Today was a turning point for me - I got the right cut of meat and advice from a great butcher at the Union Square Whole Foods!  I went in for a pork tenderloin, and after asking me what I wanted to do with it (stuff it with apples!) he recommended a center cut pork roast better for serving 6 people. AND, before I could ask, he offered to butterfly it so I can stuff away! AND it was half the price of the tenderloins! I was blown away. Something simple like that makes my grocery shopping such a joy. A little knowledge and customer service does go a long way. I lost my Trader Joe’s receipt, so I’ll just give a gist and what my bank account said I withdrew. The farmer’s markets are great right now - lots of apples, squashes, and a lot less sweating carrying your booty home. Here are the totals for this week:

Trader Joe’s (cheeses, frozen peas, raisins, apple cider, tarragon) = $21.73

Union Square Greenmarket

Potatoes (Yukon and Red Bliss), Parsnips, Carrots - $6.75

Granny Smith Apples - $2.50

Bell Peppers - $5.00

Rosemary, Thyme - $3.00

* 2 Cornish Game Hens bought on sale - $8.50

Grand Total - $84.86/2ppl/10 meals = $4.24/person/meal

Yesterday was a busy day - I almost forgot I had Top Chef Taste of The Boroughs tickets, and then I needed to head down to do my weekly shopping. I’m going to do a separate post about the Top Chef event - lots of chefs, lots of food, lots of schmoozing - well I wasn’t, they were. Anyway, I did discover that Trader Joe’s is much more bearable around 2:15pm, rather than in the morning which is when I usually go. They were still out of a lot of stuff, but I got the bear minimum, plus some fondue - my weakness. I also went to Whole Foods for the first time in a few weeks, they had the crab I needed for the crab cakes, that’s how they got me. I’m also using shrimp I had in the freezer for the dish on Halloween, so I’ll add that amount here also. Here are the totals:

Union Square Greenmarket

2 pie pumpkins - $10

2 butternut squashes, 3lb Yukon Gold potatoes, 3 shallots - $6.00

3 bulbs of garlic, sage - $1.75

Fresh organic sourdough bread - $3.50

Frozen Shrimp - 1.5lb - $11.00

Total: $72.68/2ppl/10meals =

$3.64/person/meal

As I mentioned earlier, I was inspired again by the bounty of the Greenmarket. If you’re close, or visiting NYC this is a great place to hang out on Saturdays. It was actually hard for me to keep tabs on how much cash I was going through in my wallet. I got a bit too excited I think, but wanted to showcase all the great veggies available right now. I went to the market on Saturday, and Trader Joe’s today (Monday - they were wiped out!) I had some time to think about what I wanted to make from my market purchases and developed a menu, I also got inspired by some Barefoot Contessa. I’m still craving cozy fall meals, and the bounty of veggies other than tomatoes at the farmer’s market. I think everyone is getting excited by the pumpkins, gourds, and ruffage offerings that are appearing. Here are the totals for this week:

