“We have to go to Oaktown Spice Shop.” Whenever we are in the Lake Merritt area of Oakland, Ben is drawn like a moth to the flame. This place holds the most delicious part of any homemade dish. The flavors lined along the shelves provide a rich perfume throughout the store. I wish you could smell these pictures. There are spices for everything here – baking, diy tea blends, bbq rubs, salts and peppers, and everything in between. Check it out next time you’re strolling around Lake Merritt.

The wall of spices for baking are a dream for any one with a sweet tooth and an imagination.

The herb shelf is where Ben spends a lot of his time. He’s always adding complex flavor with inspiration from these shelves. (See his Garam Chicken Masala Recipe.)

I love the second room because of this little knickknacks shelf. They have vintage spice cans on display right next to modern kitchen accoutrements. I feel like I have to look at everything before I can move on.

I can’t even begin to convey how amazing this jar smells – it’s like spring. There were jars of dried lavender and chamomile – if you close your eyes you’ll swear you’ve been to heaven.

How cute are these shopping baskets? I felt like I was foraging.

What to know

Oaktown Spice Shop is a full-on treasure trove. This place smells incredible and it’s directly across the street from Lake Merritt.