ofijr's Profile
Foods you love at Trader Joe's that got discontinued? [OLD]
just wondering: what's wrong with older generations??? Some people may want to see what greatness has been lost. Of course from now on I'll be visting and/or posting in the new threads.
Food for thought, however:
“Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.”
Edmund Burke quotes (British Statesman and Philosopher, 1729-1797)
Foods you love at Trader Joe's that got discontinued? [OLD]
Lucky you queesncook. Although I suppose the line between rude and unhelpful can be a fine one depending on how its delivered. Unfortunately, as it is these days I've had the experience of rude, know-it-all workers in probably about 4 out of 8 TJs stores I stop at around the SoCal area.
The store closest to my home is not on the list. The folks there (Cerritos) and in the original Huntington Beach Five Points store actually deserve kudos for their sweetness and helpfulness most or all of the time. Including making lovely suggestions for an affordable wine pairings party.
The store I was going to in the 80's was in the Long Beach Marina Pacifica and moved across the street. The employee turn over rate there seems often these days. They probably hire many students from surrounding University which otherwise wouldn't be a bad thing at all except for the fact this is the primary place where new employees try to correct seasoned customers.
Also I've gotten the know-it-all bad attitude from a few employees in the newer HB store in the Harbour, the newer Los Altos store on Bellflower Blvd. and the Bixby Knolls store guy that wouldn't assist me in finding the pancetta the day after xmas is not forgotten. He had me thinking for that trip Trader Joe's no longer carried the stuff. Pancetta! wth
Foods you love at Trader Joe's that got discontinued? [OLD]
Yeah, that's another heartbreaker. That is an item they carried Forever too. Very sad. In other observations, I discovered they no longer sell a cheese I got addicted to. The Port infused Irish cheese. I thought maybe it was seasonal but the holidays have come and gone and the cheese never returned. I guess at least TJ's knows how to keep us on our seats, eh.
Foods you love at Trader Joe's that got discontinued? [OLD]
Rizza, you would def not be the type of employee I am thinking of. You obviously would KNOW your information correctly for sure. I do not refer to all employees but the ones that work in there and try to tell a familiar customer they don't know what they speak of. In my assumption (I could be very wrong) they are usually lame transplants, who didn't grow up with trader joe's, yet act like a 40 something native californian is an idiot. Yeah, for sure, I feel for the ones that suffer from rude customer issues. I'm sure there are plenty of rude customers but when one very busy but respectful customer runs in quickly and politely asks, "are you out of blankety blank" but gets treated like crud it does feel crappy and infuriating.
Cosmopolitan - Old Town
I second that 100%! Kudos on this idea. Not synching with the diners' pace is an ongoing problem with many servers and pretty much sometimes I just chalk it up to them not being intuitive enough to understand the needs of a table of patrons psychically! That isn't fair of me. Your idea is a great key to wonderful service. If the server were to ask right off the bat everyone has just communicated what pace, style and ambiance is expected.
You guys aren't going to like this...
Hi Philly--if you reread my post It is all written in past tense. It doesn't matter if she/he lives in NOLA or not now. I was merely pointing out to anyone that reads this thread that they had the right to be homesick and they had the right to express it. Food is comfort for many and true chow lovers are going to have their moments of longing for the food they grew up with.
Empathy is empathy whether it's being empathetic to a situation in the past or the present. I merely feel ANYONE that has their moments of homesickness for anywhere should be able to express them without being scoffed, judged and chided.
What does moving back to L.A. have to do with anything. The original poster stated they enjoyed New Orleans. Are you suggesting they needed to leave to seek the diversity? Like "if you don't love NOLA's food just the way it is then keep your mouth shut and just go away?" How about pontificating if maybe since the original post NOLA does have more to offer in diverse ethnic dining than it did at the time of the post.
Hugs
I was having mercy on a homesick transplant, regardless of the age of the original post because what I observed is an overall observation....
You guys aren't going to like this...
I don't think you deserved hounding for being a little homesick for L.A. and expressing something most people aren't used to hearing. I am an Angeleno that has been to NOLA 3 times and I LOVE LOVE LOVE food there. I also have considered living there and am an ethnic food junkie. So I wondering if I would feel the same. Reading your original post, I probably would miss certain things alot. I don't get why people see the need to be overly defensive and start attacking L.A. all the time. You weren't out of line to express your homesickness. I mean have Californian friends that moved to else where and claim to have moved back for In N Out and Super Mex.
I think it's unfair everyone jumped all over you, scolding you for not appreciating NOLA's cuisines and for "comparing" NOLA to LA. You have a right to be homesick. I probably would be every now and then. True foodies get their cravings. These other posters screaming "how dare you complain" are not very understanding. I mean, there is alot to be said for diversity and there's nothing wrong with an Angeleno wishing the diversity they grew up with was it a bit more prevalent in places like the South.
Don't let them chide you for feeling how you feel or felt at the time you posted it. It's obvious you are good-natured enough, and appreciative of your new home in NOLA that you were willing to keep exploring to make the town your own.
