Cleaning Out the Spice Rack

Letting go of spices, for me, is like letting go of a relationship that’s past its prime. Every time I use the spice I think “This could be better, it’s gotten stale. I really should toss it and begin again.” But instead, I just put it back in the cabinet. In the chaos of dinner preparation, I never remember to write down what I will need at the time. While I remember the staples compiling my grocery list later on, I have some kind of mental block against actually remembering to pick up a spice that should be replaced, but that we’re not actually out of. My husband does remember, buys new stuff and sticks it in the front. But he doesn’t throw out the old stuff. And so, the old spices languish beside their new brethren.
Sometimes I don’t throw them away because I get sentimental. (That’s right. Don’t judge me.) I have the cheesiest looking curry container. I got the stuff at a flea market, in one of those massive bins. I was poor, the plastic spice bottle was large and it was only one dollar. I used to sprinkle it over popcorn in the dorm. I still can’t bring myself to toss it. When I look at the cartoon palm tree and sunset, it somehow ends up right back in the cabinet. I don’t cry or anything. I just can’t throw it away.

Dish Update

Inside the old Heartworks in 5 Points is the new Scribes Café (820 Lomax Street 904- 738-7999). It’s run by the parent company of Heartworks. Scribes serves sandwiches and coffee, has high speed internet access and is open till midnight. According to their website: “Each table provides a private setting where a writing pad and pen are available for your thoughts and notes.” They now serve a variety of non-vegetarian stuff, such as their corned beef Ruben.
Anyone can walk in and nosh on their usual offerings as they surf the net, but you can also get a full-scale dinner there, cooked just for you (and a few of your friends), by reserving their private rear dining room. You can have up to a dozen people and you’ll need to arrange the meal in advance. They ask that you reserve at least three week in advance, because they get booked quickly. A deposit of 20% is required at time of reservation confirmation.

While you can find wine tastings and wine dinners all over the First Coast area, you won’t often find a tequila tasting. Cantina Laredo (10282 Bistro St. 904-997-6110) will be holding a tequila dinner on March 20th. Expect a four course meal, each paired with a tequila beverage. You’ll get an education in the history of tequila and what to look for as you taste it.