Saturday Stuffs

Just a few items for a pretty warm Saturday.

Nazca Grill:

Signs have gone up in the old Aji Seco/Nieto's Taco Shop location on Genesee. Looks like this will be a Peruvian restaurant called Nazca Grill.

 

Sounds good to me!!!

Costco Stuff:

I try not to spend very much, if any time in Costco, because of the crowds. My mission is to time things right, and get in and out ASAP. But on a recent visit, I took some time to look around and was rather surprised at finding a few interesting items.

As I navigated my way into the produce section....one does not stroll in Costco, what one does is push a cart the size of an aircraft carrier, dodging other massive shopping carts or six wheelers, and hope for the best. I've always hoped that traffic lights and turn signals will become standard equipment in Costco, but I don't think that'll be happening in my lifetime. To be honest, Costco is invaluable for stocking up on those necessities, I can always get a pack of toilet tissue that would make my late, TP hording Mom proud. The  one thing with Costco is not just buying stuff you'll never use, or don't need, but buying said items in bulk! Luckily, my phobia of ravenous crowds trying to sample stuff in little cups, and crazy folks at the helm of shopping carts (it's a "Long's" story) keeps me away unless we need something. So of course, browsing at Costco cost me a few bucks more, but I was satisfied with what I purchased.

I was surprised to find Donut/Saturn Peaches.

   

The Missus grew up eating these in China, and She really loves these fragrant, and sweet peaches. I was shocked to see them in Costco, as until a few years ago they were usually only found in Asian Markets. These were huge, and fragrant, though not as sweet. Pretty cheap too, 2 pounds for $3.49.

 

I was also lured into buying a package of cedar smoking planks. Because of the amount of grilling we've been doing in the last few weeks, I thought I'd try these out. There were 6 thin planks in the package.

 

I wanted to take these for a test run, so decided to use some shrimp I had in the freezer.

 

I soaked the boards for about an hour, marinaded the shrimp in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, and Salt, for about 15 minutes, lines up on the board, and placed it on the grill at the end of my grilling session (like I said, I want to milk every single bit of heat from my charcoal), and placed the lid on my Weber.

 

I think twelve minutes was a bit too long for the shrimp, but the flavor was excellent. The Missus loved the smokiness. So maybe this was worth it.

Costco always finds new ways to separate me from my money......

Some interesting links:

I remember reading this a couple of weeks ago, and for some reason I couldn't help but laugh.

This one is not about food, but I found it funny as well!  

I hope you're all enjoying your weekend!

Comments

[Lynnea]

It's true, Costco is a really dangerous place, people just don't watch where they're pushing their carts.

[Stephen]

Costco is bad, but I would be willing to bet that Henry's on Park Blvd and Trader Joe's in Hillcrest are worse. I've nearly been run over several times in both. I swear, I've actually seen people running up and down the aisles at Trader Joe's. And most of these people aren't watching where they are going.

[Shirley]

I've always wondered if the wooden planks are re-usable. I think I remember reading that they aren't re-usable so I passed them up.
I miss Costco since I'm here in Germany. I remember that it was best to shop early due to the mass of customers later in the day. And I loved, loved, loved the Costco at Market Street!

[Bbq Dude]

I agree with you 100% about CostCo crowds. I won't let my 3-year old walk there, because it's too dangerous - he has to ride in the cart.

But the meat counter... oh that glorious meat counter...

[Tammy]

Hey K.
You are too funny! I've always wanted to try those wooden planks out from costco. I'm glad you tried it, now I have to get them.

Some of the none food pix are a little disturbing but very funny!

[kat]

I have yet to try donut peaches, saw them at our Marukai, hopefully I'll get a chance to try some. My cousin did a great salmon on that cedar plank, it came out really moist and tender.

[Judy Lee]

*drooooooool* that looks so yummy!

[kob]

Costco planks are awesome and a very good deal. Six planks for about 9 bucks. If you go to home depot they charge 12 bucks for 4 smaller planks. Planks are not reusable. I like to smoke salmon on them but have done chicken breasts and veggies on them also. I use the Tom Douglas rub I got from Costco on the salmon. I was surprised too when saw donut peaches in the Portland Costco. I like the Hawaii costcos the best. Poke, kalua pig, portugese sausage, etc. Also, like being able to buy liquor in the Costco's in CA & HI. Can't get that here in WA:(

[Huilin]

"Costco always finds new ways to separate me from my money......" Yes, you are right, and that’s why I reduce the frequency of my visiting the store from once a week to every other week now, but I still like it.

[meemalee]

I love donut peaches - they've only just become popular the UK too.

I have also purchased a cedar plank (from B&Q) but it's a thick one so it's apparently reusable - my mum laughed at me for spending £5 on a piece of wood :)

[Kirk]

Hi Lynnea - That's wh ywe try to avoid peak hours.

Hi Stephen - Not to mention 99 Ranch Market!

Hi Shirley - These are single use, the price at Costco makes them worth it.

Hi BBQ Dude - Especially since Coctco gets prime on occasion nowadays!

Hi Tammy - That is funny, huh? Try those planks out, they work really well.

Hi Kat - They should be very fragrant, so make sure you use your nose before buying.

Hi Judy - Perhaps a bit overcooked, but very tasty.

Hi Kob - I really don't think yiu need much of a rub on the salmon, since the planks add so much flavor.

Hi Ma - You've cut down your visits to Costco??? Now I believe that anything is possible! ;o) We all know what your first stop is when you visit us......

Hi meemalee - It looks like those peaches are on the way to becoming mainstream. Which is nice since they are delicious.

[sawyer]

those are some pretty interesting buys. i will be on the lookout for those next time i go if they have any up here. are those planks good for one use only? how do they work? and btw, where/what is this los place that has some good koi soi? =)

[Kirk]

Hi Sawyer - It's Lotus of Siam in Vegas. If you ever get to Vegas make sure you check it out.

http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2009/03/las-vegas-lotus-of-siam.html

[Carol]

The Mister loves Saturn peaches. I'll have to stop by (before 11 am on a Sunday is my usual time) to pick some up. Seeing those cedar boards made me laugh and cringe. We got lured in with those too a year back and uh, let's just say that I'll stick with wood chips for smoking my salmon from now on, hehe.

[Kirk]

Hi Carol - I go a 945 on Saturday....to avoid the initial mass waiting at the front door, and beat the rest of the crowds. I really enjoyed the result with shrimp.

[Rosa]

I always try to go to Costco on a weekday (not including Friday) around 7:30pm. I find that it's not very crowded and I can relax and browse without worrying if I'm going to get creamed by a cart or 10. So far this has worked out for all the Costcos I've been to in SD and LA.

[Kirk]

Hi Rosa - That sounds like a good strategy....I'm usually having dinner, walking Da' Boyz, or winding down by that time. Us old folks.......

[rubywong]

Costco is truly one of my favorite place to shop.

[Kirk]

Hi Ruby - Based on the massive crowds thousands are of the same opinion.