What do acclaimed chefs like Daniel Boulud, Paul Liebrandt, and Zak Pelaccio do when they want to add a bit of zip to their dishes? They call on master spice blender Lior Lev Sercarz. The former chef became flavor savior to the stars with his customized concoctions and speed-dial availability. Now Lior's La Boîte à Epice specialty spices are available to the home cook. There are over 38 blends made from the best spices from around the world.

You can order his beautifully packaged spices online or pick them up in Chelsea Market at Dickson's Farmstand Meats. And in September, Lior will be opening a New York store.

Lior's Spice Tips

How to buy spices:

- Look for a good color (bright and intense), once open smell the spices.

- If they have no smell then something is wrong.

How to store spices:

- Keep the spice in an air sealed container in a cool place, with no direct exposure to the sun.

Basic over-the-counter spices to have in your pantry:

- Fleur de Sel: French salt, good for final touch seasoning.

- Maldon Salt: British salt.

- Tellicherry Peppercorns: great every day black pepper.

- Espelette Pepper: great medium heat.

Where to buy spices:

- Kalustyan's (New York, NY).

- Epices-Roellinger (Cancale, France).

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