Trader Joe’s Opens in Dr. Phillips!

Southwest foodie visits specialty grocery store on opening day

by Kirsten Harrington


Trader Joes celebrated its second Orlando-area location last month with the grand opening of its DrPhillips store. Banners of balloons, steel drum music and free samples were just part of the festivities offered to customers who braved the opening-day crowds. A party atmosphere prevailed as Trader Joe’s fans sipped organic tea lemonade, sampled honey sesame cashews, and shopped their way through the store.

This chain of specialty grocery stores started in the ’60s in California, and now has more than 400 stores across the U.S., including a Winter Park store that opened last summer.

Loyal fans like Dr. Phillips resident Hannah Tran had been waiting for that moment for years. Ten years ago Hannah moved to Orlando from California, where she shopped regularly at Trader Joe’s. She’s a big fan of the fresh flowers and extensive selection of dried fruit, especially the chile spiced mangoes.

Fresh flowers are a favorite feature at Trader Joe’s.

Fresh flowers are a favorite feature at Trader Joe’s.

“Trader Joe’s is very affordable,” she said, pointing out that her favorite dried fruits carry the same price tag as they did 10 years ago in California.

The sample station is always a hit, where customers can grab a small cup of coffee or Green Plant drink and nosh on the latest flavor of Cookie Butter (think peanut butter only made with crushed cookies) or imported cheese. The wine department hosts tastings Saturdays and Sundays, where customers can try their latest find or pick up a few bottles of value-priced Two Buck Chuck. Since they introduced these quite-drinkable Charles Shaw wines 10 years ago, Trader Joe’s has sold more than 600 million bottles in seven different varietals.

Trader Joe’s has earned an almost cult-like following among its customers, who flock to stock up on everything from dark chocolate-covered ginger and mochi ice cream to purple spinach and frozen steel-cut oatmeal. Ethnic foods such as frozen Indian samosas and Danish pancake-like aebleskiver are popular, too.

Part of the appeal is tasty, quality food  — much of it organic — at very reasonable prices.

Trader Joe’s also has a “try before you buy policy,” explained Thomas, a helpful employee who showed me around on opening day.

Not sure what sunflower seed butter tastes like or if you’re going to like the edamame hummus?

“We’ll let you try just about anything, except maybe the frozen halibut,” Thomas said jokingly.

If you somehow end up with something you don’t like, bring it back for a refund.

Trader Joe’s is a godsend for those looking to put a quick, healthy meal on the table at an affordable price. Thomas described the frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken as “absolutely, ridiculously awesome.” Pair it with a package of frozen jasmine rice and easily feed a family of four in less than 30 minutes for under $20. Trader Joe’s classic meatloaf, party-sized mini meatballs, and pulled pork in smoky barbecue sauce are all big hits around my dinner table.

The following is a simple treat that’s fun to make with kids:

Cookie Butter Mug Cake

(Make these individual cakes in the microwave in less than five minutes.)

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Cookie       

Butter (I used original but you can experiment with other flavors)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

2 tablespoons sugar

4 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt

Melt butter in bottom of microwave safe mug. Add remaining ingredients, stir well and microwave for 90 seconds. Top warm cake with additional cookie butter or whipped cream and serve.