The Supermarket thread

Name your price.

STANV said:

Name your price.

 For you gratis, and I'll throw in a couple of oranges and onions both which came in large quantities. Actually if the onions start sprouting, I'll donate to the Garden Club. Maybe Costco shoppers could pool resources. A Costco co-op. I'm on the lookout for either white wine or champagne, and bleach.

Where are you going for a small quick shopping? Like when you need a quart of milk, mustard some condiments etc.

rhw said:

Where are you going for a small quick shopping? Like when you need a quart of milk, mustard some condiments etc.

 Supermarket, but I look in my fridge and pantry and try to see what I might run low or out of in the next couple of weeks and buy ahead at the same time so I can still stretch out to the next shop if at all possible 

This obviously won’t work with fresh fruits and veggies, but I figured frozen and canned never killed anyone (at least not nowadays that they no longer use lead solder in cans), so we’ve been eating those for the most part 

I'm planning to make do until next Wednesday and try to avoid the quick trips I seem to keep doing. 

spontaneous said:

 Supermarket, but I look in my fridge and pantry and try to see what I might run low or out of in the next couple of weeks and buy ahead at the same time so I can still stretch out to the next shop if at all possible 

This obviously won’t work with fresh fruits and veggies, but I figured frozen and canned never killed anyone (at least not nowadays that they no longer use lead solder in cans), so we’ve been eating those for the most part 

 Broke down and bought frozen chopped spinach and was surprised at how nicely it worked in my recipe. Also gave in on blueberries. I keep realizing how spoiled I have been. Grateful for what I can snag.

https://www.nytimes.com/article/expiration-dates-coronavirus.html

if you have reached the depths of your pantry shelves, and are concerned what is safe to eat, this link will be very helpful. I have often tossed something when in doubt — wasting good food!

Has anyone been to Trader Joe's in the past week?  We haven't gone in over a month and now that my husband has finished the Easter candy he's ready for some TJ's favorites.

I was there on Monday. They keep the amount of people inside reasonably manageable, one-in one-out policy, spacing, etc. When I got there, they pretty much had everything I needed on my list, and a ton of other stuff I love there too, and probably shouldn't be eating. Masks are required, but gloves aren't it would seem (I wore gloves) and they hand you a disinfectant wipe as you walk in. No outside bags, either. Be prepared to wait in a long line that actually moves pretty fast. Give yourself plenty of time and space.

Any recent intel on the shopping experience at target in union? 

I was at Stop and Shop at around 2pm today.  Small line waiting to get in - wasn't too bad.

No wipes anymore when you first walk in - so wear gloves or bring your own.

Aisles are now one way.  But not everyone realizes it - the signs are handwritten and there's arrows taped on the floors.

Meat selection was decent.  Cereal aisle was the barest I've seen it.  Still no microwave popcorn.  Produce area was about half full.  

I made a commando-ninja raid to Kings this morning. Not many customers, all with masks and buying more than what you usually see in there.

While first approaching the store, I passed the now (obviously) closed movie theater and noticed the movie poster outside appropriately titled for my mission, -"HOPE    GAP" featuring an older couple approximately my age seeming to be standing at a social distance.

I really had to chuckle from behind my mask.

Does anyone know where to find firm tofu and yeast?

rhw said:

Does anyone know where to find firm tofu and yeast?

 You have a better chance of finding a pack of N95 masks on the shelves than you do yeast

I buy canned chicken at Costco to keep in the pantry.  I’m not sure of the exact cost, but it’s in the neighborhood of $12-$14 for a package of six cans.  I just saw this on Amazon 

For a second there, you had me thinking that was the price for one can, instead of one six-pack (still triple the normal price).

rhw said:

Does anyone know where to find firm tofu and yeast?

 I bought tofu at Shop Rite. I'm just at the point that I need more. 

Does nutritional yeast work? I see a company Noochy pop up on FB all the time. It's used for vegan recipes. 

Liv Bread in Millburn has live yeast in one-pound blocks for $12. Curbside pickup, and they'll make you a fancy coffee (which I sheepishly admit I miss). Their four vegan soups are all delicious.

Another option is wild yeast if you feel like doing a science experiment:
.https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/04/05/think-youre-out-bakers-yeast-think-again/

I am thinking of trying this. Nutritional yeast won't work, it isn't live. It is mostly a flavoring ingredient / supplement.