Farmer’s Market - Union Square

Rainbow Carrots, 3lb potatoes (various colors), turnips, 3 onions - $6.50

Arugula, spinach, shallots, 2lb butternut squash - $5.00

2 Zucchini, 3 eggplants, 1lb green beans - $4.50

2 Organic Duck Breasts - $10.00

Organic local ham - $8.00

1 Bottle of Trader Joe’s Sauvignon Blanc - $3.00

Grand Total: $82.34/2ppl/10 meals = $4.11/person/meal

Going into my seventh year living in NYC I’ve noticed a funny “ism” you could call it about New Yorkers. As soon as the temperature in the fall drops below 75F people begin wearing jackets, scarves, long sleeves, boots, etc. In the spring, maybe March or April depending on the year when it rises to about 55F women especially break out mini skirts, tank tops, and sandals. So it actually doesn’t matter what the temp is outside, it’s about what season it feels like in fashion. On my way to Trader Joe’s on the train I noticed this girl wearing a long sleeve shirt, scarf, wool jacket, jeans and boots- very appropriate if it was 50! Today’s high was 78F. By the time I left Union Square it was about 72F. I wondered what that girl did for the rest of the day - I was glad I had my tshirt, sunglasses and flip flops still on - people from the South tend to never admit a season change and hold on to summer as long as possible, New Yorkers jump the gun. I also found this season-identity crisis at the farmer’s market. I still picked up great looking tomatoes, heirloom and beefsteak, and I still saw sweet corn! This was in addition to pumpkins, squashes, cauliflower - the usual fall harvest as well. I was still glad to pick up some tomatoes, and might as well take advantage. Again this week I was able to avoid Whole Foods all together, although Trader Joe’s didn’t have corn starch, I didn’t need it that bad. By making a couple meals this week vague - a big salad and pizza, I was able to be inspired by what was at the farmer’s market and picked up eggplants, parsnips (which I LOVE), kale, various greens, and fresh oregano, which I haven’t seen every week in the past. In this week’s total, I’m going to include the meats I bought last week and froze. Here are the totals:

Farmer’s Market

Carrots, Yukon Potatoes, 2 heads lettuce, parsley - $10.75

Fresh Organic Bread - $4

Kale, tomatoes, eggplant, parsnips - $9

8 Apples, 2 pears - $5.50

Duck legs - $7

Pork Ribs - $13

Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme - $4.50

Grand Total: $99.28/10 meals/2ppl = $4.96/person/meal

I was thwarted by my tactic to go early for a pleasant shopping experience. In NYC, I can’t seem to get a break, and enjoy strolling down aisles, picking things up, reading labels - not going to happen. I was at TJ’s by 9:15 am. You would think people would be at work on a Monday morning - of course not! The familiar line around the store, blocking the dairy and vitamin aisle was in full force. I lose this one. But, I got a lot of great food, and I managed to keep my spending to a minimum, even picking up some extras like cereal, milk, and fun colored beans from the farmer’s market. All in all, not a bad shopping day, and I didn’t even go to Whole Foods! That’s truly the prize this week. I did go on Sunday night to pick up a few things for a party my friends’ having, and picked up asparagus that was on sale ($2.72) and organic onions ($2.99). That was it! Next step, buy everything from the farmer’s market…. that’s the next level right there… I also managed to buy fish from the farmer’s market, turkey for a meatloaf, and bacon for the week. I bought more herbs this week but here’s a note: right when you get home, wet paper towels, wrap your herb stems with the wet towel, then store in a large ziploc in the fridge. My parsley from LAST week still looks new - now I have way too much. All my other herbs lasted well after the week was over, so it’s a great way to stretch your money, but still having fresh fresh flavors for your dishes. I also stocked up on the last of the tomatoes, so there will be a couple extra special dishes this week. Note, I break up the farmer’s market totals by the stalls I buy at, so each dollar amount is from a different farm. OK, here are the totals for this week

Whole Foods:

Asparagus - $2.72

Onions, 5lb bag, organic - $2.99

Farmer’s Market

2 white fish fillets - $7.20

Organic potatoes, garlic, sage - $5

2lb butternut squash, Rosemary, Chives, Parsley, pint cherry tomatoes, 2 beefsteak tomatoes - $12

Multicolored beans (new for fall)  - $2

Basil - $2

Grand Total: $77.53/10 meals/2ppl = $3.88/person/meal!!!

