Using simple ingredients, the Curvy Spoon is a small-batch, artisanal mustard company owned and operated by Valerie Koonce.
Using simple ingredients, the Curvy Spoon is a small-batch, artisanal mustard company owned and operated by Valerie Koonce.
Photo:

The Curvy Spoon: Craft Lake City Food

By
August 4, 2021

Food: Interviews & Features

After pioneering the virtual festival format for the 2020 DIY Festival, Craft Lake City is making their exciting return to the Utah State Fairpark for the 13th Annual DIY Festival Presented By Harmons. The 2021 Festival features the largest offering yet of artisans, craft foodies, performers and much more. Read about some of the fantastic Utah DIY-ers participating at this year’s festival in the following pages, and head to craftlakecity.com for more information on the 13th Annual DIY Festival.

“People either love it or hate it,” says Valerie Koonce says, “but mustard is a little magical, too.”
Photo: John Barkiple

The Curvy Spoon is a small-batch, artisanal mustard company owned and operated by Valerie Koonce. “People either love it or hate it,” Koonce says, “but mustard is a little magical, too.” With simple ingredients, she is able to create a wide range of options, from her personal favorite, the ALTA (with red wine, cranberry, and shallots), to the best-selling LOUISVILLE (with horseradish). Her husband’s experience in the beer industry helped them experiment with different blends using beer, cider and wine. “The flavor possibilities are endless,” Koonce says.

What started as a hobby to make fun vinaigrettes for lunch quickly grew into a crowdfunded operation that had people ordering from around the world. With the help of her family, Koonce was able to keep her passion project going. For the Craft Lake City DIY Festival, The Curvy Spoon will feature the SUGARHOUSE (a sweet honey blend) and the ALTA. Koonce proudly uses local Utah honey, and as she uses small jars, she is also able to create special order blends by request.

The creative chef knows mustard can be used in anything. “My favorite recipe is grilled honey mustard salmon using our MONTEREY flavor that is made with fresh herbs,” Koonce says. Though a small local company, there is no doubt that Koonce’s mustard will someday join the over six thousand mustards on display at the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin. You can find The Curvy Spoon online at thecurvyspoon.com or on Facebook @thecurvyspoon and Instagram @the.curvy.spoon.

Once making fun vinaigrettes for lunches, Valerie Koonce now ships mustard around the world.
Photo: John Barkiple