TRADER JOE'S FOUNDER PASSES AWAY

THE END OF A LEGEND!! 

 ARTICLE FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES

OMG!

These have got to be the best store bought holiday cookies I've ever had!! They taste like home-made shortbread cookies with an almond twist. They are little sparkling (dusted w/crystal sugar) snowmen.

They are very inexpensive $4.99 per box. They make a wonderful last minute gift or a great teacher gift!

The box is the cutest thing! A sturdy holiday striped (reusable) box with adorable snowmen on the lid!

Need I say more! (get them soon - they sell out QUICK!)

MAYBE FRIDAY THE 13th WILL BE YOUR LUCKY DAY!

Last call for any survey takers to win a free $25 gift card to Trader Joe's.

Here is the survey. If you already haven’t filled it out, please do so to qualify for the gift card.


How to enter:

1. Go to TJ’s fb group.
2. Click on Discussions tab
3. Click on topic Survey Prize – Enter Here
4. Leave your name as a post


I will be drawing a name at random on Friday, 11/13/09. The winner will be notified via facebook.

Joes Hawaiian Beads & A New Survey

Another fun TJ's employee. His name is "Joe" (not that Joe). He is wearing the coveted Hawaiian Beads as he walks the floor greeting customers. Enjoy the beads now Joe - you have to pass them off when your shift is over!

As many of you know, our quest for getting a TJ's in Riverhead has become increasingly frustrating. The TJ's company feels that we here on Eastern L.I., NY cannot sustain (at this time) a year round customer base. How ludicrous is that!! I have made up a short survey chock full of questions that will help TJ's see that we are not kidding about wanting/needing our own store and how we CAN sustain one here.

Please take a minute and fill out the survey. (I've given TJ's exec's access to the survey answers)

Thanks!

Friendly Folks at TJ's

Enjoyed my shopping expedition again to TJ's Lake Grove. Met some more of the friendly staff.

(pictured here Rob & myself).

Just a quick update - TJ's exec's from the East Coast & West Coast visited existing stores here on Long Island early this month. They also had time for a quick visit to us out on Eastern LI. It was a very preliminary visit to "approve" the area for a store. Well, we passed, but will not have a store any time in the near future. Atleast we are still on the list!! I was told to check back in with the Real Estate Dept. periodically to find out if there are any updates or changes.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

My little guy loves Trader Joe's too!


Today's trip to Trader Joe's was a huge success and loads of fun as usual! They ok'd me to drop off some tear off sheets with the info for our Facebook Group promoting Riverhead, NY as a prospective location. I will do that soon! So next time any of you East Ender's (and surrounding Riverhead area's) are shopping there, let them know where you are from - get a promo sheet!!


Leeza - The Balloon Girl - a Lake Grove TJ's employee knows how to please my guys!


The employees there are always the best! How does TJ's do it? Is part of the interview a personality test?

Below is a another Lake Grove TJ's employee - Laura - who has been there for three years. She is handing out samples of their Triple Ginger Cookie Thins. These are scrumptious thin wafer cookies with a sharp, strong ginger flavor excellently balanced with a hint of sweetness. They contain ground candied ginger, minced ginger, and ginger pulp, as well as molasses and brown sugar. YUM!

YUM YUM YUM

Vegetarian Mushroom Moussaka

3 large eggplants, unpeeled and sliced into thin 1/4-inch rounds.
2 trimmed leeks which are available bagged at TJ's, chopped (makes about 3 cups chopped).
1 10-oz bag sliced Crimini mushrooms
1 24-oz jar Rustico Southern Italian Sauce
1 tsp cinnamon
1 packed cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup Freshly Shredded Parmesan

For the sauce:
1 cup yogurt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup Freshly Shredded Parmesan

1.) Salt the eggplant slices, making sure both sides are lightly covered, and place in a colander. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes, preferably 30.
2.) Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the leeks for 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and saute for an additional 3-4 minutes. Add the sauce and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer and then remove from heat. Stir in the parsley and Parmesan.
3.) Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Rinse the eggplant slices and pat dry. Brush the slices with olive oil and then spread the slices on two baking sheets. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes until the slices look softened.
4.) Reduce the oven to 375 degrees. Oil an 8x12 or 9x13-inch baking dish. Place two layers of eggplant slices in the bottom and then add the mushroom sauce on top. Cover with the remaining eggplant slices (another two layers).
5.) In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, nutmeg, and Parmesan. Pour this over the top of the casserole and spread evenly over the top.
6.) Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let it rest 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 6

recipe from Cooking With Trader Joe's