Of course you do. Which is why you’ll be so shocked and appalled when you read my guest post over at Letters From Crazyville today. I confess that my feeling toward Trader Joe’s will never match my feelings toward my first grocery love. Stop on by and check out my dirty laundry!
Just read it- I lived in Rochester for one year. One very snowy year. The snowiest in something like 70 years. So, it was my only year.
But, I LOVED Wegmans!!!!
Don't feel bad–I never saw the appeal of Trader Joe's either. Actually, as a person who is Officially Obsessed With Food, I have yet to find a grocery store that has it all. The Central Market chain in Texas comes close, but then, it's in Texas.
Well, you know I'm from Rochester, too. I did a reprise stint there from 2004-2006 and found myself going to Tops more than Wegman's. Partially due to proximity, but also due to confusion and cost. Really, Wegman's stores are so big and bloated now that you enter the labyrinth for two items and emerge, stunned and exhausted, 45 minutes later. I know they are thinking they are helping by putting little "essentials" stations near the front with things like milk and eggs, but what if your essentials are edemame and soy milk? One time, I spent a ridiculously long time there trying to find those Italian cookies that are shaped kind of like an S- I made trips to Bakery, the cookie aisle, Italian foods, and oh, they have I think three separate bakery sections. Anyway, you get my drift.
I am a big fan of Trader Joe's, and maybe you're right- maybe it's just because I'm a regular and I know what I like. And they do have stuff you can get in other stores, but organic, and much cheaper. And because my cooking skills are in the realm of mac-and-cheese, I love the frozen dinners- vegetable lasagna, spanikopita, etc. that we can just throw in the oven. As vegetarians, it's hard to find frozen dinners other than pizza or stuffed shells at regular grocery stores. Trader Joe's also has a stunning array of cheap cereal that you can't find anywhere else. Our closest TJ's is about 35 minutes away, so we only go about every three months, but when we do, we almost need two carts. Just wanted to point out some of the pros! Oh, and cheap, good coffee, and stuffed grape leaves! And their guacamole is the best store-bought ever! OK, I'm done. Really.