Stretching Your Food Dollar in Orange County

Last week I happened into one of the large chain grocery stores, and I was stunned at the high prices. I NEVER pay such prices for food. Two dollars for one avocado? Please!

With gasoline prices rising 40 cents every two weeks, and people losing their jobs all around us, it's only prudent to stretch every dollar as far as we can. As a former Chef, I want to share with you two of the places I shop and save, and I've been shopping there for 25 years. Both meet my high standards for cost and quality.

Before I go any further, I want to assure you that I'm not associated with either of the stores I'm about to recommend. This is not meant to be a commercial for them, and they don't know that I'm writing the article.

#1 at the tip top of my Food Savings List is the chain known as Smart and Final.

Most people think they have to own a restaurant or have a special license to shop at Smart and Final. Not so. Furthermore, they never charge a membership fee. They have a free card (like many other chains) which always results in several dollars savings when I shop. There is a regular price posted for items, and on some there is the lower price for card holders.

It's easy to find one of their many convenient locations, and with the smaller warehouse design, you get in and out quickly. Whether you're stocking up, planning a party or preparing a meal for your family, they have many of the things you need, but you don't have to buy in big lots.

For instance, a 2-lb can of MJB coffee has a regular price of $8.59. You can buy a single loaf of bread for half of what a loaf of bread costs in a regular supermarket. Bananas cost $.49 a lb. instead of $.79 or more at other stores. Crackers and cereals come in slightly larger packages, but at huge savings over supermarket prices.

I could go on and on, but I want to underscore two of the most important reasons I shop there. First, it's the only place I know where I can buy Manufacturing Cream (has a higher fat content for making scrumptious desserts), and all of their dairy products are highest quality and top-of-the-line brands. Second, I love the quality and taste of their meat. The beef has the best flavor of any I've found in my locale, and it is always in cryovac. This protects the life and sanitation of the food. While you CAN buy an entire hunk of your cut, you can also buy a few steaks, or one tri-tip if that's what you want. The pork is also very high in quality.

Visit their website to find a location near you. Mine is two blocks away and I shop there at least four times a week. Oh, and they open at 7:00am six days a week at at 8:00am on Sunday.

#2 on my Food Savings List is the chain known as Trader Joe's.

Some people drive past Trader Joe's thinking it is a high-end, "shi shi" place and never give it a chance. What a mistake!

Each Trader Joe's is laid out differently, but all have a distinct personality. Usually, flowers are the first thing you see when you walk in the door. While I don't buy flowers, I still like looking at them, and it's a pleasant, welcoming first impression.

But where are the savings? This isn't a store that hits you in the face with specials, but let me give you some examples.

In the vitamin section, there is a product called Psyllium Husks. These are known to naturally reduce cholesterol, and help with acid stomach. In health food stores psyllium sell for $8-20 a can. At Trader Joe's the price just went up for the first time in at least 15 years to $5.99 for the same size can. Indeed, most of their dietary supplements cost less than other places.

Additional hidden values at Trader Joe's are the cereals. If you translate your favorite brand to their brand, you can realize a great saving. In the frozen food section, the fish are the greatest hit on my list. Again, great quality, lower prices.

But my favorite Trader Joe's secret is a vegetarian rice and vegetable dish called Nasi goreng (Indonesian for fried rice). For less than $2.50 you get 4 regular side dishes. In our house, however, this translates to two servings because the flavors are so good. Ready to eat in about 8 minutes, all you add is a tablespoon of butter to the saute pan and your own brand of love.

If you have an adventurous palate, this is the place to find new dishes. Emerging professional Chefs submit their original recipes to Trader Joe's, and the results are usually magnificent. It's the American version of an International market.

So go to the website and find a location near you. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.