CTbites 2019 Holiday Gift Guide For CT Food Lovers

We’re back with some soon-to-be-loved holiday gifts! From hostess gifts to a Big Kahuna gift (get your passport ready!), we’ve uncovered an array of goodies that you will be excited to give and others will be thrilled to receive. With your beloved foodies in mind, bestow these gems in the spirit of love and good eats-made even better knowing that they all originate in our fair Nutmeg State. See, even the name of our state is food-centric. We love to support local and small businesses and hopefully, this list will encourage you to check out these favorite new finds. Happy Holidays everyone, eat well, gift well! …and if shopping stresses you out too much, go get some Oops, I Ate My…..you’ll see (wink!).

The Two Oh Three

www.thetwoohthree.com

Every CT Foodie loves a good holiday party! This year, keep it local and give the gift of HOME. The Two Oh Three’s Connecticut themed products make the perfect gifts for any party you are attending this season. Their special edition Holiday Collection is called “Home for the Holidays” and features a variety of locally designed products and accessories that will make gift giving easy. This year, they are offering “203 Gift Bundles" which range in price and variety, bringing you several festive combos from which to choose. Pair a hand-painted ornament with a pack of 203 to-go cups! Combine a set of Connecticut-themed pint glasses with a wooden bottle opener! Can’t decide which ornament you like the best? Grab ‘em both! These gift bundles combine several of their best selling products at a special discounted rate PLUS they all come with a free Holiday Koozie! Their festive hostess gifts make gift giving easy, so all you have to worry about is what you're going to wear to the party (may we suggest a 203 tee shirt?)! This Connecticut-based lifestyle brand is truly a one-stop-shop for all of your holiday gift-giving needs. Their popular products celebrate Connecticut and give customers of all ages a tangible way to “rock their CT pride”. Special for CTBites readers: Use code CTBites19 for 15% OFF their site this season!

The Perfect Provenance

www.theperfectprovenance.com

Introducing The Perfect Italian Epicurean Gift Box, from The Perfect Provenance's private label collection. This gift box has all you need to make any dish flavorful for your holiday entertaining. Created in collaboration with Silvia Baldini and Alina Lawrence of The Secret Ingredient Girls. Silvia, originally from Turin, Italy, became the first professional female chef in Connecticut to win Chopped, an award-winning show on Food Network, and Alina is one of just a few women olive oil experts in the United States. Both women helped them create this gourmet gift set including White Truffle Infused Olive Oil crafted in Italy, Cranberry Pear White Balsamic featuring rose blush and a fruity mix, a delicious blend of crunchy salad toppings, and salt from the small town of Cervia known for its salt production in Italy for over 2,000 years. Enjoy all your gifting needs in one special box. 

WoodFireFood

Woodfirefood.co@gmail.com

The concept behind Wood Fire Food is simple, to tell a story through the process of doing what you love. What started as an escape from the everyday grind of restaurants transformed into another way to manipulate raw material into something beautiful. Connecting a story to a product is the best feeling, and being able to take wood from someone’s past and transform it into a product for someone’s future is all the inspiration needed at times. Finding the perfect balance of cooking with wood and creating works of art with wood has the been the passion and success of this business. From cutting boards to butcher block islands, every piece is a one of a kind story (as it is made from reclaimed wood). What will your story be? For inquiries regarding products and prices, please email.

Sips Sites & Bites

www.ssbtours.com

“To have seen Italy without having visited Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.” Goethe

Join this boutique food and wine lover’s tour and travel to Sicily in April or October 2020! Limited to 12 people, this intimate and fun tour will introduce you to the tastes and sites of this beautiful Italian island. Headed up by a native Sicilian travel professional (who now resides in Ridgefield) and a Wilton resident who is a certified wine educator, you will be in good, knowledgeable hands! For the first time, there will be two different all-inclusive tours. All tours include a trip to Mt. Etna, guided tastings at wineries and olive oil producers, dining at Michelin-rated restaurants, a hands-on cooking class, guided visits to fabulous historical markets, chocolate (October only) or cheese producers, ancient Greek ruins and other important cultural landmarks. Andiamo-let’s go!-or as they say in Sicilian, “Amuninini (aa-moo-nin-nee)”! Book by Dec. 14th and save $500pp for April 2020. Only two double rooms left for April 2020 so don’t delay! Check out their website for details or call for more information.

AMG Cooking Classes

www.amgcatering.com

Give yourself or your loved ones the gift of cooking this holiday season. Join award winning chef Alison Milwe Grace of AMG Catering & Events at her state-of-the-art professional kitchen for some hands-on ”secret” chef tips (sshhh), educational and downright fun cooking classes. AMG was named Best Cooking School this year by Gold Coast and their classes never disappoint. Every Wednesday night, a group of foodies or, at least, want-to-be-foodies gather at the kitchen to cook, eat, laugh and drink (all classes are BYOB). This is a gift that will be remembered long after the holiday season has passed. Each AMG cooking class is 2 hours long, with a maximum of 16 students -not too many, not too few-just right. Bring a hearty appetite, as you will eat everything you cook (and leftovers to bring home for lunch the next day are commonplace) in classes such as Winter Soups and Vegetables, Gluten-Free Winter Fish, Chinese New Year, or the festive Fat Tuesday Class. Make it a girls’ night, a date night, a corporate team building event, or a gift for yourself. Life is short- eat well, live well. Why not, right?

