Spice Kit Journey
Vision
My passion for developing the perfect spice kit began during my time working as a chef aboard luxury charter motor and sailing yachts. After each charter, I found myself packing up my knives, recipes, and a handful of essential spices before jetting off to my next exotic location to meet my next yacht. As a freelance yacht chef, I never knew whether my next vessel would be fully stocked with the necessary supplies and spices, making improvisation a key part of my job description. Provisioning for 15 guests and a crew of 10 on small Caribbean islands was no easy feat, especially with limited access to food delivery and mail services, which only arrived once a week.
Through my travels, I have been able to source unique and authentic spices from villages around the world. I believe that my spice kit will transport the chef's guests on an adventure of taste, allowing them to experience the authentic flavors of the cultures that inspired each spice. Each spice has been carefully selected and blended to create a harmonious fusion of flavors that can elevate any dish, whether it's a simple weeknight meal or a decadent multi-course feast.
New Adventure
After graduating from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu and a decade in the yachting world, I felt a burning desire to explore and discover more of the world's diverse flavors. It was time for a new adventure. I made the bold decision to leave the yachting industry and embark on a journey to seek out new ingredients and culinary experiences. India, with its rich culinary heritage and vibrant Southeast Asian influence, beckoned me. I relocated to India to immerse myself in the depths of Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. Over the course of a year and a half, I traversed the length and breadth of the country, as well as exploring Southeast Asia. I had the incredible opportunity to cook traditional meals alongside locals in their homes, unlocking the secrets of authentic flavors and techniques passed down through generations.
Peppercorns
On my first night in the oceanfront village of Kampot, Cambodia, in a small wooden restaurant, I wanted to try the local dishes. As my first course arrived, the rough seas sprayed in, a lime-infused peppercorn crab soup. The next course was green peppercorn curry with crab. The peppercorns were freshly picked and burst with multiple levels of flavor. This ignited my chef’s pallet and created the desire to source the best spices and share them with family, friends, and guests. I proceed down the red dirt road out into the countryside, where I found a prestigious peppercorn farm where I could import the fresh peppercorns back to the USA.
Stateside
After a decade sailing the Caribbean seas and living aboard, my culinary voyage took a thrilling turn as I made the bold decision to make landfall once again. The transition from sea to land was no small feat, but it was time for a new chapter in my culinary adventures. Setting my sights on the vast opportunities that awaited me in the private chef industry of the United States, I embarked on a journey filled with excitement and endless possibilities.
It was during this time that I laid the foundation for Cooking with Chef Steven, a prestigious luxury personal chef service company nestled in the vibrant city of Scottsdale, Arizona. With a solid home base at my disposal, I had the privilege of curating a treasure trove of supplies and spices that would ignite the palates of the most discerning diners. As I embarked on my culinary escapades, one thing became abundantly clear—I needed a streamlined solution for my diverse collection of spices.
Picture this: I would arrive at elegant dinner parties across the valley, armed with a bag bursting at the seams with an assortment of spices. Each jar, size, and quality carefully selected to elevate every dish I prepared. Yet, as I laid out my precious spice arsenal on the kitchen counter, I realized the need for efficiency during the bustling dinner service. My creativity was being cramped by the limited workspace available.
Driven by my adventurous spirit and insatiable desire for innovation, I knew there had to be a better way. And so, the idea was born—an ingenious solution that would revolutionize the culinary landscape. I set out on a quest to create a spice kit that would embody both functionality and elegance. A kit that would house a harmonious ensemble of flavors, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice.
The journey was filled with countless trials and tribulations. I scoured the globe for the finest spices, meticulously handpicking each one to ensure they met my exacting standards. From the lush valleys of India to the vibrant markets of Southeast Asia, I immersed myself in the vibrant tapestry of flavors, learning from the local culinary maestros who graciously opened their homes and shared their culinary heritage with me.
The result? A spice kit that transcends the boundaries of the ordinary. A carefully curated collection that showcases the essence of my culinary prowess and the spirit of adventure that defines my journey. With the launch of my extraordinary spice kits, I invite you to join me on an epicurean expedition, where every meal becomes an extraordinary voyage of flavors and every dish tells a story. Let us embark on this culinary odyssey together, where innovation meets tradition, and the boundaries of taste are pushed to thrilling new heights. Welcome to a world where adventure and gastronomy collide!
Creating The Kit
The evolution of the kit's design has been nothing short of an epic adventure. Picture this: In the early days, I stumbled upon a rugged plastic stand that seemed like the perfect solution—a masterpiece of engineering with nine snug spots to cradle delicate glass test tubes. Oh, how I thought I had conquered the spice storage conundrum!
​
But alas, the journey had just begun. As I navigated through the chaotic whirlwind of the culinary world, I encountered a series of unforeseen challenges. Those seemingly innocent test tubes had a mischievous streak, rolling off the counter with reckless abandon, leaving a trail of aromatic chaos in their wake. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the kitchen, and spices danced freely upon the floor.
Undeterred by adversity, I embarked on a quest for a better, more resilient solution. It was time to tame the wild spirits of these unruly spices. And so, in my relentless pursuit of spice storage perfection, I discovered the key—a revelation that would forever transform the kit's design.
