by: Kristina Kuhaupt, Customer Experience Manager
Have you ever been to The Deliciouser (thedeliciouser.com) at the Main Street Industries Building in downtown Madison? If not, I highly recommend checking it out—it is a very cool experience! They are a spice company that makes chef-curated spice blends. They also feature their housemade spices in their restaurant menu and cocktails. Not only can you try some amazing, elevated dinner cuisine, but you can also take classes as well to enhance your home cooking routine.
If this company sounds familiar to you and you’re not sure where you saw them, you may have seen their spices in our three stores! They have been selling with us since the spring of 2023 and are also an Inclusive Trade Vendor (willystreet.coop/inclusive-trade) as a women-owned business.
I am excited to announce that we have partnered with The Deliciouser from July to September to bring to Willy Street Co-op a limited-time cooking series taught by Michelle Mau, the pastry chef at The Deliciouser. She is also a Functional Nutrition Counselor trained in savory cooking, and she loves to tie in the health benefits of using spices in healthy cooking. Not only will you be enjoying a wonderful, well-seasoned meal, but you will also learn about added health benefits!
KK: What was the original inspiration for your business, and what are you wanting your guests to get out of their experience when visiting?
Michelle Oyamada (Co-owner of The Deliciouser): The Deliciouser was born out of the pandemic as a way for our team to continue cooking, learning, and growing while our restaurants were closed. We came together around the table and began a journey of cooking our way around the globe with the use of freshly blended spices. Now we share these experiences with you through our restaurant, workshops, and small batch spice production here on Madison’s east side.
KK: Are classes at your restaurant a new venture, and what topics do you cover?
MO: We built our shop and restaurant with an open kitchen in the center of the room in order to offer cooking workshops and allow our guests the opportunity to get a glimpse into our cooking process. We offer Saturday afternoon workshops with a broad focus on different spice blend collections, seasonal produce, pastry, and pasta techniques. Guests enjoy a Deliciouser afternoon and go home armed with recipes and new inspiration.
KK: It is exciting that you are bringing a limited special class series to the Co-op! Tell us a bit more about your inspiration for the classes you choose.
Michelle Mau (Chef at The Deliciouser): I chose these classes for their approachability to a wide group of people. Some skills are required, however! These recipes allow you to up your cooking game to impress a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen. I love showing people how to produce a win-win!
KK: You sell many different spices at our three locations. What is your favorite and why?
MO: It’s so hard to pick just one, so I’ll go with two. Our Ras el Hanout and Za’atar were both developed early on with the help of our friends Teresa and Rachid from Bunky’s. Needless to say, these both pair really well with their terrific hummus.
MM: I’m going to give myself two choices because I make both pastry and savory! In pastry, I absolutely LOVE the Barista Salt. This salt elevates just about anything (chocolatey-my favorite!) you put it on: chocolate chip cookies, ice creams, homemade nutella, and nut butters. For savory, my vote goes to Night Market. I adore it in curry soup, tossing it on roasted veggies. and marinating a pan seared chicken thigh with skin on. Ok, I need to get in the kitchen, I’m hungry!!
I want to thank Michelle Oyamada and Michelle Mau for taking the time to share their expertise and stories with us. If this has sparked your interest and you would like to try a class session through the Co-op, please visit our website to sign up.
The Deliciouser Classes at the Co-op!
Sign up at willystreet.coop/events
Ricotta Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas and Spring Salad
Location: Willy West Community Room
Thursday, July 10, 5:30pm–7:30pm
Location: Aubergine
Thursday, July 24, 5:30pm–7:30pm
Instructor: Michelle Mau
Join The Deliciouser’s Michelle Mau to learn how to make Ricotta Gnocchi using The Deliciouser’s Antica and Signature spice blends! Demonstration with limited hands-on opportunities.
Zucchini Alla Scapese and Panzanella Salad
Location: Aubergine
Thursday, August 7, 5:30pm–7:30pm
Location: Willy West Community Room
Thursday, August 14, 5:30pm–7:30pm
Instructor: Michelle Mau
Fee: $30 for Owners; $40 for non-owners
Calling all zucchinis! Join The Deliciouser’s Michelle Mau for a fantastic way to use up some of summer’s bounty by learning how to make a light and refreshing vegan meal. Demonstration with limited hands-on opportunities.
Fattoush with Ras el Hanout Chicken Shawarma
Location: Willy West Community Room
Thursday, September 11, 5:30pm–7:30pm
Location: Aubergine
Thursday, September 25, 5:30pm–7:30pm
Instructor: Michelle Mau
Fee: $30 for Owners; $40 for non-owners
Chef Michelle will expertly guide you in making The Deliciouser style of roasted chicken thighs and perfectly matched salad using some of the Deliciouser’s best house spice blends, including Za’atar and Ras el Hanout. Demonstration with limited hands-on opportunities.
