For The Love Of Spice

03/20/2026

These are crazy times. How about something that costs you nothing?
Stop by For The Love Of Spice and exchange a gently used cookbook for one you no longer need.
Let's make cooking at home fun again! Of course, you're welcome to stay and pick up some spices or enjoy a nice glass of wine while you browse the store.
I can't wait to see what you bring in to share!

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

Wowza! What a beautiful snow day. We're here downtown waiting to serve you wine and lunch. Pick up some goodies while you're here. Looking forward to seeing your smiling faces.

10/17/2025

Our journey through southern Italy comes to a close with a visit to Alberobello in Puglia, followed by a trip to the ancient city of Matera in Basilicata. Alberobello is celebrated for its Trulli buildings, which feature roofs crafted from stone, carefully layered to form a cone-shaped apex. The village is a sight to behold, with winding paths that invite exploration. For those visiting Puglia, Alberobello is a must-see destination. We indulged in a traditional lunch in a Trulli and had the pleasure of meeting the chef, a true original. Our final destination was Matera in the region of Basilicata. Matera is the third oldest city in the world, dating back to the Paleolithic era. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Visitors can hike up to the ancient caves that were formed over 10,000 years ago. However, the hike is not suitable for novices, as it involves a steep climb over slick rocks and uneven terrain. Furthermore, a suspension bridge must be crossed. For those who prefer not to hike, there are many vantage points from which to capture photos. Remaining on solid ground, visitors can explore the primitive remains of the Sassi dwellings, shop for local crafts and foods, and be sure to try the famous Matera bread. Matera offers many restaurants, bars, and experiences to explore. We spent our final three days here and were glad we did.

10/12/2025

Ciao tutti,

Our travels have brought us back to Puglia. Our first stop was Monopoli, a picturesque coastal city with white washed buildings, stone walkways and narrow streets. We splurged a bit on a luxury suite overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Awe, vacation such a treat! From sipping wine on our rooftop terrace to strolling through the streets and eating local cuisine, life is good. Our next stop was Gallipoli, another coastal town on the Ionian Sea. A fairly touristy town with sandy beaches where you can rent a cabana or umbrella or soak in the sun. This is where a good book comes in handy. We opted for more meandering and explored every inch of the old town including the famed underground olive oil factories. The seafood was fresh and plentiful with a nice variety. Carpaccio, or crudo seafood is quite popular here in the south. I was a reluctant, but in the end I tried it all. I must say, it was very delicate, seasoned well and quite delicious. I went back for the carpaccio sea bream twice!

10/07/2025

Penne is our last stop in Abruzzo and one of the towns we are considering for a property purchase. This enchanting town embodies the authentic essence of Italy, boasting a tranquil atmosphere and an irresistible charm.This is not a tourist destination, therefore little English is spoken and menus are in Italian. We put our Google translate to the test here. I don't think many Americans visit Penne. When we arrived we were greeted in the town piazza by a group of elders who quickly informed us of the parking rules. They were very helpful and patient with our broken Italian and use of Google translate. During our visit, we viewed several properties, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. One property, in particular, stole my heart, making me eager to make the move. The local cuisine is straightforward, featuring classic Abruzzo dishes rich in meat, yet accommodating enough for vegetarians. Our stay was thoroughly enjoyable, and we have included Penne on our list of potential destinations.

10/06/2025

Welcome to Abruzzo, Italy, where our travels commence. We are presently situated in Sulmona, Abruzzo, an area characterized by its pristine air quality, warm hospitality, and visually stunning landscape. The accompanying photographs depict an assortment of delights, including a Cornetto filled with Pistachio and Chantilly cream, an ancient Roman aqueduct, a flawlessly prepared cappuccino, and a tiramisu experience that surpasses expectations. We invite you to explore the world, venturing beyond familiar destinations to discover novel experiences and attractions.

06/18/2025

Please bring your dull knives down tomorrow for a refresh. Kneighborhood Knives will sharpen knives from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Drop off your knives before heading to the Farmers Market and pick them up on your way back to your car. The cost is $12.00 per knife. Please look for the van in front of the shop at 3122 Harborview Dr.. Gig Harbor, WA 98332. If you have any questions, please call (253) 858-0272. See you tomorrow!

06/12/2025

Knife sharpening is back! If you missed it last month, you can use this excellent service on June 19th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cost is $12.00 per knife. For your convenience, you can drop off your knives ahead of time and pick them up the day of the sharpening.

05/27/2025

This is a friendly reminder that Genevieve is here until 7 p.m. today to sharpen your dulled knives.
See you soon!

05/20/2025

Good morning! Do you need to refresh your knife edge? Just in time for all the summer chopping, we are offering knife sharpening for your convenience. Please stop by with your knives between 11 a.m. and 7 pm on May 27th, and we will take care of the rest. Enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or a refreshing wine slushy in our new Enoteca Wine Bar or sip and shop while you wait. You are also able to drop your knives off ahead of time and pick them up on a later day. Please call for details (253) 858-0272.