Welcome, Joe – What to try at Trader Joe’s

Baton Rouge’s first Trader Joe’s, located on Perkins Road at Acadian Thruway, is slated to open about the time this issue hits newsstands. In preparation, we spoke to a handful of locals who are well versed in the popular specialty market chain’s charms, and each gave us their foodie recommendations.

Jonathan Denham, 33
Graduate Assistant and Doctoral Candidate, LSU
Joe’s Experience in: California

Roasted Gorgonzola-Flavored Oven Crisp Crackers These are so good with wine, with hummus or just alone. They are very crunchy light crackers with a subtle Gorgonzola flavor. Enough to taste the sharpness of the cheese, but subtle enough that even children would love them.
Vegetable Pasta Medley This is always a good go-to dish from the frozen aisle. It’s farfalle pasta with julienne carrots, spinach, bell peppers, cheese and some other good stuff.  You heat it in a pan—takes like 10 minutes—and it makes a really good side dish.
Australian Kookaburra Licorice This is stupid—stupid good! This strawberry licorice is bite-sized and soft, yet dense. Very addicting. This is how red licorice should taste.

Alison Paz, 45
Director of Marketing and Communications, Alliance Safety Council
Joe’s Experience in: Georgia
Dark Chocolate Pound Plus Bar Need I say more! With the holidays approaching, these are excellent stocking-stuffers or gift basket items.
Fire-Roasted Tomato Salsa It’s always in my shopping cart.

Sarah Tullier, 36
Co-owner and Assistant, Tate Tullier Photography
Joe’s Experience in: New York
Dark Chocolate-covered Blueberries I always end up stuffing my suitcase with their unique and creative snacks, and this is one I love.
Apple Cinnamon Goat Cheese This is a high quality food that’s not too intimidating or overly organic. The prices are so reasonable, too. I cannot wait to be able to just hop in my car and drive a few miles for everything here. The wines are also at excellent prices.