Yes, filet mignon and hamburger are both "beef." Yet I doubt there are many that would mistake the two. In the same way, there is little comparison between the tiny granules that you shake onto your french fries, and Fleur de Sel from France, or Red Sea Salt from Hawaii.

The flavors that these special salts can bring out are spectacular, and will make you relegate that ordinary table salt to those dishes that can be served with catsup (or is it ketchup? -- I never know.)

For truly great food, only the fresh, briny flavor of real sea salt will do. Here, for your selection, are a few of our favorites.