My friend and colleague Sean wondered, “where is a good place for martinis and french fries at this hour?”
We were closing down the restaurant and Sean was planning a post-work rendez-vous. Sometimes after a good long day at work, what we really need is a stiff drink—with a side of freshly fried potatoes.
French fries may be the most popular and iconic version of this tuber cooked in sizzling hot oil, but countless others are found across cultures. Just a few examples:
Pan-fried rosemary fingerlings
Fried mashed potato croquettes
Sichuan stir-fried potatoes
Latkes
Rosti
Tater tots
Pommes souffle
Tornado fries
And of course, hash brown patties. In the United States we typically associate hash browns with breakfast, as Trader Joe’s has marketed them below. But there is really no wrong time to eat hash browns. TJ’s are flavorful enough to enjoy on their own, but a classic dollop of ketchup—or hot sauce and sour cream—is a nice touch. Sometimes when I’m feeling particularly lush I even melt a slice of cheese atop a cooked patty in the toaster oven. Divine.
If you want to impress your date on the morning after—or do something really special for mom this weekend—whisk up some hollandaise, poach a couple eggs, mince up chives and dill and build a smoked salmon benedict over Trader Joe’s hashbrowns.
I actually feel rather lucky to have found a pack at my most recent sojourn to Trader Joe’s, as Sean warned me these puppies sell out fast and furiously in the morning and after the afternoon restock. After months of Trader Joe’s Tuesday installments, my list of beloved products is running a bit low so I have solicited suggestions—and today’s comes courtesy of Sean.🍸
Fair warning: high sodium, high potassium. Potatoes—and especially when fried—must be consumed in moderation. While widely available, potatoes are a true delicacy and ought to be consumed as a special treat. Enjoy with care.
ICYMI, check out these related posts:
Trader Joe's Tuesday Treats: Crumbled Feta Cheese with Mediterranean Herbs
As you already know, exactly one Trader Joe’s grab and go item is good enough to self-justify a visit. But as you also know, I like to build out TJ’s Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad by doubling its non-orzo components: shredded spinach, red onions, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and crumbled feta cheese.
Trader Joe's Tuesday Treats: Colossal Olives Stuffed with Garlic Cloves
Nobody drinks martinis these days. More olives for the rest of us.
Certain Sips: The Weekend Brew
In the beautiful but largely priced-in state of California in 2025, the combo of a half-decent junior bacon cheeseburger, nuggets, fries and a frosty for $7 and change is simply too good to pass up. So who am I to judge if you use DoorDash to have your Wendy’s delivered?
Well, for me the ideal and I consider healthier option from Trader Joe’s is their French fried Sweet Potatoes… “convenient and tasty way to enjoy sweet potatoes with minimal effort. These frozen fries are pre-cut, lightly seasoned, and ready to bake, air fry, or fry. Their balance of natural sweetness and light seasoning makes” them delicious without having to a thing! I baked the entire bag, watching they get nicely browned turning over one time. Frankly, I ate the entire bag… that was my dinner! Yup … 800 calories… it is supposed to serve 5 people but ok I didn’t have an alcoholic drink… I had oj with water added.
“The ingredient list is clean and free from artificial additives, making this a wholesome option compared to many frozen alternatives”
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