Chefs spend their days sourcing pristine seafood, crafting house-made pastas and building menus from scratch. But even the most exacting pros have their shortcuts and Trader Joe’s is one they return to again and again.
From cult-favorite frozen items to pantry staples that punch above their price, the specialty grocer has earned a loyal following in restaurant kitchens and home fridges alike.
With another Trader Joe’s on the cusp of opening in West Palm Beach, we asked local chefs what they actually buy there, not for show, but for real life. Their answers reveal the ingredients they trust when they are off the clock or just need dinner on the table.
Clay Conley, Buccan, Buccan Sandwich Shop, Grato in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach
Conley combines Trader Joe’s Greek chickpeas with parsley and cumin with grape leaves and fried eggplant for a quick snack or an easy addition to his kids’ lunches.
Francois Payard, Le Bilboquet Market in Palm Beach
Payard, the nationally renowned pastry chef who serves as the Market’s culinary director shared that he finds “Trader Joe’s is an amazing grocery store with lots of unique offerings. I love their fig jam, paired with a soft Brie cheese or added to a vinaigrette for a subtle fruity note.”
Tim Lipman, Coolinary in Palm Beach Gardens
Lipman keeps Trader Joe’s Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings on hand for nights when staff meal is missed. His move is simple: microwave, then build them out with fresh vegetables or leftover rotisserie chicken.
Clay Carnes, Cholo Soy in West Palm Beach
Carnes turns to Trader Joe’s Carne Asada Autentica for easy home grilling. For something sweet, he reaches for the Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies. At breakfast, the sliced brioche loaf becomes French toast for his kids.
John Daly, Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar & Taphouse in Jupiter
Daly and his wife rely on Trader Joe’s fried rice and chili garlic crisp for a quick family meal, often topped with a fried egg after long days of school runs and softball practice.
Julien Gremaud, Avocado Grill, Avocado Cantina and Pink Steak in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens
Gremaud keeps Dorot Gardens crushed ginger cubes from Trader Joe’s in rotation, citing their convenience and ability to add instant depth to sauces and marinades.
Matt Abdoo, Pig Beach in West Palm Beach
Abdoo calls Trader Joe’s Italian Bomba hot pepper sauce a standout value, noting it would cost significantly more at a specialty market. He uses it in spicy vodka sauce or to add heat to a ragu. At home, the freezer staple is mac and cheese bites, a reliable dinner shortcut for both kids and adults.
Lisa Aloha-Lani Mercado, former owner of Ravish, Not So Bizaare Cafe and The Living Room
Mercado uses Trader Joe’s Mini Ice Cream Cones as a garnish for plated desserts, calling them an easy way to elevate presentation. She also buys the small avocados for brunch boards, credits the caramelized onion dip as inspiration for her own version, and uses Green Goddess seasoning to boost house-made hummus.
Craig Tooker, Amrit Ocean Resort on Singer Island
Tooker shops Trader Joe’s meat case, singling out the lamb shoulder, which he slow cooks after dry rubbing and smoking.
Diana Biederman and Eddie Ritz are big fans of Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken. Connect at dbiederman@pbpost.com or eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: From dumplings to dips, chefs love these Trader Joe’s finds for home
Reporting by Diana Biederman and Eddie Ritz, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
