Another sign of gentrification :-(

[jackjackjack]

Trader Joe's has a frozen dinner Chicken Tikka Masala. It comes with the chicken and basmati rice. It's delicious. Almost as good as that at a restaurant. The main problem being it's small and there should be more chicken. I tried the Safeway brand-it wasn't as good.

 

For a quick meal, I'll scramble some eggs and pour the Chiken Tikka Masala and rice over them. Serve it with a warmed pita or naan (oh and salsa -can't forget the salsa), and you've got yourself a meal.

 

My apologies to the epicureans and actual cooks/chefs on the Forum. I won't horrify you with what other so-called foodstuffs I combine with scrambled eggs.

 

Gman

 

Again, you have to go into detail about food just when it's my lunch time. Now I'm hungry. . . Ok, I'm heading to TJs.

[+ Gar1eth]

Trader Joe's has a frozen dinner Chicken Tikka Masala. It comes with the chicken and basmati rice. It's delicious. Almost as good as that at a restaurant. The main problem being it's small and there should be more chicken. I tried the Safeway brand-it wasn't as good.

 

For a quick meal, I'll scramble some eggs and pour the Chiken Tikka Masala and rice over them. Serve it with a warmed pita or naan (oh and salsa -can't forget the salsa), and you've got yourself a meal.

 

My apologies to the epicureans and actual cooks/chefs on the Forum. I won't horrify you with what other so-called foodstuffs I combine with scrambled eggs.

 

Gman

 

Again, you have to go into detail about food just when it's my lunch time. Now I'm hungry. . . Ok, I'm heading to TJs.

 

I believe they are $3.49 in the frozen food freezer. Tell 'em Gman sent you!!

 

Gman

[+ LIguy]

I have a Trader Joe's 1 mile away and another 7 miles away. I go to the one 7 miles away because the parking lot is big and easy to manuever. No Whole Foods but does a Wild By Nature count? That's .4 miles away.

[whipped guy]

I totes forgot that Aldi now caries a lot of organic stuff. Often times it is almost half the price as the big grocerys and just as yummy!

 

Hugs,

Greg

Interesting! I was not aware of that. I will have to check that out. In any event, I just noticed this:

 

http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/01/aldis-new-organic-selection-may-give-whole-foods-a.html

 

They could be giving Whole Foods a bit of a run for their money!

 

Of course the article reminded me about one reason I don't like Aldi's which is the whole shopping cart ordeal! I don't mind bringing my own bag or even bagging things myself. I'm cool with that and do so in other such stores. However, the deposit for the cart just rubs me the wrong way.

[body2body]

I absolutely despise TJ. Have no opinion on Whole Foods. TJ is nothing but alcohol and snacks. Why won't people just admit that? It's not groceries. Ralphs is Groceries, Balduccis was groceries, TJ is booze and snacks.

Rod you need to open your eyes the next time you go to TJs. I just looked at a cashiers receipt from TJs two weeks ago and it includes:

Boneless skinless organic chicken breasts

Ground Turkey

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Organic Hearts of Romaine Lettuce

Organic Asparagus

French Roast Coffee Beans

Free Range Organic Eggs

Organic Old Fashioned Oatmeal

Low Fat Organic Milk

Goat Cheese

Pecorino Romano Cheese......

And I could go on- not a wine, or a snack in the lot.

[whipped guy]

I have a Trader Joe's 1 mile away and another 7 miles away. I go to the one 7 miles away because the parking lot is big and easy to manuever. No Whole Foods but does a Wild By Nature count? That's .4 miles away.

What is it with Trader Joe's and parking lots. Don't people know how to design parking lots these days!

 

Interestingly, my very first escort was a Landscape Architect. One reason why he left the profession (or at least had to take a hiatus from it) was because he was sick and tired of having to design parking lots. Thank the gods that he did take that respit from his profession as the world of BDSM was made all the richer for it! I've never since encountered a BDSM expert with so much knowledge, equipment, and overall hotness!!!

[+ Charlie]

Trader Joe and Whole Foods don't gentrify the neighborhood--they move into neighborhoods which are already gentrifying, as any retailer which wants to be perceived as more upscale does.

 

I could never use either one as a substitute for a good chain supermarket--who wants to pay extra for staples?--but I do shop at them maybe once per month for things that I can't get at Ralph's or Albertson's, like interesting frozen prepared dinners (TJ) or good salad bars (WF). The WF in the base of Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle is a good place to get a quick dinner before a performance at Lincoln Center.

