Thursday, March 13, 2008

"You don't have to drive to Seattle for fresh spices" (or local food!)

I said that to someone today after a meeting and at first I don't think she believed me, but it's true. Fresh spices can be bought in tiny amounts or big ones, precise amounts or bulky by-the-scoop estimations at T-Town's own lovely Urban Gourmet shop of tastiness, located on 6th & Fife in the 6th Avenue Business District (right next door to the new Herban Cafe!). And the onetime-chef-turned-environmentalist-from-University-Place whom I informed of this little hidden 6th Ave. secret seemed equally enthused. It's just that cool. I love Costco, but Costco-sized spices linger in the cabinet way longer than they're supposed to. And fresh spices don't have to cost an arm and a leg ... it's a health and taste indulgence that doesn't really even take a splurge. They also do cooking classes and have all sorts of fabulous wares ... check them out! My surprised meeting mate seemed very happy at the prospect of trading in her soon-anticipated trek to Seattle for a stop by Sixth Ave. on the way home tonight ... yay!

On another note ...

Same multi-career-lady was also surprised to hear about Stadium Bistro's wonderful local food emphasis, and my two-cents that their $8 lunch sandwiches are heavenly brilliant creations. (And they make their own sausage and mayo and many other yummy goodies.) Yes, you read that right $8. It's hard to find lunch that cheap. I highly recommend the ($6) Grilled Cheese (provolone, aged Irish white cheddar and Danish Swiss) and the T-Town Supreme (pork & fennel sausage -- homemade!!! -- with eggplant and red peppers, pan roasted with smoked tomatoes, garlic and provolone cheese on toasted garlic bread). I'm dragging the office with me there next week, and most have never been ... I can't wait! I've had multi-course meals and lunches here ... and I've never had a bad bite. Worth the calories and the dollars: Great deal!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Been shopping @ Urban Kitchen since they opened. Spread the word about our 6th ave jewel!

Elle said...

Went in there the other day and walked out with basil, ground cumin, ground cardamon, curry vindaloo, and chili flake for under $10. All about 1-2 oz each. Enough to fill a grocery store spice jar. That amount would have cost me nearly $20 in the supermarket.

Anonymous said...

We totally love this place. Great for gifts, and we try to buy all of our spices here (in nice manageable amounts). Also, we make a point of ordering any and all kitchen/cooking supplies here if it's something they don't currently stock. Right now, we should have a seltzer bottle on the way...

Anonymous said...

Agreed on the spices. I've purchased a few of their mini-grinders with small storage units - they make great gifts.