An exploration of spices as close as 82nd St.

Aren't we lucky to live in a time when exotic spices are so easy to find? We don't have to risk our lives on a long sea journey in which we might not know where we are going or if we'll even find anything worth having when we get there. You will definitely find something worth having at Penzeys Spices (4026 E. 82nd St- Rivers Edge strip mall). It is especially nice on these bland winter days to go in and explore the spices, herbs, and seasonings. Sample containers for each offering are available so you can inhale and let your olfactory system take a vacation. We went in just to kill time but ended up leaving with a sackful and more that we wanted but didn't buy. So far, we have tried the Balti seasoning which is a blend of 19 spices such as cumin, coriander, cardamom and fennel. We enjoyed it as a rub on chicken breasts but the Penzeys website says that it makes wonderful potatoes. It is described as a "spicy, salt-free curry powder from Pakistan". Read "spicy" as flavorful, not hot (unlike the Trader Joe's Pav Bhaji side that we had with it- that was hot!). We can't wait to discover the tastes of the other goodies that we purchased and we'll let you know when we do. They have a nice website if no locations are close to you but you really need to go into the retail store and inhale. http://www.penzeys.com/