Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in san francisco, CA

Trader Joe's

by Michael Rohde

May 05, 2009

I've never met anyone who said they didn't like Trader Joe's. After all, what's not to like, you get balloons for the kids, free samples, and the groceries are awesome. Yes, I just wrote that groceries are awesome (I think that's proof I'm no longer in my 20's and am a bona fide parent). Plus, if you shop smartly, their prices are cheaper than some big chain grocery stores.

I realize that TJ's is not a unique SF experience; after all, they are nationwide. So, why do I bring them up now? It's simple, really, they just lowered prices on select items. If you've never been, or if you've been neglecting your local TJ's, it's time to pay them a visit.

I also understand they have a cookbook (Cooking with all things Trader Joe's) on sale. Would that be a good Mother's Day gift? I guess that depends on the Mother...

Here's a top 10 list of favorite items (special thanks to my Facebook friends for contributing their faves):

10. Wine selection. Whether you prefer the two buck chuck or TJ's own label, they've got a large selection of great wine (and beer).

9. Tarte flambé

8. Their frozen desserts and organic strawberry lemonade

7. Carne Asada

6. Free balloons for the kids

5. Free samples (you probably saw this one and #6 coming a mile away)

4. TJ's frozen 4 cheese mac & cheese and the pesto tortellini bowl (guaranteed the kids will eat it every time)

3. They have their own peanut butter cups

2. Joe joe's (their version of the Oreo)

1. Salsa. We love the double roasted salsa and I have it on good word, from two different sources, that the peach salsa is da bomb. Apparently, it's really good served on pork chops, grilled chicken, and I'm guessing it wouldn't be bad on salmon either. That's it. Ten reasons to hit TJ's and get some groceries, balloons, and snacks.

BTW, if you want to connect on FB (I'm Mike Rohde, I use the same profile pic there as I do here), send me a note that you read my posts and I'll accept. I'm also on Twitter (jimmyjames70). Fair warning: my tweets are split between discussing Xbox 360 video games and my kids. The kid tweets are usually on Fridays and the weekends. If you let me know you're reading these posts I’ll be sure to follow you back.

See you on the other side.