Have plans for a get together with friends and family on Labor Day?  If so, you’ll want to get in your Costco shopping this weekend because they are CLOSED on Monday, September 6, 2010.  So, if you haven’t already been, you’d better get to Costco on Saturday or Sunday for your burgers, sausages, hot dogs, soda, chips, and any paper plates and plastic cups that you need.   Of course, this also means that Costco will most likely be crazy busy this weekend because everyone else will be shopping at the last minute for their parties too.  You might want to think about getting there early to avoid the crowds and make sure you still have stuff to buy!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

This blog should come as a welcome resource to all of you that love shopping at Costco, and love reading blogs about it too.  The Costco Cuisine blog is written by a guy that loves Costco and wants to show how a married couple, without kids, gets good use out of a Costco membership, as well as how Costco provides you with a lot of opportunities to upscale your food selection at very reasonable prices.

Costco Cuisine is brought to you courtesy of Mike who lives in Wyoming, Michigan and has been a Costco member for around three years.  Here’s what he says about why he decided to start writing his blog:

We buy a lot of stuff at Costco and some of it is pretty basic like ground beef in the multi pound packs.(And I will do an entry sometime soon about how we buy six pounds of ground beef, cook it all up at once and put it in the freezer in a number of smaller packages that are the right size to cook one meal with).  But some of the food is a little different, like the black bean burgers, Nutella or quinoa.  Writing a blog makes me think about what we can do with all these fun and reasonably priced foods.  And then, besides just my wife and I, other people can improve their food and their lives. I don’t have delusions about have a million followers, but if there are some people out there that get some good ideas from this blog, that is great.

His recent blog posts include things such asquinoa, proscuitto, Nutella, salsa, pizza, and black bean burgers.  Seriously, he covers tons of various products that maybe you buy all the time or maybe you’ve been considering but don’t know what you’d do with it; now you have an additional resource to check out for Costco cooking.   It’s a fairly new blog, that Mike started at the beginning of July but he’s already got 38 posts that you should check out.

• Costco Cuisine: Dedicated to cooking with and enjoying the fine foods of Costco.

Microfiber Utility Towels

Microfiber Utility Towel Set – I got these to use in the kitchen because my old kitchen towels were looking a bit scruffy and didn’t seem to absorb as well as I’d prefer.  You get 10 towels in this set at Costco, and they are generously sized at 16×28 inches (40×71 cm).  But they are incredibly absorbent and dry in no time.  The quick drying time means that they don’t take as much time to wash and dry as regular cotton towels either (which is nice if you have the little combo washer/dryer unit that I have).  The towels will hold 7 times their weight in liquid.  How amazing is that?  I haven’t tried it, so I’m just taking their word for it.  But that would be an impressive feat and come in handy next time you spill something all over the place.  I’ve not spilled anything that big yet but I can certainly tell that they are much more absorbent than my old cotton towels.  The towels are all super soft and since they are microfiber they are lint free too.  The lint free thing is nice if you are drying something like a mirror or glass, glasses in my kitchen usage.  In the set you get three different types of towels for different types of cleaning:  friction towel for enhanced scrubbing, extra thick terry towel for extreme absorbency, dual purpose towel for everyday use.  For me this was a great way to get a bundle of towels for my kitchen that are certainly far superior to the regular cotton kitchen towels I was using.  After the first washing they still look good and are just as fluffy and nice as when we brought them home.  They are likely to pick up the lint from any previous items you had in your dryer though, so be warned about that.  10 towels for £9.99 (US: $15.51).  Item #: 0416196.