And it doesnt change the fact we all love the cookin' Nawlins
Foods you love at Trader Joe's that got discontinued? [OLD]
been shopping at tj's for 20 years here in the Long Beach area of SoCal. I've seen alot go, become replaced, etc. Reading this i am still amazed at how many items really have come and gone...
the items i had grown to depend on that have left me feeling like they severed my right arm are:
1) the tj's own brand of canned smoked salmon--wild caught and cheap for quality stuff
2) the reduced sugar marionberry jam...i just opened my last bottle this month =(
3 the "cheese" style greek yoghurt -- this caught me off guard...it was nice not having to go to another market to get this but oh well....
I still love the frozen cioppino...i freaked out once they'd gotten rid of that but knock on wood, so far so good
for good measure one new item they now stock that I adore are those canadian maple leaf cookies--SO good!
Foods you love at Trader Joe's that got discontinued? [OLD]
So true about the employees. Especially younger ones who insist they know more when they just got started working at a newly built store. It is extra frustrating when a customer has been a TJ's shoppers since the 80s (when there were a fraction of the stores there are now) and used to depend on the item as a standard staple for years before the employee was even out of diapers...
Where's the SPICIEST, Most Mouth BURNING YUMMINESS in Town
Awesome!! My eyes are blurring in anticipation already. Thanks!
Where's the SPICIEST, Most Mouth BURNING YUMMINESS in Town
I can't believe my beloved chowhound does not already have this thread. Please mention any type of cusine you feel fits the bill: American, Cajun, Indian, Mexican, Thai etc. And any dishes that kicked your behind flavorwise and spicy-wise.
Today I'm specifically looking in WeHo or Westside and around but overall we need a list for SoCal. Angelenos! Let's celebrate our love for spice!
Fuji Apples....
a Korean pear looks like a very, very large apple. A large green, grapefruit sized apple. And has a much sweeter, juicer taste than Bosh or Anjou. So delicious but as some above do mention sometimes the larger size is a bit much. Good time to share some with a friend, daughter or co-worker...
Claremont or surrounding-recs for a good place to watch Lakers Parade?
In a frenzy I am looking for suggestions where I can make a lunchstop with a tv where the food is good and ambiance decent. Nothing tooo "sports-bar-esque" as I'll be a female, alone on a lunchbreak. Any suggestions in Claremont Village is good but surrounding areas like Upland and Pomona are do-able. I was wondering if the Buffalo Inn would be good for this also.
Note: Cocktails, Beer and Wine list don't matter for the occasion as I've gotta' return to work, but it helps for future reference!
Fraiche-Bad Service for Us too in 2009
The 10 minutes didn't bother any of us at all. In fact for me, personally it was not even the rule about the bar food in the bar only....what was completely wrong and what prompted my confusedly written post was the rude attitude and the Manager laughing, pointing at and taunting customers with the Hostess from across the room, and then openly telling an unhappy customer that they serve even "more important people than her" when she was purchasing over $100 worth from their establishment.
Fraiche-Bad Service for Us too in 2009
Respect and etiquette was honored.
Maybe you misunderstand my point:
Restaurant patrons are purchasing an entire experience. In the hospitality and restaurant industry going above and beyond customer expectation is the key to building a happy clientele. This is fact...
We as patrons did not fall out of our lines of respect and etiquette. Wanting to order a dish from the bar section in a restaurant which is not divided by even a wall, is not disrespectful. It was an innocent expectation. We didn't break any true laws and ordering bar menu fondue doesn't hurt anyone. Many people, including yourself have attempted to order off the bar menu. At the very least they need to improve it so the bar menu has a disclaimer to avoid poor service. Perhaps printed menus at the bar with "Bar Menu Will Not Be Served In Restaurant" instead of a chalk board or a sign next to the chalkboard. Even an establishment with a dress code must post their rule so patrons are informed.
When an establishment takes a patrons money under the guise they will treat the patrons with respect then that conduct should be upheld wherever we sit within the establishment. We were first time patrons at the restaurant and were eager to be patrons. We weren't rude to the restaurant, but unfortunately they were rude to us.
Fraiche-Bad Service for Us too in 2009
Just for the record, the respect and etiquette given at a Friend's home is an entirely different respect. Being asked over to someone's home as a guest prompts a different mindset and the appreciation given is from heart and gratitude. We aren't paying most friends money to get invited to their homes. Not real friends anyhoo....
Wanting some fondue with our oysters was our perogative as patrons and diners. We weren't trying to do anything different or test anything. The only issue we had was that we were expecting this restaurant would accomdate it's customers like most other fine establishments. We were ordering food to enjoy together as a group of friends and we paid our due price for food and service.
Indian Buffets?
I second the India Restaurant in Artesia. It is DELICIOUS. Buffets there are downright decadent because every taste is to die for. The regular menu is phenomenal as well.
For vegetarian I also second Woodlands in Artesia. More upscale than the grocery or sweets and spices places for Vegetarian Dining. Back in the 90s they use to have sitar players on Fri and Sat.
