Great Escape: Trader Joe's

I used to think people who thought cooking was relaxing had a screw loose. The days when chopping vegetables and measuring flour were akin to torture are not that long gone for me, and yet, it seems like a lifetime.

I love walking the aisles of the grocery store, sorting through the farmer’s freshest picks and wondering what Julia Child recipe would work best with wild-caught snapper. If this is you, or if you just like to eat, may I encourage you to take a little road trip to the very best grocery store you’ll ever shop (sorry, Wegmans): Trader Joe’s.

Basically, it’s Disneyland for foodies. Well ... a mini-Disney, anyway. The primarily Californian grocer has started moving East in recent years, and several locations are just a short drive from the Lehigh Valley. Lucky for us.

So why the hype? Walk into a TJ’s and one of the first things you’ll notice are the Hawaiian-shirt-clad employees, laughing with each other and their customers. "Why are these cashiers so happy?" I often wondered. And then, I learned that the Trader Joe’s business model is such that all employees rotate through all positions (from clerk to manager) within any given store. This means higher base pay, which makes for better morale and a warm-fuzzy atmosphere. And who doesn’t love warm and fuzzy?

Keep walking through the store and you’ll notice about 80 percent of the goods are TJ’s own products. From rosemary Marcona almonds to yellow curry infused soba noodles to edamame hummus, the aisles are lined with exotic goods that have been perfected by the Trader Joe’s team, who spend much of their time scouring the far reaches of the globe for what’s new, hot and tasty.

The result is tons of exciting and different flavor combinations that are constantly changing with the seasons.

Trader Joe’s is also a great store for new chefs who are intimidated by a pile of raw ingredients. Although TJ’s does have plenty of organic produce and meats, they also have an abundance of quality frozen and fresh, prepared meals, as well as fun sauces and spices that will make even an amateur seem like a pro. And don’t get me started on their sweets. Fresh baked muffins, fancy candies and bite-sized pies? YES, PLEASE.

My only warning: Just don’t get too attached to any one thing, as stock is known to change frequently and without notice.

 Dear curry noodles,

Come back to me. I miss you.

Love,

Kelly

 Where: Trader Joe’s, 1460 Bethlehem Pike (At the Corner of SR 309 & SR 63), North Wales, PA, 19454. Call (215) 646-5870
or go to www.traderjoes.com for info.

 Escape begins: 8 a.m.-9 p.m., daily

 Note: Alcohol not sold in PA. For stores with wine and beer, head to one of their several New Jersey locations.