I can almost remember the day like it was yesterday. I was strolling along Sepulveda on a short layover in Los Angeles, and I saw a grocery store that I had never seen before. Now I don’t want to ruin my super cool reputation by saying that grocery stores make me giddy inside, but the heck with it, they do! That sunny afternoon was the day I discovered Trader Joe’s and I have been obsessed with it ever since.
It is one of the greatest/worst parts about travelling. Happening upon an amazing store that has everything you like, and then realizing you have to go home and live without it. That initial day in LA I spent about 2 hours roaming the aisles and about another 2 hours trying to fit a cart full of groceries into my carry on.
If you haven’t been let me tell you a little about it. By now I’m sure you got that its a grocery store. But it’s so much more than that too. First off the staff wear Hawaiian shirts. I mean, that should sell you on its own. They also have tons of products for the gluten-free, lactose-free, and almost any other “free” you can think of. Most of the items I purchased from there were from the “Trader Joe’s” brand of products and were all organic.
This is not some mega superstore. Instead it feels like a neighbourhood farmers market. The prices are great (compared to my native land of Toronto) and the selection in items I am interested in, are immense. And most importantly, not a single person judged me when I danced through the aisles singing and shopping at the same time. It’s just that kind of place.
Since that day, I make it a priority to visit in almost any city I can. I have also made faithful followers in my friends and families. They now also hate me when I can’t provide granola every week. Loved ones can be so demanding some times.
If you happen to be travelling in the US and you want to check it out, here are some of my favs:
– The Cranberry and Maple Nut Granola
– Dried Mango slices
– The FAGE greek yogurt with honey
– The almond butter
– Every single one of the packaged trail mixes
– The kale and edamame salad
– A bottle of 3 dollar wine. Yes I just said it. THREE DOLLARS!!
Basically everything. And no I do not work for the store, but if I got to wear one of the shirts I might consider it.