What's all the hype about Penzeys? I don't understand the capriciousness
of many people here.

I found them expensive, and excluding the whole spices, the rest of what
they sell are blends (and God knows what other crap they include in
these,) and pre ground stuff.

I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
Latino markets.

And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
quality meal.

Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
convince me to think otherwise.

TIA,

Rich



--
"Dum Spiro, Spero."

As long as I breath, I hope.

Cicero

Richard Periut wrote:
> What's all the hype about Penzeys? I don't understand the capriciousness
> of many people here.
>
> I found them expensive, and excluding the whole spices, the rest of what
> they sell are blends (and God knows what other crap they include in
> these,) and pre ground stuff.
>
> I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
> Latino markets.
>
> And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
> that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
> casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
> quality meal.
>
> Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
> convince me to think otherwise.
>
> TIA,
> Rich


I was really pleased with the quality of Penzey's spices that I ordered
a few years ago. The blends are probably just as good, I don't know; I
generally don't like to use blends (except pickling spice and crab
boil). I haven't ordered from Penzey's again because I didn't think the
extra quality, real or imagined, was worth the cost.

If the store was local (there's one about 100 miles from here) I *might*
buy odd spices there that I can't find anywhere else.

Best regards,
Bob

"Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
> I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
> Latino markets.

Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.


>
> And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
> that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
> casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
> quality meal.

I agree to a point. I've used some of the blends and they do a good job or
getting the ratios in proper order while many of us would have to do a lot
of experimenting.

>
> Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
> convince me to think otherwise.

You just have to look at a map. Much of the world's population is clustered
in great cities with a lot of diversity and many good markets. Others are
miles from any place. The internet and suppliers like Penzy's are great
equalizers.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome

"Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
> I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
> Latino markets.

Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.


>
> And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
> that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
> casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
> quality meal.

I agree to a point. I've used some of the blends and they do a good job or
getting the ratios in proper order while many of us would have to do a lot
of experimenting.

>
> Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
> convince me to think otherwise.

You just have to look at a map. Much of the world's population is clustered
in great cities with a lot of diversity and many good markets. Others are
miles from any place. The internet and suppliers like Penzy's are great
equalizers.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

> "Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
>>I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
>>Latino markets.
>
>
> Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
> peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
> miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>
>
>
>>And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
>>that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
>>casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
>>quality meal.
>
>
> I agree to a point. I've used some of the blends and they do a good job or
> getting the ratios in proper order while many of us would have to do a lot
> of experimenting.
>
>
>>Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
>>convince me to think otherwise.
>
>
> You just have to look at a map. Much of the world's population is clustered
> in great cities with a lot of diversity and many good markets. Others are
> miles from any place. The internet and suppliers like Penzy's are great
> equalizers.
> Ed
>
> http://pages.cthome.net/edhome
>
>


"Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
> I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
> Latino markets.

Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.


Do most people here live in such places?


>
> And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
> that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
> casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
> quality meal.

I agree to a point. I've used some of the blends and they do a good job or
getting the ratios in proper order while many of us would have to do a lot
of experimenting.

That's why there are recipes? Right?

>
> Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
> convince me to think otherwise.

You just have to look at a map. Much of the world's population is clustered
in great cities with a lot of diversity and many good markets. Others are
miles from any place. The internet and suppliers like Penzy's are great
equalizers.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome


I dunno; still think they are expensive. I love commerce a la Americana;
stick a fancy and artful label, place it in an exotic bottle or
container of some sort, and people buy into this--especially when there
is a $$$ commercial on TV or magazine, with a catchy tune.

BTW, there are two cups of coffee that you can buy in a famous Japanese
restaurant; one that is for 1 the equiv to one dollar, and one that is
the equiv to 120 dollars. No difference as stated by the owners and
waiters except for price. Most people at this expensive restaurant
order the 120 dollar one; go figure... It's either keeping up with the
Jones, or sheer pride and stupidity!

Rich
--
"Dum Spiro, Spero."

As long as I breath, I hope.

Cicero

--
"Dum Spiro, Spero."

As long as I breath, I hope.

Cicero

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> "Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
>>I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
>>Latino markets.
>
>
> Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
> peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
> miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>

I buy whole peppercorns at Sam's Club. A one pound jar of Malabar
peppercorns last me about a year or 2.

Best regards,
Bob

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> "Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
>>I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
>>Latino markets.
>
>
> Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
> peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
> miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>

I buy whole peppercorns at Sam's Club. A one pound jar of Malabar
peppercorns last me about a year or 2.

Best regards,
Bob

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> "Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
>>I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
>>Latino markets.
>
>
> Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
> peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
> miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>

I buy whole peppercorns at Sam's Club. A one pound jar of Malabar
peppercorns last me about a year or 2.

Best regards,
Bob

"Richard Periut" > wrote in message
.. .
> What's all the hype about Penzeys? I don't understand the capriciousness
> of many people here.

This is a company many people on this ng have favored for years. That is
hardly a whim, my friend. Are you sure you know the meaning of
capriciousness?
>
> I found them expensive, and excluding the whole spices, the rest of what
> they sell are blends (and God knows what other crap they include in
> these,) and pre ground stuff.

God knows, and so do I, since they clearly state what is in each hand
blended mixture of spices.

>
> I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
> Latino markets.

