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In Search of Spices...

...Over the River to Queens!

The City of New York has five boroughs and many, many neighborhoods. It's easy to think of New York as Manhattan and the theater district or Fifth Avenue and glamorous shopping, but that's a small part of the life of the city for the over eight million people who live here. It's very easy for me to get caught up in my own neighborhood in Manhattan, especially on weekends. Today I only stirred seven blocks from home and ran a few quick errands. Tomorrow won't get me more than a mile from home. But last Sunday I had an adventure, all of a few miles from home. 

I took the subway to Queens, to the neighborhood of Jackson Heights. I was in search of spices. Living in Manhattan is great, but it is expensive. I've been on a quest to replace the contents of my spice rack and found that a bottle of ginger in my local grocery was over six dollars and the same for curry powder. I realized that I could buy spices -- especially curry powder -- much less expensive and just as tasty, if not more so, in Jackson Heights, home to many people from South Asia. It is also home to many people from just about every part of the world and has wonderful grocery shopping. 

I wavered about going. The weather forecast was snow and rain. But happily the weather folks were wrong and my friend Mary and I hopped on the train. After lunch at my favorite Indian restaurant, Taj, Mary and I went in search of spices.

 We found interesting vegetables. Not sure what "Dudhi" is, but the kirby cukes and eggplant looked good. 

 There were many stores with clothing and jewelry. We got delayed on our spice expedition looking  at shawls and bracelets. 

I like all the pink at this stand. 

 I found my spices at this grocery, which had foods from all over the world. These cookies are from Brazil.

I've really taken to Pink Saturday. I find myself looking for all things pink to take pictures of. Please stop by How Sweet the Sound and see the very fun pink posts. 

I hope you had a sweet pink Saturday! 

17 comments

Melinda said...

It's always interesting to go somewhere different than our "regular
places," I would of gotten distracted too.

M :)

Terra said...

We like to replenish our spices and that neighborhood looks perfect for doing that, and they sell bracelets too. We discovered an Asian supermarket chain called 99 Ranch Market. The fresh ginger was fabulously cheap, just for one example.

Chatty Crone said...

I'll tell you what ginger is expensive here too - I think spices have gone up - they used to be so cheap.

And speaking of prices going up - gas is $$$.

Patty Sumner said...

Love all your tours of New York.. Livng in the rural areas of Ky, your adventures sound so appealing..The scraves in the pic do look beautiful.. so much eye candy....What a great Pink Saturday...Thanks for sharing. Blessings!

TARYTERRE said...

I buy VICTORIA SPICES which are blends, online. They are worth it. But are expensive too. Going to a world expo tomorrow. Loved seeing your venture out.

Marie Rayner said...

Love the pinks too Carol! How wonderful to have the world pretty much on your doorstep like that! xxoo

The Cranky said...

What a fun adventure! We're moving up in the world here (the metropolis of Terre Haute) and now have an Indian deli and TWO Oriental groceries.

Yup, that's life in the big city, lol.

Jeanne said...

Hi Carol, Your journey to Jackson Hts. looks like a sweet and fun place to find some spices. A wise thing to do because the prices you shared are budget breaking. I too look for pink where ever I go. After four years of posting for Pink Sat. I am still a Pinkie. Beverly is my friend of over 42 years, so I have to be a pink fan. Smile.
Jeanne xo

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Spices are expensive and I know I keep mine longer than I should but they don't really seem to loose much flavor. Glad you have access to less expensive ones there. It seems you are keeping much warmer there than we are. It's been too cold here to do much venturing outdoors. Hope you have a relaxing Sunday.

Nancy said...

Spices have become so expensive lately -- I'm so glad I stocked up a couple of years ago. Love your pink images this morning! :)

Theresa said...

Oh how I enjoyed shopping with you:) I would have had to purchase one of those beautiful shawls! Have a blessed Sunday in you beautiful City! HUGS!

Ms Sparrow said...

I love going shopping in new and exotic places. Plus, going out to eat--favorite way to spend a day!

Life and Breath and Everything Else said...

Wish I could have gone shopping with you - looks like you had a fun time :)

Nellie said...

What great opportunities you have for shopping!

Thank you for your visits to my little blog!

Have a good Sunday!

Anonymous said...

Hello dear Carol! Thank you for your kindness and prayers for John and me.

I love to go along on your shopping adventures. It's always fun to see your part of the world. I know those fresh spices smell wonderful!

Wishing you a nice week.

Susie said...

What adventures you have in your big city. The little open shops make me think of flea markets around here in summer. Spring is on it way...I am so happy and ready for nicer weather and flowers. xoxo,Susie

Donna said...

Amazing how you can travel the world without leaving your city. You are blessed!