Racism (started as Trader Joe’s)

[Homer]

Hi all,

Just moved to West Seattle after too long away from the city in the suburbs. Love this WSB and can’t get enough of it. Still can’t get any solid answers about if a Trader Joe’s is coming to West Seattle either at Admiral Junction, Alaska Junction, Morgan Junction, or Fauntleroy. Speculation but can’t get past that. Anybody know about this? Thanks!

[amrakx]

Finally a topic that doesn’t involve dogs! I don’t have anything to add but West Seattle is probably the most overlooked site for a new Trader Joe’s. It’s something I think we can all agree would be an asset to the community. Like Costco, it’s at least a once a week stopover for me.

[JoB]

i would love a Trader Joes in West Seattle.. had to whip over to Burien today because the pups were out of dogfood…

see .. more dogs;->

[shihtzu]

I’ve sent requests via the Trader Joe’s website and asked about it at the store. They said not any time soon due to parking.

[flowerpetal]

Homer, welcome to West Seattle. WSB is just one of the many great reasons to live here.

And to all, may I cast a dissenting vote for TJ’s? What WS doesn’t need is another grocery market. I could go a long time without needing to go to a TJ’s. At our house we refer to Trader Joes as the grocery store for people who don’t cook. I couldn’t even find a sack of flour at the TJ on Capitol Hill last month; and it is almost impossible to find dry spices for a recipe in that store. The wine labels are rarely recognizable to me and don’t get me started on the produce!

[WSB]

We have investigated this approximately 6,000 times in the past year and a half, every time the rumor comes round again. Nothing official in the works now but keep in mind that many things are in play given all the available commercial property in West Seattle – so it could suddenly appear out of left field someday – or not — TR, WSB editor

[amrakx]

Why won’t they consider the soon to be Ex-Charleston Cafe site? There appears to be ample parking there. Then again Petco (dogs again) would have to find a more suitable location. I know, let’s move Petco to Westwood Village with all the gangs of off leash pitbulls wandering the neighborhood and keep Trader Joe’s in the Admiral area. If wishes were fishes we’d all cast our nets in the sea…

[JanS]

umm…I understand that Charlestown Cafe is safe for now….they’re just fixing what needed repair after their fire there…

[Anonymous]

I’m sure I’m in the minority, but I don’t get the whole Trader Joe fascination. To me it is all hype and no substance. I can’t think of a single thing they do better than other options. Last time I thought I’d try some new stuff and it all went in the garbage. Every one gets so excited and I find myself caught up in thinking I’m missing something and then I’m disappointed. I would be so much happier with another Met market over here on the forgotten side of West Seattle.

[andrea]

Wow…I love TJ’s…so having one close by in West Seattle would be stupendous for me…yes their produce often leaves a bit much to be desired, but everything else they carry makes up for that…multitude’s of affordable and tasty options you just can’t get at a Safeway, that are wheat free, gluten free, flax filled, omega 3 & omega 6 enriched, soy based, rice based, almond based…I could go on and on…it may not be for everybody, but for this body its a definite weekly must! Please come to WS Trader Joe!

[charlabob]

I actually kind of like having to cross the bridge to get to TJs (which I *love*, but then I’m not exactly the consummate cook). Otherwise, I might never leave the island. The “forgotten side” definitely needs a market TOO — but we can have it all — TJs and a market for the forgotten. :-)

[WSB]

The site that some have been lobbying for is the commercial building coming to High Point along 35th. Supposedly its developer has also said “West Seattle is over-grocered,” but there’s no denying that the entire eastern half of WS – from 35th through High Point, on toward the growth zone of Delridge, and up into Pigeon Point and SSCC vicinity, etc. – is without any sort of neighborhood store, even though the situation may feel like oversaturation to those of us on the west side of WS.

[Kayleigh]

I love TJ’s and I love to cook. It’s their prices that win me over (can’t stand the markup at places like Whole Foods and PCC).

