The local butcher was a place to pick up great meat and small talk.  Unfortunately, they have been replaced with decent meat and small smiles for the local super market.  The friendly specialty shops, like chivalry, still exist.  But, like chivalry, is hard to find.  Your knight in shinning armor, who shall henceforth be known as the Spice Road Market, is a specialty shop for herb, spice, and chai lovers.  

Located at NE 16th and Alberta, Todd and Kathy, owners of the Spice Road Market, created a place that feels like everybody knows your name.  The only thing missing is hearing “JONathan!”

A unique twist and turn to this Spice Road is the background of Kathy as an herbalist, acupuncturist and massage therapist.  As an acupuncturist, she does needle work inside the shop called The Oasis!

As an herbalist, she has put together “Tasty Treatments” using Traditional Chinese Medicine teas mixed with Western herbs.  This makes for a sweeter and better tasting tea since it minimizes the bitter earthy flavor typically found.  A few of her Tasty Treatments are…

•    Allergies in the Spring
•    Stop smoking
•    Anti-hypertension

Their goal is “to inspire people to look at new ways to cook, and for people to look into food as medicine while making new cooking traditions.”  So, if you’re looking to do something nice for your taste buds, Todd and Kathy’s knowledge and enthusiasm is as great as their product is diverse.

For the Chef Boy or Girl R-De that loves to cook, you’ll find “the standard spice to the obscure” to make your own blend from fresh, organic, mostly local, and competitively priced spices.

For the novice cook like myself, they’ve put together “simple pre-made blends to make everything tastier that can be put next to the stove to season all your tasty delights.”  A few of their blends are…

•    The Italian Herb blend, which is Kathy’s family secret.
•    BBQ Steak Rubs like the Southwest Chile blend with a hint of New Mexico and a dash of Arizona.
•    Chili powder for the standard chili bowl.
•    Northern African blend from Morocco for all your favorite meats.

More than a spice shop that offers nutmeg and needle work, they offer a medley of teas, coffee’s, and steamers to enjoy. Grab a Black Chai or a Vanilla Steamer while you smell the spice samples. Looking for adjectives to describe what you are smelling? Don’t even strain the brain, they are not short on describing those aromas for you.

Todd and Kathy put an emphasis on purchasing local spices and herbs in greater bulk while they are in season. They have fair trade organic herbs that span the globe.  They also support local artists for Last Thursday’s by displaying their art, plus they give back to the community by donating Spice Road Market essentials to a local school raffle and other local organizations.  

Their weekly email offers insight on cooking and new products in their shop.  To join their list, email [email protected]

Open
Monday, Wed-Sat: 11-6
Sunday: 11-4
Tuesday: Closed





Photos copyright of GreenPosting