[whipped guy]

. The WF in the base of Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle is a good place to get a quick dinner before a performance at Lincoln Center.

Charlie! I never thought of that! I knew that you were one of our smartest posters! There used to be a Korean Deli that was located between Columbus Circle and Lincoln Center that was great prior to a matinee performance. They have since gone out of business. Interestingly, that NYC Whole Foods is one of only two that I have ever frequented.

[+ quoththeraven]

I used to get my hair cut at a salon in the same strip mall as Trader Joe's. For what it is, their prices are reasonable, so I'd go there on occasion after my hair cut.

 

Whole Foods is a different matter. One of the regional chain grocers moved out of the strip mall closest to where I used to live because it couldn't get zoning approval to expand. Whole Foods moved in. I was at the mall a lot because of KMart, Staples, and the tire store and auto repair shop, and the Whole Foods customers were always totally oblivious. The prices are generally ridiculous. But the last time I was there, my daughter and I got some great coffee and gelato (her) and sorbet (me) for about the same price you'd pay at Starbucks or an upscale ice cream or gelato shop.

 

It says something about how stratified things are in North Jersey (maybe all of New Jersey) that there is a regional grocery chain, Kings, with meat as pricy as Whole Foods. But its prices for staples are lower. On sale, they compare favorably with the competition.

[geminibear]

OH come on y'all...we know the main gentrification force for any "transitional" neighborhood is the gays! Smile and thank the heavens when we move down the block from you

I don't think I'm the kind of gay they had in mind. Two weekends ago when I had lots of family staying with me for activities in the city, Western Stock Show & Rodeo, Boat and RV show, Broncos/Steelers game, some passive aggressive gentry type person or persons left a note on my door saying "rednecks, diesel trucks, campers and horse trailers don't belong on the block." (every single vehicle was parked on or in front of my property which is a corner lot with RV parking.

 

I'm also the guy that every big snow storm plows everybody's sidewalk and the driveways of the elderly and nice people on the block.

[+ Truereview]

I'm also the guy that every big snow storm plows everybody's sidewalk and the driveways of the elderly and nice people on the block.

the above deed pretty much cancels every temporary red neck nuisances in my eyes. Hell, I'd be willing to put up with your flannel, jeans, and boots too.

[+ José Soplanucas]

I absolutely despise TJ. Have no opinion on Whole Foods. TJ is nothing but alcohol and snacks. Why won't people just admit that? It's not groceries. Ralphs is Groceries, Balduccis was groceries, TJ is booze and snacks.

Booz and snacks? Give me the address!

[geminibear]

I absolutely despise TJ. Have no opinion on Whole Foods. TJ is nothing but alcohol and snacks. Why won't people just admit that? It's not groceries. Ralphs is Groceries, Balduccis was groceries, TJ is booze and snacks.

That's what I thought. This is a great place to stock up for the game!

[Kenny]

I absolutely despise TJ. Have no opinion on Whole Foods. TJ is nothing but alcohol and snacks. Why won't people just admit that? It's not groceries. Ralphs is Groceries, Balduccis was groceries, TJ is booze and snacks.

TJ has really good frozen entrees, prepared and not. I use them all the time. Milk, yogurt, breads, cheese, fruits, etc. My Ralph's has a better alcohol selection. (As for BevMo: Yikes. Good selection, but way over-priced.)

[MsGuy]

some passive aggressive gentry type person or persons left a note on my door saying "rednecks, diesel trucks, campers and horse trailers don't belong on the block."

 

What a smug hipster asshole.

 

[bigvalboy]

Two weekends ago when I had lots of family staying with me for activities in the city, Western Stock Show & Rodeo, Boat and RV show, Broncos/Steelers game, some passive aggressive gentry type person or persons left a note on my door saying "rednecks, diesel trucks, campers and horse trailers don't belong on the block." (every single vehicle was parked on or in front of my property which is a corner lot with RV parking.

 

First of all, if I saw a neighbor with diesel trucks, campers and horse trailers parked in front, my first thought would be, how do I get myself invited to dinner.

 

And people that leave notes like that are cowards. If it bothered them, then they should have simply knocked on your door and talked to you face to face.

[MikeyGMin]

Rod you need to open your eyes the next time you go to TJs. I just looked at a cashiers receipt from TJs two weeks ago and it includes:

Boneless skinless organic chicken breasts

Ground Turkey

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Organic Hearts of Romaine Lettuce

Organic Asparagus

French Roast Coffee Beans

Free Range Organic Eggs

Organic Old Fashioned Oatmeal

Low Fat Organic Milk

Goat Cheese

Pecorino Romano Cheese......

