We're getting a Penzeys! Naah, naah, naah, naah, naah-naah!

If you've never heard of Penzey's, and you cook, then you must go to their web site right away. Their spices are by far the best of any brand I've used in 35 years of cooking. And the only thing better than a Penzey's catalog is a Penzey's store...where you can walk in and literally sample-smell all the spices before you buy them. It's absolute heaven for foodies.

I have been a Penzey's fan for about 8 years, and for 8 years, I've had to drive (well, actually, Jess drives and I sleep - love you, hon!) to freaking Norwalk, Connecticut to shop there. Yes, they have a web site. Yes, I order online. But every so often, it's nice to go to the store. You get a lot more out of the experience, and you find new stuff you like that you weren't willing to buy un-smelled (grin).

Well, I got a postcard today that Penzey's is coming to Huntington, Long Island, about a 25-minute drive. That sure beats an hour and 25 minutes (or more) to Norwalk, and the Northern State Parkway drive is a breeze compared to the congestion of 695 through the Bronx and 95 through Connecticut. My spice cabinet runneth over already, and the store hasn't even opened yet.