Christmas gift giving can be a challenge: there is overwhelming choice and yet never just the right thing. If you’re shopping for someone who loves to eat – lucky for you.  We eaters are easy to buy for. Get us something to eat, books about eating, food experiences or cooking paraphernalia. There’s no end to the stuff we’d love to have, and its likely that we’ll share it with you too.

Here in our area there are unique shops and artisans that supply chocolate, cheese, prepared foods and cooking equipment.  Yes, you can get almost anything on the internet, but I like the experience of going to the store, talking with the experts, doing a little tasting and making my choice. That’s not to say that I don’t order some special foods, but it’s usually from suppliers I know.

Chocolate is always eagerly received. In addition to being delicious it will keep longer than many foods, so you can shop ahead. Chocolate Rain is a hands-on chocolate shop on Wilton Ave in Norwalk. They make all their appealing confections right there and have a small space to sit for coffee or tea as well. The broad choice of chocolates (both milk and dark) is exceptionally tempting – addictive salted caramels, intensely flavored fruit fillings and nut and chocolate combos. Creatively flavored macaroons, fancy cakes and party favors are made in-house too.  A gift box from Chocolate Rain will delight anyone on your list.  Chocopologie in SoNo is another source for handmade chocolates with innovative flavors and beautiful shapes. You can’t go wrong with Chocolate.

Cheese is another favorite gift to get. As I have discussed before, there are two excellent cheese shops in our area. At the Fairfield Cheese Co pick a selection of American or international artisanal cheeses, select a gift basket from their custom catalog or give a gift certificate to one of their popular cheese classes. While you’re there, stop in at Harry’s next door to see the comprehensive collection of spirits, wines and beers (more about that next week).  At the legendary Darien Cheese and Fine Foods, let Ken or Tori help you pick some cheeses that will make you a hero to the lucky recipient

For some unique prepared foods there are small producers with exceptional wares across our region. Specialty and infused olive oils and artisanal vinegars from Olivette in Darien are great for the cook or salad maker on your list. Put them in a basket with some vinaigrette herbs and a dressing cruet for a pleasing gift. Mama’s Boy restaurant in SoNo has house made pepper jelly or cookies for gift giving.  While you’re there, order one of their signature cakes for holiday entertaining.  Silvermine Tavern Honey Buns are available for Christmas brunch or gift giving. The honey glazed pecan rolls, which have a cult-like following, can be ordered at HoneyBunOrder@gmail.com.

Further afield, Nodine’s Smokehouse in Torrington will ship you an old fashioned smoked ham, a selection of their smoked bacons or smoked sausage like it used to be. Made with old world techniques and first rate ingredients, these are remarkably tasty and a unique gifts.    Their web site is a list of irresistible temptations. You’ll probably want to get something for yourself too.

If there is a serious cook on your list, take a trip to Globe Equipment in Bridgeport for kitchen wares you won’t see everywhere else.  This restaurant supply store displays industrial strength pans, pots, utensils, and knives along with no nonsense commercial kitchen supplies, table wares and bar equipment. Retail customers are welcome at this candy store for cooks.

Books are always a popular choice. Two that I’ve enjoyed recently are Cooked by Michael Pollan. Pollan has made a career of exploring what we eat and how it impacts our lives and the broader implications on our community and world. Here he looks in depth at four seminal cooking methods, their history and how they are practiced today.  His love for cooking and eating shines through the writing.  Kathe LIson in The Whole Fromage, adventures in the delectable world of French Cheeses, takes a tour of a few selected French cheese regions for an enthralling in-depth look at the history, people, and methods of cheese-making. She covers their place of origin and how the cheese makers are protecting (or not) the traditional character and flavor of their cheese, while moving their production into the 21st century.  Its an engrossing insider look at the cheese world.

The trick in gift giving is to choose something that will really be enjoyed, but probably would not be a self indulgence. For me, food and food related stuff carries the day.  Who doesn’t like to get delicious, unique and carefully chosen goodies?  By the way, you’re welcome to add any of these to your wish list. Circle them and leave the paper around.  Next week, some beverage suggestions – they’re always popular too.

Chocolate Rain Telephone: 203-956-6000
69 Wilton Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851
www.Chocolaterainshop.com

Chocopologie South Norwalk  Tel: 203-854-4754
12 South Main Street
Norwalk, CT 06854
www.chocopologie.com

Darien Cheese & Fine Foods  203-655-4344
25-10 Old Kings Highway North
Darien, Ct 06820
www.DarienCheese.com

Fairfield Cheese Company, 203.292.8194
2090 Post Road (next to Harry’s Wine and Liquor)
Fairfield, CT 06824
www.FarifieldCheese.com

Olivette Darien 203-621-0643
1084 Post Road
Darien, CT 06820
www.olivettect.com

Silvermine Tavern Honey Buns 203-847-4558
Honeybunorder@gmail.com

Nodine’s Smokehouse
(800)-222-2059
www.NodinesSmokehouse.com

Globe Equipment Co 203-367-6611
300 Dewey Street
Bridgeport, CT 06605
www.globeequipment.com