Tradition in the 21st Century at the East India Company
Centuries ago, The East India Company (EIC) began to transform our nation's tastes. Ships and explorers returned from distant lands carrying foreign flavours that brought vibrancy and colour to the nation's dining tables, changing our palates forever.
Chocolate, spices, and even tea, once new and extraordinary luxuries, soon became an indispensable part of our lives.
Last week we made our own journey of discovery and paid a visit to the East India Company's flagship store in Conduit Street, London.
If I am honest I would have to say I was expecting to find a shop laden with old-fashioned pickles and spices, overflowing from up-ended wooded crates, surrounded by raffia and with spice scents that would assault our senses and have us headed for the door before we walked in.
In fact, what we discovered was a spacious shop floor, complete with tasting tables and burning Chakra candles. Not one over-powering spice within nose reach - just a calm clear air complemented with the occasional scent that warranted further investigation.
And our surprise at this company's move into a more modern environment while keeping up with tradition did not stop there.
With flavour choices that include real strawberries or caramelised pecans enrobed in chocolate, cheddar cheese nibbles, Roman mustard, Seville orange marmalade biscuits and lime pickle the EIC certainly knows how to bring luxury to the table.
This is not a store where you go to simply shop, this is a store to explore. The items are not everyday shopping basket goods but affordable luxury at its best.
The East India Company Hamper & Gift Box Collection for 2013 showcases the remarkable produce available in store.
When you are looking for food gift ideas, not just for Christmas but all year round or searching for birthday presents, picnic provisions or just to treat yourself to something a little special, we would recommend a visit.
Earlier this year we sampled a selection of chocolates from the store and although the quality was good, the flavours were slighted dated. On this visit we tried some samples from the two new selections that are are launching this September: one spice infused, and the other based on exotic fruits.
Flavours include Thai Green Chilli, Ginger, Cinnamon, Rose & Cardamom, Poppy & Almond, Roasted Coriander, Mango, Yuzu, Strawberry, Orange, Lemongrass and Passion Fruit.
With pure fruits and raw ingredients, we have to say that we would certainly go back for more of these new flavour combinations.
Both selections have been developed in conjunction with world-class chocolatier, Marc DeMarquette and come presented in The Company's popular book boxes.
As we were leaving we couldn't resist stopping at the new Tea & Coffee 'To Go' service available in store. The perfect place for anyone looking for a refined brew in London's West End.
With each infusion brewed with impeccable precision and at the ideal temperature to bring out optimum flavour, you can enjoy a little sip of perfection in every cup.
This is a great opportunity to taste and enjoy some of these refreshing tea blends and indulge in an extensive array of coffee beans while you are on the go.
So with a wonderful cup of white tea we started the journey home, having discovered more than we expected and looking forward to a return visit in time for some Christmas shopping.
www.eicfinefoods.com