Then do so. I don't recall anyone ordering you to purchase spices from
Penzeys...did they?
>
> And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
> that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
> casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
> quality meal.

A hand blended mix of spices that I would mix anyway is hardly akin to
canned soup. They are not any less fresh or high quality if they are in one
jar or several.

>
> Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
> convince me to think otherwise.
>
> TIA,
>
> Rich

Why do you want others to convince you? For me personally, and I'm sure for
most people out there, I can honestly tell you, I wouldn't give a hoot if
you never purchased a thing from Penzeys. It would be your loss, as far as I
can tell.

kimberly

>
>
>
> --
> "Dum Spiro, Spero."
>
> As long as I breath, I hope.
>
> Cicero
>

Nexis wrote:
> "Richard Periut" > wrote in message
> .. .
>
>>What's all the hype about Penzeys? I don't understand the capriciousness
>>of many people here.
>
>
> This is a company many people on this ng have favored for years. That is
> hardly a whim, my friend. Are you sure you know the meaning of
> capriciousness?

Main Entry: ca·pri·cious
Pronunciation: k&-'pri-sh&s, -'prE-
Function: adjective
: governed or characterized by caprice : IMPULSIVE, UNPREDICTABLE
synonym see INCONSTANT
- ca·pri·cious·ly adverb
- ca·pri·cious·ness noun

Pretty clear to me.
>
>>I found them expensive, and excluding the whole spices, the rest of what
>>they sell are blends (and God knows what other crap they include in
>>these,) and pre ground stuff.
>
>
> God knows, and so do I, since they clearly state what is in each hand
> blended mixture of spices.
>
>
>>I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
>>Latino markets.
>
>
> Then do so. I don't recall anyone ordering you to purchase spices from
> Penzeys...did they?
>
No, but again, I'm interested in finding out what's the hype? Care to
answer the question? If not, then don't answer the post.





>>And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
>>that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
>>casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
>>quality meal.
>
>
> A hand blended mix of spices that I would mix anyway is hardly akin to
> canned soup. They are not any less fresh or high quality if they are in one
> jar or several.
>
>
No, but why pay for blends that IMO are more expensive. Can't follow a
recipe?

>>Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
>>convince me to think otherwise.
>>
>>TIA,
>>
>>Rich
>
>
> Why do you want others to convince you?

It's a question that I posed; it's not mandatory.


For me personally, and I'm sure for
> most people out there, I can honestly tell you, I wouldn't give a hoot if
> you never purchased a thing from Penzeys. It would be your loss, as far as I
> can tell.


Well good for you, cause I don't give a hoot about the way you handle a
simple polemic with such a combative attitude.

Perhaps you are an agent for them? But I suspect you just follow the
cause blindly.

Care to buy the Brooklyn bridge? I just remade some of its foundation

R


>
> kimberly
>
>
>>
>>
>>--
>>"Dum Spiro, Spero."
>>
>>As long as I breath, I hope.
>>
>>Cicero
>>
>
>
>

--
"'Who knows for certain? Who shall here declare it?
Whence was it born, whence came creation?
The gods are later than this world's formation;
Who then can know the origins of the world?
None knows whence creation arose;
And whether he has or has not made it;
He who surveys it from the lofty skies.
Only he knows-or perhaps he knows not.'
And this is tempered by another, perhaps still greater:
That men are not the dreams of the gods but that the gods are the
dreams of men."

The Rig Veda
Circa 1500 B.C.

Nexis wrote:
> "Richard Periut" > wrote in message
> .. .
>
>>What's all the hype about Penzeys? I don't understand the capriciousness
>>of many people here.
>
>
> This is a company many people on this ng have favored for years. That is
> hardly a whim, my friend. Are you sure you know the meaning of
> capriciousness?

Main Entry: ca·pri·cious
Pronunciation: k&-'pri-sh&s, -'prE-
Function: adjective
: governed or characterized by caprice : IMPULSIVE, UNPREDICTABLE
synonym see INCONSTANT
- ca·pri·cious·ly adverb
- ca·pri·cious·ness noun

Pretty clear to me.
>
>>I found them expensive, and excluding the whole spices, the rest of what
>>they sell are blends (and God knows what other crap they include in
>>these,) and pre ground stuff.
>
>
> God knows, and so do I, since they clearly state what is in each hand
> blended mixture of spices.
>
>
>>I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
>>Latino markets.
>
>
> Then do so. I don't recall anyone ordering you to purchase spices from
> Penzeys...did they?
>
No, but again, I'm interested in finding out what's the hype? Care to
answer the question? If not, then don't answer the post.





>>And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
>>that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
>>casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
>>quality meal.
>
>
> A hand blended mix of spices that I would mix anyway is hardly akin to
> canned soup. They are not any less fresh or high quality if they are in one
> jar or several.
>
>
No, but why pay for blends that IMO are more expensive. Can't follow a
recipe?

>>Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
>>convince me to think otherwise.
>>
>>TIA,
>>
>>Rich
>
>
> Why do you want others to convince you?

It's a question that I posed; it's not mandatory.


For me personally, and I'm sure for
> most people out there, I can honestly tell you, I wouldn't give a hoot if
> you never purchased a thing from Penzeys. It would be your loss, as far as I
> can tell.


