March 08, 2006

Joe's cup runneth over

It's official: Trader Joe's is taking over the world. Not that NYC is the world—I chose to live 3,000 miles from it, after all—but it's a definite gateway.

I think this is just as it should be. Die-hard gourmands out there, noses elevated, might shun the idea that any grocery chain is worth their attention. But budget foodies know the real score. TJ's has excellent food staples that don't require a second mortgage on your home or your soul every time you go shopping. (Whole Foods. Ahem.)

Not that Joe does everything well. TJ's brand hummus and yogurt are too bland, and you won't catch me buying produce wrapped in plastic in this lifetime. But all the other top-quality essentials are on the shelves, they're yummy, and they're 10 times cheaper than anywhere else that's not scary (Grocery Outlet. Ahem.)

Joe Coulombe, you're my hero.

2 comments:

Amy said...

I like TJ's hummus! But that's great they're scoping out more stores out east. I've already been scoping locations that might be close to where I want to live. I would totally drive an hour now and then to stock up on the essentials.

The BCB said...

In one of the articles I read about this (maybe the link in my blog, can't remember), one lady said she used to drive five hours each way to stock up on TJ's stuff. Impressive or crazy? You decide. But to be fair, I'd be willing to drive an hour also. Just not five.