Is House of spice a quality shop ?

[toyopl]

I'm thinking about getting some good quality spices.
So far my cabinet is filled with Mccormick and Irresistible brand spices in the little jars and I thought that since I like cooking eveyrhting from European to Indian and Asian I might get some quality spices.
I read that Pendry's and Spicehouse in the states has quality spices but what about the House of Spice in Toronto ?
Looking at the pics it doesn't look like much, but is the product good ?

[Dean Tudor]

I go to House of Spice for their comprehensiveness, and always buy small lots.

[seeldee]

A couple of weeks ago I picked up the Epice de Cru Cuisine 101 spice sampler at Ruby Eats. I was really impressed - kinda blown away, actually. I tracked Epice de Cru down online and ordered a bunch of stuff from them last weekend. Free shipping over $60 and NO TAX as they ship from Quebec to Ontario. This results in huge savings vs. buying from a middleman. Really, really fast delivery through Canada Post.

The company is based out of Montreal; here is their website in English: http://spicetrekkers.com

[PoppiYYZ]

Awesome !! Thanks seeldee !!

Been looking for a Canadian source comparable to Kalustyans, and this looks like it. Ordered a mess of pepper, some I have never tried before (sadly Kampot is sold out). However, prices are 2-3 times that of Kalustyans. Still an excellent find. Thanks.

Anyone else have a great online spice source ?

[seeldee]

Glad you checked them out!

[radiopolitic]

Their prices seem way too high.

[PoppiYYZ]

True, Kalustyans are typically 7oz pouch for $7-$9 US. Spice Trekkers are less than 2oz for the same dough, but where else can you get that selection of pepper ? Some I never even heard of. My use for this stuff is as a finishing dust, not for cooking.

My experience at House of Spice hasn't been that great and the Spice Shop website shows only a limited selection of organic (I haven't been in person but plan too).

[Googs]

I'd recommend finding a place close to home or otherwise conveniently located. Spice is, as you no doubt know, the sort of thing that should be purchased in a quantity that'll be consumed quickly for best freshness. For example, I like going to Lenny's on Parliament at Carlton because they have good stuff and I'm near it every couple-3 of weeks.

[PoppiYYZ]

What is Lenny's Googs? I'm not getting any search hits.

Looking for a good source for whole black pepper, all types : Ecuadorian, Vietnamese, Lampung, Sarawak, and of course Malabar, and Tellicherry. Stupidly didn't load up - enough - last time at Kalustyans.

Still trying to find Kampot Pepper from Cambodia too.

[Googs]

Probably because of my tragic misspelling. It's Lennie's Whole Foods. I don't think they have anything as exotic as the items on your list. If you live in the area, it's definitely worth dropping in to see what they do have.
http://www.yelp.ca/biz/lennies-whole-...

[PoppiYYZ]

Thanks Googs,

Definitely will stop in after my next Jhal Muri ingredient run to Marhaba Supermarket on Parliament. They have the best Indian Snack called Hot Country Style Mixture. Good spot for some spices too.

[DDD]

I've been fairly happy with most of their dry spices as well. Good value overall.

[Tatai]

You might want to try The Spice Trader, on Queen West. I've bought a lot of spices there and have been very happy. http://www.thespicetrader.ca/

[tochowchick]

Next time you're in Buffalo visit Penzey's...GREAT spices and interesting mixtures and lovely store....helpful staff too...

[trombasteve]

While I won't say that I've loved everything I've gotten there (most, but not everything), but they have a great selection, reasonable prices, and knowledgeable staff.