WHY All manner of fresh and fragrant exotic spices and a tea annex, too.

WHAT Hidden down a Sunset Junction passageway, Spice Station is filled with spices and dried herbs from around the world. With dozens of salts (ghost pepper salt!), chiles and colorful flavored sugars, the shop offers many ways to make cooking exciting, and the gift sets are handy. Check out the custom blends, including a smoky chile mix and Swimming Fish rub. More than 100 types of tea are sold in the annex next door. Another location at 2305 Main St., Santa Monica.;

WHO Adventurous home cooks, tea lovers.