Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photo Essay: Holiday Shopping and Nine Courses of Costco Food Samples
It's become a bit of a tradition. Each year, my co-workers and I spend one of our November lunch breaks at Costco. The seven of us help each other shop and have a fun time trying to find some deals.
The first year we did it, someone posed the question: "But doesn't that mean we'll miss lunch?" Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to the little food sample stands set up at key locations around Costco, it's a treat for the taste buds, and with so many options, it makes one feel like a judge on Top Chef. This year the store outdid itself. We tasted morsels from nine different tables and I daresay it might've been the best lunch break all year.
After the jump you'll find more store photos and images of all nine courses. Thankfully, the politics of restaurant photography don't seem to apply to the sample tables. The Costco employees were more than happy to let me take some photos of their food during yesterday's excursion.
Sponsored message
Course 1 - Pistachios
Course 2 - Harry's King Crab and Sweet Corn Chowder
Course 3 - Yakitori Seasoned Chicken
Course 4 - Ling Ling Potsticker
Sponsored message
Course 5 - Pasta Prima Italian Sausage Ravioli
Course 6 - Mrs. May's Cashew Crunch
Course 7 - Caffe D'Vita (it's a drink but I'm still counting it as a course)
Sponsored message
Course 8 - Guylian Belgian Chocolate
Course 9 - Island Way Sorbet
At the end of our little trip, I ended up purchasing one of the sampled items: Mrs. May's Cashew Crunch. It seems like the perfect salty and sweet snack food, and I think I'll be going back for more.
Photos by Michele Reverte for LAist
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