Highland Spring Water

Highland Spring Carbonated Spring Water –  We like to get the carbonated water to have something around that we can us to mix with the Ribena.  And somehow, fizzy water works much better than just tap water (at least for me, it’s got a better taste someway).  I’m not a water snob, I don’t care what name is on the label, it is all pretty much the same taste-wise and that is all that really matters to me.  Well, except for price.  And these are less expensive than the other waters at Costco by a £1-2 or so.  But why waste a pound on water that tastes the same as this?  The closest in price was the Pellegrino, which I always bought in Austin because it was the cheap mineral water choice there.  But the downfall with the Pellegrino is that it is in those nice glass bottles; fine, if you have the recycling space that I no longer have.  So for us, the Highland Spring water is good because it comes in plastic bottles that are crushable if we start running out of our little tiny recycling space before the week is up, and also because it is cheaper.  Now if only Costco here had some mango nectar that I could mix my mineral water with…  12, 1.5 liter bottles for £5.95 (US: $9.24).  Item #: 0017703.

Aquafresh Enamelock Toothpaste

Aquafresh Enamelock Toothpaste – My mom is going to be so jealous that I can buy such little tubes of toothpaste in bulk at Costco.  She really doesn’t like the enormous tubes that you have to get in the US Costco locations.  Maybe I’ll have to take her some back.The tubes are just 75 ml, they say you’re getting 50% extra for free, which makes them pretty small around but they are about the same length as the regular 6.7 ounce tubes.  Normally, we get Aquafresh because it is the less expensive option at Costco and we don’t feel an overwhelming draw towards the Colgate or Crest options.  It’s got a nice minty flavor and does the trick of keeping our teeth clean and white.  What more can you expect from your toothpaste?  Well, now they’ve got this new Enamelock formula.  The Enamelock (I believe this is the same as the Aquafresh Advanced in the US) helps strengthen teeth from the inside out by locking in vital minerals and keeping out plaque acid.  That sounds like a good thing, if it works.  And if you’ve always wondered if the cool stripes in the Aquafresh toothpaste are anything but a gimmick, they apparently all have specific actions: red for healthy gums, white for strong teeth, and blue for fresh breath.  The Aquafresh was cheaper by £4-6 for the same amount of toothpaste when compared with the other toothpaste options at our Costco.  That’s quite a bit to me, so we were good with the little tubes for less money.  The other nice thing about these tubes and their small size is that they are good for flying too because they fall below the allowed limits (3 oz or 100 ml) for liquids or gels.   12, 75 ml tubes for £5.99 (US: $9.30).  Item #: 0062654.

Goikoa Serrano Ham

Goik0a Sliced Serrano Ham – A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the great chorizo sausages that we had gotten at Costco, and when I saw the Serrano ham from the same people, I figured I would try that too.  I believe this is the first time I’ve had the Serrano ham, as I usually tend to go with the Italian meats instead.  This is similar to prosciutto since it is also a matured and cured ham, but the slices are a little thicker so you get a much stronger pork flavor.  Though both have a similar, mouthwateringly light texture.  To make the Serrano ham, fresh hams are trimmed and cleaned, then stacked and covered with salt for couple of weeks to remove excess moisture and keep the meat from spoiling.  Next, the salt is washed off and the hams are hung to dry for about six months.  Finally, the hams are hung in a cool, dry place for anywhere from six to eighteen months.  In the case of the Goikoa ham, they hang it for twelve months.  All of the curing and drying, really concentrates the flavors.  While the flavors are concentrated, they can still be overpowered by strong flavors quite easily.  So, I like it just by itself so that you don’t get any interference with the delicious taste from something heavy like bread or certainly from condiments like mustard or things you’d put on a sandwich.  It is great served alongside some olives and excellent when paired with fresh fruit like an apple, pear, or some figs.  Because it has a salty taste, it is nice to pair it with something that is sweet, I think.  The package also suggests wrapping it around grilled chicken, which is certainly something I wouldn’t have thought of but will have to try.  Also, you should remember to let it come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.  To avoid it sticking together, unpeel the slices from each other when cold though.  250 grams, 12 slices, for £4.49 (US: $6.97).  Item #: 0099077.

