So Christmas is next week-don’t panic yet. If you have a foodie in your life here’s some ideas for gifts with a local flavor. This is by no means comprehensive if you have any other ideas please add in the comments section.
1. Gift certificates to local restaurants is a no brainer.
A gift certificate to a local restaurant would be a welcome gift, especially when people are cutting back on going out to eat. This also helps support our local restaurants who may be also feeling the pinch of the current economy. For me personally, I’d love to get a gift certificate to Lanny’s, Lambert’s, Sapristi’s, Byblos, Winslow’s Wine Cafe, Brix, Fuego, Lilli’s, Spiral Diner, The Vault, Ferre, or the newly opened Grace. Some of these restaurants may not offer “gift certificates” but I’m sure you could work out something with the management.
2. Wine from local wineries
We are lucky enough to have several wineries in the area. Lightcatcher Winery, just about 15 minutes northwest of downtown Fort Worth, offers a variety of whites and reds that any wine lover would be happy to receive. Lone Oak Winery in Burleson is know for making award winning “big” reds which any wine afficianado would welcome in their stocking. I can’t talk about local wine without mentioning Grapevine which is home to many wineries, check here for a complete list.
3. Local Beer
Rahr produces award winning and tasty ales right here in the Fort. What beer fan wouldn’t like to find Rahr’s Winter Warmer under the tree or some Blind Salamander Pale Ale. Rahr also donates a portion of the sales of Blind Salamander Pale Ale to the Texas Park and Wildlife fund-bonus. Round out the gift with some Rahr glasses, a Rahr Ball cap, or a Rahr t-shirt.
4. Cooking Class at Central Market
A cooking class would be a welcome treat for the experienced home cook or the total novice. Central Market has a class on knife skills (on 1/2/09) that would be great for seasoned and newbie cooks. Any fan of Top Chef would love the chance to see contestant and fan favorite Chef Tre Wilcox demonstrate how to put together a fabulous meal (1/7/09). The Healthy Flavors class (1/8/09) taught by Executive Chef Louis Lambert of Lambert’s will help anyone that’s looking to stick to their New Year’s Resolution. Check out the Central Market Cooking Class calendar to find a class for that hard to shop for person on your list.
5. Local Cookbooks
The splashiest new cookbook/coffee table book comes from Reata President Mike Micallaf, Reata: Legendary Texas Cuisine Cookbook. The cookbook features recipes from the Reata restaurant, including my favorite Tenderloin Tamales with Pecan Mash. Former Reata Chef Grady Spears and local food writer June Naylor bring us The Texas Cowboy Kitchen. The Texas Cowboy Kitchen gives us a down home and upscale take on cowboy cuisine as well as a look at the history of the Chisolm Trail. With chapters titled “Campfire Cocktails” and “Things You Don’t Rope To” you know this will entertain any foodie.
6. Nuts from Vending Nut Company
This goes under the stocking stuffer category. The Vending Nut Company in the Cultural district provides an astonishing array of every sort of nut. Nuts are roasted onsite at the facilities, the retail storefront solves your stocking stuffer quandries. In addition to nuts you’ll find dried fruits, spicy snack blends, and some chocolate. Gift baskets are conveniently all packaged up and ready to go for the truly challenged gift givers. It’s a Christmas tradition that I load up on nuts to give as gifts, mostly for my dad and myself. 2222 Montgomery Street Fort Worth, Texas 76107.
7. Chocolates
If you know a chocolate fanatic you will surely score points if you gift them handmade truffles from Hot Chocolates in Hurst. All the chocolate confections at Hot Chocolates in Hurst are made on site, you can even watch them making it through a huge window at the entrance of the store. When Russell Stover won’t do, you have to come here, even if it is in Hurst. Holiday selections include Peppermint Bark, eggnog and peppermint truffles, or go with the Jack Daniels or Kahlua truffles. Their adorable chocolate dipped snowman marshmallows or edible ornaments would delight any child. Their brownie or chocolate of the month club is the gift that keeps on giving. They also serve a mean hot chocolate, perfect on a chilly day. 181W. Harwood Road, Hurst 76054.
8. Spice things Up
Pendery’s offers up the world in it’s variety of spices and blends, from an African Coast blend, charmoula, tabil, and tandoori and good old fashioned apple pie spice and barbeque spices. They carry a variety of candy, dried fruits, even gourmet beef jerky. They also have gift baskets and a hot sauce of the month club. The retail store is in the Medical District on 8th avenue. Throw in a mortar and pestle for grinding these exotic spices. 1407 8th Avenue, Fort Worth 76104.
9. Go Texan
The Go Texan program is sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture. They serve to highlight and promote products made here in Texas. Check out the website for a full list of products.
10. Donate
Let’s face it, times are tough for many folks right now and if you’re able to donate to the Tarrant Area Food Bank or any other charitable organization now is the time to do it.
11. Gift Certificates from EatGreenDFW.com
Looking for something for the locavore on your list. EatGreenDFW.com‘s Gift certificates arrive via email, making it perfect for all you procrastinators out there. In addition, to meat and poultry they also have a selection of jams, jellies, and organic gardening supplies.
Merry Christmas Fort Worth!
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How about supporting local agriculture and artisans with an electronic gift certificate from http://www.eatgreendfw.com? They are available in any denomination over $10 and can be sent whenever you want. Happy Holidays.
That’s also a great idea! Thanks for the idea Brian.
Great information. I’m going to refer to this post. I did not know about the wineries. Thanks.