La Boîte à Epices

I read about La Boîte and it’s owner, Lior Lev Sercarz, in the NYT a couple of years ago, and finally got there a couple of weeks ago. It’s in Hell’s Kitchen, so the buzzing in at the door makes sense. I didn’t feel unsafe walking there from Midtown, but I can understand them wanting to have the security.
The article made the place sound like a cozy emporium, and Mr. Sercarz like some kind of mystical wizard who will greet you and impart his wisdom. Neither is the case. The shop is clearly focused on shipping — the two workers behind the counter said «hello» and directed me to the spice menu and sample jars, but I was pretty much on my own. A man, who appeared to be a manager of sorts, came out after a bit and explained to me about the artwork on the wall being tied in to the tin of biscuits ($ 65!I sampled one kind of biscuit — definitely didn’t make me want to bust out my wallet for the tin.) and gave me the rundown on the gift sets of the smaller jars etc. He was very friendly and informative, but the general vibe in there is pretty utilitarian and businesslike.
The spices are quite lovely and enticing, however they START at $ 15 a jar. The two I chose turned out to be $ 27 each. I also got a small bar of chocolate that had the spices in it — it was nice, but I wasn’t blown away.
I almost think that they should just stick to mail order. If they keep the shop open as more of a PR thing, they need to bring more game on the personal connection level. The effect the place had on me was to inspire me to make interesting spice mixes at home. The spices they have there are intriguing and well done — and if you’re disposable income is comfy, I’d recommend them — but if you’re not someone who can drop $ 50 or $ 100 on 3 or 4 jars, go for the inspiration and DIY (:

Love La Boîte! Amazing spice blends that have changed my cooking and baking for the better. Went in once on a whim and go back again and again.

This place is amazing! Any time I am in NYC, I make it a point to come in. It is a shop that is also servicing all the online orders. The spice blender is hard at work crafting the product in the shop, so it makes sense that I have to be buzzed in. The smell when you walk in is unlike anything else! There is artwork that is rotated at least twice a year, so it’s also like going to an art gallery. I like to get the mini jar sets as gifts, and I get the big ones for myself :) I also order online when I run out of my favorites and can’t get to New York. The spices themselves are not cheap, but neither is the flavor they add to my food. I get compliments like crazy on everything I make with them. They turn the most basic sauce into something delectable. The shipping price is kinda steep, but I make a shipment with friends and we split the cost.

I haven’t shopped here IRL, but I’ve ordered spices online. The selection is fabulous and you can find a lot of unique blends. The Pierre Poivre n.7 pepper blend is a must have. I ordered it after seeing that a steak recipe I was trying to recreate called for it and haven’t been without it since. The smoked sea salt is also wonderful — one whiff will take you back to summer mornings when you just fired up your smoker. A spice blend from this shop would make a tremendous gift for the foodie in your life. The only reason I don’t order more often is that the shipping is pretty outrageous — $ 11.99 for a couple of small jars of spice is a bit dear in this Unilocaler’s humble opinion.

Interesting place but the smell inside was so overwhelming I ended up becoming quite nauseous. Good if you have expendable money.

Unbelievable spices. My husband gave me some for my birthday and I have been experiencing and cooking and having so much fun and rave comments.
«This food has the most wonderful taste.
I made a meatloaf for my 88 year old mother last night using her «recipe». I used a teaspoon of the Ayala N. 16, and she said it was the most extraordinary she had ever had.
I could go on and on. Buy the cookbook.

