DON C.
Yelp
I really dig this place and their offerings!
This Spice Suite is a beginning cook and culinary creative's dream. I first stumbled on to The Spice Suite by way of Instagram. Randomly, while snooping around IG for cooking vids.....a phat juicy delicious looking pan-seared Salmon Steak & Cheese Sandwich oozing with cheese, peppers and seasonings everywhere popped up on my feed and caught my eye! I mean I was literally salivating from my phone and almost licked the screen....while looking at the proprietor (Angel Gregorio) of The Spice Suite whip up this magical dish in her home using their spices! From that day, I was hooked and a follower of her posts and dranked the "Kool-Aid!"
Flash forward, I had a chance to visit this shop on 9/11 for their "Grand-Reopening Day" since closing in March due to COVID and the event did not disappoint.
Unassuming from the outside, you walk in and become inspired by the various handcrafted curated spices, infused olive oils, teas, balsamics, cookware, and select grocery goods.
The vibe in a nutshell....is chill, funky and eclectic....with a small window seating space, spice-food wall art everywhere, and even a working pay telephone where somehow it all comes to together to make this shop so unique.
From the moment you step into the shop you are given a passport to visit multiple countries and explore the culinary spices of many cultures all from the storefront of this shop in DC. The walls of the entire perimeters of the shop brightly display familiar staples of spices and unique handcrafted spice blends that change frequently.
You find yourself both inspired and intrigued to try spices with creative vices and names such as...Tabil, Morroc-ish, Mojo, Adobo Lime, Garlicky, Jamaican Jerk, Tuscan Herb...to familiar spice blends such as Honey Chipotle and Lemon Pepper! Also, when available be sure to try the LEMON PEPPER HOT SAUCE!! OMG!....It is one of the best hot sauces around and good on anything...fried chicken, fish, salads, potato chips....yes, I said it! lol....potato chips, even popcorn to ice cream! Love the stuff. *WARNING: It always sells out, but get your hands on some & Thank me later.
All of these ingenious spice creations are the brainchild of the owner Angel Gregorio. She is the Picasso of all the colorful spice blends, teas, honey and sugars that are sold on the shelfs within the store and flow like art on her instagram post/cooking demos. They not only help introduce you to The Spice Suite selections, but offer up creative meal ideas for the kitchen. It certainly helped me get out of pandemic "quarantine-cooking" boredom. Check out these salivating posts on IG: @thespicesuite.
Another admirable mention, is that I find remarkable that she utilizes the storefront to not only sell her select goods but allow the store to serve as an incubator for many other inspiring, minority-black women owned businesses. She hosts monthly popups and mentors women entrepreneurs where they showcase their products for sale within the store. Definitely a great way to uplift and share the wealth.
In all, lots of great things to say about this local black-owned small business. Great selection of products and spices, for such a small space. Decent customer service too. Although a bit pricey, the quality and value definitely makes up for it.
So, in need of some 'spice' in your life or a change from the same old Salt & Pepper!??....Definitely give The Spice Suite a try!