I know it' s been such a long time since I wrote a blog post, and frankly I am pretty embarrassed since my sweet husband created this awesome blog which I have neglected to keep updated. So, what better time to kick start my writing then with an entry about something I have waited for, for FIFTEEN years.
Since moving from Los Angeles to Kansas City in 1996, I have missed many things. My family, my lifelong friends, the beach, the mountains, the amazing restaurants, and my beloved Trader Joe's. For 15 years, with the help of my mom, I have shipped boxes of their products several times a year. At first, I would ship their frozen foods in ice packs, but after 9/11, it was easier to stick to the dry goods. I also got pretty tired of the skycap at LAX opening my perfectly packed box, rummaging through my goods, and then chuckling "You don't have a Trader Joe's where you live?"
So what's the fuss about you say. It's just a market right? Nope. For me not only is it a piece of California, but it is a market filled with great products, great prices and cooking inspiration. Their coffee, nuts, cheeses, cereals, wines, pasta, sauce, oils, chocolate treats, pizza dough, frozen foods, flowers, crackers and dog food (to name just a few items), are like nothing we have here. Sure we can get what we need, but you have to wander the aisles to truly get the Trader Joe's philosophy. Which, if you don't know it, here it is - http://www.traderjoes.com/about/our-story.asp
If you want to know what to get, meet me at 6:00am this Friday morning for the grand opening (which is 8:00am) and get ready to load up your cart. I have been cleaning my frig, freezer and pantry to prepare for this day, and I already see an amazing party in my future.
