The best thing about the new Penzeys Spices at 4128 N. Oracle Road is how they put samples in little snuff pots to allow for a full aroma assessment.

Some advice: Sniff lightly when checking out the curry and Vietnamese cinnamon. A deep snort nearly crossed my eyes.

The store also stocks and amazing assortment of hard-to-find spices, including great salt and pepper varieties. The gray sea salt from France has been working wonders in my kitchen, and the pink peppercorns are a nice option to the black stuff most of us have grown accustomed to.

The prices are low, too. I walked away with a sizeable amount of spices for around $30. Being a huge softie, I also like all their heartfelt slogans—"Love People. Cook Them Tasty Food"—which I've seen plastered on billboards out by the I-10.

Check 'em out online over here.