I'm a sucker for local spice shops. I just love them. I've recently discovered a love of cooking , and I will go out of my way to get some good spices for my kitchen or as a gift for someone elses' - 2 great reasons for loving local spices.

Savory Spice Shop in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver is my most recent find. I was doing some Sunday shopping at REI and Wilderness Exchange with my husband, the outdoorsman, when I noticed the Spice Shop and dragged him in.

We were pleasantly greeted by a store worker who asked if we had ever been in before. Since we hadn't, he gave us the background on the store and assured us that all the spices were made on premises (so cool!) Besides the unbelievable variety of spices (my husband was amazed by the salts alone - from Hawaii to Tibet), I loved the local flavor the store had. There are spice blends named for the infamous Colorado 14ers, the Mile High city and my personal favorite, neighborhoods!! Try Capitol Hill - an all purpose spice blend, The Highlands Italian cheese sprinkle,or Wash Park All-Purpose seasoning.

And if the perfectly named spices don't get you to purchase, the recipes will! I could have read them for hours, each recipe calling for a unique Savory Spice Shop flavor. It's official - Savory Spice Shop is not to be missed! Next time you are in The Highlands, LoDo or Five Points stop by! Or even make a special trip before your next dinner party. You won't be disappointed.

P.S. After making your purchases - stop by Savory Spice Shop's neighbor, Wen Chocolates, for a delicious treat. The two stores are connected and both are one of a kind!

Savory Spice Shop
[where: 1537 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202]
720-283-2232

(Picture above from http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/index.html)