My Grocery Happy Place

I love to shop at Trader Joe. I am impatiently waiting for the day they open a store in my home town. They say that day is coming. Until then, I shop there whenever I travel and import products through travelling friends. Some people ask me "What in the world is Trader Joe?" I really can't explain it. It's really just a grocery store. Kind of a Whole Foods sort of store . . . They even sell many of the same products. There are a few key differences though. At Whole Foods, I feel like I should be . . . earthier or something. I am not worthy to shop there. TJ's welcomes all with open arms. But it's more than that. They have their own product line that I'm sure is created by uber-creative people hanging around in a kitchen saying "I wonder how it would taste if we combined _________ and __________." The next thing they know, an amazing product is born. Of course, one must always stock up because the amazing product is quite likely to suddenly disappear, never to be seen again. A few of my long lost favorites . . .

Lemon mayonnaise-- Turkey sandwiches have never been better. Sadly, Wasabi mayo does not fill the gap. Not every crazy combination is a winner. I would also recommend steering clear of the chili cashews. Not their best hour.
Mayan Mix-- A different flavor in every crunchy piece. Lemon, chili pepper, sesame, and more. Tempting Trail Mix (cashews, almonds, chocolate and butterscotch chips, with dried cherries) is nothing like it but almost fills the gap.
Thai marinade-- I only had this one once and it was amazing . . . sigh . . .

A few that are still around but likely to disappear at any moment . . .
Salty Balls of Goodness-- Chocolate covered almonds rolled in sea salt and turbinado sugar. Don't knock it till you've tried it.
Ginger Snaps-- Bite size bits of yumminess
Chocolate Covered ________ -- You never know what they are going to cover in chocolate next. Some are not so good (like edamame), others are true brilliance. Mmmmm, clouds . . .
Mango Shaving Gel-- Don't eat that one.
Oatmeal Soap-- Don't eat that one either
Basque Sheepherder Cheese-- Eat that one on crackers

This you-tuber captured the TJ's experience perfectly. I'm still laughing.