Behold, the birth of a new era! Thick-cut, French quartered glass bottles emerged as the champions of my spice kit. These sturdy vessels stood tall, unyielding to the forces of gravity. With their elegant silhouette and unwavering strength, they became the guardians of flavor, protecting each precious spice within their walls.
No longer would the spices roam free, causing havoc in their wake. They found their rightful place, snugly nestled within the embrace of these exquisite glass bottles. The journey to find the perfect spice storage had reached its triumphant conclusion.
Now, as you embark on your own culinary expeditions, fear not the perils of shattered glass and wayward spices. The new and improved spice kit stands as a testament to the resilience of a chef's spirit, an ode to the quest for perfection. With every bottle carefully quartered, the spices are ready to accompany you on your epicurean odyssey, infusing each dish with the essence of adventure.
So, my fellow culinary adventurer, take hold of this treasure trove of flavors, unleash your creativity, and let the spices transport you to distant lands. From the rugged mountains of the Himalayas to the bustling spice markets of Marrakech, let your taste buds embark on a thrilling journey that knows no bounds.
Welcome to a world where flavors dance, glass bottles stand tall, and the spirit of adventure permeates every dish. Welcome to the extraordinary evolution of the spice kit—a testament to resilience, innovation, and the unwavering passion of a chef on a never-ending quest for culinary perfection.
Setting Up In Sedona
Moving to Sedona was a decision I made to pursue my passion for culinary artistry. As a traveling chef, I have always been fascinated by the diverse flavors of spices, and I wanted to create a brand that could bring that richness to my guest's tables. The idea was simple yet profound: to bring organic and sustainably sourced spices from around the world to the plates of high-end clients, making their culinary experiences unforgettable.
My family and I started the Trading Dishes Spices division as a way to share our love for spices and cooking. Sourcing the best organic spices from around the world was just the beginning of our adventure. We soon realized that our spice needed to be carefully curated and packaged; with the help of family and friends, we started assembling our Yacht Chef Spice Kit and the Culinary Explorer Spice Kits. We wanted to make sure that each bottle was tightly sealed in a French squared glass bottle, secured with top-quality packaging, and adorned with our signature label that notes the spices' origin and flavor profile.
Cooking for high-end clients is an experience that requires not only culinary expertise but also a passion for innovation and creativity. At Trading Dishes, we take pride in offering the best quality spices to enhance the flavors of each dish. Our spices are carefully crafted to bring out the best in each ingredient, and our spice kits are designed to make cooking easy and enjoyable. We believe that cooking with spices is about adding flavor to your meals and experiencing the cultures and traditions of different parts of the world. Trading Dishes is not just a brand, it's a journey that we want to share with all the spice enthusiasts out there.
Moving to Sedona was a big step for me, but I knew it was the right choice when I envisioned the possibilities for Trading Dishes. As a chef who has cooked for high-end clients all over the world, I've always had a passion for sourcing the best ingredients from every corner of the globe. With Trading Dishes, I can share my love of spices with people everywhere.
Sourcing spices is a big part of what we do at Trading Dishes. My family and I work tirelessly to find the highest quality, organic, and sustainably sourced spices from around the world. We want to provide our customers with the best spices possible, and we believe that starts with the sourcing process. Assembling the spice kits with my mom, dad, and sister is a true family affair, and it brings me so much joy to work alongside them every day.
At Trading Dishes, we not only want to share our love of spices with our customers, but we also want to connect with them on a personal level. That's why we encourage our customers to become members and share their spice and travel stories. We believe that food has the power to bring people together, and we want to create a community of spice lovers who can share their experiences and learn from one another.
I am so excited to be a part of the Sedona community and bring the world's flavors to our customers through Trading Dishes. From our family to yours, we hope to inspire you to elevate your cooking with our high-quality, sustainably sourced spices.
​
Sedona is truly a magical place. The stunning red rocks, the serene energy of the vortexes, and the holistic community make it the perfect location to create and assemble our Trading Dishes spice kits. Being surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the mountains and natural environment has truly inspired our family to bring the best possible spices to our customers.
We believe that the environment in which our spices are assembled plays a critical role in the overall quality of the product. That's why we choose to do it in Sedona, where the holistic and natural environment can be felt and infused into each spice kit. The process of sourcing and assembling our spice kits is a labor of love for us, and we believe that our customers feel the positive energy and intention we put into each kit.
We also believe Sedona’s natural beauty and holistic energy perfectly complement the high-end culinary experiences we offer. Our spice kits are carefully curated to provide unique and creative ways to elevate any dish, and we believe that the environment in which they are created only adds to their magic.
Exploring Culinary Frontiers
This journey expanded my culinary knowledge and deepened my appreciation for the cultural significance of food. I witnessed firsthand the importance of sustainable farming practices and the connection between food, community, and the environment. This experience ignited a fire within me to promote sustainability in every aspect of my culinary ventures. Armed with my wealth of knowledge and passion for sustainable food,
I am dedicated to curating an exceptional selection of high-quality, organic, and sustainably sourced spices. Each spice in my collection has been carefully chosen to elevate the culinary creations of professionals like yourself. Together, let us embark on a flavorful journey, celebrating the rich tapestry of international cuisine while honoring our commitment to sustainability.
