Snack Review - Trader Joe's Truffle Marcona Almonds

I blame a cheese plate for my marcona almonds addiction.

It was probably at the Confectionery. Ordered that along with olives, and pickles. And of course cheese. All immediately devoured (with repeated orders of extra bread). But those almonds. Yum.

I've seen them in the bulk section of Honest Weight, and the price turned me away. But lo and behold... Trader Joe's! Not that these were cheap, but a nice little splurge.

They also sell a rosemary version, but I stick to the truffle. What do truffles normally taste like... earthy? Well, I eat these and it seems garlicky, and I like it. I've given some to co-workers and they were instantly hooked. 

If you don't eat them right away, make sure you seal them properly or keep in the fridge. I've had an instance or two where they tasted weird, perhaps it went rancid? Had to throw it out. Shame.

Now that I'm writing about it, I think I'll add it to my shopping list!

Happy snacking!

Imma Tell Ya Sump'n

Under no circumstances should you purchase, nor consume, Simpler Times Pilsner or Lager.

Just don't do it. Save your money and spare your taste buds the torture. We did it for you.

Of the two of us, M really is the one knowledgeable in beer and fermented goodness. So here are his thoughts -

There's nothing wrong with it - R bought it knowing it was cheap beer, so little can be expected from cheap beer. **NOTE: Simpler Times is made by Minhas Craft Brewery (Monroe,WI)** It's no Unibroue (which makes TJ's Vintage Ale), but then again, we still haven't tried their stuff yet. 

When asked to explain further, he refused. Because I apparently put him on the spot and he can't work under pressure. Anyways, I don't like it either. It's on par with Steel Reserve, which is disgusting. But it does the job and it's cheap. And sometimes that's all you need. 

Trader Joe'd

I was going to wait a little longer than I did, but I got back from the city Sunday at a decent time so I figured a drive down Wolf Road wouldn't hurt. But not before shopping at another store first. Which store? You'll see soon enough. 

I didn't take any pictures of the store itself, but they almost all look the same. I was worried the place would be a driving nightmare, but it wasn't bad at all. The police directing traffic really helped things run smoothly and I was lucky to find a spot quite easily. I left through the back and saw that people had parked over behind Panera and there was a road that connected the TJ parking lot to the Colonie Center loop. So, if you want to avoid the traffic, turn into the mall and head for the far Macy's parking lot. If you're on Wolf Road you can turn onto Sand Creek Road and enter the mall that way, avoiding the headache inducing left turn.

It wasn't the madhouse I had imagined it to be, but the empty shelves I thought I would see were there. Some of the sold out food items included soft white bread and tortilla chips... possibly all varieties. The store wasn't mobbed, but there were people standing around and staring. Understandable when it's your first visit, but it was burdensome as I had to do some dodge and weave exercises to get some items. Had I known I would have stretched first.

Checkout was quick but a little confusing. So you drop your cart off on one side and then stand on the other.  I don't remember doing that at other stores, but then again, I also remember someone taking my things when I got to the front of the line. The lady in front of me had mentioned that she was just there the day before and just had to come back. Looks like TJ's found themselves a new fan.

Lucky for me their opening coincided with my upcoming vacation. So while I'm off in the great outdoors, you'll have some TJ related posts to keep you busy. Just some mini-reviews... nothing fancy.