Store for Foodies

Topeka is not known for its culinary enterprises. Even what would be considered on the higher end of both price and culinary expression in Topeka would be run of the mill eatery's in major metropolitans. To say Topeka is lacking in the culinary arts would be an understatement. So, for fans of all things food who want to challenge their taste buds and explore new flavors; a trip to Lawrence or Kansas City is necessary, however, the landscape of taste in Topeka has changed.

Thank God local is in! Which for Topeka has saw a resurgence of mom and pop eateries and specialty stores (I hope to post reviews on these visits later) that opens up new options for those tired of typical corporate cuisine.

With that being said, I wanted a few accompaniments that would be served for our families Easter dinner. I knew we were having ham, and leg of lamb so a good mustard was a must! Hearing good things of the store Ice & Olives, I decided to stop by and see what I could discover.

Ice & Olives is at the relatively new 29th and Croco shopping center. The store is nestled in the corner between a wine and spirits store, and tanning salon. When walking in its hard not to be overwhelmed by the vast array of fine food products (Ice and Olives is a small store and they definitely maximize the space) which stretches the culinary scope to include everything from artisan cheeses and fine deli cuts to locally made BBQ sauces and party spreads. Though one may find the layout of the store a bit cluttered, I suppose it is needed to offer as many products as they do. It is also hard to fault owner(s) whose desire is to offer a vast array of finer products not available at most conventional grocery stores.

While there I made a bee line straight to the condiment section. I love condiments, my friends always poked fun as they watched me consume massive amounts of ketchup at any chance I had. While browsing I found a few items I would like to talk about.

The first is one I had experience before, but found them too good not to try again. It's a lovely spin on pickles named cleverly Wickles.

Wickles are a hybrid between a regular kosher pickle and bread and butter with some peppery hotness to it. The pickle ends up being quite savory with a good match between sweet and sour, add some heat to it, and I find Wickles to be one of the best pickled products I have had. You can find yourself eating almost a jar by the end of the day if your not careful. The thick cut slices also added to a nice crisp dense texture that made the pickle overall enjoyable and worth a try for all those who like such items.

I then picked up a jar of Canadian mustard. I don't remember the name but the tag line below it said, "Mustard with a bite". Personally I love savory tastes, and the associate at the store mentioned a few people who buy it regularly. So, I forked over the money necessary to buy that and my pickles and set sail. The mustard has a good flavor, but has an almost honey like thickness to it which makes it difficult to spread. It is sweet, very sweet, and the mustard flavor seems to be an almost after-thought to its gooey sweetness. I suppose it has a place as a spread, but beyond that I can't recommend it.

All this being said Ice & Olives is worth a try.........though it is a niche shop it deserves attention.