Sunday, March 21, 2010

Hmmmmm; spice-y!

A couple of days ago K. and I stumbled upon a wonderful little place. Okay; we did have a bit or direction from T., who is a friend of ours who just happens to live near this sweet little spot.

Summit Spice and Tea Company is freakin' awesome! If you have read some of my blog, or know me IRL; it's an obvious factoid that I love to cook, and that on most days recipe research is absolute joy! This store was nirvana for me! :)

This store really has been a wonderful discovery for me. T. was right; when I walked in I thought "AHHOOOHHHAWWWAAAAAA!!!!!" As an avid cook (not chef; I am clearly an amateur) I am absolutely overjoyed to find a source for the spices I can't seem to grow on my own ever since our move here; even your basic window-sill parsley, basil, thyme, oregano and sage combo for my pantry. Don't even get me started on my inability to grow a salsa garden here. My kingdom for a green house! ;)

People here have no idea of what real green chile is, and every time we go out for Mexican food we just have to remind ourselves that it's not New Mexican cuisine. I know there are definitely worse things; I'm just missing comfort foods from home. I can replicate most things that I attempt, but sometimes I just want to step into The Church Street Cafe in Old Town Albuquerque and have some green chile stew or carne adovada with real flour tortillas; or a plate of blue corn enchiladas. Heaven! If you ever visit Albuquerque; don't hesitate to go by Church Street. You won't be disappointed.

And if you happen to be in Anchorage; be sure to stop in at Summit Spice. That is a spice shop to rival any other. Tell them Vikki sent you (of course they'll probably just say Vikki who??!!!)

Have a great week!

:)

Enjoy this lovely artist for Sunday Serenade. Amee Mann is one of my favorites.

7 comments:

Saoirse in Spokane said...

What a wonderful find. We used to have a store like that but it did not make it. So what spices did you take away with you?

Hatch chilies are the best in the world. I wish I could make New Mexcio's red enchiladas. I try to explain to people how they are sweet and savory, but words just can't do it.

Have a great week Vikki.

Steve said...

wow sounds like a great place. Can't wait to read about all the new cooking thats going to be going on in our kitchen!

lisahgolden said...

That store sounds delightful! Now I am craving good food.

Your blog looks great, BTW.

Tim said...

Vikki, just swinging by to say "hey" and see what you're up to--and glad to hear about your find. Don't think we've got anything to equal it in Chicago (well, at least not in Lakeview, where I live, which is pretty much "Chicago" to me). So slight twinges of jealousy here...

Have a blest Holy Week and wondrous Easter!

Peace,
Tim

The Cunning Runt said...

Great ingredients are the foundation of great eats.

So cool that you found this source - I'm a good bit behind you on that front, settling most days for anything edible.

Keep it coming, Grrrl. I'm all salivatin' and stuff!

Q said...

It has been so fun catching up with you! Love the look of the blog....
Happy Easter!
Sherry

Kellie Robinson said...

Hi Vikki, I am a fellow New Mexican living in Anchorage, and I understand how you feel about the New Mexican food. I keep dried hatch red and green in my pantry to help satisfy the cravings..it helps, but isn't the same as fresh! I had not heard of Summit Spice but will look for it now!

thanks!