I had a late start yesterday, and what a difference that makes. Trader Joe’s was already a mad house (at 3pm ish) -and the line was wrapping around the store to check out. That scene makes me so anxious, and really sucks the fun out of grocery shopping - but the prices are too good not to suffer through. I’m curious to see if any traffic will be alleviated when the Brooklyn Trader Joe’s opens. This week I’m making 2 meat dishes, and I think this is the LEAST amount I’ve ever spent on a weeks meals. I bought almost everything from the farmers market, but I also wasn’t buying a lot of dairy, which might be my key, and my downfall. But I bought organic chicken from TJ’s, and free range, grass fed, local beef cubes for the stew, rather than lamb. When I got to the farmer’s market around 4:30, things were winding down, and it was a bit panicked, but I got some great things, but no artichokes! I saw them on Saturday, but they were no where to be found (fresh) at the market or Whole Foods. Hmmmm…. baby artichoke shortage? So that is still on my list to acquire, but otherwise here’s the totals for this week. Oh, I bought some vitamins at TJ’s - I wasn’t going to include them in the totals, but I just noticed I wasn’t charged for the Gruyere cheese I bought, so I’ll keep the vitamins in and call it even, even though the cheese was a bit less.

Farmer’s Market Totals:

Organic, free range Beef: $13.00

Organic garlic (this garlic is so much sweeter and aromatic) : $2.00

Swiss Chard: $2.00

2 small Pumpkins: $7.00

Fresh Peasant Loaf of Bread: $4.50

Carrots: $2.50

Total: $31.00

Grand Total: $75.58/2ppl/10 meals = $3.78/person/meal!!

Pork Ribs - what I was charged for vs. Chuck Roast - what I actually bought

I had to cool down a bit before writing this post. And partly because this ever present problem with Whole Foods (in Union Square) is partly my fault. I have one meat dish this week for our friend from over seas who requested a real American roast (pot that is). I knew this was going to put a dent in my budget, but I also wanted to rise to the challenge. At my last stop, Whole Foods (WF) I only needed a couple small things, and one big roast. I had a short conversation with the butcher, and they did not have a French trimmed rib roast (I’ve never been able to find anything special or specific at the meat or fish counter - although they now carry Ostrich eggs for $39.99) he recommended the chuck roast and said 4lbs was enough for 4 people. He wrapped it up, and I went on my merry way. Not until I was unpacking and rearranging the fridge did I notice that he charged me for PORK SPARE RIBS!!! They were $6.99/lb as opposed to the chuck which was $4.99/lb. After a conversation about the meat, he did not even charge me for the right animal! I was livid, especially after my encounter with the fish monger. I do have grace for human mistakes - but there seems to be a pattern at this store. I should have checked before I left - but I used to have a higher standard for WF. I also had to tell the check out chick which mushrooms were which and that I had scallions not leeks. Good help must be hard to find - if you’re a butcher or fishmonger, apply to manage the Union Square Whole Foods counter, and save the good name of your profession.

That aside, Trader Joe’s was well stocked, and I bought all my cheese and milk products there, as well as some yummy sourdough. I don’t expect a huge selection from them, but what I do get is usually a great price. Although, this week, WF had cheaper low sodium chicken broth - their 365 brand. The farmers market was unusually busy with chefs and sous chefs for a Monday. Large orders were being carted around and really large totals were being called out. I found all my herbs and the squashes are beginning to appear. I love when the farmers start lining their tents with pumpkins, gourds, and funny shaped squashes. I think I chose some pricey dishes this week, but because of my wonderful husband, I’m getting back money from WF for their mess up. Here are the totals:

The Chuck Roast that was charged as ribs was supposed to be $17.71, not $24.67. So the WF total is actually $38.11.

The totals for the farmers market are:

4 Leeks - $3.00

2 LG Heirloom Tomatoes - $2.50

3lb Beets - $3.00

3lb Butternut Squash - $2.40

Thyme, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage - $4.50

Grand Total $113.16 / 2ppl/10meals a week= $5.65/person/meal!!!