Well good for you, cause I don't give a hoot about the way you handle a
simple polemic with such a combative attitude.

Perhaps you are an agent for them? But I suspect you just follow the
cause blindly.

Care to buy the Brooklyn bridge? I just remade some of its foundation

R


>
> kimberly
>
>
>>
>>
>>--
>>"Dum Spiro, Spero."
>>
>>As long as I breath, I hope.
>>
>>Cicero
>>
>
>
>

--
"'Who knows for certain? Who shall here declare it?
Whence was it born, whence came creation?
The gods are later than this world's formation;
Who then can know the origins of the world?
None knows whence creation arose;
And whether he has or has not made it;
He who surveys it from the lofty skies.
Only he knows-or perhaps he knows not.'
And this is tempered by another, perhaps still greater:
That men are not the dreams of the gods but that the gods are the
dreams of men."

The Rig Veda
Circa 1500 B.C.

"Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
> Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
> peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
> miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>
>
> Do most people here live in such places?

I'm sure many of us do. I don't have the statistics though. Some are just
willing to pay for the convenience. How far can you drive to save $3 on
your spices?


>
> I agree to a point. I've used some of the blends and they do a good job
or
> getting the ratios in proper order while many of us would have to do a lot
> of experimenting.
>
> That's why there are recipes? Right?

Right. Matter of choice though. One fault with your soup analogy is the
final result. Penzeys, (as well as other spice houses) are giving you spices
and herbs, not condensed versions that you add your own chlorinated water
to. You do pay a premium for the convenince, but I don't think quality
suffers.

> >
> > Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
> > convince me to think otherwise.
>

>
>
> I dunno; still think they are expensive. I love commerce a la Americana;
> stick a fancy and artful label, place it in an exotic bottle or
> container of some sort, and people buy into this--especially when there
> is a $$$ commercial on TV or magazine, with a catchy tune.

Some are expensive, others are cheap, especially when compared to the
pre-packaged stuff that is in the supermarkets. There are other sources
that are much cheaper, you have to have access to them. You have that good
fortune. I'd have to drive 96 miles round trip so there would be no
savings. The gas alone is about eight bucks, but factor in all the other
costs of automobile ownership and it is an expensive trip.


>
> BTW, there are two cups of coffee that you can buy in a famous Japanese
> restaurant; one that is for 1 the equiv to one dollar, and one that is
> the equiv to 120 dollars. No difference as stated by the owners and
> waiters except for price. Most people at this expensive restaurant
> order the 120 dollar one; go figure... It's either keeping up with the
> Jones, or sheer pride and stupidity!
>
> Rich

Scams are all around us. I can buy pork loins for $2 a pound at BJ's. Today
I was in a supermarket that had the boneless chops on sale, buy one, get two
free. The price was $5.99 a pound. People grabbed lots of that bargain. Of
course some of the locals don't have the ability to drive 30 miles to the
BJ's store and buy enough to make it pay for the travel cost.

"Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
> Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
> peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
> miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>
>
> Do most people here live in such places?

I'm sure many of us do. I don't have the statistics though. Some are just
willing to pay for the convenience. How far can you drive to save $3 on
your spices?


>
> I agree to a point. I've used some of the blends and they do a good job
or
> getting the ratios in proper order while many of us would have to do a lot
> of experimenting.
>
> That's why there are recipes? Right?

Right. Matter of choice though. One fault with your soup analogy is the
final result. Penzeys, (as well as other spice houses) are giving you spices
and herbs, not condensed versions that you add your own chlorinated water
to. You do pay a premium for the convenince, but I don't think quality
suffers.

> >
> > Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
> > convince me to think otherwise.
>

>
>
> I dunno; still think they are expensive. I love commerce a la Americana;
> stick a fancy and artful label, place it in an exotic bottle or
> container of some sort, and people buy into this--especially when there
> is a $$$ commercial on TV or magazine, with a catchy tune.

Some are expensive, others are cheap, especially when compared to the
pre-packaged stuff that is in the supermarkets. There are other sources
that are much cheaper, you have to have access to them. You have that good
fortune. I'd have to drive 96 miles round trip so there would be no
savings. The gas alone is about eight bucks, but factor in all the other
costs of automobile ownership and it is an expensive trip.


>
> BTW, there are two cups of coffee that you can buy in a famous Japanese
> restaurant; one that is for 1 the equiv to one dollar, and one that is
> the equiv to 120 dollars. No difference as stated by the owners and
> waiters except for price. Most people at this expensive restaurant
> order the 120 dollar one; go figure... It's either keeping up with the
> Jones, or sheer pride and stupidity!
>
> Rich

Scams are all around us. I can buy pork loins for $2 a pound at BJ's. Today
I was in a supermarket that had the boneless chops on sale, buy one, get two
free. The price was $5.99 a pound. People grabbed lots of that bargain. Of
course some of the locals don't have the ability to drive 30 miles to the
BJ's store and buy enough to make it pay for the travel cost.

I guess if I were in your area, I would have no choice but to buy at P's.

But believe me, the difference in those Paki Latino stores is quite
significant. They usually come in 1/2 gallon ziplocks, with utter
freshness.

Heck, I'd be willing to send you whatever you want if you pay the
postage. One or two bucks I think would be much cheaper than getting a 2
ounce bottle of their stuff.