Fraiche-Bad Service for Us too in 2009
Our experience with their service was HORRENDOUS. My sister was the spokesperson that night and when she requested to speak to the manager, he himself belittled her. His statement was to the effect that her complaints "made no difference" as they had served "way more important people than her." Also during our dining he and his servers would point and laugh at our table. This is all after we had ordered drinks, appetizers, entrees for all four of us AND split two desserts even after the mayhem.
Before I move forward with my rant I also wanted to mention that Ironically I happened to come across the following chowhound thread just by seaching "Fraiche Chowhound" so evidently the restaurant STILL one year later lacks genuine customer respect in some people's opinions:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/507305
It was four of us on a Girl's Night Out. We got to the restaurant, were asked to wait about 10 minutes so each ordered a drink at the bar. While at the bar we noticed the bar menu. In addition to several other items that sounded pretty delicious was a very affordable Gruyere Fondue appetizer. We made note of it but didn't order it at bar as we were only there waiting to be seated as the hostess had suggested.
So we get to our table very hungry and EAGER TO sample great food and ENJOY our dining experience. We decided we'd get several of the starters including oysters (Luna) on the half shell, a brioche which was one of that nights specials and we decided the Fondue appetizer sounded really goood. And the chaos ensued from there....
Ordered the fondue from the Server first. She tells us NO and that They'd Kill her if she let us order that in the dining room. WTefff? Note we are already annoyed but feelin' the mischief possess us. We'd outsmart them!!! One of us gals, my sis, heads back to the bar to cross their imaginary boundry. There she orders our fondue. Muaaah
While over there, the rest of us finish ordering from the menu and await eagerly the successful moment of our scheme when another server appears with the lovely crock of fondue, apple and bread squares to say "here you go Madame, enjoy your dinner." That unfortunately Never happened.
Instead I search across the room to see my sister speaking with a man in a suit that looked like he might be a manager. Only she isn't just speaking, even from the back of her head I can see she's livid. She comes back to inform us we CANNOT eat our fondue in the dining room and that if we want a taste of it, WE MUST WALK BACK AND FORTH from our table to the bar to eat it.
Our entire meal was ruined by the callous and insulting banter received by the staff. Evidently the Chef refuses to let the bar menu foods cross into the dining room. OK. Then hire staff that realize their place of employment is developing a reputation for bad service so at least they can charm us instead of insulting us further. All we wanted was a NICE MEAL for criminy sake!!!
I have my own theory the rule is based on personal Chef/Sus Chef drama that we as customers could care less about. Why torture customers. What is with all the ego. Food is to satisfy the eater's senses and make the eater happy.
About the food, YES-it was good. That's all I'll say. But not worth the insult.
Remembering Trader Joe's Canned Smoked Salmon
pretty recently from what I read. search the boards for "canned smoked..." and I'm sure you will find the thread.
Remembering Trader Joe's Canned Smoked Salmon
I'm a long long time lurking chowhoud user. Hardly ever post, but read almost daily. I'm posting today, wondering who remembers the canned salmon. The Trader Joe's own Alaskan Wild Caught Salmon in the can? The one that said "product of the usa" on the label, not the canned smoked trout I read about in here 10 minutes ago, that I never noticed to try that is also evidently discontinued..
Anyhoo, I'm in delayed mourning over the discontinuation of the smoked salmon as I've opened one of the few cans I have left for lunch.
The price for wild caught canned smoked salmon was UNBEATABLE and the quality for the price was so good. I've grown up with TJ's from my teens (now hitting the first decade that starts with f). I remember there was only Long Beach, LA and Pasadena. It made TJ's seem like such a treat! Still is but Nothing like those days. So though we've seen many products come and go or get switched and changed that one had lived so long I am still in shock they good have eliminated a product like their canned wild caught smoked salmon.
Does anyone know why?
Does anyone have referrals to decent canned smoked salmons that don't cost an arm and leg?
Just please no recipes, because it will hurt my heart too much! jk
Where to buy paneer near HB?
I live in Huntington Bch, grew up in Cerritos so I still go to Pioneer Blvd in Artesia. Take 405N to 605N exit South turn right turn left on Pioneer and cruise until there's a market that calls out to you.
In HB/OC you might find paneer at some Persian/Middle Eastern markets or I've always wondered if Greek Kasseri cheese would be a good substitute. In fact, Persian markets might have a good substitute, and there are more of them around OC.
Anyone been to Matsu in Huntington Beach?
For me it's one of my favorites, even compared to many LA and Torrance. I love Matsu and I was introduced to authentic Japanese cuisine in Little Tokyo by real Japanese and I've not been disappointed. Note however, if I hear there is better sushi in HB I'm always game to check it out
Matsu makes the best "Tiger Eye" roll anywhere and I can testify to this because I am still on a 7 year old mission to find "Tiger Eye" as good or better.
Good burritos in Huntington Beach area?
Super Mex has the best carnitas and their red sauce is the same stuff that exiled Californian's cry for.
Taco Surf is fun but overrated.
Marios is awesome for the cliche dark Mexican Restaurant w/ Margaritas
Chronic is a staple now. They have ok days and specatacular days.
