special items) are duty-exempt. Alcohol is *not* exempt if you are down for < 24 hrs, but > 24 hrs as your personal exemption amount goes up considerably, your alcohol purchases ought to be covered.

Declare all things with CBSA, regardless if you have Nexus or not. I show my receipts and tell them the $ breakdown by categories (ie: $50 for groceries, $20 for alcohol, $20 for kids stuff, $20 for books/misc). 98% of the time they roll their eyes and wave me through before I even finish talking ;-) Better to be honest and diligent than dishonest and try to sneak something through.

[grayelf]

Interested to hear you can bring all meats back -- we were told no pork, and even had chicharrones confiscated, when we were flying back from SF.

[fmed]

Sounds like border guards needed a snack. Pork rinds are allowed to cross. http://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca/Air...

[grayelf]

That's exactly what I said at the time! They were expensive 4505 chicharrones, doh.

The specific no no that made me the saddest was no charcuterie. Seems like sausages are still a problem. I'd hate to have a $40 artisanal salami confiscated...

[fmed]

Dry cured salumi is allowable if it is in hermetically sealed packaging. But the CBSA agents often don't bother checking the actual rules. I wonder if a printout from that website I linked would have helped.

[grayelf]

I can't view any of the specifics online -- maybe I'll try the link at work. It's only a guide anyway and I'd hate to make a fuss with a border guard :-).

[fmed]

Haha yeah. This site is what the border guards are SUPPOSED to use as the guideline for allowable importation. They routinely ignore it so it makes sense to not risk it.

[geekmom]

Like LotusRapper said, near the bathrooms at the back of Bellingham TJs they have that handy little flyer. I was actually given a similar flyer by the Canadian border agent who interviewed us on our way back into Canada a few weeks ago. There are some weirdnesses like: only 1 bag of potatoes (i believe the limit is 5 lbs or something like that). only one turkey. no more than $20 worth of (non-milk) dairy products.

Note that this is per person, so if you can bring along some friends, you can bring back more Kerrygold butter. ;-)

[LotusRapper]

Came back yesterday from Bham for a week at Lake Whatcom (for work). Dropped by TJ's around 2pm and the place was packed, as usual, with Canucks. It's becoming rare to even see a WA plate in the parking lot. So I only picked up the usual bits like salsa verde, corn tortillas, mac & cheese, cornbread mix and a couple bottles of cheapo vino before skidaddling outta there in a jiffy.

PS: gas at Fred Meyer (Lakeway Dr) seems cheapest at around $3.59/gallon for 87 octane - FYI.

[Georgia Strait]

is that the cornbread mix with the corn kernels in it?

what aisle do i find it in?
thx!

[LotusRapper]

Yes it is:

http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-fl...

'Tho I have been known to add half a can of corn niblets into the mix to kick it up a notch.

The aisle changes from time to time, as does for their other products too. Kinda like walking into a Chapters store, it's different every time. Prolly done on purpose to make you peruse ALL the isles ;-)

[Georgia Strait]

... any recent must-have finds at TJ's ?

---- i have Kerrygold on my list & the "cat cookies for people"

(oh, that's right - have to remember my recycled shopping bags for Bellingham - city tax on all shopping bags)

anything else that we can't find up here (or reasonably priced up here) etc etc?

i already have a large collection of the TJ pesto (in jars, i recommend, handy for summer meals at the cabin)

(i've also read the April 2013 yay/nay list on CH) and the fearless flyer or whatever they call it at TJ's

i also get some items from Target "Archer Farms"
http://www.chow.com/food-news/83399/t...

[geekmom]

Lately I haven't been able to walk out of TJs without a couple of bars of the dark chocolate with caramel and black sea salt. It's pretty amazing!

[Georgia Strait]

black sea salt? i don't know about that
is that salt fr/ the black sea
or salt that is colored black|?

i need some white pepper - maybe at TJs? - I like their grinders (ie they function well) - and then i recycle them to a friend who creates her own seasoning mixtures for home use.

[Sam Salmon]

All salt is sea salt.

Sometime black coloured salt is sold as 'Hawaiian'-large crystals that can be used to create a loverly dish.

[readhead]

The gluten-free flour is a godsend. It really is just like regular flour, and it doesn't upset my stomach. It's made baking a happy experience again for me!

[LotusRapper]

Great summary, Readhead !

I've been reading these sporadically for fun:

http://www.whatsgoodattraderjoes.com/

http://www.traderjoesfan.com/

The first blog is good 'cuz they always post the nutritional label up, very helpful.

[geekmom]

Thanks for these links! I can see I'm going to be adding a few items to my TJs shopping list...

