# Trader Joe's **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 13, 2007, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547 "2007-10-13T01:50:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![bathsheba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9e8a1a/32.png) [@bathsheba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bathsheba)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/21 "2007-10-13T10:16:04Z")
[QUOTE=Johnny L.A.] So I drove 120 miles that I didn’t have to. In the MGB. 😃 [/QUOTE] So. You got (picture) threads on this car? ---
**Author:** ![3acresandatruck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/e79b87/32.png) [@3acresandatruck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3acresandatruck)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/22 "2007-10-13T12:11:34Z")
[QUOTE=Johnny L.A.] So I drove 120 miles that I didn’t have to. In the MGB. 😃 [/QUOTE] Oh my, how TERRIBLE for you! Dang, I haven’t been in an MGB for over 20 years; a friend of mine had one but the frame totally rusted out. I kept saying we could fix it, till he took me out to the barn and had me get under it…curses! So, tell me…was your drive on a nice twisty, hilly road? Was there a lot of steering and shifting and maybe some redlining involved? Is this a crash-bumper MGB or is it adorned with chrome? My buddy’s was one of the old ones, a creamy yellow color with a black top (top was always down unless it was just raining TOO hard). What color is yours? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/23 "2007-10-13T13:52:05Z")
There’s a thread on it from a couple of years ago, but I don’t have it bookmarked. _Very_ long story short: It was in poor condition when I got it; more rust than I thought. The body guy apparently had a sloth gene, as he had it for two and a half years. When he ‘finished’ it it went to a hobbyist who said he could restore it. (I had neither the time nor a garage.) He had it for a year and a half and seemed to like to buy parts but was loath to pu them on. I finally gave it to a British guy to finish. [Here](http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p143/1966_MGB/) are photos of the work-in-progress. The body guy didn’t bother to fit the bonnet and boot lids. I felt I’d been screwed by him enough, and I was moving back up here. It went to one shop that never got round to working on it, so I took it to another shop that wouldn’t give me an estimate because it’s already been painted and they have to ‘see what’s there’ before they’ll know what needs to be done. I decided that other people had had my car long enough, so I said ‘screw it’. I’ll get the lids fitted some other time. I was going to wait until it was finished before posting more photos. But I may take a couple in the near future. It’s Old English White with a red interior. ---
**Author:** ![3acresandatruck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/e79b87/32.png) [@3acresandatruck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3acresandatruck)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/24 "2007-10-13T14:45:29Z")
[QUOTE=Johnny L.A.] [Here](http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p143/1966_MGB/) are photos of the work-in-progress. [/QUOTE] Wow, it looks perfect in those photos! And you’ve got the ‘good’ bumpers, too! I’m glad you included the pics of the engine, as I’m a real sucker for those. I was just admiring the rocker shaft assembly… ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/25 "2007-10-13T15:25:14Z")
Bother all of you have have Trader Joe’s. Someone convince them to open up in Canada, so I can have an assured supply of Triple Ginger Snaps and dried fruit. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/26 "2007-10-13T15:58:08Z")
[QUOTE=Lissla Lissar] Someone convince them to open up in Canada, so I can have an assured supply of Triple Ginger Snaps and dried fruit. [/QUOTE] I’m like four miles from the Canadian Border! I could just meet you in… Oh, wait. You’re on the Right. Never mind. I’m having a TJ’s breakfast. Baguette with triple cream brie and prosciutto, toasted in the oven. ---
**Author:** ![fluiddruid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/27 "2007-10-13T16:52:31Z")
[QUOTE=Rico] I have to drive 2 hours to get to a TJs. It’s worth it. [/QUOTE] It’s almost 4 hours for me (to Minneapolis). We made a Trader Joe’s / IKEA trip and brought back many TJ gifts… we have a few converts who want to come along next time. The guys at TJ’s looked at us a little funny when we bought 15 cases of three buck Chuck. My mom and stepdad were stocking up and figured it was almost as cheap as boxed wine, but they like it more. I have been enjoying TJ goodies for the last few weeks but alas my supplies are running thin. I will be in Chicago in December… Curse you Trader Joe’s. I know you would make so much damn money here. West Des Moines is surprisingly affluent. Come here and I’ll be your bitch. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/28 "2007-10-13T17:02:52Z")
[QUOTE=fluiddruid] I know you would make so much damn money here. West Des Moines is surprisingly affluent. Come here and I’ll be your bitch. [/QUOTE] From [here](http://www.evalu8.org/staticpage?page=review&siteid=10548): > [@](#): > > We thought Bellingham would be a perfect fit for Trader Joe’s… She’s right. Community Food Co-Op does a lot of business. Only they have a membership fee if you want reduced prices. $90, or $3/month until you’ve paid $90. [Bellingham](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellingham,_Washington) has a lot of younger families, a university, and people who appreciate the foods that stores like Trader Joe’s offers. And there are transplants, like me, who have relocated from places where TJ’s has been a ‘given’ for a long, long time. ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/29 "2007-10-13T17:25:13Z")