R

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

> "Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
>>Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
>>peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
>>miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>>
>>
>>Do most people here live in such places?
>
>
> I'm sure many of us do. I don't have the statistics though. Some are just
> willing to pay for the convenience. How far can you drive to save $3 on
> your spices?
>
>
>
>>I agree to a point. I've used some of the blends and they do a good job
>
> or
>
>>getting the ratios in proper order while many of us would have to do a lot
>>of experimenting.
>>
>>That's why there are recipes? Right?
>
>
> Right. Matter of choice though. One fault with your soup analogy is the
> final result. Penzeys, (as well as other spice houses) are giving you spices
> and herbs, not condensed versions that you add your own chlorinated water
> to. You do pay a premium for the convenince, but I don't think quality
> suffers.
>
>
>> >
>> > Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
>> > convince me to think otherwise.
>>
>
>
>>
>>I dunno; still think they are expensive. I love commerce a la Americana;
>>stick a fancy and artful label, place it in an exotic bottle or
>>container of some sort, and people buy into this--especially when there
>>is a $$$ commercial on TV or magazine, with a catchy tune.
>
>
> Some are expensive, others are cheap, especially when compared to the
> pre-packaged stuff that is in the supermarkets. There are other sources
> that are much cheaper, you have to have access to them. You have that good
> fortune. I'd have to drive 96 miles round trip so there would be no
> savings. The gas alone is about eight bucks, but factor in all the other
> costs of automobile ownership and it is an expensive trip.
>
>
>
>>BTW, there are two cups of coffee that you can buy in a famous Japanese
>>restaurant; one that is for 1 the equiv to one dollar, and one that is
>>the equiv to 120 dollars. No difference as stated by the owners and
>>waiters except for price. Most people at this expensive restaurant
>>order the 120 dollar one; go figure... It's either keeping up with the
>>Jones, or sheer pride and stupidity!
>>
>>Rich
>
>
> Scams are all around us. I can buy pork loins for $2 a pound at BJ's. Today
> I was in a supermarket that had the boneless chops on sale, buy one, get two
> free. The price was $5.99 a pound. People grabbed lots of that bargain. Of
> course some of the locals don't have the ability to drive 30 miles to the
> BJ's store and buy enough to make it pay for the travel cost.
>
>

--
"'Who knows for certain? Who shall here declare it?
Whence was it born, whence came creation?
The gods are later than this world's formation;
Who then can know the origins of the world?
None knows whence creation arose;
And whether he has or has not made it;
He who surveys it from the lofty skies.
Only he knows-or perhaps he knows not.'
And this is tempered by another, perhaps still greater:
That men are not the dreams of the gods but that the gods are the
dreams of men."

The Rig Veda
Circa 1500 B.C.

I guess if I were in your area, I would have no choice but to buy at P's.

But believe me, the difference in those Paki Latino stores is quite
significant. They usually come in 1/2 gallon ziplocks, with utter
freshness.

Heck, I'd be willing to send you whatever you want if you pay the
postage. One or two bucks I think would be much cheaper than getting a 2
ounce bottle of their stuff.

R

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

> "Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>
>>Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
>>peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
>>miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>>
>>
>>Do most people here live in such places?
>
>
> I'm sure many of us do. I don't have the statistics though. Some are just
> willing to pay for the convenience. How far can you drive to save $3 on
> your spices?
>
>
>
>>I agree to a point. I've used some of the blends and they do a good job
>
> or
>
>>getting the ratios in proper order while many of us would have to do a lot
>>of experimenting.
>>
>>That's why there are recipes? Right?
>
>
> Right. Matter of choice though. One fault with your soup analogy is the
> final result. Penzeys, (as well as other spice houses) are giving you spices
> and herbs, not condensed versions that you add your own chlorinated water
> to. You do pay a premium for the convenince, but I don't think quality
> suffers.
>
>
>> >
>> > Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
>> > convince me to think otherwise.
>>
>
>
>>
>>I dunno; still think they are expensive. I love commerce a la Americana;
>>stick a fancy and artful label, place it in an exotic bottle or
>>container of some sort, and people buy into this--especially when there
>>is a $$$ commercial on TV or magazine, with a catchy tune.
>
>
> Some are expensive, others are cheap, especially when compared to the
> pre-packaged stuff that is in the supermarkets. There are other sources
> that are much cheaper, you have to have access to them. You have that good
> fortune. I'd have to drive 96 miles round trip so there would be no
> savings. The gas alone is about eight bucks, but factor in all the other
> costs of automobile ownership and it is an expensive trip.
>
>
>
>>BTW, there are two cups of coffee that you can buy in a famous Japanese
>>restaurant; one that is for 1 the equiv to one dollar, and one that is
>>the equiv to 120 dollars. No difference as stated by the owners and
>>waiters except for price. Most people at this expensive restaurant
>>order the 120 dollar one; go figure... It's either keeping up with the
>>Jones, or sheer pride and stupidity!
>>
>>Rich
>
>
> Scams are all around us. I can buy pork loins for $2 a pound at BJ's. Today
> I was in a supermarket that had the boneless chops on sale, buy one, get two
> free. The price was $5.99 a pound. People grabbed lots of that bargain. Of
> course some of the locals don't have the ability to drive 30 miles to the
> BJ's store and buy enough to make it pay for the travel cost.
>
>

--
"'Who knows for certain? Who shall here declare it?
Whence was it born, whence came creation?
The gods are later than this world's formation;
Who then can know the origins of the world?
None knows whence creation arose;
And whether he has or has not made it;
He who surveys it from the lofty skies.
Only he knows-or perhaps he knows not.'
And this is tempered by another, perhaps still greater:
That men are not the dreams of the gods but that the gods are the
dreams of men."

