Spices? The Spice House vs Penzeys

[rotuts]

I noticed in the first post from the Lunch Ladies (ladies who lunch) while away they mentioned they were taking some spices from:

http://www.thespicehouse.com

and

http://www.penzeys.com/

Im always looking for a new "spice place" i use penzy's and

http://www.cfsauer.com/products.asp?bid=1

i get my baking vanilla from CF as it was recommended by America;s Test K and its fine for browsnies etc

but I noticed that the spice house is very similar to penzys

is it an off shoot? they have galena st rub but call it someththiing different.

they seem a little cheaper ie Chicago Steak

whats the story?

many thanks

[dls]

There's definitely a connection between The Spice House and Penzey's. A family one. Tom and Patty Erd are the owners of The Spice House. Patty's parents were the founders of Penzey's. Here's the story.

[patrickamory]

The only spice I've bought from both is paprika. I currently have semi-sharp and sweet paprika from The Spice House, and it seems to be a bit better than Penzey's, FWIW.

[rotuts]

one of my favorites from Penzey's is the Chicago Seasoning. fantasting in SV and on salmon;.

Ive looked carefully at Spice House and their version seems quite different: MSG is the first ingredient.

Ill look both over and try a few things that are 'similar' from the spice house

re: paprika: try the Spanish Smoked from Penzeys some time. fantastic in soup!

[Todd in Chicago]

Of course since I live in Chicago, I'm partial to "The Spice House". I get all the ingredients I can from them, I think the quality is very good, but unfortunately really have nothing to compare to. I do love the Penzey's catalog though. I used to live in the same condo building as Tom and Patty once did (not sure if they are still there). However, the one bad thing is that it is REALLY hard to walk into a great place like the Spice House and ONLY walk out with what you came for! ;-)

Staff is really great over the too!

Todd in Chicago

[rotuts]

I know the feeling. there is a Penzy's in Arlington MA and I used to go there 2 x / year. for a few things. got a lot more.

now its oddly cheaper to do mail order with gas $$$$$$

will check out Spice House for a few things.

thanks