Delicious gourmet Artichokes…
When I finished work today I went for a little stroll towards some new mini-sized, boutique-like stores where I live to check them out, one of which specializes in the most divine Organic food.
I was actually surprised to see what they had for sale… really quaint little place it was too, right near the sea side and a cafe was only a few seconds away on the same path. I must say, most of the foods they had for sale caught my attention, one of which was the Roasted Artichokes from Italy, which I will mention a little bit later in this post.
I thought it was a nice change, I mean, as for layout and store sizing… In New Zealand it is not as common to find these little boutique-like food stores, not like in France, Italy and the Middle East etc… You know, those small quaint stores that sell very few products, but very high quality ones? Such as spices, curry powders, and some delicacy stuffed vegetables and sauces etc etc etc?
Moreover, all, if not most of the products in the store are Organic! Yeah, so you get this kind of, fresh produce feel… I guess it takes some people to evoke such feelings, but, it feels really refreshing when you buy good things at seemingly pricier prices, compared to buying mass produced whatever at a super store.
So… I bought a few things that I felt like buying… I bought some Mexican Chipého 
… yah, that’s my version for “corn chip” haha, but they were fresh and the grind was made the old way. Really quite tasteful, and only $4.50 … very surprised I was.
And then I bought some Calamata Olives! Super delicious! mmmmm!
And then, finally… I bought some organic Roasted Artichoke hearts! I think they were $8.50 , but still, all the way from Italy, that’s pretty good. And just for those of you don’t know, Artichoke is a vegetable-like flower species of some sort, don’t quote me on that actually… but, it’s very tasteful! More common in Middle Eastern countries and Europe, a real treat it is.
I like it with lots of chillies and other spices 
The first thing I did when I got home was, can you guess? Yah, I opened up my shopping bag and started to attack the jar with my fork! It’s been so long since I had Artichoke heart! By the way, just for those of you who don’t know… Artichoke heart isn’t just something that you have to eat on it’s own, that’s just how I like it because it has a very flavorful, distinct taste . . . Though, you can have it with salads, rice or whatever 
Or as part of an on side with some smaller foods, goes well with a nice glass of white wine actually I am a total Artichoke addict!
When I finished the whole jar I was a bit depressed and disappointed with my self! Yah, apart from the fact that I oh-so crazily opened the jar and over indulged because I promised my self I would savor them in a civilized manner… I regretted that I didn’t buy the twirled anchovies! Next time, next time
See those mixed spices and oil on the Artichoke heart? So good!
Now, just for the sake of it, I thought I would add a little recommendation.
If you go shopping next and you see Artichoke heart and you have not had it before, I 100% recommend you try them! You will regret it if you don’t, promised. Even if they look like alien food.
I have to go now, as I told you all a bit of a lie.
I left ONE, yes, only ONE Artichoke… AND I AM GOING TO GO AND PROTECT IT.
I’m going to have some iced tea with a piece of grilled toast (Turkish bread) with some Calamata Olives and of course, my “Artichoke”.
I really have to go, I do. I can’t take this craving any longer.
Ciao~
