Yes. It's true. I was a Costco virgin. The brunt of jokes at cocktail parties. "WHAT. You've NEVER been to Costco? Clearly you're paying TOO much for everything you buy!" Well, um, OK. I just never wanted a package of 148 hot dogs. Or a mayonnaise jar large enough to house a small Taiwanese family. Or enough Q-Tips to build a small raft for lounging on Lake Havasu. I just didn't. But recently, for a fashion show I planned, a friend, I'm sorry, a MEMBER, took me to Costco. I was impressed by the beer selection. Wines were decent. I thought the paper goods were overpriced as I got better deals at, and I'm saying this in a whipser tone...w a l m a r t! UGH! Hey I was watching my pennies. The BEST part of Costco for me, in addition to the surprising organization and cleanliness, is the free samples. It was like dinner with a toothpick theme. Stick a crazy straw into that bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and call it a meal.