I went to Whole Foods in West Orange today and got a lot of quality things at good prices. But I was disappointed in the jumbo scallops from the seafood bar--$29.99 per pound. I got just over 1/2 lb., 6 big ones to pan-sear and divide among me, Dan and Punch. [Fig had dinner out with a friend.]
Next time, if I'm spending that many clams on scallops, I'm def going back to Gus & Co. Seafood on Valley Road in Montclair, which offers day-boat catches from the Jersey Shore. Prices are high but not higher than this and I swear, I can taste the sea in them.
High-ticket items in my cart, about $5 or more--but that doesn't mean they weren't a good buy per ounce or serving. Not listing things that didn’t cost $5 or more, such as heads of cauliflower, organic blackberries, garlic, feta, Cheddar, crackers, etc.
Next time, if I'm spending that many clams on scallops, I'm def going back to Gus & Co. Seafood on Valley Road in Montclair, which offers day-boat catches from the Jersey Shore. Prices are high but not higher than this and I swear, I can taste the sea in them.
High-ticket items in my cart, about $5 or more--but that doesn't mean they weren't a good buy per ounce or serving. Not listing things that didn’t cost $5 or more, such as heads of cauliflower, organic blackberries, garlic, feta, Cheddar, crackers, etc.
- Dozen large eggs from Snoep Winkel Farm in NJ, $5.39. I'm getting more into slow food and eating local when possible, step by step.
- Gallon 365 brand organic whole milk, $5.99.
- Late July brand Cheddar sandwich crackers, 8 little snack bags, $5.99.
- Vegan mock smoked "Provolone," $4.99.
- Large jar 356 brand crunchy PB, $4.99.
- Changing Seas smoked salmon, one full pound, $19.99.
- Trio very large organic white yams, 4.36 lbs at $1.99/lb., $8.68.
- Bag vegan Dandies brand mini marshmallows [no fish gelatin in them], $4.69.
- Valrhona dark chocolate fèves , $8.64.
- Friendship whipped cottage cheese, $4.99.
- Quart organic strawberries, $4.99.
- Christopher Kimball's Milk Street Magazine, a new food mag I haven't read yet...noticed recipe for Naples' Two-Cheese Pasta with Cauliflower and got all ingredients; mag was $6.95. [Recipe calls for 2 lb. cauliflower and 1/2 lb. pasta.]
- Wedge aged Provolone to grate for #12 recipe, $6.90.
- Wedge Romano Pecorino to grate for #12 recipe, $5.69.
- Box fresh vegan ravioli, $6.99.
- Box fresh cheese ravioli, $9.99.
- Prosciutto and cheese tray for Punchy's lunch box tomorrow, $4.99.
- Hot bar, jerk chicken and Mac and cheese, .69 lb., $6.20.
- Jar Sriracha Vegenaise, $4.99.
TOTAL DAILY SPEND, ALL WHOLE FOODS: $201.34.
MONTHLY SPEND AS OF APRIL 28: $3,526.72.
AVERAGE DAILY SPEND SO FAR THIS MONTH: $125.95.
AVERAGE DAILY SPEND SO FAR THIS MONTH: $125.95.
Big-ticket April spends so far [numbers rounded off], 28 days into the month:
Lamp, $79; luxe hand cream, $55; Giotto dinner to go + jar of imported Italian artichokes, $46; dog groomer/beauty salon, $75; vet for hamster, $157; necklace extension/repair/new clasp, $128; blowout, $55; Over the Moon, bday gifts for Punch friend + book for me, $60; Kings groceries, $132; liquor store, $32; bra/underwear/tights, $126; Joyist, $39 one day while working on assignments there; second blowout w service tips, $52; Punchy, Lululemon, $28; Justice, bday gifts and gift bag/pink tissue for Punch friend + shorts for Punch + $2 donation at register, $58; Kings groceries, $63; Joyist, $25 one day while working on deadlines; bike delivery, $35; Whole Foods, $69; CVS & Kings, Easter gifts/basket treats [counting lemon curd for tarts], $97; zoo day and lunch, spring break, $42; A.C. apps + drinks, treat Mimi & Poppy, $85; A.C. pretty lilac drape-neck top, $49; A.C. breakfast, treat Mimi + Poppy, $55; A.C. Skechers flip-flops, $35; A.C. sushi dinner, split bill, $52; Sis bday cards + gift, $35; Joyist, counting body oil, $71; Williams-Sonoma, gifts plus, $55; and Kings, Sis bday lunch of caviar/blini/lox/small layer cake etc., $113; and Whole Foods, a lot of groceries, including scallops and lox, $201. Steep subtotal of $2,204.
MONEY THOUGHTS: I haven't had enough healthy groceries in the house lately. I got some good ones at Whole Foods. We had baby kale with dinner. My friend Rachael posted an article with a reminder about "eating the rainbow," so I got orange cauliflower, plump blackberries, crimson strawberries. I piled the berries in my mother's crystal bowl and the family loved them. I ate zero. I think I will eat 1 black and 1 red berry before bed now. I have a hard time eating fruit. It's a learning curve.
keeping my eye on
SO FAR: TOTAL APRIL SPEND OUT OF POCKET: $3,526.72.
MY TOTAL MARCH SPEND OUT OF POCKET: $4,128.41.
TOTAL FEBRUARY SPEND OUT OF POCKET: $3,159.25.
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Having the right food in the house makes an enormous difference, but then there is pressure to use ingredients before spoiling. Still working on adjusted quantity with Will home, though not always here for meals.
ReplyDeleteLiz
Liz, what you said, exactly. If I buy the leeks for the spring pea soup and don't make it (the peas are frozen), I waste the money with that leek wilting in my crisper, as it is now. You really kind of have to plan, especially with the produce. Have a good day, Liz.
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