In A Pickle

Pickles are like Rodney Dangerfield -- they don't get no respect. Which is unfair because pickles are tasty and good for you.

A pickle is a fresh vegetable (cucumber) in its raw state, marinated with flavor. While commercial pickles are weakly-flavored, artisanal pickles are delightfully intense. I recently searched for and found my own source for great pickles.

I visit a lot of local festivals and observed long lines at a vendor-booth selling pickles. Despite shabby handmade signs, the booth always has a long line. Unwilling to stand and wait, I searched the interweb to see if I can buy their pickles when a crowd isn't around. I found a rudimentary website which gave me an address for their "store." After driving in circles, I discovered their store is actually a tiny counter they rent in a big supermarket. Located in a really bad neighborhood.

But their pickles are fabulous! They come in a dozen flavors. The pickle itself is juicy and fresh. The flavors are tasty and strong. My favorites are "Hot & Spicy" -- which are truly hot and spicy -- and Cajun which has a delightful flavor from Cajun spices. I buy a large container of each for only $6 which lasts me a week or so. I've been returning to replenish my supply regularly, now that I know where to go. It almost feels like you need to utter a secret password to get access into the hidden Den of Pickles.

The company is a small family business started by the father of the current operators who are a brother and sister in their thirties. They're very pleasant and also throw in a few extra pickles for free. I'm on my way to becoming a regular customer so they like me.

Do you eat pickles? Have you ever tried a good one?