Trader Joe's in Cary

On Friday I ventured to Cary to stop at the new Trader Joe's located in the Shoppes of Kildare (who spells "shops" like that?) at Cary Pkwy and Kildare Rd.

LOVED IT!

Trader Joe's is a privately held company with a business model that allows them to sell fantastic products --organic, international and gourmet items -- at low prices. They sell most of their products under their own label and they buy direct from the grower, dairy, producer, etc.

I bought French brie for $3.65 and mousse truffle pate for $5.69. These would cost $6.00 and $8.00 respectively at Whole Foods or A Southern Season. My favorite deal was on an 8oz log of goat cheese for 3.49! Even at Harris Teeter a 4oz log costs nearer to $5.oo. The nuts and coffee are also a steal and are great! A pound of fantastic coffee was $6.99 as opposed to the usually $9.99 I pay at either Foster's or A Southern Season. I bought the Moka Java which is a blend of Ethiopian and Javanese coffee beans. It is strong but wonderfully smooth. It is great with milk and not at all acidic. I bought some great tea too: pomegranite white tea that is great iced with a bit of sugar and some San Pellegrino poured over it.

I bought a couple of bottles of wine but I've not tasted them yet so I cannot vouch for those yet. One bottle is the Charles Shaw cab sauv for $2.99 (aka Two Buck Chuck)and the other is a St. Emilion for $7.99.

Trader Joe's also has an interesting frozen food section. I was riveted. I bought some HUGE sea scallops and a piece of salmon stuffed with crab. They look great but I've not yet fixed them. I cannot decide what to do w/ the scallops: either grill them wrapped in bacon or pan fry them w/ a sherry vinaigrette. Both sound pretty good!

The very good news is that Trader Joe's is opening a store in Chapel Hill where A Southern Season used to be. They have already purchased the building and they hope to have the store opened before Thanksgiving! I cannot wait!