If you’d like to meet Charleston’s own Martha Stewart, look no further than Devany Vickery-Davidson. I first became acquainted with Devaney as she was promoting TSTE of Charleston, the something-for-every-chef spice shop she manages on Church Street near the City Market. As food blogger, teacher, author, competent chef and old friend of Nathalie and Holly, she’s the perfect person for that job. The shop sells raw spices in many convenient packages, and offers over 130 blends and recipes they create onsite.
Take Bacon Candy. Bacon slices are smothered in a Sweet Onion Sugar Blend, sprinkled with Habanero Sugar for a surprising kick, and roasted until they become decadent and delicious finger food. It causes quite a stir when Devaney and crew send samples over to the Information Tent at 2nd Sunday on King Street along with blended teas and other products from the store. It caused quite a stir when I made it for a holiday appetizer too. Bacon, onions, hot peppers, and sugar—who knew?
Lest you think TSTE, The Spice and Tea Exchange of Charleston, is just a tourist destination—not that there’s anything wrong with that--it’s not. While TSTE can be found in many cities that pair hospitality with great restaurants, they also offer those “easy to take home, local flavors” in places like Grapevine, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio and Bentonville, Arkansas.