I really wanted to give La Boîte less stars but the spice blends we got are exceptional enough that it wouldn’t be fair to give less than 4 stars.
I heard about La Boîte via HowAboutWe for Couples (now called You&Me Concierge). It was one of the «free dates» that they set up for members. We selected this as one of our dates, which was billed as an «Artisan Spice Session», during which we would «Chat with an expert spice whisperer – you’ll learn the art of blending and mixing premium spices» and also «Get a special spice session at La Boîte Biscuits & Spices, a flavor haven hidden in plain view.»
In order to participate in the «date», we had to schedule a day and time. This was actually pointless as anyone can walk in during shop hours and get the same «service» that we did. The «expert» did not seem to know much and did not give us a «mini spice tutorial» at all. He basically pointed out the display of spices and gave us our free trio, which was part of the deal.
I was completely disappointed in how the «tutorial» went, but I won’t completely fault the shop as perhaps it was a miscommunication between it and HowAboutWe. I did give feedback to HowAboutWe as well.
I was also completely disappointed in the prices for these spices and spice blends. It really seemed exorbitant. HOWEVER…
The spices are really spectacular. Different, pungent, well-​crafted. Can’t say enough good things about them. I would actually go back to that little store (in spite of the fact that I am NEVER in that area) and pay those prices for those spices. Maybe next time there will be a REAL «expert» there who can give me a mini-​education.

I was in spice heaven when I entered La Boîte. The gentleman behind the counter and the owner we very welcoming and helpful. I spent 20 minutes discussing and smelling the spices. I walked out spending over $ 100 in spices. I have used three of the spice mixes I purchased so far and I couldn’t stop eating my fish. Phenomenal! I will definitely return.

Sometimes another’s experience is so different from mine (as often the case on Unilocal).
Two reviewers remarked about an unwelcoming vibe and that couldn’t be farther from what I encountered… Yes, they’ll need to buzz you in, but so what?
I was like a kid in a candy shop, only this one sells spice mixes. After getting a whiff of at least 30 unique blends, ended up purchasing three (@$ 15 per jar). The man working behind the counter (not the owner) was more than helpful and charming.
Creative and unique store and worth the trek over to 11^th avenue.
Would I return? Definitely.

This place really needs to do more to create a welcoming ambiance, which is pretty ironic given what it sells: mood-​setting fragrances/​seasonings/​spices. It’s quite a nice space with some modern interior décor, but after they buzz you in (and act like they did YOU a favor) as you browse the snow clouds you feel truly unwelcome.

Disappointment. Sterile shop that you have to be buzzed into. The woman behind the counter barely acknowledged us and didn’t point out the «menu key» to the spice combos until we asked.
Had read an article about the owner being a «spice therapist» who asks some questions then prescribes spices for you. I asked if he was available so the woman went to check.
The conversation went like this:
Yes?
Are you available for a spice consultation?
Ok.
Can you tell me what spices would be good for me?
What spices do you like?
I reeled off a few.
He said then get (he named several of his combos). Anything you don’t like?
I named a couple.
He limited his previous list.
I said I thought that he «prescribed» spices based on other factors — personality, health, etc.
He just looked at me blankly and repeated what he said originally.
Another couple had come in and were gushing about one mix they loved. They want more and so etching else without salt. He suggested a couple of mixes.
And this stuff isn’t inexpensive. They are tiny jars that you are allowed to smell. Tasting not encouraged.
I did buy something but wishing I hadn’t.

La Boîte is worth the visit! Once you make it out to their shop on 11^th Ave, you’ll wonder why you weren’t already in the know. The spices are truly unique, and by chatting with the owner (Lior?), a trained spice chef from France, you’ll discover what dishes, snacks and — hold your breath — cocktails would pair nicely with each spice combo.
With the artistry behind the spices, it’s fitting that La Boîte doubles as a gallery space. There was an avant-​garde display up today that almost made me want to completely redecorate my apartment in order to accommodate a few pieces. I left La Boîte not just having purchased some spices, but also feeling that I was fully engaging in all that New York has to offer. It’s a remarkable experience.
And they’re also right across the street from The Daily Show’s studio. You can do your weekly spice shopping and then head down to pick up your Jon Stewart tickets.

Read about this place in Saveur magazine. While in NYC, stopped by for a visit. It’s a bit like going into a fashion designer store, you have to be buzzed in, there’s an attractive assistant, etc. But the spice combinations are amazing. They’re not cheap — $ 15 for 2 oz. — and you can’t first «smell» them, but they can take a very plain piece of fish, vegetables, or meat and turn it into an amazing meal. If you are into cooking and want something a bit off the beaten path, check this place out. Note that their hours are late p.m./early evening.