The Rig Veda
Circa 1500 B.C.

On Sun, 08 Aug 2004 01:40:48 GMT, Richard Periut >
wrote:


>I found them expensive, and excluding the whole spices, the rest of what
>they sell are blends (and God knows what other crap they include in
>these,) and pre ground stuff.
>
>I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
>Latino markets.

Well, in my own experience, I found them much superior to what I could
get in those stores. I had bought spices in Indian stores and such.

I was lucky enough to be visiting a friend in a town that had a
Penzeys...and we went to the store. I went around smelling the spices
and it was a revelation to me. I had never experienced such intense
aromas. There was just no comparison to what I had found in Indian
stores, etc. At least the ones I had encountered in the San Francisco
bay area.

Cheaper doesn't mean they are better. Sometimes you have to pay a bit
more for a better quality. Not always the case, but I think it applies
in this instance.

I am addicted to Spanish paprikas now though. Penzeys doesn't come
close to those types of paprika.

Christine

Richard Periut wrote:
>
> What's all the hype about Penzeys? I don't understand the capriciousness
> of many people here.
>

The French basil is unlike anything you can get at any supermarket or
ethnic store...strong, peppery, wonderful.
Prices certainly cheaper than Safeway.
As for "cheaper at the ethnic market", my ex-IL's, who were Panjabi and
prone to whole conversations about food, **raved** over the strength of
the cloves and cumin particularly, the freshness of the black cardi, the
vivid green of the reg. cardi, the sticks of true cinnamon, etc. They
didn't know the "hype", the catalog, etc. and were inclined to be very
tightlipped to me in the "nice things to say department" (they called me
"the white whore"). But even they thought Penzey's stuff was heads above
anything they got in the Indian communities here or in India, even.
Also, one tends to respond to positive feedback. I don't get alot of
their blends, but I get such compliments using the Greek seasoning
dressing, I tend to use it at potlucks. I recall Ardi, who used to post
here alot, telling me it was the best dressing she'd ever had, and she
didn't know it was due to a Penzey's mix.

Also, I just looked up capriciousness, and not sure what you mean in
this context. There is nothing sudden or impulsive about my use of
Penzey's spices.
blacksalt

Richard Periut wrote:
>
> What's all the hype about Penzeys? I don't understand the capriciousness
> of many people here.
>

The French basil is unlike anything you can get at any supermarket or
ethnic store...strong, peppery, wonderful.
Prices certainly cheaper than Safeway.
As for "cheaper at the ethnic market", my ex-IL's, who were Panjabi and
prone to whole conversations about food, **raved** over the strength of
the cloves and cumin particularly, the freshness of the black cardi, the
vivid green of the reg. cardi, the sticks of true cinnamon, etc. They
didn't know the "hype", the catalog, etc. and were inclined to be very
tightlipped to me in the "nice things to say department" (they called me
"the white whore"). But even they thought Penzey's stuff was heads above
anything they got in the Indian communities here or in India, even.
Also, one tends to respond to positive feedback. I don't get alot of
their blends, but I get such compliments using the Greek seasoning
dressing, I tend to use it at potlucks. I recall Ardi, who used to post
here alot, telling me it was the best dressing she'd ever had, and she
didn't know it was due to a Penzey's mix.

Also, I just looked up capriciousness, and not sure what you mean in
this context. There is nothing sudden or impulsive about my use of
Penzey's spices.
blacksalt

On Sun, 08 Aug 2004 01:40:48 GMT, Richard Periut
> wrote:

> Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
> convince me to think otherwise.

You have at least have tried their product and you have a
basis for your opinion. I haven't ordered from Penzy's
because I don't have to and I will withhold my opinion on
the threads called "I just got my order from Penzy's!".

However, it has been pointed out in this thread that most
people don't have access to decent, reasonably priced herbs
& spices... so give them a break. They are, after all, only
human.

sf
Practice safe eating - always use condiments

Rich was offensively inept at clipping his post, but wrote:

> Do most people here live in such places?

I live in a small town 45 miles northeast of Sacramento. There's not a
single white peppercorn to be had for at least fifty miles.


> That's why there are recipes? Right?

People buy spice blends because they like the flavor of the blend. The
ingredients are listed on the label, but it could take many expensive tries
to get the proportions right if you wanted to duplicate it. Hey, you're a
proponent of Indo-Pakistani markets, so let me ask you this: Have you ever
seen garam masala for sale in one of those markets? Or have you ever seen
the Goya spice blends in those Latino markets you tout? There are recipes
for THOSE, right? And unlike Penzeys, which clearly lists ALL the
ingredients on its containers, those blends can contain all manner of
mystery ingredients.

Moreover, is there any kind of guarantee that the spices you buy in your
local ethnic markets haven't been sitting around for years and years?


