I like to think of Trader Joe's as a "specialty food/health market." It is simply in a league of its own when compared to large commercial grocery chains. Honestly, there is no comparison!
With that being said, this is the BEST Trader Joe's I have been too! (and I have shopped quite a few in my travels across the US) The sheer size of this store, in TJ standards, is IMPRESSIVE! The isles are plenty large enough for TWO people (with carts) to maneuver through. And more importantly EVERYTHING looks fresh and delectable!
Some of my fav's are:
$3.99 Trader Joe's Coastal Cab...FABULOUS for the price! (Quite honestly though, I haven't EVER had a bad wine at Traders...they have an amazing selection that isn't overwhelming but isn't sparse either.) I also LOVE that they CLEARLY label each of the wines and/or regions so they are quick and easy to find!
The Haircot Verts (French Green Beans) are simply delicious! Their Brussel Sprouts are the perfect size and quantity; just enough for two people at two different meals. They even have Nulaid "Ready Egg" (i.e. egg beaters) for $3.69! At the grocery store the SAME stuff will cost you TWICE that!!
Their cheese selection is delightful with almost ANY kind of cheese imaginable! Their artesian breads are so yummy...although not a "low fat/fat free" food, so that is a once every few months splurge. (and even then we only get the small loaf (which I want to say is called a "little bastard." That name CRACKS me up!)
And although I am not a "sweet" eater, my hubs is...so he has a dozen or so goodies that he constantly gets here. The one I can think of off the top of my head are their Chocolate Covered Joe Joe's with Peppermint Crumble (or something like that.) I'd go look at the box but we are fresh out because the hubs thinks that eating one box over a two-three day period is acceptable!
It also fun to be rewarded for bringing your own reusable bags; as any good eco-friendly shopper would do! There is a weekly drawing for a TJ's gift card (I think the value is $25) and you get a ticket when you bring your own bags. (not one for each bag...just one ticket for bringing them to put your goodies in) Then they draw a name out of all the tickets (which you drop in a box on your way out of the store) once a week.
If you shop more than once a week, you can "earn" a ticket for each time you shop there in a week therefore increasing your chances of winning. (although I am PRETTY sure the majority of Surprise/Sun City Grand shop there so maybe the odds aren't THAT great! )
Regardless, this is just a great little "market" through and through. I used to get excited to shop at TJ's...now I am always looking for an excuse to buy something just so I can go there! (and it's not just to try and win the gift card either..that's an added bonus!)