[LotusRapper]

See ya in the border line up ! :-D

[readhead]

Just came back from Oregon with a trunk full of TJ's. I've only been there a few times, so I referred to the advice of others here for my shopping list. Of what I've tried so far:
Joe's O's: cheap (1.49) box of bland cheerios-type cereal that didn't agree with my digestive system--threw most of the it out. I'll stick to my oatmeal in the morning;

Masala veggie burger: tasty, if a bit potatoe-y. Will buy again

Kale & spinach pie: too salty, but quite tasty. I would only buy this again if for a party; I can make something myself just as tasty & similar with less salt.

Jalapeno hummus: I probably could make any of their hummus myself (how hard is it to make) but the thing is, working with jalepenos is a pain for me, so this is on my buy-again list (the red pepper/garlic one was not all that memorable)

Genova pesto: again with the salt... Is this an American convenience food problem? (I don't buy a lot of processed food) or is it a TJ's problem? It's pretty good though, and a little goes a long way in my cooking. I don't like it on its own; I make sure there are tossed vegetables mixed in.

TJ's rolled oats: I bought these b/c I was out of oatmeal, they were on sale, and I thought I would mix up my Scottish oatmeal mornings. Meh. Take it or leave it. I prefer the density and full flavour of my Scot oats

French Roast low acid coffee: Sold. I like a full flavour coffee with richness, but it's hard to get that with low acidity and not lose something. I will buy this many times again.

TJs dark chocolate and its Belgian milk chocolate: It's TJs chocolate. It's always good.

Plantain chips: Pure evil. In the tasty way. I won't allow them back in my home, they're so so good. And fattening.

Raw whole cashews: excellent price, excellent quality.

Automatic dishwashing detergent: have used once and it was terrible. Not sure if it's my dishwasher's fault, though

Crunch unsalted almond butter: perfection

Brown basmati: good quality; a bit crunchy/tougher than some others I've had.

Still quite a few things I've not tried yet, and still so much more to buy and try next time I'm down there.

[Georgia Strait]

new love from TJ's = dark choc pnut butter cups (TJ brand) ---- so if pnuts are ok in your household - this is a must for cross-border shopppers. I think this product was in the most recent email newsletter - or did i read (or dream) about them elsewhere. Not sure.

[LotusRapper]

I think I had those, wife bought some once and by the time she made it back to the car (where I was), there were only two left :-/

I like their choco-covered peanut butter-filled pretzels too: http://traderjoes.com/images/fearless...

[geekmom]

Oooh yes these are quite, quite wonderful. Have you ever tried the dark chocolate mint creams? Those are nice too.

[fmed]

Cheese, junk food, the odd wine. I bought a bottle of farmhouse apple cider from the Basque region of Spain that was quite nice. We never see anything like that here. I'm also a sucker for chewy candies. I bought a bag of jelly filled penguins that we hoovered up in about three minutes flat.

[LotusRapper]

I accidentally discovered this thread, at CHOWHOUNDS -> CHAINS (http://chowhound.chow.com/boards/32):

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/856872

[Georgia Strait]

i know i read that thread sometimes (or the quarterly one) and i always feel depressed ; ) cuz they talk like - yep - just stopped by TJ's - tried this, that, yay, neh etc etc --- like it's just down the street (and it sometimes is, of course, for them!) --- so i think it's funny how we in our household and other households i know around here - premeditate the TJ and Target shopping as tho it's an epic journey (which it is!)

Those jaffa stix mentioned above sound good. The frozen mac and cheese at TJ"s is worth the quick journey back over the border too.

[geekmom]

Has anyone mentioned the chocolate-covered orange jelly sticks yet? For those who grew up eating Jaffa Cakes (they're a British soft cookie with one side covered in chocolate and a disc of orange jelly in the middle) - they are just like eating a Jaffa Cake without the cake. Totally addictive.

[LotusRapper]

TJ no longer carry Snapeas Crisps, but have replaced the product with their own version called Inner Peas:

http://thingsiloveattradejoes.files.w...

Which, to my disappointment, they don't taste quite as good. And the first ingredient is no longer green peas, but cornmeal :-(

[Georgia Strait]

hey, funny you should mention that product - i heard from someone in the last couple of days that they, too, are equally dismayed in the replacement.

we were talking about how TJ's ---- dare i say ----- has become over-rated (lightening bolt about to strike --- or laughter from those who never drank the TJ flavour koolaid)

many of the products, if it was not for the cute TJ packaging, i don't think i'd make a weekly pilmgrimage across the line (as in 49th). OK, maybe for the cake mixes (incl the cornbread mix you describe above - with actual corn kernals in it?!), the cookies, the kerry gold - all discussed previously. And of course, cheap Washington liquor if one is not crossing back north over border.

also on our TJ list as a "must" - the TJ honey-orange blossom liquid pump soap. Guests do like to wash hands at our house ; )

and the current edition of lavender laundry liquid soap - i'm sure made in BBY or somewhere up here in greater vcvr - but the TJ version is several dollars cheaper.