Two-Bite Coconut Macaroons

Two-Bite Coconut Macaroons – I love a nice coconut macaroon, but Dave is not a fan of shredded coconut, so I hardly ever have them.  But since it was my birthday, I decided to live it up and get this enormous package at Costco.  Luckily, they aren’t something you’re going to eat a big bunch of all at one time because they are far too rich for that.  They are really yummy though!  Little pyramids of coconut and egg white mixed together and then lightly toasted and drizzled with chocolate.  They’re pretty rich but two of them with a glass of milk or tea is a nice little treat in the afternoon.  They’re sweet but not so much so that they aren’t enjoyable, and they have that great coconut texture:  somehow crunchy, chewy and almost soft all at the same time.  I was thinking I might try to freeze some of them because it will take me forever to get through the whole container I think.  And I’m pretty sure that they should be okay in the freezer, at least regular coconut is when you freeze it.  I do seem to recall seeing these in the US Costco locations too.  And since they are from a Canadian company I would think they’d certainly be available in Canada, as well.  They are also Kosher and Vegetarian friendly.  Sure, each one has 72 calories but that’s less than a candy bar would be and they will definitely kick any sweet tooth craving you might be having.  750 grams for £3.95 (US: $6.13).  Item #: 0100369.

I’ve been saving up news stories about new locations or possible new locations for a while now, so I decided I’d just put them all in a big post.  These seven little news blurbs will give you a pretty good idea of where you can expect new Costco locations in 2011 and even out to 2012.  I’ll be adding these to the list on the Locations page and will try to keep the dates updated so they are something a little more precise than just a season and a year.

Construction begins on Vancouver, Washington shopping center anchored by Costco

A new $40 million shopping center, called Lacmass Crossing, has started construction at Northeast 192nd Avenue and Southeast First Street in East Vancouver, Washington.  The whole development will cover 181,000 square foot and contain fifteen retail stores and restaurants, but the majority of it will be taken up with a new Costco.  The new Costco location will be a 154,000 square foot warehouse as well as a gas station, and clearly anchor the shopping center.  The Costco is scheduled to open by November and will be hiring 350 full-time employees.  The new shopping area is across the street from an existing shopping center that includes as Home Depot and a Walmart.  The site is also near Union High School, Shahala Middle School and Illahee Elementary School and Southwest Washington Medical Center has plans for expansion across the street.

• OregonLive.com:  Construction begins on Vancouver shopping center anchored by Costco

Costco to Relocate Chesterfield, Virginia Store Near Mall

Costco has finalized the purchase of a 15 acre plot just off Koger Center Boulevard and work has begun already to clear the land.  It looks like construction will start in the next few weeks with a target of opening the new location in Spring 2011.  While this is a new location, Costco isn’t really new to the area since this will be a relocation of their current location on Hull Street Road.  The new location will be part of The Woodlands, an 80 acre development that will also include a 400 unit apartment complex, restaurants, 150,000 square foot of retail space (not including the Costco), and some of the 80 acres will remain undeveloped due to existing wetlands.  As a result of the new development, the existing Mall Drive will be extended almost a mile to Robious Road and will give drivers a direct route to Midlothian Turnpike when finished in 2011.

• Richmond Times-Dispatch: Costco to Relocate Chesterfield Store Near Mall

Costco Coming to Wheaton, Maryland – But Maybe Not with a Gas Station

Costco has decided to go ahead with their plan to build a new Costco location by the Westfield Wheaton mall by Fall 2011.  However, getting their 16-pump gas station approved is another issue all together.  Costco addicts in southern Montgomery County are rejoicing that soon they won’t have to drive to Gaithersburg or Beltsville to do thier Costco shopping.  Originally, Costco had submitted plans for the store and gas station and said that they would one build if they could do it all.  They’ve now decided to go forward with the store, and seek a special exception for a gas station separately.  That process could take up to a year.  Residents has vowed to continue the fight against the gas station which they say is far too close to the Kensington Heights community.  But the plans for the new Costco are going forward, in the meantime.  They will be taking over the second level of the former Hecht’s, which has stood empty since 2006.  The first level will get another large retail tenant such as Kohl’s or Dick’s Sporting Goods.

