When I first moved to South Jersey, I was mystified by Trader Joe's.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the place. But I was a bit confused. What was with all those mysterious, Jimmy Buffet-sounding brands and labels, the palm fronds, the airport references and postcard artwork?
I loved the giant canisters of Kona coffee for less than a semester's tuition, and I particularly loved trolling the frozen food aisle for affordable and healthy frozen food options such as Trader Joe's microwaveable brown rice, yummy potstickers and perfect-for-lunch tamales.
But the best part of Trader Joe's, which now seems like an old friend, are the holiday goodies - the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels, the star-shaped dark chocolate cookies, the fabulous tarts and pies. I have the day off tomorrow, and am looking forward to stocking up.
Ho, ho, ho!
See you at the Tiki bar.