I just went to Costco.  A six pack of canned chicken is $9.89, but I don’t know if that is a sale price or the regular price 

I keep this stuff in my pantry all the time, it’s perfect to add a bit of extra protein to soups or rice dishes. Super easy and I can’t overcook it like I always do with regular chicken

DaveSchmidt said:

For a second there, you had me thinking that was the price for one can, instead of one six-pack (still triple the normal price).

I got all excited tonight to learn I could order Frosted Flakes for free next-day delivery via Staples - then learned the minimum is more than $60, as it’s boxes basically designed for hotel buffet breakfasts, I guess. And for someone with a pantry way larger than mine. Back to the drawing board. 

Smedley said:

Any recent intel on the shopping experience at target in union? 

 I've done Target a couple of times now. We ordered ahead what we could, but most grocery shopping you can't order ahead. It's a shame because while it's not quite curbside pickup, the order pick up is just inside the store, so your exposure is still pretty limited.

For the in-store grocery shopping, I've had good luck getting most of what I wanted, though produce has some noticeable gaps (anyone know where one can buy scallions? Haven't seen any of those in weeks, which is unfortunate as we use those a lot in our cooking). I like that the aisles are wider than in regular grocery stores. If an aisle is occupied I just skip it and come back. You can also see which aisles items are in ahead of time, and so plan out your trip and add the aisle number on your grocery list (I use a printed list so I can avoid touching my phone while shopping).

As far as times, the first time I went was after 7, and it was pretty lightly trafficked. The second time I went around 10am, and there were more people; not crowded relative to regular times, but it felt crowded for coronavirus times, so when I have to go again I'll stick to the evening.

PVW said:

 I've done Target a couple of times now. We ordered ahead what we could, but most grocery shopping you can't order ahead. It's a shame because while it's not quite curbside pickup, the order pick up is just inside the store, so your exposure is still pretty limited.

For the in-store grocery shopping, I've had good luck getting most of what I wanted, though produce has some noticeable gaps (anyone know where one can buy scallions? Haven't seen any of those in weeks, which is unfortunate as we use those a lot in our cooking). I like that the aisles are wider than in regular grocery stores. If an aisle is occupied I just skip it and come back. You can also see which aisles items are in ahead of time, and so plan out your trip and add the aisle number on your grocery list (I use a printed list so I can avoid touching my phone while shopping).

As far as times, the first time I went was after 7, and it was pretty lightly trafficked. The second time I went around 10am, and there were more people; not crowded relative to regular times, but it felt crowded for coronavirus times, so when I have to go again I'll stick to the evening.

 You can get curbside pickup at Target for anything you can do via in-store pickup. I have done it a few times. It isn't really at the curb but at special parking spaces they have set up. You might need the app on your phone to do it, can't remember.

Target also offers free shipping on orders over $35. I have been able to get stuff that way that I have had a hard time finding elsewhere.

If you are interested, I think you can get a pre-ordered box of food put in your trunk today at the Millburn library.  Some local food biz guys set up something called Boxcar (go to Boxcarapp.com).  Seems like they have a surplus of boxes today.  I jut picked mine up.  A breeze.  Looks like the worker are wearing N95s - no fooling around (and you dont have to leave your car).  The boxes are a mix of dairy (milk and eggs) and veggies.  Go for it.

https://platform.boxcarapp.com/listings/273/reserve

bub said:

If you are interested, I think you can get a pre-ordered box of food put in your trunk today at the Millburn library.  Some local food biz guys set up something called Boxcar (go to Boxcarapp.com).  Seems like they have a surplus of boxes today.  I jut picked mine up.  A breeze.  Looks like the worker are wearing N95s - no fooling around (and you dont have to leave your car).  The boxes are a mix of dairy (milk and eggs) and veggies.  Go for it.

 Were you happy with contents and was it a good value?

The web site describes the contents of the box.  We're not so budget conscious these days but you can compare the price to the contents to figure it out.  My wife says it's good quality. 

Two items we've been going without for quite a while, that they have, are regular milk and lettuce.  We've been using powdered milk and oat milk.  They're not terrible but it's nice to see a gallon of cow milk in the fridge for a change.

If they don't get enough local business, we will have to drive to Madison or Cranford for their service.  Not terrible but it would be nice to have this as a local option. 

Pulled off yet another successful supermarket blitz early this AM. We da man!

-s.

Mpl Kings --- approx. 11:00.

Picked up 4 cans of Progresso soup, o.j.    In and out in about 8 minutes. No other customers.

City Supermarket on Irvington Ave, (Ivy Hill Plaza) is closed until 4/27.