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Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by scilly
(Post 11957316)
...I am one of those strange people who cannot drive....
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 11957378)
I must admit I tend to get a taxi back...
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Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by not2old
(Post 11957703)
:eek:
now there's a business... pre sell door to door, then go buy it at costco, do the quick flip - what a nice profit eh! :nod::nod: Canada is the first country I have ever lived where people ask if my husband is home...it gets me sooo aggravated, it's happened a few times. |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by MillieF
(Post 11957838)
Canada is the first country I have ever lived where people ask if my husband is home...
Do they say husband or head of the household? |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by BristolUK
(Post 11957850)
:ohmy:
Do they say husband or head of the household? |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by not2old
(Post 11957854)
or...'is the home owner available'
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Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by BristolUK
(Post 11957862)
I suppose that's better than "is your daddy home?" :rofl:
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Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by Stinkypup
(Post 11957340)
Having to get public transport must be really difficult. I feel traumatised when I have to go grocery shopping with a car, but there again I am male:unsure:
I do like Superstore but it is so damn big and clearly no good for you if you can't get what you want. |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11957890)
I also can't stand those massive stores like SS or Costco. I get overwhelmed by too many variables and I can't figure out which ones are relevant so just usually give up and leave with nothing completed. :(
Same with lobsters, dog beds, pineapples, detergent, kayaks, orange juice, Toblerone, socks, saucepans, necklaces, giant televisions and whatever else you went in to get. If the list says "OJ" there's no option to dither over concentrate vs. real, pulp vs. no pulp, major brand or store brand, actual juice or polymer substitute. There's just orange juice. |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by MillieF
(Post 11957838)
Wow Snooks, that is just so very wrong. You wonder how many lonely people who might be mentally challenged fall for it and get hammered financially. That's just horrid.
Canada is the first country I have ever lived where people ask if my husband is home...it gets me sooo aggravated, it's happened a few times. "Why?" Then I proceed to tell them that I make my own decisions, thank you very much - and then I say (without giving them a chance to say anything more..) "Goodbye, please leave my premises" aaaaaaand shut the door in their face. :p |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by dbd33
(Post 11957898)
That's not true of Costco. They have one brand of everything so shopping is simple; the list says "unsalted butter", that's unsalted butter there, put butter in cart. No need to look for another butter option, there's no second butter brand.
Same with lobsters, dog beds, pineapples, detergent, kayaks, orange juice, Toblerone, socks, saucepans, necklaces, giant televisions and whatever else you went in to get. If the list says "OJ" there's no option to dither over concentrate vs. real, pulp vs. no pulp, major brand or store brand, actual juice or polymer substitute. There's just orange juice. |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11957972)
I think I'm overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all, of the racks and rows of bewildering abundance of quantity. I have no ethical stand on the store, its just not for me.
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Re: Groceries
Neither of us has ever been in a Costco. We have friends who go regularly, and swear by the deals they get, but we do prefer to buy certain brands of TP, facial tissues, paper towels, sauces, etc.
We went to the local Real Canadian Superstore when it first opened years ago. They had fewer than half of the brands that we prefer, so we had to do a trip to Safeway. We wasted so much time finding our way round the Superstore and in driving around that we decided not to bother again. Our time was more valuable at that time than the few cents that we saved (and it WAS only a few cents!). We have gone back to the Superstore a couple of times in the last couple of years ....... it is one place where we can buy the non-dairy frozen dessert that I like when Safeway doesn't have it, and it is cheaper than at the "organic" places. OH now usually does the grocery shopping by car on a Friday afternoon between about 4 and 5 pm ...... it's quite quiet then, and it's one big shop-in when he can load up items on special (like TP rolls, etc etc). |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by scilly
(Post 11957344)
oh, I don't mind using transit. I always carry a book with me, so I can read.
But it does get difficult if you have to carry several bags of groceries. Now that summer has rolled around I'm currently thinking of "upgrading" to an insulated one, so I can make trips to Costco on the bus (around 30-40 minutes away) to buy meat without having to bother my husband to drive me on the weekend. |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by sunshinedust
(Post 11957993)
I can't drive and do almost all the grocery shopping on foot or using public transit. A few months ago I gave in and bought one of those "old lady" shopping bags on wheels and its been fantastic, I can normally fit in enough food for the two of us for a week.
Now that summer has rolled around I'm currently thinking of "upgrading" to an insulated one, so I can make trips to Costco on the bus (around 30-40 minutes away) to buy meat without having to bother my husband to drive me on the weekend. |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by Stinkypup
(Post 11957872)
Do you get much of that? :lol:
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Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by SchnookoLoly
(Post 11957694)
[...]
