Food and Drink Trader Joes KC - Page 5

Deberg_1990 · 07-18-2011, 09:26 AM

Anyone been yet? Whats the fuss? Its just a grocery store right?

http://www.kcconfidential.com/full_c...full=yes&pbr=1

Fast forward to this week's hot July weekend in Kansas City and Friday's grand opening of not just one, but two TRADER JOE'S grocery stores---the upscale sister business of German owned ALDI stores.

A grand opening without any advertising no less!

(Note: TJ's takes all credit cards. Aldi doesn't take any. And the second TJ location is at 119th and Roe in Leawood.)

Barricades at Ward Parkway Center, security officers, long lines, humanity in mass. You'd think these people had never been to a modern supermarket. Or God forbid, a WHOLE FOODS.

As I was driving past the new Trader Joe's off State Line Friday morning, I swore to stay away from the place for at least a month before checking it out. But curiosity got the best of me Sunday afternoon and off to Ward Parkway Center it was.

Trying to find a parking spot anywhere close was a major challenge. But I lucked out with a spot on the far north side of Target's parking area.

What did I find inside the new store?

Massive crowds, many semi-empty shelves that couldn't be restocked fast enough and some pretty tasty looking goodies. Pricing at first glance seemed to be good to average. A six pack of Beck's beer $6.99, while a gallon of milk sold for $2.99---good prices.

Did I stock up?

No way! Eight checkout lanes. Each with lines at least 20 shoppers deep.

Will I go back? Sure, why not---when things have settled down a bit that is. Until then, it's HyVee, Price Chopper---and dare I suggest--Whole Foods for me.

**Baby Lee** · 07-19-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

Ya, It's like Sam's or Costco in that regard. You see something you've not seen before and your brain gets tricked into thinking you should buy it.

My one trip to TJ's, I bought a bag of Chile Spiced Mango. Dried mango, coated in chile. ****ing inedible.

I miss the **** out of their chili lime peanuts. Roasted peanuts with dried whole chilis and some kind of leaf that tastes like lime [analogous to lemongrass].

Frazod · 07-19-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

Ya, It's like Sam's or Costco in that regard. You see something you've not seen before and your brain gets tricked into thinking you should buy it.

My one trip to TJ's, I bought a bag of Chile Spiced Mango. Dried mango, coated in chile. ****ing inedible.

The main thing we get at Costco is chicken - frozen, individually sealed breasts in a big bag that saves us anywhere from half to three-quarters off what the regular grocery stores charge. That alone is worth the annual fee. We'll also get things like cheese, frozen vegetables, cat litter, razor blades, batteries, toilet paper and paper towels, but we have learned over the years what to buy there and what not to buy, the days of going there and stocking up on a giant quantities of useless crap are over.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-19-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

It was just, when you questioned it, I realized that I'd never looked. When I go to BB, I come in the back off Hanley and park under the store. And if I'm on Eager, well I'm driving and thus more concerned with traffic than what's going on under the overpass.

Same here.

Hell, I generally avoid that area anyway, because the traffic is usually chaotic - especially in the Promenade where TJ's is. On the rare instances I need to go to MicroCenter, I go in the back way through the industrial court, or take Rose from Brentwood Blvd.

**Baby Lee** · 07-19-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelo

Pear sauce (think apple sauce) it was really nice.

They used to have a Peach Sauce that was the best waffle topping. Most missed TJs discontinued item ever.

As I mentioned earlier, family went to new KC store Sunday. Now they're raving about a new offering, Sparkling Clementine Juice.

jspchief · 07-19-2011, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

I miss the **** out of their chili lime peanuts. Roasted peanuts with dried whole chilis and some kind of leaf that tastes like lime [analogous to lemongrass].

See, that's the type of thing I like.

However, mango in chile is disgusting. In fact, after posting about that purchase I went to the cupboard to give them another try. 1 bite, I spit it out and threw the bag away. It's not food.

**Baby Lee** · 07-19-2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Same here.

Hell, I generally avoid that area anyway, because the traffic is usually chaotic - especially in the Promenade where TJ's is. On the rare instances I need to go to MicroCenter, I go in the back way through the industrial court, or take Rose from Brentwood Blvd.

I can take the traffic, it's those ****ing micro parking spaces that get me. I think a Smart Car would get in a bind trying to park in those things.

NewChief · 07-19-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

See, that's the type of thing I like.

However, mango in chile is disgusting. In fact, after posting about that purchase I went to the cupboard to give them another try. 1 bite, I spit it out and threw the bag away. It's not food.