• The Washington Post:  Costco gas station at issue in Wheaton
• The Washington Post:    Montgomery residents want Costco at Wheaton mall but not its gas station

Costco Coming to Westfield Topanga Mall

Costco will be opening a new location in the Warner Center with an opening sometimes in late 2012.  The 146,000 square foot store will be the main anchor tenant of the Village at Westfield Topanga development, between Westfield’s existing Topanga and Promenade centers.  Costco was lured to the project when the city used a recent expansion of its enterprise zone, a state program that gives tax credits to companies that hire local workers.  The new Costco location will employ up to 300 permanent workers.

• Los Angeles Business Journal:  Costco Coming to Westfield Topanga

Westfield Reaches Deal to Bring Costco to Three Markets

As you can probably guess from the two blurbs above, The Westfield Group has been busy getting Costco to anchor some of their malls.  Obviously, two of the three locations are in Wheaton, Maryland and Los Angeles, California, but the third one will make lots of people who read this blog from Florida pretty happy: Sarasota, Florida.  That’s right, Sarasota is going to get a new Costco location in the Westfield Sarasota Square mall.  A former department store in the mall will be redeveloped to house the 145,000 square foot Costco that will open in late 2011.  This would be the first Costco location along the Florida Gulf Coast.  The nearest Costco to Sarasota currently is about 40 miles away.

• Retail Traffic:  Westfield Reaches Deal to Bring Costco to Three Markets

Costco in Huntington Beach, California

There appears to be the faintest glimmer of hope that Huntington Beach will be getting a new Costco location, sometime.   The tenth Orange County location is being proposed for 7601 Edinger Avenue near the Bella Terra mall.  The city’s Design Review Board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to consider plans for the 154,113-square-foot wholesale retailer, which would include a tire shop, outside food court, and a 16-pump gas station.  The board’s review of the plans is the first step toward approvals for the project, which would need to be considered by the Planning Commission and the City Council before getting the green light.  There would need to be a change to the zoning, so that could prove to be an issue.  Although, the new Costco will be part of a new development called The Village that would include up to 468 multi-family homes and 30,000 square-feet of additional retail space.

• The Ornage County Register: HB Costco Could Get First Approval Tonight
• The Ornage County Register: Costco Coming to Huntington Beach?

Costco to open new Southampton store on BAT site

Here in the UK, we shouldn’t feel too left out because Costco is in the early stages of planning a new location in Southampton.  The site that they are looking at is part of the BAT site in Millbrook.  Costco has struck a deal to buy a ten-acre plot off Regents Park Road, formerly used for cigarette manufacturing, subject to planning permission.  Costco has been looking to open a location in the Southampton area for several years.  A Costco spokesman said the store would provide “at least 160 well paid jobs at opening, rising to at least 250 within three years of opening”.

• Daily Echo: Costco to open new Southampton store on BAT site  with 250 jobs

[Today's guest post is brought to us by Evan who lives in Arizona.  He's been a Costco member since he turned 21, 9 years ago, and before that he would use his parents membership.  He's been going since it was Price Club, since he was born.  He's also got a blog about Costco samples, over 1000 so far.]

Costco in Tempe, Arizona Switches from Kirkland Signature to Interstate Car Batteries

Interstate Car Batteries

To my surprise, I found that on my visit today, Costco had switched from my standing favorite Kirkland Signature brand batteries to Interstate car batteries.

For automotive applications the warranty seems to be a bit less, as I believe the Kirkland Signature batteries had a 36 month full replacement  warranty, where the Interstate batteries have only a 30 month full replacement.

Car Batteries at Costco

Over the years, I have put many Kirkland Signature car batteries in my vehicles and they have done well, especially considering how the Arizona summer is notorious for killing batteries. The warranty exchange was always hassle free, and I drove with confidence knowing I had Kirkland under my hood. I will miss my Kirkland Signature batteries.

Also note that they still do carry the Optima brand high end batteries as well.  I have confirmed that the Chandler Costco made the switch to Interstate car batteries, as well.