The Who Farm Bus

Today’s shopping trip was a bit less dramatic than last week, but something did make me realize I’d become immune to the oddities of NYC living. As I was walking with my 15lb bag from Trader Joe’s to the Farmer’s Market, I spotted a man, reading a book on the steps of Union Square - then I looked closer - he had a large desert-type lizard on his shoulder, also enjoying the warm summer air. I giggled, and kept moving. Then I thought, you can’t make this stuff up when you live in urban environments. No where else, except in a large city do you find a normal lookin’ guy sunning himself with his lizard, literally. After making a pass through the Green Market, I saw this double bus promoting an organic farming project. After looking at their site, they apparently bought this weird bus from Jerry of Ben & Jerry’s (now, it makes sense, right?). They will be traveling cross country - it’s quite a sight to see - if you’re on their list of stops, check it out.

I had great luck at the Farmer’s Market, as well as Trader Joe’s. The tomatoes were perfect, and the corn was still really sweet. I also found another baker that charges $1 less for an artisnal loaf of bread. I bought my prosciutto and salmon from TJ’s as well as the dairy. The price difference between those sorts of items there and at Whole Foods is pretty large. The only “fresh” things I purchased at WF was the Taleggio cheese, which I’ve never tried - so why not now? I also noticed that both stores had some pretty bare shelves I assume from the weekend. I also splurged on an authentic New Mexican Red Chili sauce at WF, which I think will be well worth it. But overall, I was very happy and excited with my purchases today. Here’s the break down.

Green Market Totals:

4 Ears of Jersey Corn, 6 Ripe Tomatoes, Green Onions, Cilantro, Parsley, Basil, Jalapenos, White Nectarines: $12

Fresh Artisnal Bread: $3.75

Grand Total: $94.11/week/2people/10 meals (plus whatever else I can come up with)

Total of $4.70/person/meal!!

Miller Farm in Clinton, MD

Many large retail stores use secret shoppers to review their stores, staff, and customer service. The store I used to work at used this service - they make sure the staff are doing their jobs well, and you can be reviewed at any point, without knowing it until the results come back to your boss. I think it’s time for Whole Foods Union Square to use this service. Over the past few weeks, every time I go into this location I’m less and less impressed. Now it’s hit a new low. Sure, it was great to be able to wander the aisles and not have to compete for the salad tongs. But first, the fishmonger could not get my order right. NIce man, no English. It took me 4 tries to get half a pound of Tilapia when I had asked for 1 pound, and had received 3 other tries before I even got that close to my order. I also asked for half a pound of the cleaned squid - I was handed a pound package of shrimp in shell. I gave up and walked away after 15 minutes with less fish than I needed. I was also not impressed with the mussels that have been on special, which basically inspired my seafood craving. We’ll see how many are usable. At checkout, the cashier and her friend, who I assume worked there, although by the conversation they were having I wasn’t sure. The friend then loudly commented that my fish choices were going to make her vomit, and left. THEN, the remaining cashier takes my arugala bag and asked ME if it was the same prices as the spinach - am I supposed to know the price of all their produce? But, to my benefit she ended up charging me less, as did the cashier the other night who charged me for garlic when I bought mushrooms, which saved ME money. So, the results this week are only slightly skewed. After consistently shopping this store for several weeks, I’ve sadly come to realize this store, not necessarily Whole Foods in general, does not value my hard earned money. Down the street at Trader Joe’s people were helpful, and the cashier chatted, as they usually do, and packed my purchase in the bag I had brought-what service! They have been a company I’ve shopped around the country and have consistent staffs, food, and customer service. BRAVO! Other notes from this shopping trip: I bought frozen shrimp from Trader Joe’s since I’m doing 2 meals this week with shrimp and needed quite a bit. All the other fish I bought was fresh. I also bought an artisnal loaf of bread from TJ’s rather than my usual Green Market bread to save money for the fish as well. I also bought a cheaper cut of beef from TJ’s for the steak tacos since they’re going be wrapped up with a bunch of other goodness anyway. Lastly, I caved and bought the 2 for $6 strawberries at Whole Foods - there’s going to be a great dessert this week! Johnathan and I also stopped at the Miller Family Market while on a day trip to the DC area. Great seasonal produce, grown right where the store sits, and lots of busy shoppers and great peach pie! Here are the receipts and totals for this week - let’s see how we go!

