When the economy is bad like it is now, most of us have a tendency to shop for a bargain as often as possible. Even when the economy is flourishing (can't remember when that was anymore), many of us still like to find the good deals. So when a very excited friend clued me in to Valley Liquidation, I had to go see for myself.

You can understand why I never knew this store existed. It's way down Pacific Avenue, almost to Parkland. I rarely, if ever, have a need to go that direction. Go ahead and say it. I'm a snob, blah, blah, blah... When's the last time you went to Parkland? Yeah, that's what I thought.

Anyway, curiosity and rumors of good deals on truffle oil got the best of me, so I bravely headed out. The building itself is not visually stunning, because I almost drove right past the place. Maybe my car just assumes my actions after years of shopping?

I didn't expect to walk through an outside fresh produce section that was reminiscent of a farmer's market. The produce itself was well presented and quite lovely. Red and yellow peppers are two for $1.00. Anjou and Bosc pears, both .69 cents a pound - and, again, let me emphasize the quality here was very good.

On entering the store, I felt a little confused and overwhelmed, but that is to be expected with these discount stores. Found the pet section filled with fun toys and several bins of rawhide chews. Just beyond that section it started to feel very much like the Dollar Store - until I turned the corner and discovered all the CHOCOLATE.

I simply must say, "WOW." There were chocolates by Endangered Species, Dilettante, Dove, and so many more. I bought these fancy little one-ounce boxes with three individually wrapped chocolate bars in each from New Tree for .50 cents each! They came in an assortment of flavors including a 73% cocoa and black current, and milk chocolate with lavender. They were much tastier than I expected.

Turning around the corner, was a cornucopia of dried pantry items including my favorite Near East whole wheat couscous for $1.00 ($3.00 at Met Market), Hemp Milk for $1.00 a quart, and a whole lot of cereal, salad dressings, dried herbs and various soups and broths.

On the next aisle, I finally discovered the legendary white and black truffle oils for $3.00 an eight-ounce bottle. This is grapeseed oil infused with truffles, and - as we all know by now - grapeseed oil has a high tolerance for heat, and is great for searing. I bought both.

Now, here's the catch. Most of this stuff is expired. You have to check the date on the package. Some items are okay to buy if expired and some things are not. So use your discretion. If it's an off color, chances are it's expired. Don't do it.

With a little digging, Valley Liquidation is a great place to find some good deals. Again, just read the packaging carefully. I walked out with a ton of stuff that only cost me $20. I'll be back. The store is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. except Sunday, when it closes at 6 p.m.

VALLEY LIQUIDATION, 9813 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, 253-537-1107