I buy coffee, tea, chocolate, frozen entrees to keep at work for lunch, and I’m addicted to their Greek-style yogurt. I occassionally grab some interesting cheese, pizza dough, different breads….mmmm.

[beachdrivegirl]

I am with you Kayleigh. I love TJ’s, but I just dont get in there enough.

[JoB]

JT..

they do dog food really well..

great organic dog food that agrees with shibas for a third to half the price of anything comparable i’ve found…

and i am told their regular dog food is also good.. and inexpensive.. tho i don’t use it.

they also do bread well… a dollar less for premium breads..

and $2 less for my Oregon Chai tea mix.. without which i would be a very unhappy camper.

Also.. i actually found a shampoo and conditioner i can use there at $1.50 a bottle…

I buy vitamins there… tomato sauce… gingersap cookies… cooking wine… and some condiments…

they are not my first choice grocery.. but there are thing i buy there regularly…

want me to call next time i head over there?

[Anonymous]

JoB, ok I might give the dog food a try but only because it’s you.

Almost everything you listed though, even organic dog food, you can get at Costco. And I love Costco fresh baked garlic loaf.

I’m happy for everyone else, but it almost seems like a religious experience for some and you know how I feel about religion :)

Really, I just want any grocery store near High Point, even a TJ’s.

[Gina]

Parking? That doesn’t seem to be an excuse used at the Queen Anne TJ location. That is one tight lot for parking.

[RainyDay1235]

I too emailed them last year, no plans then. I thought the location of the old market on Alki would have been a great spot. Their own brand items are great. I love the prices. But mostly we go for the orange chicken, jasmine rice, pudge free brownies and haywood cabernet! :)

All we need is that and a Chipotle – and my husband will never want to move.

[Anonymous]

Btw, where IS the nearest TJs? We just found our nearest Costco the other day, but we do like the price and selection of TJ wine.

[Aim]

NewResident: Depending on what part of WS you’re in it’s either on Capital Hill, up on Aurora in Shoreline, or down in Burien on 1st.

We take Roxbury to 509 to the 146th(?) exit (the one just before the airport exit) and then left on 1st. It takes about 7-10 minutes to get there from Westwood area.

I love their organic yogurts, eggs, soy milk, rice, etc. But my biggest favorite there is the flash-frozen fish. They’ve got salmon, swordfish, ahi, etc for incredibly cheap – very high quality. Sure you can get the same stuff at QFC or Safeway or PCC, but TJ’s is the only place I can fill my cart entirely full of healthy food and great snacks, all organic, for around $100. At QFC 2 bags ends up around $100, and at Safeway I may get 3-4 bags. We skip their produce and hit Tony’s for fruits and veggies once a week.

I can’t stand dealing with Costco – too crowded and too much food for a 2-person family without a chest freezer. I’m sure it has its place, but it’s not useful for us.

[Anonymous]

There’s one in Burien (15868 1st ave s)

Queen Anne (112 W Galer St.)

Capitol Hill (1700 E Madison St)

[beachdrivegirl]

Although I enjoy Costco I rarely go grocery shopping there. For a family of two and one small freezer…Costco items just dont seem to fit. TJ’s is also one of my favorite places to go before having guests over there. They have a great wine and snack selection(cheese, crackers, etc) for a beyond reasonable price. NR-I have found that the Capital Hill TJ’s is easiest for us. I live in the Alki/Beach Dr. Neigborhoood.

[Anonymous]

I just have to link to the “stuff white people like” blog #6 Organic food. It’s fun to laugh at yourself once in awhile. And if you’re non-white, read the blog and laugh at us. So many are embarrassingly true. Top of the page is link to full list.

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/01/19/6-organic-food/

[Anonymous]

Thanks BDG and JT.

BDG – I agree about the Costco bulk problem. With little room to store everything, it’s not too convenient. We do, however, get all of our paper towels, toilet paper, stuff like that there.

[Anonymous]

Oh, the crowds too! What a nightmare! We went on a Sunday. NEVER GO ON A SUNDAY! We asked when they were the least crowded and they told us the best time to come is Monday night.

[Author]

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