> I dunno; still think they are expensive. I love commerce a la Americana;
> stick a fancy and artful label, place it in an exotic bottle or
> container of some sort, and people buy into this--especially when there
> is a $$$ commercial on TV or magazine, with a catchy tune.

I love the implication that Penzeys packages its spices in a fancy way or
conducts any kind of expensive advertising campaign. Sounds like you're
bashing them without knowing anything about them.


> BTW, there are two cups of coffee that you can buy in a famous Japanese
> restaurant; one that is for 1 the equiv to one dollar, and one that is
> the equiv to 120 dollars. No difference as stated by the owners and
> waiters except for price. Most people at this expensive restaurant
> order the 120 dollar one; go figure... It's either keeping up with the
> Jones, or sheer pride and stupidity!

This sounds false. Can you back it up with facts?

Your claim elsewhere that the rfc readers who buy from Penzeys are
capricious has already been refuted, but maybe you didn't notice. Kimberly
wrote, "This is a company many people on this ng have favored for years."
See, if something goes on for YEARS, then it isn't CAPRICIOUS.

Bob

Rich was offensively inept at clipping his post, but wrote:

> Do most people here live in such places?

I live in a small town 45 miles northeast of Sacramento. There's not a
single white peppercorn to be had for at least fifty miles.


> That's why there are recipes? Right?

People buy spice blends because they like the flavor of the blend. The
ingredients are listed on the label, but it could take many expensive tries
to get the proportions right if you wanted to duplicate it. Hey, you're a
proponent of Indo-Pakistani markets, so let me ask you this: Have you ever
seen garam masala for sale in one of those markets? Or have you ever seen
the Goya spice blends in those Latino markets you tout? There are recipes
for THOSE, right? And unlike Penzeys, which clearly lists ALL the
ingredients on its containers, those blends can contain all manner of
mystery ingredients.

Moreover, is there any kind of guarantee that the spices you buy in your
local ethnic markets haven't been sitting around for years and years?


> I dunno; still think they are expensive. I love commerce a la Americana;
> stick a fancy and artful label, place it in an exotic bottle or
> container of some sort, and people buy into this--especially when there
> is a $$$ commercial on TV or magazine, with a catchy tune.

I love the implication that Penzeys packages its spices in a fancy way or
conducts any kind of expensive advertising campaign. Sounds like you're
bashing them without knowing anything about them.


> BTW, there are two cups of coffee that you can buy in a famous Japanese
> restaurant; one that is for 1 the equiv to one dollar, and one that is
> the equiv to 120 dollars. No difference as stated by the owners and
> waiters except for price. Most people at this expensive restaurant
> order the 120 dollar one; go figure... It's either keeping up with the
> Jones, or sheer pride and stupidity!

This sounds false. Can you back it up with facts?

Your claim elsewhere that the rfc readers who buy from Penzeys are
capricious has already been refuted, but maybe you didn't notice. Kimberly
wrote, "This is a company many people on this ng have favored for years."
See, if something goes on for YEARS, then it isn't CAPRICIOUS.

Bob

"zxcvbob" > wrote in message
...

>
>
> I was really pleased with the quality of Penzey's spices that I ordered
> a few years ago. The blends are probably just as good, I don't know; I
> generally don't like to use blends (except pickling spice and crab
> boil). I haven't ordered from Penzey's again because I didn't think the
> extra quality, real or imagined, was worth the cost.
>
> If the store was local (there's one about 100 miles from here) I *might*
> buy odd spices there that I can't find anywhere else.
>


Penzey's works. There are other places that may be a bit cheaper, or
closer, whatever but not closer to me. I've been buying from Penzey's for
almost 10 years and they've been dependable and consistent. I hardly feel
I'm capricious in my buying habits there. Sounds like another troll thread
to me: never tried the product, but bash it anyway. Shame.

Jack Spice

There's another advantage to Penzey's mail order that no one has
mentioned: the catalog itself. If there were a Penzey's in town, I
could go into the store, see and smell the spices, and hopefully talk to
the sales staff about how to use them, maybe pick up photocopied
recipes. I'd have to ask about prices.


With the catalog at home, it is more like reading a reference book. I
have all the information in one place. (Well, not all; I like cookbooks
and the web too. Y'all are such nitpickers.) I can get an idea for a
recipe right next to the spice which is next to the price. I find that
convenient.


--Lia

Julia Altshuler wrote:

>There's another advantage to Penzey's mail order that no one has
>mentioned: the catalog itself. If there were a Penzey's in town, I
>could go into the store, see and smell the spices, and hopefully talk to
>the sales staff about how to use them, maybe pick up photocopied
>recipes. I'd have to ask about prices.
>
>
>With the catalog at home, it is more like reading a reference book.

Nah, it's culinary porn.

Marc "Lee Valley, Highland Hardware, Chef's Catalog, Penzeys, Wms-Sonoma . . .
uhhh, 'scuse me for a moment"

>Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
>peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
>miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>
>
>Do most people here live in such places?
>
>

Don't know about "most people," but the closest WalMart is 48 miles from my
house. There is just one local grocery store and the choices there are pretty
limited. I suspect that "most people" wouldn't like it here because of the
lack of shopping, but I love it.

>Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
>peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
>miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>
>
>Do most people here live in such places?
>
>

Don't know about "most people," but the closest WalMart is 48 miles from my
house. There is just one local grocery store and the choices there are pretty
limited. I suspect that "most people" wouldn't like it here because of the
lack of shopping, but I love it.

