Dining Out at Costco: Herradura Reposado and Executive Benefits

First the bad news: Our latest trip to Costco resulted in the weakest free-sample showing yet, a factor that most likely had to do with it being a Thursday at the beginning of August, a slow time for everything since so many people are out of town on vacation. The samples mirrored the scant crowd (for Costco, at least) milling about in the warehouse aisles. Disappointing, but entirely understandable.

Now the (very) good news: Tina and her friend, who went in 50-50 on a $100 Costco Executive Membership, received $115 in cash-back money for the year, which of course more than covered their upcoming annual renewal. And they split the $15 bonus.

So that proves what we’ve contended for a long time: Splitting an Executive Membership with family or friends is clearly the way to go. Some people whine that they have to fork out each year for the privilege of enjoying Costco’s bargains, but the cash-back feature can eliminate that and then some. And we left with our usual basket full of great stuff, like Seattle Mountain Coffee, a box of Swiffer pads, Herradura Reposado tequila and a pack of Sea-Pak Shrimp Scampi.

We gave this sample lineup an unprecedented C-minus. But being free, it’s impossible to criticize. And it’s way, way better than anything in recent memory from Whole Foods. Don’t get us started on that sad non-sample situation.

Here’s the latest Costco lineup:

 Kirkland Fruit and Nut Mix
 Mandarin Orange Chicken
 Pasta Prima Mozzarella Spinach Ravioli
 Kirkland Chicken Bake
 Kirkland shredded canned chicken on crackers
 Blue Agave sweetener
 Diet Gatorade
 Finlandia Sliced Cheeses