Ok INGO foodies, where can I find file powder locally? I've got a pile of leftover smoked chicken that would go nicely in a gumbo with smoked sausage. I've made gumbo without it and it's acceptable but it's just not quite "there" without the file. Anyone found it locally?
The only place I've ever seen anything like that in this vast metropolis I live in, was at Meijer, in the international/specialty cooking aisle. The local one has a pretty good assortment of Cajun type spices.
My first thought would be Trader Joes or one of the "whole, natural" food grocery stores. I know they all have large selection of bulk and packaged spices etc.
Fresh Market in Fishers and Carmel also has a BUNCH of spices etc.
I'm not sure how close you are to Castleton, and I'm not sure that I'd want to be in Castleton the day after Christmas, but there is a spice store there called Penzey's Spices. They have a great assortment of spices, herbs, blends, etc. - and I have bought gumbo file there before. Good luck...
Not that its really local for you, but I always have good luck finding it at Tomb Thumb. Try your generic grocery store and the probably will have some in with the rest of the spices
I would offer you the chance to come out and gather sassafras leaves off the ground but I don't know if they would work for you. Other than that Jungle Jim's in Cincinnati would have it. If you have never been you would love it.