>"Richard Periut" wrote:
>>
>> I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
>> Latino markets.

Cheap is expensive... and is a disease (Chronic Cheap ******* Disease).

Spices sold at ethnic markets are the least fresh of all, firstly they're what
sits in importer's warehouses perhaps for years, then as surplus is finally
auctioned to wholesalers who in turn package it in cheap cellophane under
fictitious ethnic sounding monikers... and then could sit in the local
neighborhood ethnic market for years before someone purchases it. Conversely
Penseys IS the importer, what they sell is the freshest possible, essentially
as fresh as though you picked it yourself.
>
>Not everyone has access to those markets. I don't think there is a whole
>peppercorn within 30 miles of where I live. Pakistani? Maybe about 75
>miles. Latino? I know of one only 48 miles away.
>>
>> And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
>> that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
>> casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
>> quality meal.
>
>I agree to a point. I've used some of the blends and they do a good job or
>getting the ratios in proper order while many of us would have to do a lot
>of experimenting.

Penzeys blends are freshly ground from fresh whole ingredients. All one has to
do is use your sense; Look at the colors, everything bright and true to color,
even herbs are bright green, no stinkin' brown, use your Nose, stupidmarket
spices have no smell whatsoever.

I've purchased black peppercorns from ethnic markets, figured I found a
bargain, big plastic jars for cheap, took one look at home and tossed em in the
trash... look carefully... at least 2% is clearly varifiable rodent turds.
Next time you dine at that fancy schmancy joint and the waiter comes around
with that humongous pepper grinder just wave him away and pull out your own
travel grinder (yes, I have one), unless yoose like freshly ground mouse turds
and roach wings on your Ceasar. Yoose don't even wanna touch the preground
found at 99% of eateries... and I bet some of yoose actually sprinkle some of
that black dust what comes in little paper packets on your egg mcmuffin...
Ahahahahahaha. . . .

http://www.peppergun.com/products/minimill.html

---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````

In article >, Richard
Periut > wrote:

> What's all the hype about Penzeys? I don't understand the capriciousness
> of many people here.
>
> I found them expensive, and excluding the whole spices, the rest of what
> they sell are blends (and God knows what other crap they include in
> these,) and pre ground stuff.
>
> I can get the whole spices much cheaper at Indo Pakistani stores, and
> Latino markets.
>
> And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
> that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
> casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
> quality meal.
>
> Sorry, that's just me. Maybe others share my opinion or perhaps can
> convince me to think otherwise.
>
> TIA,
>
> Rich

Fogito ergo sum

I'm confused, therefore I am

Rich

>From:
>Date: 8/8/04 7:33 AM Central

>Penseys IS the importer, what they sell is the freshest possible,

Then why not try the Spice House in Chicago? It is run by Bill Penzeys sister
and I believe it to be what Penzeys use to be before all the expansion. Spice
House encourages whole spices you grate yourself.

I live near a Penzeys store and go there for a few items, shop a local spice
merchant for the bulk and mail order anything special from the Spice House.

>(Brent97G) shit stirred:
>
>>penmart01 wrote:
>
>>Penseys IS the importer, what they sell is the freshest possible,
>
>Then why not try the Spice House in Chicago?

Because the topic of this thread is about Penseys (can't you read). You want
to *hype* The Spice House then begin your own thread... wisenheimer idiot.


---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````

>(Brent97G) shit stirred:
>
>>penmart01 wrote:
>
>>Penseys IS the importer, what they sell is the freshest possible,
>
>Then why not try the Spice House in Chicago?

Because the topic of this thread is about Penseys (can't you read). You want
to *hype* The Spice House then begin your own thread... wisenheimer idiot.


---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````

(PENMART01) wrote in
:

>>(Brent97G) shit stirred:
>>
>>>penmart01 wrote:
>>
>>>Penseys IS the importer, what they sell is the freshest possible,
>>
>>Then why not try the Spice House in Chicago?
>
> Because the topic of this thread is about Penseys (can't you read).
> You want to *hype* The Spice House then begin your own thread...
> wisenheimer idiot.
>
>
> ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
> ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
> *********
> "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
> Sheldon
> ````````````
>

Anyhow Spice house is run by a Penzey...(must be the black sheep in da
family).

--
Once during Prohibition I was forced to live for days on nothing but food
and water.
--------
FIELDS, W. C.

(PENMART01) wrote in
:

>>(Brent97G) shit stirred:
>>
>>>penmart01 wrote:
>>
>>>Penseys IS the importer, what they sell is the freshest possible,
>>
>>Then why not try the Spice House in Chicago?
>
> Because the topic of this thread is about Penseys (can't you read).
> You want to *hype* The Spice House then begin your own thread...
> wisenheimer idiot.
>
>
> ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
> ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
> *********
> "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
> Sheldon
> ````````````
>

Anyhow Spice house is run by a Penzey...(must be the black sheep in da
family).

--
Once during Prohibition I was forced to live for days on nothing but food
and water.
--------
FIELDS, W. C.

"Brent97G" > wrote in message
>
> Then why not try the Spice House in Chicago?


Because I live about 950 miles from Chicago.

