Dining Out at Costco: Mac and Cheese and Bailey’s Irish Cream

Apologies for being off the blog for so long. Work concerns trumped all over the past couple of months – from L..A. Auto Show coverage to holiday gift guides and much more (check out some of the great work done by Times Custom Publishing) - but we’re back on break for the holidays, and promise to be much more attentive to our Costco Cartel.

In fact, we made a long-delayed return recently and were pleasantly surprised by the quality and volume of the free samples, from Kruteaz Belgian waffles to Ghirardelli triple chocolate. The star, we agreed, was delicious baked Mac ‘n’ Cheese.

Of course, we stocked back up on cans of Kirkland albacore tuna, Duncan Donuts Coffee, Nestles Coffee Mate and a pack of six White Apron apple bacon-wrapped sirloin steaks (did we mention the pack cost $12?). And we took home a nice big bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream, a delicious libation for the holidays, and a nice companion to a bottle of 90-proof peppermint schnapps, a holiday tradition.

We’re returning next week for a full-on feast of holiday samples, as well as the inevitable discount coupons for Bombay Sapphire Gin and Stolichnaya Vodka for holiday entertaining.

We’ll keep you posted, of course, on any and all pending holiday specials to take advantage of.
Meanwhile, the latest sample line-up, a solid B:

 Don Miguel Chicken Empanadas
 Alexia Sweet Potato Fries
 Dr. Praeger’s Spinach Pancakes
 Oro Wheat Flat Bread Sandwich with Kirkland Turkey
 Island West Sorbet
 Evergood Link Sausage
 Full Circle Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
 Coach’s Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
 Wildroot Trail Mix
 Baked Parmesan Cheese
 Del Real Cheese and Pork Tamales
 Potato Pancakes and Sour Cream