SPICE UP YOUR LIFE WITH A TRIP TO BAZAAR SPICES

Turmeric, vanilla-bean-sea salt and other nontraditional spices filled small bowls on the bar-like counter. Ivan Fitzgerald and Monica Grover opened Bazaar Spices: Flavor Health Soul their second location in Atlantic Plumbing 2130 8th St. NW, in the northern part of Shaw D.C in 2015.  The couple opened their first location three years ago in Union Market in NE DC.  The 625 square foot space is larger than the first location. “We wanted to provide a more relaxed vibe compared to the Union Market location, which serves as a fast-paced in and out experience.” said Glover.

When I stepped into the spice shop all I felt was good vibes.  The strong essence of spices invites you as soon as you open the door. The walls are a vibrant purple and the ceiling features exposed pipes lead me to walk in further.  A small chalkboard on the counter titled “beverages” in handwritten script lists a few drink options; warm saffron, mint infused teas, chilled lemonade and an exotic concoction called ‘Summaade’, a drink consisting of sumac berries, currants, and cloves.. In 625ft, I took an adventure around the world.

The Atlantic Plumbing shop was recently named the 2016 recipient of The Best Shaw New Business Award.  “We think it is definitely a great addition to the Shaw community.” said Fitzgerald.  The shop neighbors an art museum, Tasty Burger, and apartments.  At the entrance there are cookbooks and books about spices.  Farther in, there are stools, a long bar table, and shelves stacked with spices from over six continents “Where else can you take a trip around the world in a day?” Fitzgerald said.

Jendayai Page, a 23 year old staff member at Bazaar Spices who has been working at the Atlantic Plumbing location since December 2016 said, “This is a place of self-exploration to me.”

“It was not much of a choice, it really came to us” said owner Fitzgerald, organizing a row of spices on the countertop.  Going out for an afternoon bike ride is not a life changing experience for most people, but it was, for couple Fitzgerald and Grover.  It  allowed them to happen upon what would become their dream.

Fitzgerald, born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, always enjoyed cooking and traveling.  His wife, who is from India had a keen interest in spices.

“We share passions of educating others about holistic traditions, incorporating natural approaches to cooking, and making traditional dishes we learned from our adventures and families.” Glover said.  The shop has been offering pop up classes led by local chefs at the Shaw library since 2012.  Many of their customers come from these sessions. “These are from the class last night.” Fitzgerald says, he was referring to the spices that adorn the counter in the Atlantic Plumbing shop.

Spices range from $3-$5 each.  “Less is more and because we provide good quality, customers don’t have to use as much to achieve great flavor” said Fitzgerald.  The company’s spices are purchased 80% from U.S. wholesale suppliers and 20% directly from overseas.

“There are similar businesses all around us right now from national grocery chains to ethnic grocery stores and other chain and local spice shops. We really don’t pay much attention to what others are doing. We strive to be innovative and curate a collection of spices that is of the highest quality, unique, and diverse and be a resource for our customers. We also work very hard to have the items that folks need when they need it. If we continue to do that well with good customer service the rest will take care of itself.” said Fitzgerald.  If your looking to spice up your life Bazaar Spices should definitely be on your bucket list.