[dimples_323]

Sad news about the snap pea crisps! I'm going to the states this weekend and was planning on picking some up at trader joe's. Now I'm at a loss for where to find them... They used to have them at costco.

[LotusRapper]

Many places here sell them, at $5 to 6 per bag ! Hence TJ's ..... ;-)

[vancityfoody]

Was at TJ's last week and came home with all sorts of goodies:

-3 kinds of cheese; at nearly a quarter the price it's hard to go wrong.
-pumpkin loaf/muffin mix, yet to try
-jarred marinara sauce
-sweet potato crinkle chips
-coconut milk
-roasted red peppers
-some shampoo that smelled great, yet to try
-a 6 pack of beer

I always declare at the border as Nexus is too valuable to risk. It saved us a nearly 2 hour wait last Sunday. I've never had any customs agent do anything but waive us through after declaring the beer. I've also never filled out that pesky form and never been asked about it either.

Happy shopping!

[LotusRapper]

Ditto on Nexus. All that cavity search was well worth it during the application process ! (just kidding ......)

We did up the pumpkin loaf mix during this past week (bought from TJ last weekend). Maybe a titch sweet but not a fail, quite good in fact. I used our mini loaves pan to make it, the same pan I use for their cornbread mix ..... warmed-up mini cornbread loaf topped with butter makes a happy brekkie for me :-)

[geekmom]

I've got a vegetarian in my house and TJ's Masala Burgers are her absolute favourite veggie burger. I do eat meat but I agree they are delicious. Give them a try if you're looking for something a little different.

I've tried the TJ's salsa and I have to say it is not that great compared to Skagit's Best which you can get at the Bellingham Food Co-op & lots of other local stores -- truly the most delicious salsa I've ever eaten. You do have to like cilantro, though. http://skagitsbestsalsa.blogspot.ca/p...

[LotusRapper]

TJ's salsa verde is decent for the price.

But thanks re: Skagit's Best. Looked up their site's locations and two are in downtown B'ham, Community Food Co-op (which I've never set foot in) and at The Market on Lakeway, which I've been but must have missed it. Just curious if other "The Market" carry them ? Cuz there's one at Birch Bay Square.

[geekmom]

I'm not sure about that Market at Birch Bay -- I guess if you are really committed to trying this salsa, you could phone and ask them if they carry it :-)

Community Food Co-op is great if you are into organic food - the prices are much better than just about any Vancouver supermarket, and you can buy raw milk and cream there too; useful if you're experimenting with cheese-making.

[Georgia Strait]

a few comments from a life-long cross border shopping fan ---

that market in Birch Bay --- is that the one where one can buy tents and wine and beach stuff ---- or is it down near Hagens (is that Ferndale?)

yes, i agree on the TJ Salsa Verde - a bit salty for my taste but handy to have on hand (tho my Guatamala friends who now live in Vcvr showed me how easy it is to make at home (diced tomatillos, chopped white onion, a hot pepper - simmer it up and from what i could understand - it was like the way some of us might make rice or potato to go along w/ the main meal. No real recipe, just do it. And it freezes well - i don't do canning so i freeze instead - and this freezes well.)

i have tried the TJ jar of bean dip - why?

i also like the CORN salsa from TJ --- kind of doubles as a corn relish - something to have on hand for non-dairy type people if you're serving a cheese and crackers / some sort of dairy dip. Seems fancier than red salsa.

That's interesting about the community food co-op in BLI

aren't we just getting crazy with this exchange rate?

truth or dare - i should ask what we all buy at TARGET --- interesting food section - i have always liked Herdez small tins of salsa (incl verde) having grown up on that in Mexico during the draft dodger era ---- and i always indulge in PepperRidge Farms "chessman" (men?) cookies - they make the traditional xmas symbols seasonally. And Snowman Peeps of course at Target. and DIET RITE cola - splenda.