Union Square Green Market

Big bunches of Basil, Parsley, and Cilantro - $5

Red Leaf Lettuce - $2

Miller Family Market

Onions - $2

Zucchini - $.62

Ripe Tomatoes -$2

Potatoes - $3.06

Total Groceries for 2ppl: $101.25

10 meals - $5.06/person/meal

That’s less than last week!

This is really difficult - posting my grocery receipts - it’s very… well…exposing. I have not looked this closely at my grocery bills or prices of what I’m buying since I was a student (all of 2 years ago). This is a great excercise! It requires more time standing in front of the meat case, choosing the cheapest per pound of chicken that is still antibiotic free while getting colder by the minute and fielding glares and bumps from other busy shoppers around me. It was also hard not to get sucked into the Kettle Chips or Honest Tea sale at Whole Foods; I did however buy the organic grapes that went down to $1.99/lb which I’m currently enjoying for a healthy snack. So, I’m going to share a couple observations, starting first with Whole Foods. After reading the NYTimes article about them cutting prices, I went in with a higher expectation of lower prices and much more scrutiny. My trip to the Union Square store was not as their banner outside stated “Shop Like You Deserve It!”. Weren’t they trying to get past the Whole Paycheck nickname? Sure I deserve good food, but at what cost? Anyway, I rummaged and stood idly often, trying to collect my thoughts and only buy what I had on my list - you have to admit that they display everything so nice - you always think you need some exotic mushrooms and some weird fish you have no idea what to do with. I went back to the egg case twice, and realized I could get the 1/2 dozen free range eggs $.20 cheaper if I bought this other brand. The Whole Foods brand I must say is substantially cheaper in general. The coffee was $2.00 cheaper per pound than what I was ordering from Fresh Direct. Unfortunately/Fortunately I came to the infamous, aromatic cheese case. I love parm - I think that’s why Jamie Oliver and I are secretly best friends, but $16.99/lb - yikes! I decided to check out Trader Joe’s the next day and see what they had.

Today, I wandered the Union Square Green Market. I still had my list, and I was stickin’ to it! As you can see, I hand wrote the market receipt. If you go to a farmers market, especially if you’re just starting, like yours truly, take a whole tour first, look at what’s in season - which will be most of whats out- and LOOK AT PRICES! I thought everyone was selling the Jersey Corn for 2/$1.00 - alas I was taken! I found someone else who had 3/$1.00. Herbs are also something that vary by as much as $1.00 between sellers. Something I’ve started buying is a fresh artisnal, organic, sliced bread that costs $4.75. However while looking at other local organic breads sold at Whole Foods, I had sticker shock - $5.69! So, this Green Market bread is something we never waste, makes amazing sandwiches and toast, and supports a great local bakery - Bread Alone.

Next, I ventured into the always tumultuous Trader Joe’s. Even at 11am on a Monday the tell tale guy with a sign marking the end of the line was posted around the store. I pressed on, and beelined to where I knew my last items lived. Their Parm was $12.99/lb - so much better in the grand scheme of Parm. I also succumbed to the freezer case and picked up some lemon sorbet for $1.99 - a great treat after long summer days. Something that I had to also get this week, which always puts a kink in my budget is olive oil. Trader Joe’s is definitely the better choice, although with much fewer selections than Whole Foods. So there went $7.99 for oil, which I hopefully won’t have to buy again for a while.

This is week 1 of shopping - the more stuff you can get at the Farmer’s Market that’s in season the better. However I do hope to get my costs down each week, and figure out this balance of food, fun, and health.

Union Square Green Market

1 bunch of Scallions - $2.00

8 ears Jersey corn -$4.00

5lb ripe tomatoes - $7.00

1 head of lettuce - $1.50

Organic bread - $4.75

Grand Total: $106.86/2ppl

10 meals/week

= 5.35/person/meal!!