Salt Seller
Salt is in the zeitgeist. Although the stuff has been around literally forever (read this book on its fascinating history), it’s being particularly fetishized at this moment. No fewer than 3 people gave me salt this holiday season, bringing my collection to 18 different types! A couple of the gifts came from the same store: The Meadow, on Hudson Street in New York City. Jennifer Turner Bitterman and her husband “selmelier” Mark Bitterman founded this boutique in Portland in 2006. It specializes in salt, chocolate, flowers and wine (though on a recent visit I noticed only bitters; more on those later). The assortment of salts is truly mind-blowing. From Bengal Blue to Smoked Red Alder, there are more than 100 types, sourced from all over the world. The most instantly striking thing in the store are blocks and slabs of pink Himalayan salt, big translucent pieces for cooking and serving food. You can arrange sashimi on a chilled brick of the stuff and watch the edges of the fish turn pale and firm as it actually cures right there. Or heat a block on the stove or the barbeque and grill thin slices of flank steak for a unique and delicately salty flavor. I can’t wait to try this!
I bought this as part of a flight of Japanese and Hawaiian salts to "snack" on during a prolonged fast. It tastes very unique and I enjoy it on cooking too.
I tried a sampler box of smoked salts and found the Pecan Smoked Salt amazing. As a result, I purchased a large bottle that now sits on my counter in easy reach while preparing food. I have always liked the smoked salts that The Meadow carries and have gifted them to others. But when I tried the Pecan Smoked Sea Salt for myself it was an unexpected delight. Now the salt finds its way into many of the foods I prepare. My new favorite.
Love the Meadow...been shopping with them since they first opened their New York store 20 years ago. Lately I've been driven to the dark side... dark chocolate. The darker the better and this is pretty dark. Most local chocolatiers will only go to 72%. This is 92. Not for everyone.
This single origin chocolate from Kona, Hawaii is perfection. One only needs to try a small nibble to be filled with the aroma and taste of a tropical treat.