So a week or so ago I had someone coming to the door saying they were with whatever company it was (the name escapes me) who carry local, organic, "happy" meat and would we like a free sample to try. So I said sure. She said great, someone would be around tomorrow with a sample. The next day they called me to make sure I was home, then said someone would be by. The chap came, seemed nice enough. Started talking about how their plans work, different packages worth of meat, a selection of different cuts and such, then he asked if my husband was home as it's easier to talk to both of us. Um, what? No, he's at work... "Oh, we usually prefer to speak to both couples at once." "Why??" "Well, we only have flexibility on price on the first visit." Okay, this pisses me off. We went through this last year with DirectBuy as well and is an immediate red flag. I said that my husband wasn't home, I wouldn't be making any decisions then, and even if he was we wouldn't be committing on the spot, we like to do some research and compare with grocery bills etc to see if it's worth it. Blah blah blah. I asked him if he had some kind of pricing sheet I could look at to compare, and he said you can't really work out the various prices of individual meats because you buy a year's worth at once and it's a mix of different things. Yeah, okay. So I shut that down. [...] The guy was nice, but that was just completely bonkers. When a similar thing happened here (I was "referred" to the company in question by a acquaintance), I'm afraid I told the "sales rep" to F**k off. The prices were outrageously uncompetitive too, btw. |
Re: Groceries
Walmart
Chicken legs (back on as they call it when the thigh is still attached) 87c lb. |
Re: Groceries
Hey guys, new Brit in Toronto here (hence the username) - where's the best place to buy cheap groceries?
I used to shop at Aldi at home and loved the bargains there, but I get the impression that there's not an equivalent here in Canada. I'm not hugely fussed about getting the highest quality stuff, I'd just like to be able to buy food that doesn't taste horrible whilst also not costing a fortune. Thanks in advance. |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by TorontoBrit
(Post 11977207)
Hey guys, new Brit in Toronto here (hence the username) - where's the best place to buy cheap groceries?
I used to shop at Aldi at home and loved the bargains there, but I get the impression that there's not an equivalent here in Canada. I'm not hugely fussed about getting the highest quality stuff, I'd just like to be able to buy food that doesn't taste horrible whilst also not costing a fortune. Thanks in advance. |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by dbd33
(Post 11977217)
No Frills but not the one on Parliament.
Maxi (Qc version of No Frills for most of you) has specials on red peppers & avocados this week, as well as chicken legs "with back" (89c/lb - + a 30% off sticker because they were close to sell-by date tonight), & pork shoulder roasts. Also various types of lettuce/salad greens at 2/1$. |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by TorontoBrit
(Post 11977207)
Hey guys, new Brit in Toronto here (hence the username) - where's the best place to buy cheap groceries?
I used to shop at Aldi at home and loved the bargains there, but I get the impression that there's not an equivalent here in Canada. I'm not hugely fussed about getting the highest quality stuff, I'd just like to be able to buy food that doesn't taste horrible whilst also not costing a fortune. Thanks in advance. Food Basics have been pretty reasonable I've found, as have Freshco - I'm presuming the prices will be similar in Toronto. You quickly learn to stock up (and freeze if necessary) meat etc., when it's on offer! http://freshco.com/flyer/ http://www.foodbasics.ca/en/flyer.html#resultat :) |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 11977332)
Welcome to BE!
Food Basics have been pretty reasonable I've found, as have Freshco - I'm presuming the prices will be similar in Toronto. You quickly learn to stock up (and freeze if necessary) meat etc., when it's on offer! Flyer – FreshCo Flyer :) |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 11977332)
You quickly learn to stock up (and freeze if necessary) meat etc., when it's on offer!
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Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by BristolUK
(Post 11977603)
Not forgetting the stackable baskets of course. :lol:
How are they working out for you? |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by TorontoBrit
(Post 11977207)
I used to shop at Aldi at home and loved the bargains there With superstore I have a PC card so I get points when certain things are on offer. I have an app for this and it's based on stuff I have purchased before. I try and complete my grocery shop and meal plans around that as I can use my points for money off my bill and/or gift cards. |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 11977702)
How are they working out for you?
Not actually started them yet. :o:o I was pretty sure there was so much in the freezers that it would be too much for the baskets. So the plan was to deplete the stocks a bit and not replace what was used. It was going nicely until two recent meat bargains that were just too good to miss - you can't ignore 87c chicken legs and $5.50 a lb good steak can you. :unsure: I've also discovered someone who shall remain nameless has added stuff including some pots of delicious spagbol sauce they just cooked up. :lol: |
Re: Groceries
Chickens at Sobeys and Walmart $1.77 lb (what an amazing coincidence, nothing to do with industrial espionage I'm sure ;))
and Sobeys has giant cherries @ $2.99 lb. And a bogof offer on Bothwell cheese. Trying this one among others. http://www.bothwellcheese.com/wp-con...orseradish.jpg |
Re: Groceries
1 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by BristolUK
(Post 11982065)
Chickens at Sobeys and Walmart $1.77 lb (what an amazing coincidence, nothing to do with industrial espionage I'm sure ;))
and Sobeys has giant cherries @ $2.99 lb. And a bogof offer on Bothwell cheese. Trying this one among others. http://www.bothwellcheese.com/wp-con...orseradish.jpg Were these the cherries? |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by Stinkypup
(Post 11982070)
Were these the cherries?
I erred...they are jumbo cherries not giant. On the flyer they're the size of a golf ball. Good for tee time. :lol: |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by Stinkypup
(Post 11982070)
That cheese sounds interesting.
