allspice

The first thing we thought when we walked into allspice culinarium was that we had been transported to a swanky shopping district in a large metropolitan area - yeah, it's that cool.

But allspice is no out-of-state owned chain, it's a 100% local and family owned business located in Des Moines' East Village on the corner of East 4th and East Locust. Owners Alex and Jennifer Rhoads have an obvious passion for flavor and offer foodies the freshest and widest selection of herbs, spices, specialty oils and vinegars in central Iowa.

Grant went in looking for sichuan peppercorns for an asian-style bacon cure (which they had, of course) and was blown away by the dozens of peppers, salts and spices available. He was like a kid in a candy store, seriously.

The store is so well organized that you can shop effortlessly through the 300+ spices. The glass jars let you see the quality of the spice inside and the easy to read labels offer excellent descriptions of the spice and how to use it.  

The color coordinated labels also add to the ease of your shopping experience.

And as much fun as you'll have wandering the aisles of allspice, you really need to check out their website at www.allspiceonline.com. Not only will you get the whole allspice experience online, but you'll find some excellent recipes that show you how to get the most out of the ingredients you find! 

The design of this space is very modern - classy and urban.

We visited allspice on a Saturday - they had some samples out with recipes using the spices, oils and vinegars. You can pick up a recipe card, too.

Iowa's first olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting bar came to Des Moines when allspice opened in September 2010. The variety of flavors is amazing and you can sip each one until you find just the taste you're looking for. Then fill up a bottle or two.

We were so impressed with the balsamic vinegar selection. The labels have tons of information about each vinegar and how you may want to use it at home.

Another great feature at allspice is the 'Pairing Suggestions.' Everyone at the store gives you their favorite pairings of olive oil and vinegar so you have some flavorful ideas to try - worked for us!

I would guess they put this sign up to save themselves answering the same question all day.

If you love to try new recipes with fresh ingredients and flavors, you need to visit allspice culinarium. They'll provide the herbs, spices, oils and balsamic vinegars to add that boost of culinary genius to your next great meal.

Allspice also offers gift boxes and their website will soon offer an online store. Sign up for their newsletter and be sure to follow them on facebook and twitter for their latest news.

We're so lucky here in central Iowa to have people like Alex and Jennifer - people that have a passion for great food and bring that passion to the rest of us through unique places like allspice. Be sure to stop in the next time you find yourself in Des Moines' East Village.

allspice

400 East Locust #5
Des Moines, IA  50309

515.868.0808

Hours

M - F  10:00am - 6:00pm
SAT  10:00am - 4:00pm

Extended hours during the holiday season

Excellent information and recipes at www.allspiceonline.com

Comments

[Tod]

Beautiful place. You guys will have to take us there the next time we're in town.

[Reeah]

I love their Avocado Oil & their Berbere spice blend. It's great on a pork loin or roast!!

[Amy]

Reeah, thanks for the tip! Grant is always looking for new spice blends to try.