Ever heard Whole Foods called Whole Paycheck instead? The Cleveland area does not have Whole Foods stores yet, but we do have a host of other "natural food" stores that have the tendency to suck up a whole paycheck.
Enter Trader Joe's - an awesome alternative. Tons of prepackaged and prepared foods, fresh flowers and plants, and a fabulous wine and beer selection. All at a more than reasonable price. Also a nice aisle of beauty products and pet foods and supplies. Breads, salads and vegetables and fruits too. In short, a grocery store full of interesting, healthful stuff that you normally don't think you'd be able to afford.
Be forwarned however that this place can become a mad house. The shopping center has numerous other stores, and depending on the day and/or time you go, the parking situation can be touchy. Particularly during the holidays. The lines may be long at the checkouts, but they move pretty swiftly, and the staff is very helpful and efficient.
The wine selection is fantastic. Buy twelve bottles, doesn't matter if it's a mixed case or all the same, and you'll receive a discount. Trader Joe's also carries Charles Schwab, a/k/a Two Buck Chuck. It's closer to three and half bucks, but still well worth it. The prepared foods are delicious, as are all the frozen entrees I've tried. Trader Joe's also has monstrous wheels of brie - that is if they haven't run out before you've arrived.
I shop here before every party I have, and I always stop by for an interesting wine and cheese, or flowers, before I go to someone else's party. Assembling holiday baskets is a cinch too. What did Clevelander's ever do before Trader Joe's?! (There's one on the west side now too, at Crocker Park).
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