Culinary Goods

…walk’in the dog and think’in about spice : ) I walk my dog Bree, (my trusty canine companion) a loving golden retriever of 8 years and consider it my bit of yoga.   First thing in the morning (after coffee!), and before work and when the day comes to a close.  I get thinking far too much and it often ends up being a bit of a work brainstorm!  It’s fun for me and often uplifting and energizing…a good way to wake up.

Today on the yoga-dog-walk my thoughts drifted to more things I love about the shop of Plenty.  There is a lot to love in between our 4 walls. Most recently I seem to be fixated on our spice bazaar.  I love gazing at our ‘wall’ of spice! Not only do we just have spice  - we have very FRESH and  FRAGRANT spice.  Need I say more?!  It’s very common when a customer enters the store, their nose tilts up ever so slightly, maybe a wrinkle;  they smile and exclaim what a wonderful aroma and ask what it is! I think it’s our spice bazaar aromas wafting and swirling about the shop….a bit magical!  I cannot think of a more pleasant or natural aromatherapy!

I vividly remember when a recent order of ground cumin arrived from The Gathering Place - a wonderful small (family owned) group on Cortes Island. The scent was overwhelming, potent;  I felt transported for a moment to some bustling exotic spice market. Ah the powerful sense of smell!  I recently asked Trevor about the star anise motif for Plenty and was told that Trevor and Erica selected it because of its wonderful scent and flavour, its unique medicinal attributes, and  its striking aesthetic appeal.  I also discovered this Asian spice is a member of the Magnolia family. I think the subtle sweet licorice scent of star anise also lingers in the shop.

Tucked in between all our assorted spice packages is the centre-piece apothecary chest.  This ‘piece de resistance’ is a magnet for many and often we are asked the price!  In the tiny drawers are spices from our local suppliers Marissa and Kent.  They own and operate Organic Fair up in Cobble Hill. Since the early days of Plenty they have provided us with a popular medley of spice, tea and we could never forget their beloved chocolate bars.

We also purchase spice for Plenty from the renowned “South China Seas Trading Company.  I love that they are one of the original vendors at Granville Island Public Market.  Such history. I also love their slogan: ‘life is too short for boring food’.  It’s the truth. They also have a storefront on Victoria Drive (near Commercial) in addition to their Granville Island digs. Their world is mostly spice, but I must mention that they make one of the finest dressings or dipping sauces (whichever you please) that have passed my lips in a long time.  I don’t normally ‘do’ dressings in bottles other than my own concoctions.  Believe me, when I tell you that their Ginger or Pepper dressings are delicious and well worth giving yourself the night off whip up your own!  You can look at the incredible ingredient list (a bit of sake, some pecans, apple …) to see that it’s going to be a treat.

Plenty has just turned 4 years old; I have been a part of it almost that long.  I know that we have become a favorite for many that like to cook and enjoy purchasing quality ingredients.  I love the idea of being a spice destination shop offering the best spice in Victoria.   I believe we deserve that reputation, but then it’s just my opinion that I won’t be budging on!

The next time a new recipe requires a missing spice from your collection, I can almost guarantee we’ll have it. I promise it will be fresh; I promise it will be fragrant!  I invite you to follow your nose to the Plenty spice bazaar; pop in for a sniff and a visit!

- (Bobbie & Bree)…Pondering the Pantry