Lunch at Costco: California Pizza Kitchen and Smirnoff Vodka

We were compelled to high-tail it to Costco on a Thursday afternoon in order to take advantage of the latest round of coupons that were about to expire – with a free lunch in mind, as well, of course. And the Los Feliz Costco did not disappoint.

In fact, it was one of the best non-holiday-period free sample selections we’ve yet to see, not huge on quantity, but very high on quality and portions. Our highest ratings – along with California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken and Raybern Philly Cheesesteak – go to multiple offerings of Green Chopsticks dumplings and potstickers. We’re talking four at a time, from pork to chicken to cheese – and they insisted everyone sample at least one of each (we ended up eating eight apiece). Huge props to the Green Chopsticks folks manning the display, slinging trays loaded with food for the hungry masses. And it did draw a large crowd.

Overall, all the helpings were generous and abundant; we were offered seconds and took them. We left full. We also left with a 1.75 liter bottle of Smirnoff Vodka, a steal at $15.99, as well as a box of delicious Crazy Cuisine Teriyaki Chicken, which we discovered via a free sample.
Here’s the rest of the lunch lineup, a solid A-minus:

Kirkland Albacore Tuna on crackers (we always keep a case at home)

Oatmeal Squares

Naked Protein Drink (chocolate and banana)

Kirkland Shepards Pie

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Multigrain Crackers

Dining Out at Costco

We went to Costco last Friday afternoon and the sample spread was outstanding – more on that later – but we were also reminded of one of the most lucrative savings opportunities Costco offers, namely the wide varieties of discount gift cards, which work equally well as gifts for yourself, especially the restaurant cards. They cover major chains, including California Pizza Kitchen and McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurants. a pair of $50 cards for only $79.99. Obviously a great deal – 20% savings. They also have similar offers for spas and travel.

Can’t overlook deals on movie tickets -- $15.99 for a pair at AMC Theaters – and premium field and loge seats for the L.A. Dodgers -- $32.99 per ticket, a savings of $35 each.

Anyway, the samples were out in force, heavy on the poultry: Two forms of chicken sandwich – grilled and Kirkland canned – along with some excellent turkey spinach lasagna and two types of spicy chicken sausage, accompanied by tomato-basil chicken burger.

And that’s just scratching the surface. Further proof that these complimentary lunches alone more than make up the annual membership fee, especially when you split it with family or a friend, as we do. We left with full bellies.

Here’s the rest of the lineup:

 Noh Hawaii grilled pork

 Chipins popcorn chips

 Greek yogurt

 Peanut butter filled pretzels

 Café mocha

 Whole grain rice with delicious Yoshida’s marinade (we picked some up)

 El Monterey taquitos and quacamole

 Tropical pineapple salsa and chips

 Boca vegan burger

 Hillshire Farms chicken lunch meat and American cheese