Don't bother. :thumbdown: |
Re: Groceries
The bothwell I tried- remember I thought it was from NB when it was actually MB- was pretty good.
Did they forget to put any horseradish into this one? |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by Pizzawheel
(Post 12000653)
The bothwell I tried- remember I thought it was from NB when it was actually MB- was pretty good.
Did they forget to put any horseradish into this one? I like Horseradish sauce. President'c Choice does a Creamy Horseradish sauce and it's to die for. When I first saw mention of Horseradish Cheese I thought I was looking at a suggestion like spreading the sauce on toast and then grilling cheese on top. A bit like Welsh Rarebit or Croque Monsieur. And I thought it sounded nice. But then I saw it was actually Horseradish cheese and I thought well that makes it easier. But the cheese is tasteless and the horseradish too strong for it. I thought, well maybe it is better grilled as with my original thought. It was better but not good. And the first time was on a small Ciabatta roll. Yesterday I had it as a grilled cheese sandwich so there was more of it. I had to get rid of the taste after and I threw the remaining cheese away. :( |
Re: Groceries
Oh wow. Yes it was the red wine one that was pretty good.
Good tip on PC horseradish. The one I get in Freshco is pretty much just grated, so probably healthier, but not nearly as nice.
Originally Posted by BristolUK
(Post 12000686)
Oh sure, the Bothwell cheese is decent enough. Especially an old one. There's a nice extra old/red wine one that they do.
I like Horseradish sauce. President'c Choice does a Creamy Horseradish sauce and it's to die for. When I first saw mention of Horseradish Cheese I thought I was looking at a suggestion like spreading the sauce on toast and then grilling cheese on top. A bit like Welsh Rarebit or Croque Monsieur. And I thought it sounded nice. But then I saw it was actually Horseradish cheese and I thought well that makes it easier. But the cheese is tasteless and the horseradish too strong for it. I thought, well maybe it is better grilled as with my original thought. It was better but not good. And the first time was on a small Ciabatta roll. Yesterday I had it as a grilled cheese sandwich so there was more of it. I had to get rid of the taste after and I threw the remaining cheese away. :( |
Re: Groceries
For the third or fourth time this summer, cherries (big ones) are down to $2.99 lb. This time it's both the main grocery stores here - Sobeys and Superstore - with the latter initially advertising them at slightly more but adjusting their price to match Sobeys.
At Superstore today they had Pluots - supposedly a combo of plum and apricot, but really nothing like apricot. They had big ones and normal size but the smaller ones were best; a taste of heaven. And a ridiculous 96c a pound. :thumbup: We've eaten the ones I bought. Should have got more. :( |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by BristolUK
(Post 12008895)
For the third or fourth time this summer, cherries (big ones) are down to $2.99 lb. This time it's both the main grocery stores here - Sobeys and Superstore - with the latter initially advertising them at slightly more but adjusting their price to match Sobeys.
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Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by SchnookoLoly
(Post 12012396)
...2.99/lb is an awesome price...
It's still a bit of a shock when a bag is $10 :eek: But some are big enough to take a bite out of them rather than popping them in your mouth. :nod: |
Re: Groceries
Originally Posted by BristolUK
(Post 12012447)
:thumbsup:
It's still a bit of a shock when a bag is $10 :eek: But some are big enough to take a bite out of them rather than popping them in your mouth. :nod: They're basically like small plums, though, lol. Takes a few bites to eat them all, so SO sweet and SO juicy. Sometimes the big ones are disappointing but this year's have just been awesome. |
Re: Groceries
1 Attachment(s)
Two weeks ago, Superstore had Beef Tenderloin for $10.99 lb.
We did what has become the usual when it's that price (less than half the usual amount) and bought a chunk which I cut into four. But it's Sobeys turn this week, same price. :ohmy: It's hard to leave it there. Have a couple of other places to go to tomorrow and it'll be easy to drop in and see if they have some at a better size for doing as steaks. |
Re: Groceries
I have been noticing a few things about the stores lately.
1) They are reducing selection to 1 or 2 name brand and a generic. 2) Prices of generic brands are becoming very close to the same price as the national brands, bought some yogurt at Wal-Mart, decided on the national brand for 5.57 for 12 pack vs Wal-Brand for 5.47. Only food item that seems to even be remotely coming down in price is beef, and pork, finding pretty good deals lately there. Sea Food has gone up a fair amount, and the selection gone down, for living so close to the coast, there is an oddly small selection of sea food these days. I have had to become more creative this year on food, prices have just been climbing at a pretty quick pace, every week seems to bring higher prices. |
Re: Groceries
On my first trip I brought back 3 cases of peaches (2 med, 1 lg) and 1 case of cherries, second trip I brought 2 cases of large peaches and 1 case of large nectarines. All given away and eaten as of today and boy were they good.
Jsmith, I think I mentioned this before because I remember you like Mexican food, you could learn how to make your own tortillas then you could make tacos and quesadillas and so on for next to nothing. Making dough and rolling it out and putting together empanadas/samosas and baking them is another good way to deal with leftovers as well. Cooking tortillas on an ungreased cast iron or steel skillet (that's how you do it) can cause smoke detector issues. |
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