Fresh mango and cayenne or chili powder is a classic Latin American and Caribbean pairing but I can see it losing something with dried fruit.

Bump · 07-25-2011, 12:33 AM

don't ever get that fat free spicy black bean dip. It's disgusting, pureed black beans with lots and lots of vinegar. PUKE

Braincase · 07-25-2011, 05:48 AM

I've got one across the street from my office. If they had a decent soup/salad bar, I might check it out.

KCUnited · 01-12-2012, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by underEJ

A sampling of great things from trader joes:

canned corn. amazingly crisp and sweet and not canny at all.
almond milk. they just added this and I like it more than almond breeze brand.
roasted pepper and corn soup. I sometimes add grilled chicken and hot peppers, but good straight.
satay noodles. I miss these since I stopped eating gluten.
marinara. the regular one, tall jar.
caramelized onion dip. great on carrots ,cucumbers, and grilled steak tips (happy accident.)
hummus. all kinds.

I'm addicted to their organic roasted red pepper and tomato soup. Its a fantastic base. I'll add some curry, ancho, red pepper, whatever I have on hand. Add some sauteed chicken and some baby spinach, yummo.

Their pretzel buns with jalapeno pub cheese are legit as well.

Pants · 01-12-2012, 06:45 PM

Is their sunflower seed butter not the best thing ever to be put in the jar?

htismaqe · 01-12-2012, 06:53 PM

I've never been there but a co-worker sent me a can of Trader Joe's English Toffee as a Christmas gift. It's superb.

Frazod · 01-12-2012, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pants

Is their sunflower seed butter not the best thing ever to be put in the jar?

Sunflower seed butter? Oh man, I have to try that.

Damn you!

Al Bundy · 01-12-2012, 06:59 PM

I bought one of the Turkeys.. I work in the same parking lot as the one on 119th and roe.

Pants · 01-12-2012, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

Sunflower seed butter? Oh man, I have to try that.

Damn you!

07-18-2011, 09:26 AM
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $154454	Trader Joes KC Anyone been yet? Whats the fuss? Its just a grocery store right? http://www.kcconfidential.com/full_c...full=yes&pbr=1 Fast forward to this week's hot July weekend in Kansas City and Friday's grand opening of not just one, but two TRADER JOE'S grocery stores---the upscale sister business of German owned ALDI stores. A grand opening without any advertising no less! (Note: TJ's takes all credit cards. Aldi doesn't take any. And the second TJ location is at 119th and Roe in Leawood.) Barricades at Ward Parkway Center, security officers, long lines, humanity in mass. You'd think these people had never been to a modern supermarket. Or God forbid, a WHOLE FOODS. As I was driving past the new Trader Joe's off State Line Friday morning, I swore to stay away from the place for at least a month before checking it out. But curiosity got the best of me Sunday afternoon and off to Ward Parkway Center it was. Trying to find a parking spot anywhere close was a major challenge. But I lucked out with a spot on the far north side of Target's parking area. What did I find inside the new store? Massive crowds, many semi-empty shelves that couldn't be restocked fast enough and some pretty tasty looking goodies. Pricing at first glance seemed to be good to average. A six pack of Beck's beer $6.99, while a gallon of milk sold for $2.99---good prices. Did I stock up? No way! Eight checkout lanes. Each with lines at least 20 shoppers deep. Will I go back? Sure, why not---when things have settled down a bit that is. Until then, it's HyVee, Price Chopper---and dare I suggest--Whole Foods for me.
Posts: 68,626

07-25-2011, 12:33 AM	#68
Bump YOU take YOUR seat Join Date: Nov 2007 Casino cash: $-1614895	don't ever get that fat free spicy black bean dip. It's disgusting, pureed black beans with lots and lots of vinegar. PUKE
Posts: 38,202

07-25-2011, 05:48 AM	#69
Braincase Banned Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pond> Me <Barn Casino cash: $11298284	I've got one across the street from my office. If they had a decent soup/salad bar, I might check it out. __________________ BrainCase
Posts: 15,429

01-12-2012, 06:45 PM	#71
Pants Time Keeps On Slipping Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $3549900	Is their sunflower seed butter not the best thing ever to be put in the jar? __________________ "Turn the channel to 26!"
Posts: 27,417

01-12-2012, 06:53 PM	#72
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $8149900	I've never been there but a co-worker sent me a can of Trader Joe's English Toffee as a Christmas gift. It's superb.
Posts: 104,321

01-12-2012, 06:59 PM	#74
Al Bundy Damnit Peg Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $3401831	I bought one of the Turkeys.. I work in the same parking lot as the one on 119th and roe.
Posts: 23,645