I think I’ve been living under a rock the past few weeks and totally missed the fact that Trader Joe’s was opening near my neighborhood this weekend. I mean, I saw they expanded into Pinecrest earlier this year, and West Palm and Boca Raton in September. But in Pembroke Pines, FL? I mean…was I actually going to see what all the fuss was about?
I almost didn’t until I saw a fellow South Florida blogger tweeting about it this morning. So instead of my normal Publix run, I decided to make the trek to see if Trader Joe’s would live up to the hype. Apparently everyone else in Broward County had the same idea, the place was jam packed!
It was hard to maneuver around all the shopping carts and excited shoppers, but I spent enough time there to get the gist. Yes, yes it’s worth the hype…and then some.
What I liked about the store are all the different healthy options they offer for busy families. They had pre-marinated proteins, and antibiotic-free, grass fed beef and chicken, and a wide variety of gluten free and dairy free selections for those of us with dietary restrictions. They also carry an item called cookie butter which one of my twitter friends Cliff Terhune insisted I buy. He claimed it was “ecstasy in a jar.” He was right. I mean, how did I not know about this?! I tried a couple dollops on sliced bananas…heaven! I then promptly put it on a high shelf so I can’t reach it.
Here’s some of the other loot I picked up and can’t wait to try this week. This is essentially our meal plan by the way, thanks Trader Joe’s!
- Pre-cooked Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts – Great for lunch salads or an easy dinner.
- Cabernet Marinated Pot Roast
- Edamame Guacamole
- Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Vegetable Fried Rice – Our girls love this as a side dish.
- Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets – For those days when I’m too tired to cook!
I barely scratched the surface of discovering what Trader Joe’s has to offer, but I’m definitely going to have to make it there at least 2-3 times a month for those easy to make lunches and dinners. I never knew what we were missing, and I’ve never been so stinking excited to go grocery shopping! And unlike Whole Foods, it didn’t break the bank. I was surprised at how reasonable the prices are, especially on wine! Anybody have a fav they can recommend?
I’m pleased to have some healthier and easier options to feed my family. I’m no longer a Trader Joe’s virgin, and I’m happy to be a customer…finally!
what’s your favorite thing to buy at trader joe’s? school me!
Kristen,
So glad you liked what you saw! Prices are definitely customer friendly and we’ve had some very delicious meals from there as well. It took about 2 months for the newer stores crowds to die down in PB County, but now, it’s pretty manageable and their customer service is Publixesque. Anything you don’t like, just bring it back and they’ll refund the price. It’s a nice option to have!
Thanks for your sharing your cookie butter expertise!
We don’t have Trader Joe’s OR Whole Foods. Someday…
Have you tried Biscoff spread? It sounds similar to that cookie butter you bought. It’s made from those cookies they give you on a flight.
I saw that the other day and was intrigued!
They were doing a demo of cookie butter on apples one day and I asked the crewmember what else cookie butter is good with. “A spoon,” she said.
Point taken.
I used to work at a Trader Joe’s in San Francisco which was the most lucrative one in the country, until one in NYC opened. People used to line up at dawn to get in. It was nuts.
We have one up here but it’s been there awhile and if you go before 1:00pm on a weekend, or on a weekday, it’s virtually empty. LOVE.
The kids love pretty much the whole store.
I’ve never been to a Trader Joe’s but man it sounds like they have some great products and prices!
I love the sound of that cookie butter… oh my. I would be tempted to eat the whole jar.
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
I put it up high – not going to get into it today…that’s what I keep telling myself!
Haha! Great minds think alike, except I waited until Sunday to go! I have to agree with you, I am super excited to have on here now and I will def be adding this store into my weekly routine!
Me too…see you there!
I love Trader Joe’s!! Their fearless flyer gives me so many great ideas. I can’t do all of my shopping there as our family is too large, but we definitely have some go to items from there!
I have been to Trader Joe’s once and it is only 3 blocks away. I think I may have to visit again and score some of this Cookie Butter nonsense.
I would live there if it was 3 blocks away!!
I want some of that cookie butter! Researching Trader Joe’s locations now!
it’s awesome!