Spice 320 is unlike any other market or spice shop that I've been to. The brainchild of Alan Thayer and Richard Marchesseault, the essence of Spice 320 is "to showcase the best that Connecticut and its neighboring states have to offer". Located in Colebrook, Connecticut, Spice 320 has its roots in a 19th century farmhouse that Rich spent the pandemic years converting into the masterpiece that it is today. In listening to Rich tell the story of how Spice 320 came to be, you begin to understand just how much respect he and Alan have for the building, the land, and for the community of Colebrook.
What Alan and Rich have here is something so incredibly special. Alan, the Al behind all the delicious recipes and food, is a professional chef who grew up in the Chester area of Connecticut. In seeking to bring their vision to life, Alan has made it a founding pillar of Spice 320 to get to know the local farmers, cheesemakers, and crafters whose goods are for sale at Spice 320. Alan knows who grew the produce that they bring fresh into their store, which helps tie what you eat and buy from there back to the people of Colebrook. And, in typical New England fashion, Rich and Alan had fresh produce that had been brought in this morning for sale at the front of the store.
However, the core of Spice 320 is spices. Alan said, and please correct me if I'm wrong, that he had a vision of roasting and toasting his own spices inhouse to then sell to folks. He started making soups and other dishes to help showcase how his finely crafted spices can be used to enhance a dish or bring it to life, and people loved his cooking so much that he's now making it for you to bring home. I cannot wait to try his Tomato Rosemary bisque but tonight is mac-n-cheese night in this house!!
Both Alan and Rich make a point of knowing who they buy from and about the products so that they can tell you everything you want to know. Everyone they buy from has a story to tell, and that's what makes Spice 320 so special. It really is so refreshing to know that when you spend money at Spice 320, that money stays in Colebrook and directly benefits those farmers and artisans who grew & made those products. In addition to supporting local, you're helping two incredible people keep their dream a reality. There's really nothing more New England than that.
Spice 320 is a must for anyone who lives or is passing through the Colebrook area. Alan can usually be found in the kitchen and Rich holding down the store, but I'm sure that they would both be more than happy to shoot the breeze with you for a few minutes. Go and support this awesome local business and the makers whose products populate the shelves! read more