Speaking of every day shopping, we are also big enthusiasts of Grocery Outlet in the USA -- it is sort of how TJ's started back when before it got designer niche (ie GO is like shopping at Liquidation World for food) ----
there's one in BLI --- it's like a treasure hunt. Some organic, some odd, always interesting. I usually go to one in east portland OR
Bellingham Grocery Outlet
1600 Ellis Street
Bellingham, WA 98225

and, for interest,
i went in to the "grocery" at Walmart in Omak WA the other day before coming back over the Oroville / Osoyoos crossing - that was interesting! (esp considering that Walmart is apparently one of the biggest mid-men of organic etc in USA (and maybe here too?). Seemed ironic that there was a HUGE forest fire (brush fire) burning a few miles to the east, apparently threatening major powerlines and homes, but Walmart was business as always ; ) (and i was in there)

---

well, having now brought CH to the popular common denominator ; )

thank you - it is interesting to read all your comments.

[geekmom]

LOL GS -- Yes, I have to admit I've taken advantage of the Walmart grocery section on numerous road trips through the US. Nothing fancy, but cheap and very reliable; I was even able to find interesting meat substitutes for my vegetarian daughter at a Walmart in the middle of nowhere, Idaho.

I forgot to mention about the Community Food Co-op that you need to have a membership to shop there and get the member pricing on sales but you can buy a $20 membership at the East End Food Coop if you're ever in Vancouver's Commercial Drive area, and never shop there again - the Bellingham co-op memberships cost four times as much but they will honour membership cards from other co-ops.

[LotusRapper]

So I go to EEFC and buy their $20 membership and use it in perpetuity at CFC ? :-D

Looking at their site: http://www.communityfood.coop/join/me...

"You can sign up at any register or the service desk. Ownership requires a one-time fully refundable capital investment of $90, or you can pay a minimum $3 per month to maintain your membership until you’re paid in full. Owners pay a $5 annual owner dues, which is non-refundable. The capital investment and annual fees are waived for seniors age 62 or older."

So would I still be required to pay their annual $5 dues with an outside membership ?

[geekmom]

Your EEFC membership is fully equivalent. I always tell the cashier that I have a membership in the Vancouver food co-op, flash my card at them and get the member rates. They've never asked me to commit to annual dues or actually sign up with them. Let me know what you think, if you ever go.

[LotusRapper]

Thanks a bunch GM, great info :-) I'll get my EEFC card first and keep it in the glovebox, along with my cards for Haggen, QFC, etc, etc !

[Georgia Strait]

Hi KINNICKINNIK - i went to TJ's in BLI the other day and found that in addition to the LEMON THINS cookies - they also have COCONUT THINS -

and those Mesquite Almonds - trouble in a bag. They are in the latest fearless flyer.

TJ's has a handy little flyer near the restrooms in the BLI location describing what cdn's can take back - i was surprised - of all things - to see Avocados listed. Do we grow them here?! (the obvious apples, berries, etc were also listed)

[vandan]

Three words : two buck chuck :)

[Quattrociocchi]

I think I might have a serious drinking problem if I lived in the US. Is two buck chuck actually drinkable? I wonder how much it would cost if they sold it in Canada....

[vandan]

Is it great tasting no, great value yes , drinkanle definetely yes , whites tend to be better than the reds in my experience , also perfectly suitable to cook with

[Quattrociocchi]

OK all you cross-border shoppers - do you declare your alcohol purchases?? I don't buy booze unless I've been down for the required exemption time. Don't want to risk losing my beloved Nexus card, and declaring seems to take a long time and kind of negates the savings. Or do the border guards just wave you through?

[vandan]

Always but as l never go down for just the day and since the amount you can bring back has increased it maKes no sense to not declare it

[LotusRapper]

Yup, always declare alcohol even if it's sub-$5 TJ variety. I tell them the total value of the groceries I have with me, as well as how many bottles of wine there are.

Regardless of whether the typically 20-something CBS agent even bothers making eye contact with me.

Yeah my Nexus card is worth gold !

[Quattrociocchi]

LR - do you fill out the whole Nexus declaration form or just tell them. That form is a pain in the a**. Seriously, they want to know where the product is made and what category they fall into....that's enough deterent for me.

[LotusRapper]

We used to fill out the green forms that they gave us. But since I think early 2011 they switched to the online version (one form for EACH person):

http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/f...

And funny we only did that two or three times during the summer 2011 and each time, CBSA agents never asked us for the forms, just verbally what we bought and how much. And since then we've never bothered downloading and filling out the forms, and they never ask us for it.

[farman]

My list:
applewood smoked bacon
fage yogurt
kerrygold butter
maui short ribs
pound plus chocolate
pub cheese
speculoos cookie butter

Also sometimes get:
salted caramel sauce
cheese sticks
green mango strips

[StarryFork]

Just a comment regarding the cake mix - an amazing trick I learned from the Sunrise Tofu guys is to substitute 1 egg and a package of whipped up dessert tofu for all of the other things you are supposed to add to a box of cake mix.