And I could go on- not a wine, or a snack in the lot.

 

I love Trader Joes! They also have excellent Indian and Thai sauces that you can start a meal with. And English style crumpets!! (Yes, Kuriosity, they are every bit as gay as they sound and quite delicious.) That's just the way this homo rolls. :confused:

[jackjackjack]

What is it with Trader Joe's and parking lots. Don't people know how to design parking lots these days!

 

Interestingly, my very first escort was a Landscape Architect. One reason why he left the profession (or at least had to take a hiatus from it) was because he was sick and tired of having to design parking lots. Thank the gods that he did take that respit from his profession as the world of BDSM was made all the richer for it! I've never since encountered a BDSM expert with so much knowledge, equipment, and overall hotness!!!

 

That is so funny. That's the biggest joke here my CA and my area. EVERYONE talks about how terrible TJ's parking lots are....small crammed spaces. Even the employees tell you they're designed that way. Why? I have no idea.

[+ Gar1eth]

the above deed pretty much cancels every temporary red neck nuisances in my eyes. Hell, I'd be willing to put up with your flannel, jeans, and boots too.

 

I have no problem with flannel, jeans, and usually boots. I don't wear flannel myself because as a full-figured guy, I find they hold in my heat too well, and I sweat.

 

Gman

[bigvalboy]

What is it with Trader Joe's and parking lots. Don't people know how to design parking lots these days!

 

Speaking to TJ parking, I know their parking is just crazy, and frustrating sometimes, but TJ is well aware of the problem and actively tries to address those issues. My business partner did several commercial real estate deals with TJ finding them suitable locations. Charlie is right, TJ only moves into neighborhoods that have demographics that fit their business model. In California, that means areas with a higher than average household incomes. Finding a suitable location with enough land to build a sizable parking lot is not always possible, and the cost is often prohibitive, so it is location first, then they just try to make everything else work. Studio City. Sherman Oaks and West Hollywood stores are prime examples. Great location, no room to park cars, but TJ banks on the loyalty of their customers to deal with the frustrating parking situation. In FTL, there is more room to build in prime areas, and land value doesn't compare to CA, so the parking here is better.

 

It's amazing how many times I would drive past Ralphs and Pavilions and go another couple of miles further, just to wait in line in the parking lot at Trader Joe's.

[+ azdr0710]

http://www.laweekly.com/news/beloved-silver-lake-trader-joes-parking-peacekeeper-recovering-from-horrific-bike-accident-6332128

 

http://patch.com/connecticut/orange/milford-man-cited-altercation-trader-joes-parking-lot-orange-0

 

and in Philly, one can evidently make reservations to park at a TJ's there:

http://www.parkwhiz.com/trader-joes-parking-18/

 

 

[whipped guy]

http://www.laweekly.com/news/beloved-silver-lake-trader-joes-parking-peacekeeper-recovering-from-horrific-bike-accident-6332128

 

http://patch.com/connecticut/orange/milford-man-cited-altercation-trader-joes-parking-lot-orange-0

 

and in Philly, one can evidently make reservations to park at a TJ's there:

http://www.parkwhiz.com/trader-joes-parking-18/

 

 

 

Ironically that Trader Joe's in Orange, CT is relatively nearby my northern location and is the only TJ's that I have been to that has decent parking! Go figure!

[+ deej]

That is so funny. That's the biggest joke here my CA and my area. EVERYONE talks about how terrible TJ's parking lots are....small crammed spaces. Even the employees tell you they're designed that way. Why? I have no idea.

 

It's true. Both Trader Joe's (relatively but not really) near me are in malls that are known locally as "that mall with no parking". It *has* to be intentional.

[+ Gar1eth]

It's true. Both Trader Joe's (relatively but not really) near me are in malls that are known locally as "that mall with no parking". It *has* to be intentional.

 

They must have messed up here then. The one in Tacoma, really University Place, doesn't have a humongous amount of parking. But it's in a large shopping center. There's loads of other parking near it.

 

Gman

[seaboy4hire]

Tj opened up in Evanston near me and parkingis one huge cluster fuck. I made ine trip and that was enough to make me stay in the city and go to the locaion near Clybourn or however it's spelled.

 

Hugs,

Greg