Boots-on-the-Ground Dispatches

Regional Spice Guides & Tours

In-depth culinary field tours, spicy history, and pepper guides preserved and enhanced from our original archive.

Uncategorized•2026-04-15

9 Thai pepper dishes worth the burn (and how to handle the heat)

Last updated: April 2026 By Tyler Abbott , food writer and home cook Thai peppers — specifically the bird's eye chili, or prik kee noo — measure 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville Heat Units . That's roughly ...

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Uncategorized•2026-02-12

Mexico City Hot Sauce Guide 2024-2026: Salsas & Trends

Look, I've made the mistake of drowning a perfectly good taco in what I thought was a mild orange salsa, only to spend the next ten minutes frantically searching for a drink. The drop rule exists for ...

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Local Spice•2025-05-22

The Spiciest Food in Boise, Idaho: Restaurants, Markets & Festivals That Bring the Heat

Boise might be known for its natural beauty and friendly vibe, but for those of us chasing flavor that hurts so good , the City of Trees has a fiery food scene that's ready to burn (in the best way). ...

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Local Spice•2025-05-13

The 5 Spiciest Restaurants in St. George, Utah

If you're in St. George, Utah, and craving a fiery culinary experience, you're in luck. This city boasts a variety of restaurants that cater to spice enthusiasts. From Nashville hot chicken to authent...

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Uncategorized•2025-04-14

The Ultimate Guide to Spicy Food in Dallas, Texas: Where to Find Your Perfect Heat

In the heart of Texas, Dallas has emerged as a hot spot for spice enthusiasts seeking that perfect burn. From Nashville hot chicken joints to authentic Asian establishments and Mexican heat havens, th...

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Uncategorized•2024-07-18

Portland's Spicy Food Scene: A Fiery Culinary Adventure

Portland, Oregon, known for its quirky culture (the dream of the 90's is alive in Portland) and diverse food scene, has become a hot spot for spice lovers. And despite all the bad press that it's gott...

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Uncategorized•2024-07-09

The Origins of Peppers: A Mesoamerican Treasure

Peppers, with their vibrant colors and diverse flavors, have become a staple in cuisines worldwide. But their story begins in the lush landscapes of Mesoamerica, where ancient civilizations first cult...

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Local Spice•2024-07-02

Brooklyn's Spice Scene: A Fiery Food Tour

Our journey begins in the heart of Brooklyn, where the aroma of spices wafts through the air, beckoning heat-seekers from all corners of the city. Whether you're a seasoned chili-head or a curious new...

#Brooklyn#NYC
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Local Spice•2024-06-26

Holy Habanero! Salt Lake City's Top Spots to Set Your Mouth Ablaze

Can you handle the heat? Salt Lake City might be known for its snowy peaks and slowly-disappearing salty lake, but beneath the surface lies a fiery food scene that's ready to ignite your taste buds. W...

#SLC#Utah
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