Cuisine: I (heart) Joe.

Cara here, little Braude’s Bites blogger - Im re-introducing myself because Im the “new girl”. Not new to this blog - but new to the Big Apple. Ive been “dans le jus” setting up health insurance, banking and hosting numerous squatters, which explains the lack of postings (sorry about that). Although this doesn't mean that I haven't been cooking - au contraire my friends! I no longer have the privilege of stopping by my parents house for free ready-made yummy meals and “shopping” (a.k.a stealing) my parents pantry which we had affectionately nicknamed Loblaws.  

 I have so many recipes that I want to blog about that I honestly don’t know where to begin!? So - I’m going to start where all recipes begin, at the grocery store! D’Agostini, Food Emporium, Whole Foods, Gristedes, Fresh Direct - lets just say that I haven't exactly been faithful, its my lil black book of grocery stores and they all have their pluses and minuses.   This afternoon with no clear objective in mind, I headed out for a stroll looking to further explore my hood. Since everything closes for labour day, thought it might be a smart idea to try and find one of those fruit stands on the corner to re-stock my fridge. Apparently, along with the rest of the Manhattan population, the dudes with fruit stands also leave the city for the long weekend. Awesome.

  One of the things about living in NYC, is the need to be “in the know” - like knowing that youre not supposed to stay in the city on long weekend. Right, moving on. You should see how many e-newsletters I receive in my inbox every morning about the newest restaurant openings, the review of the hottest runway collection and the up-to-the-minute celebrity gossip updates. Its absolutely exhausting.  

So here I am - keeping you “in the know” and although this blog may not be relevant to those of you who don’t reside in the US, I feel the need to share my newest addition to my lil black book - his name is Joe, Trader Joe and all I can say is that he has got it going on *snap* *snap*!  

Imagine Grand Central during rush hour, now imagine the same type of traffic in a congested grocery store with small isles. They actually have employees in place to manage and direct the traffic, fine - not a big deal, but they actually take it one step farther, they even have someone standing at the back of the line with a sign that says “Back of the Line”. This is because the line wraps throughout the WHOLE store.

  This line makes the shopping experience a bit awkward because your fellow shoppers who are waiting to pay for their picks are also waiting in the isles that you are shopping in - they are smack dab in front of the dairy, meat, produce and cereal section - its like trying to penetrate a conga line at a bar mitzvah just so you can grab a filet mignon. You need to make it very clear that you are simply entering the line to grab product “x”. Even the re-stocking employee needed to fight tread lightly. Keep in mind, this is New York city - you don’t want to piss people off, so when it comes time to go to the cash, budding in line is NOT an option. 

Speaking of NYC - the guy next to me in line had his bike folded into his carriage - genius. 

So - Im sure you wondering why Im head over heels? Well, in a city where everything is expensive (i.e. My Rent Check) - the concept behind Trader Joes means that they cut out the middle man - they go direct to the farmers so the goods are dirt cheap! I know that we have coined the term Reccessionistas for fashion conscious savers, but I don’t believe a term has been coined for foodies that like to save on their ingredients - Im open to suggestions. I can’t tell you how many times Ive heard my Mom or my Bubby tell each other that the “Blueberries are on sale at Loblaws” or that “You get a Cucumber when you buy $60 or more at IGA in Cavendish Mall”. It always amused me, but I guess with age we do all become like our mothers so people take a look at my savings. Chippy will be proud.  

1 LB of Grape Tomatoes for $2.49 (its usually $2.99 for a small pint) 
1 Package of Arugula 2.99 (its usually $3.99)
 1 Package Jumbo Cooked Non-Kosher Shrimp 31-40 $7.99 (its usually $9.99 - $12.99)
6 Persian Cucumbers $2.59 (normally $3.99) 1 LB Raw Almonds $4.99 (normally $6.99)
3 Peppers - Red, Orange, Yellow - $3.79 (normally $5.99)  

This sign in the store sums it up:  

Ok so crazy lines, long waits, cheap prices - I know what you’re all thinking - the produce is nischt good. Um No. The produce was fresh and comes in Club Price size packaging! They have the largest trail mix and dried fruit section I’ve ever seen in my life.   And last but not least - the products that they have in this store are exceptionally unique. I’ve posted some photos here but a few are worth mentioning: Dark Chocolate covered Edamame, Dark Chocolate covered Ginger, Wasabi Mayo, Lactose Free Toffutti Blintzes, Dried Pineapple, Strawberry Lemonade and a PB&J Bar (Peanut Butter, Milk and Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Jam and Potato Chips).  