Jessica Dodds photo: Styling by James Dickinson
Online spice seller Penzeys Spices (3400 W. Cary St., 254-7667) has just two storefronts in Virginia. Luckily for Richmonders, one of the family-owned enterprise's outposts happens to be located right here in Carytown.
According to manager Dianne Liso, Wisconsin-based Penzeys is not a franchise; there are a few dozen locations across the country, but you won't find one in every shopping mall.
Penzeys offers customers the chance to smell each spice before purchasing, as well as a free catalog and recipes. Because of food-distribution licensing requirements, the store does not offer free samples or cooking classes. They do, however, offer gift boxes that make popular wedding, housewarming and birthday gifts.
For first-time customers looking for a sure bet among the scores of spice offerings, Liso suggests the BBQ 3000 blend for poultry and Northwoods Fire Seasoning for poultry or fish.
Grilled Salmon (prepared by Byram's Restaurant)
Ingredients
1 salmon filet (about 16 ounces)
2 teaspoons of olive oil
2 teaspoons of Northwoods Fire Seasoning
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
Directions
Rinse the salmon and pat dry. Rub with the olive oil and sprinkle generously with Northwoods Fire Seasoning and freshly ground pepper. Place salmon skin-side- down on a grill over medium heat. Cook 15 minutes until the fish is translucent and flakes easily.
