damn you trader joe's....

[Anonymous]

I just inhaled a small bag of dark chocolate covered tahitian caramels. YUM!! I wish had bought more than just one! The caramel had a slight vanilla flavor and was soft. It was such a great treat.

[Anonymous]

1. Next spring be sure not to miss TJ's choc covered malted milk balls-delish
2. Could the cart discussion people go to another thread? You're pissing on out fun

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My newest Trader Joe's find: they have frozen yogurt that's plain yogurt flavor, like the "original" flavor soft serve froyo at fro-zen-yo and other places, but hard, like ice cream. It's in the freezer section with the other ice cream. Sooooo good. It's tangier than the soft serve. My kids are even loving it. I've been letting them have some as an after-dinner treat, with a few berries on top.

Yum! Which Trader Joes did you find this at??

The one on colesville road in silver spring.

[Anonymous]

Seaweed snacks are yumm. Satisfies my sushi craving. Even my 2 yr old likes it. I think he thinks he's eating paper.

[Anonymous]

I stumbled onto this looking for a new and unique way to prepare the Kobe beef burgers that I love so much.
I noticed the comment about the child on the cart issue.
I am an employee of Trader Joe's and would like to shed some light on this.
First of all, having survived many trips to the grocery store with my daughter, I understand how annoying it is for anyone to make
comments like this.
Here is the deal. Our carts must have been designed by a moron because they are taller and more narrow than most. Even with a cart
full to the brim of groceries, if a child gets on the side, it is prone to tip over. I have seen it happen many times. Seriously, ten or twenty
times it has happened that I have seen.
First working there I never would have been one of those bossy, nagging crew members. After so many times of trying to calm a crying child
with stickers, I now, very kindly talk to the parents and explain the nature of the carts. It takes a village to raise a child and keep them safe.
I am sorry if you were offended. I totally get it. Some people are more diplomatic than others.
Maybe the message could have been delivered different, but their heart was in the right place.
Sincerely,

Evil Captain Kangaroo

[Anonymous]

Ok, are the salted caramels in a holiday box worth the trip to TJ? I need a guaranteed yummy (small) gift. Any other recs for guaranteed delish sweet things?

[Anonymous]

The dark chocolated covered carmels with sea salt are amazing!
Oh so decadent!
I rue the day we run out!

[Anonymous]

Have you ever had the mango and cream bars? Like grown up popsicles. I keep thinking I should blend them up with a little rum, or prosecco!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the explanation, Captain K.

Now--are you all constantly snacking on the salted chocolate almonds, or the chocolate covered orange rinds, or what? What's keeping you all so damn perky?

[Anonymous]

I used to work for Trader Joe's. Truly a great company, some warts like all, but really not many. I have seen some quality of food items go down with the price/profit crunch, but it is still far above many grocery stores. They have some awesome foods you just can't find elsewhere.

People are happy b/c they are well paid. I mean very well paid. I worked there 10 years ago and started at $8.00 an hour, within a short period of time I made up to $13 per hour, this was to stock shelves and run a register while I was in college. When they open a new store they bring in full and part time people from all over the country, seasoned friendly and loyal employees. It really makes a difference. Plus the stores are small so they really focus on their niche items and keeping a clean pretty set up.

The main manager at each store can make $150K++ easily, very well compensated. The majority of the workers are long time employees that have a career, yes, you can have a career in a grocery store. THere is a great 401K plan and health benefits. In my store, we had many burnt out executive/cubicle types that changed gears and moved to management roles in the stores. College kids stayed and moved to full time rather than pursuing jobs in their major. As a mom, if my career ever goes away, I'd go back in a heart beat. Compare that to the employees you see at the local giant, not paid well and not invested in their job, employer or what they do.

[Anonymous]

PP again. I should say the one bad thing is that they transfer employees (full time) all around the country and to move up you need to be open to that. Many young people are cool with that so it really works out, but for those with families or wanting to not move, opportunities are limited careerwise.

[Anonymous]

Just tried and highly recommend the turkey bolognese (freezer section) and chocolate peppermint truffles (by the register. Individually wrapped pieces in a bag.) I have to go back for the peppermint chocolate covered Jojo's. They were out!!!

[Anonymous]

The mini beef tacos are ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

I cannot believe that 5 pages into this thread, the link for this masterpiece of a video has not been posted. TJ fans, you will not be disappointed. It's just for you.

http://www.carlsfinefilms.com/cff_website/tjs/

I've done my work here. If you need me I'll be in the purple bag of dark chocolate covered pretzels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to work for Trader Joe's. Truly a great company, some warts like all, but really not many. I have seen some quality of food items go down with the price/profit crunch, but it is still far above many grocery stores. They have some awesome foods you just can't find elsewhere.

People are happy b/c they are well paid. I mean very well paid. I worked there 10 years ago and started at $8.00 an hour, within a short period of time I made up to $13 per hour, this was to stock shelves and run a register while I was in college. When they open a new store they bring in full and part time people from all over the country, seasoned friendly and loyal employees. It really makes a difference. Plus the stores are small so they really focus on their niche items and keeping a clean pretty set up.

The main manager at each store can make $150K++ easily, very well compensated. The majority of the workers are long time employees that have a career, yes, you can have a career in a grocery store. THere is a great 401K plan and health benefits. In my store, we had many burnt out executive/cubicle types that changed gears and moved to management roles in the stores. College kids stayed and moved to full time rather than pursuing jobs in their major. As a mom, if my career ever goes away, I'd go back in a heart beat. Compare that to the employees you see at the local giant, not paid well and not invested in their job, employer or what they do.

I read an article a while ago in the Post (years ago) touting TJ's excellent health benefits, even for part time employees I believe. This would have been enough to make me very happy a few years back when we were struggling with securing a job with benefits. I get it! It's a great experience to shop there and I'm happy to hear they treat people well.