Lior Lev Sercarz blending spices
Since founding La Boîte, a spice shop in New York City a decade ago, Lior Lev Sercarz has established himself as the go-to source for fresh and unusual spices. He creates small-batch custom blends—which contain anywhere from 9 to 23 different ingredients—for renowned chefs like Daniel Boulud and Eric Ripert, among others, but his evocatively named spice blends (like Orchidea N.34, Reims N.39, and Yemen N.10) are used by home chefs as well.
The global culinary movement has made even the most exotic spices an essential part of many kitchens today. According to Sercarz, the demand for spices and ethnic food is challenging producers to deal with greater production, safety, and quality control. And the industry is trying applications in new areas like brewing and distilling. Spice, he says, is no longer just about cooking.
To further pique your culinary curiosity, enjoy a special taste of Sercarz’s spice blends after the program.
His book The Spice Companion: A Guide to the World of Spices (Clarkson Potter) is available for purchase and signing.
