Meandering and cooking around the world channeling Julia Child: Aldi & Trader Joe's: Carnaroli Rice, Wine and more in France, Italy, Ireland, and Your Neighborhood!

Aldi Ireland was a familiar site driving through Cavan town in 2017. I stopped to grab bottled water and to checkout the offerings. Known for modest prices, limited, specific stock choices, and little advertising the German-based grocery store with gross revenue above $50 billion (10 times more than McDonald's gross revenue) has been in the U.S. since 1976. Three years after arriving on our shores, they sent over their offspring, Trader Joe's. If you were unaware of their relationship, now you know, and you can give parent Aldi their due respect!

The Irish Aldi had similarities to the U.S. family and fascinating differences as well. First, the eggs are not refrigerated as in most European grocery stores. There is science for that which I will skip, just know it's safe. You can purchase magazines and newspapers along with the usual fare and local favorites like a full line of Cadbury products cookies, candy, and hot chocolate. Their shopping cart system requires a refundable 2 euro coin unlike the 25 cent coin here. Foreigners beware!

At the Verona, Italy Aldi I purchased so many goodies I had to make three trips. Complete with a 0,50 euros coin operated modern espresso machine in store (shown here), I found Italian carnaroli rice, used in my risotto cooking class in Verona for 1,89 euros for 1kg. On Amazon, a box this size sells for $10 or more. The wine selection was so vast they handed out this 67-page booklet. . . I'm still reading it!

Aldi in Grasse, France, had its own unique twists. I am certain they offered more wine than food items. The selection and quality of cheese surpassed the many shops in tony Antibes, AND they had golden fresh croissants. I could not pass up these almonds sold under the Trader Joe's brand. Like Italy, France carried my favorite Dolce brand of LavAzza ground coffee not available for sale in the U.S. I grabbed a few bags at 2,79 euros knowing they would pass TSA inspection.

Today, Aldi has 1,600 stores in the U.S. and a growing presence in suburban areas including a recently announced partnership to open inside some Kohl's locations. Now, every trip to my local Aldi takes me back to great memories of my European shopping sprees, as I pack up my goodies in my Aldi Italy grocery bag.

People collect Trader Joe's reusable grocery bags ($1) from different cities in the U.S. It's a thing. I bought the TJ's Chicago bags for Christmas gift bags, and they were quite popular and practical. I was happy I picked up this bag from Italy (1 euro) and regret not buying them in France and Ireland. When you are lucky enough to find yourself in a foreign city, look up Aldi and stop in for your memory shopping bag, and I bet you will find treasures to fill it up!