I agree with Sheldon, never talk about anything that is not thread related.
Always stick to the sthread topic, right Shel?


"PENMART01" > wrote in message
...

SNIP

> Because the topic of this thread is about Penseys (can't you read). You
want
> to *hype* The Spice House then begin your own thread... wisenheimer idiot.
>
>
> ---= BOY (snip)MANY (snip)PAIN =---
> ---= (snip) UNITED NATIONS (snip) =---
> *********
> "Life would be (snip)
> ````````````

In article >, Jack Schidt® > wrote:

> Penzey's works. There are other places that may be a bit cheaper, or
> closer, whatever but not closer to me. I've been buying from Penzey's for
> almost 10 years and they've been dependable and consistent. I hardly feel
> I'm capricious in my buying habits there. Sounds like another troll thread
> to me: never tried the product, but bash it anyway. Shame.

The first time I went to Penzy's was in Milwaukee in 1981. It was *wonderful*.
I think it was their first store. In fact, it was so wonderful that I continue to
patronize them in their new incarnations, even though they are kind of
expensive.

As for shopping at ethnic places for spices, that's fine if a) you are
comfortable with the quality and b) you know enough to know where
and what to look for. Penzy's collects it all for you so you don't have
to spend your life learning about spices.

I agree that the OP was trolling, but if it weren't for trolls there wouldn't
be many threads.

Mike Beede

In article >, Jack Schidt® > wrote:

> Penzey's works. There are other places that may be a bit cheaper, or
> closer, whatever but not closer to me. I've been buying from Penzey's for
> almost 10 years and they've been dependable and consistent. I hardly feel
> I'm capricious in my buying habits there. Sounds like another troll thread
> to me: never tried the product, but bash it anyway. Shame.

The first time I went to Penzy's was in Milwaukee in 1981. It was *wonderful*.
I think it was their first store. In fact, it was so wonderful that I continue to
patronize them in their new incarnations, even though they are kind of
expensive.

As for shopping at ethnic places for spices, that's fine if a) you are
comfortable with the quality and b) you know enough to know where
and what to look for. Penzy's collects it all for you so you don't have
to spend your life learning about spices.

I agree that the OP was trolling, but if it weren't for trolls there wouldn't
be many threads.

Mike Beede

>>>penmart01 wrote:

>Because the topic of this thread is about Penseys (can't you read).

Well then people shouldn't have mentioned ethnic stores as a source for spices
etc. Sheldon you buy lots of spices in large quantities and expressed
dissatisfaction because they aren't treating you as well as they did in the
past with an few samples. People talk about Penzeys as the gold standard based
on past experience and I use Penzeys too, but there are other mail order
sources that are just as good and one happens to be owned by a Penzey.

Besides Sheldon, it's PENZEYS, not Penseys.

On Sun, 08 Aug 2004 04:28:09 GMT, Richard Periut >
wrote:

>Nexis wrote:
>> "Richard Periut" > wrote in message
>> .. .
>>
>>>What's all the hype about Penzeys? I don't understand the capriciousness
>>>of many people here.
>>
>>
>> This is a company many people on this ng have favored for years. That is
>> hardly a whim, my friend. Are you sure you know the meaning of
>> capriciousness?
>
>Main Entry: ca·pri·cious
>Pronunciation: k&-'pri-sh&s, -'prE-
>Function: adjective
>: governed or characterized by caprice : IMPULSIVE, UNPREDICTABLE
>synonym see INCONSTANT
>- ca·pri·cious·ly adverb
>- ca·pri·cious·ness noun
>
>Pretty clear to me.

Please explain what you meant in the context of the sentence that you
wrote, because a lot of people here don't see where your use of the
word applies.

>>>And if you have to resort to premixed rubs and other condiments, then
>>>that's not distinct from taking a can of cream soup and making a
>>>casserole (chemical casseroles I like to call them,) and calling that a
>>>quality meal.
>>
>>
>> A hand blended mix of spices that I would mix anyway is hardly akin to
>> canned soup. They are not any less fresh or high quality if they are in one
>> jar or several.
>>
>>
>No, but why pay for blends that IMO are more expensive. Can't follow a
>recipe?

Because... we want to?

>For me personally, and I'm sure for
>> most people out there, I can honestly tell you, I wouldn't give a hoot if
>> you never purchased a thing from Penzeys. It would be your loss, as far as I
>> can tell.
>
>Well good for you, cause I don't give a hoot about the way you handle a
>simple polemic with such a combative attitude.

You started it. Your statement about buying herb and spice mixes as
being akin to "chemical mixtures" or using canned soup in recipes
surely was combative attitude. Similarly with the implication that
people who buy spices from them are responding to advertisements and
just want to spend money. Why insult people just because you like to
buy whole spices?

In trying to find an explanation for your nasty attitude, the only
thing I can figure is that you were disappointed in your Penzey's
order and resent the recommendations that you got here.

But how much did you actually spend? Wouldn't it have been better to
make a small order of a few things to test the water? Then you
wouldn't be so bitter.

And what did you order that was so disappointing anyway?

Sue(tm)
Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!

HHB wrote:

> Perhaps that's the coffee that's passed thru a cat like animal
> digestive tract. (damn these memory farts) I think it is Cievot

Civet.

http://urbanlegends.about.com/librar...y/aa101498.htm

Bob