I have tried this with multiple kinds of boxed cake mix, and it always worked great! Not at all heavy like you think it would turn out. Just be sure to mix it super well.

[Chowrin]

TJ has a REAL cake mix. not like the others. they splurge on real cake flour, and then ask you to use butter. Also, theirs expires!

[KGill]

We lived in California for 12 years before moving back to Canada, so I head to BLI for my TJ fix every month or so. On the shopping list:
- TJ Joe-Joe cookies (like Oreos, but better)
- TJ's version of Ritz Bits sandwich crackers
- frozen naan bread
- nuts and dried fruit
- cheese cheese cheese
- large whole wheat tortillas/wraps
- Just Avocado packs
- filled pastas
- Kerry Gold butter
- TJ cereal bars
- frozen edamame

No cheap wine - the duty charges are just too high.

[gourmet wife]

Love going to Trader Joes. We usually bring back their hummus, cheese (they have quite a selection to pick from, favs are Supreme Brie and burrata), heirloom tomatoes, salted plantain chips, frozon croissants, truffle brownie mix (i know this is so easy to make at home but their brand is absolutely sinfully delicious), and of course wine. I'm not a fan of the two buck chuck but they have a very good selection of wine under $10.

[kinnickinnik]

SO is often in WA state and I usually put in a request for the following:
- Frozen falafel
- butter (TJ's organic unsalted, and Kerry Gold)
- jalapeno-cilantro humus
- triple ginger cookies
- butter almond thins
- salted caramel sauce
- any new (to us) and nifty cookies (last trip netted some wonderful chocolate lacey cookies)

If I go along, then the impulse buying gets pretty out of hand.

I had him pick up some speculoos cookie butter recently - bleah. I liked the concept in theory but in practice, way too sweet and stodgy for me. I take its' a good example of the type but that type isn't to my taste at all it turns out (though I love speculoos cookies).

[Georgia Strait]

have you tried the LEMON thins? (cookies) - they are good
speaking of USA cookies - i am a big fan of Pepperidge Farm CHESSMAN cookies (i know about milanos too ; ) ---- during holidays they make holiday xmas patters - the rest of the year, they are the figures off a chessboard. I don't know where to buy them up here in Canada ---- you always see the Pepperidge Farm goldfish in about half a doz diff incarnations but none of hte cookies -
and the brandy-snap type w/ macadamiia nut --- dark or light choc
i melted a whole bag of them in my car earlier this month --- oh darn, have to keep those at home and eat them ourselve now!

[kinnickinnik]

Ooh no, not yet. We do often get the Lemon Heart cookies though - love those too.

[LotusRapper]

We always buy Calbee's Snapea Crisps from TJ's:

http://www.calbeeamerica.com/calbee-s...

As it's $1.49/bag, vs. about $5-6 up here [rolls eyes].

I always buy their banana bread mix, cornbread mix and mac & cheese ........ I've not tasted better from kits up here for the same price or higher.

Of course we buy the $3.49 merlots and chardonnays for cooking wine :-)

Otherwise it's totally impulsive, random buying of whatever picks our fancy.

[Georgia Strait]

oh yes, those "candied snap peas" ; ) are dangerous!

now i have seen those up here in BC too ---- i think maybe at our neighborhood IGA Marketplace.

(i say as I am just now experimenting with some TJ's Guacamole from the fridge section - it would be OK en route to a pot luck snack party - i wouldn't make a trip to buy it - but going, going gone - too late now!)

and isn't that true about the random impulsive spending --- i feel like one of those contestants on the Price Is Right or those vintage game shows where you won X minutes to race thru the market and grab as much as you could!

two buck chuck et al. faithful team they are.

why are their baskets so small at TJs?

PS --- take your own bags to shop in bellingham - anywhere in BLI -- you pay per bag now -- which is an admirable initiative on behalf of city or county - i don't know the jurisdiction. I didn't mind taking my own.

[eatrustic]

Don't forget the TJ's homage store on West Broadway in the old wood oven bakery space. It's still going strong and they have a nice, small selection (although obviously pricier than if you shopped across the line there is still good value).
Talk to the guy running it and he will take suggestions on things to bring in.

I buy the California apricots among other things.

[LotusRapper]

We don't go to TJ on dedicated mission. It's always on way back from Fairhaven, or REI, or Burlington, Anacortes, etc. But even those trips are often on a whim too.

God Bless the Nexus Lanes !! ;-)