I just got some Irish sharp cheddar with porter. Good stuff I tells ya. Their frozen Penne Arrabiate is outstanding as well. Their organinc vodka sauceis great. And did I mention… ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/30 "2007-10-13T17:52:46Z")
Shopping list: Taquitos (both chicken and beef are really good) Dried blueberries Dried cherries Cheese and chile tamales Gnocchi alla sorrentina (I have enough frozen veggies on hand, I think: I like their peas, asparagus and haricots verts) Naan Other stuff I’m forgetting. I’m ever so grateful to have TJ’s 20 minutes away in two directions. (I might need to move if it was farther away.) GT ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/31 "2007-10-13T17:57:51Z")
[QUOTE=gardentraveler] Shopping list: [/QUOTE] I’ve tried the Sesame Honey Almonds and the Sesame Honey Cashews for the first time. You may want to put them on your list. ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/32 "2007-10-13T18:19:24Z")
[QUOTE=Johnny L.A.] I’ve tried the Sesame Honey Almonds and the Sesame Honey Cashews for the first time. You may want to put them on your list. [/QUOTE] Did I mention I’m not reading this thread for further suggestions? 😛😃 GT (I always come back with stuff that wasn’t on my list…) ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/33 "2007-10-13T19:46:39Z")
The frozen organic basmati rice is phenomenal! Three pouches in a box, each pouch is enough for 3-4 people. Three minutes in the microwave, and you have perfect rice with no mess! 😃 And the Belgian chocolate hazelnut cream-filled seashells are to die for. We simply can’t live without them. But why the hell did they stop carrying my frozen lamb chops with the awesome orange marinade? Frozen to grilled perfection in less than 5 minutes! ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/34 "2007-10-13T21:13:01Z")
Alas, no sliders. I did get the porter cheese though. And spanakopita, and calamari rings, and nails in bread, and a couple bottles of Pelegrino, and some pork brats, and chile verde, and something else in a jar, and Cocoa Almonds, and a leg of lamb. ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/35 "2007-10-13T21:20:29Z")
[QUOTE=Johnny L.A.] I didn’t see these. I’ll have to visit the new store. What time to they open? Nine? [/QUOTE] What are these cheeseburger sliders? In with the beef, or frozen? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/36 "2007-10-13T21:28:42Z")
[QUOTE=bathsheba] So. You got (picture) threads on this car? [/QUOTE] I snapped a couple of photos and posted them in the same album linked above. I’ve also started [a MPSIMS thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=440109) so as not to hijack this one. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/37 "2007-10-13T21:30:59Z")
[QUOTE=vivalostwages] What are these cheeseburger sliders? In with the beef, or frozen? [/QUOTE] I haven’t tried them, but when someone says ‘sliders’ I think White Castle. I was told by staff that they have two kinds: Angus beef, and pork. The guy said that he feels the beef isn’t the best quality. I don’t remember the adjective, but ‘knuckly’ comes to mind. He said the pork ones are much better. I’ll give both a try when they get them in. I was told they’d be in with the sandwiches, and not with the frozen. ---
**Author:** ![jellyblue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e480ec/32.png) [@jellyblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jellyblue)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2007, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/38 "2007-10-14T00:34:48Z")
[QUOTE=Johnny L.A.] I haven’t tried them, but when someone says ‘sliders’ I think White Castle. I was told by staff that they have two kinds: Angus beef, and pork. The guy said that he feels the beef isn’t the best quality. I don’t remember the adjective, but ‘knuckly’ comes to mind. He said the pork ones are much better. I’ll give both a try when they get them in. I was told they’d be in with the sandwiches, and not with the frozen. [/QUOTE] I’d have to second that. I didn’t think they were that good, and for Trader Joe’s, they were expensive. They have a poke and nuke pot roast that’s to die for, though… ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2007, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/39 "2007-10-14T00:44:55Z")
And the carnitas are right next to the pot roast… ---
**Author:** ![Vimp](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vimp/32/4186_2.png) [@Vimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vimp)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2007, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547/40 "2007-10-14T01:38:27Z")
Went out today to get the necessaries to make the [Alton Brown Fruitcake.](http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_8157,00.html) Got all of the dried fruits and nuts, plus the great meditteranean yogurt, chicken for dinner tonight, and my new favorite, the Sweet, Savory and Tart Trek Mix (cashews, almonds, peanuts, dried cranberries, gold and dark raisins, dark and white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips). And pork chops. I couldn’t live (as well) without TJs. Oh, and they just opened up four blocks from my house … 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trader-joes/422547.md?page=3)