Where else in Montreal can you travel to Mexico, Turkey, the Caribbean, Spain, China, Sri Lanka and much of Africa – or even closer to home in Canada – within the span of a few moments? Jean Talon Market boutique, Épices de Cru, suggests that aromas are the best mode of transportation for such a journey. The shop stocks hundreds of spices, herbs and blends that are sure to transport your meals into new territories.
Épices de Cru has been under Marika de Vienne’s wing since she joined her parents Philippe and Ethné de Vienne in 2005, helping them discover, source and blend the products that line the small shop’s shelves. “We only carry whole herbs and spices; nothing has been ground, to maximize freshness. We also carry some bulk teas, but our speciality remains herbs and spices,” says Marika. “Everything in our inventory comes from the best growers, to ensure the best possible quality, and we source it ourselves all over the world.”