Arogya

www.arogya.net

In the midst of busy downtown Westport, one can find the cozy, holistic health oasis “Arogya”, whose Sanskrit name equates to that which we are all seeking: a state of total well-being where one is integrated and aligned in physical, mental, and spiritual harmony. For nearly twenty years, Arogya has been offering an array of healing services, wellness products, and a comprehensive collection of organic teas from around the world. With specializations in acupuncture, yoga, massage, and herbal therapies, this family-owned artisan tea shop and healing center is the perfect place for customized holiday gifts. Wondering what to give an influential teacher in your child’s life? Or the perfect “thank you gift” for this year’s holiday host? Need a great idea for that family member or friend who already has everything? Nothing says “you’re appreciated” like the thoughtful gift of wellness. Whether it’s a gift certificate for a therapeutic service or a gift basket of delicious organic tea, everyone can enjoy something at Arogya. Visit their website for a detailed description of available services and their extensive tea selection. The Arogya staff is well trained to answer any questions and gift wrapping is a free accommodation!

Culinary Works

www.culinaryworks.com

Looking to create something truly delicious? Culinary Works combines professional cooking instruction with a casual, hands-on and dynamic social format that everyone can enjoy. Located in the kitchen design studios at DEANE, Inc. in Stamford and New Canaan, CT, their cooking classes are fun and interactive. Resident Executive Chef Julia Deane’s classes are in high demand-her seasonal cooking classes focus on knife skills and proper cooking techniques while using fresh, in-season food in their menus. These classes are a fun way to learn to cook with the flavors of each season and the best approach for maximum flavor, the freshest produce, and the most soul-satisfying meals. Get cooking with customized, private cooking parties for entertaining, corporate team building, friends’ night out, and celebrations of every kind. The goal is for everyone to improve their cooking skills and learn new recipes that they can successfully re-create on their own. Summer finds Culinary Works hosting Nantucket Cooking Parties, leveraging the best flavors the island has to offer for a fun night in with family and friends. Culinary Works has the perfect recipe to create unique, memorable, and delicious events. Visit their website for more information and class offerings.

FacePlant Tees

www.faceplanttees.com

The vegan movement. It’s a shift in consciousness, a reconnection to our inherent compassion, and is here to stay. But what does one buy our vegan friends for the holidays? Certainly not a gift card to a steakhouse, rodeo, nor even tofu slippers for that matter. Enter FacePlant Tees. Vegan artist /owner Dawn Prestom conceived an original, vegan art apparel business, creating an ongoing series of faces using plants only. Selling both eco-friendly and organic tees, tanks, and hoodies for all genders, as well as 100% organic, sexy grocery totes to stylishly pack your produce and vegan goodies in.

(Note: These totes will quietly self-destruct if animal products are inadvertently placed in them. It’s this new technology-kidding!) This line is for anyone who loves animals, plants, the earth, and wants their purchases to contribute to a greener, animal-y cause! 10% of proceeds are annually gifted to select factory farm animal rescues and sanctuaries. So not only do you buy a t-shirt, but perhaps hay or cow bandaids or… something! So, thank you! It’s the sustainable vegan clothing brand bringing color, life, and the celebration of creation to the holidays and our daily lives. Peace, love and parsnips. FacePlant Tees. Produce. Change. 

Jarlsberg 

www.jarlsberg.com

With their USA headquarters in Darien, CT, Jarlsberg® Cheese® is a nationally recognized premium brand of cheese. It is famous for its characteristic mild, sweet and nutty taste and those distinctive large round holes! In 1956, Jarlsberg® Cheese was created, using an original Norwegian recipe that made it well-loved and celebrated and it offers versatility for all occasions. And did you know that it is naturally lactose-free? Celebrate the holidays with scrumptious cheese boards, promotions and new recipes, which can be found on their website. For over 60 years, Jarlsberg® Cheese has been a tradition for the holiday table, offering tasty recipes for every festive occasion. Whether for a holiday brunch, festive party, or a family dinner, Jarlsberg® is a delicious addition. Jarlsberg® also has a holiday basket giveaway series for Thanksgiving (That Friendsgiving Plate), and the winter holidays (That Signature Plate) that centers on delightful cheese plates made in cooperation with Marissa Mullen, founder of “Cheese by Numbers” (check out her Instagram!). To learn more about the contest visit Jarlsberg’s Facebook page, as well as daily recipes, contests, and tips for entertaining. Jarlsberg is sold in the deli section at supermarkets and mass market retailers.

Litchfield Distillery

www.litchfielddistillery.com

Nestled in the hills of northwest Connecticut, Litchfield Distillery proudly offers nationally recognized, award-winning spirits for all tastes. The distillery produces a diverse portfolio of bourbons, vodkas and gins that are 100% Connecticut Grown and Connecticut-Made. Earlier this year, solar panels were installed on the distillery roof, which now supply nearly 100% of their electrical needs. Litchfield Distillery’s philosophy is rooted in The Spirit of Hard Work®. They believe the only way to be exceptional is to roll up their sleeves and put in the extra effort required to ensure every important detail is just right. They produce spirits in small batches and the entire process is truly handcrafted, including details like hand-dipped wax bottles and hand-signed, hand-numbered bottle labels. Their hard work and passion are paying off; The New York International Spirits Competition named them “CT Distillery of the Year” for 2018 and 2019 while Connecticut Magazine crowned them Connecticut’s “Best Spirit Line” for the past three years. Several of their spirits have earned gold or double-gold honors at national spirit competitions. Litchfield Distillery’s spirits can be found in roughly 1,000 locations throughout Connecticut. They welcome visitors to Litchfield for free tours and tastings.

The Hickories Pork Shares

https://squareup.com/store/the-hickories-special

Give the gift of pork. The Hickories offers educated consumers who care about the sourcing and care of the animals they eat, the ability to purchase either "halves" or "quarters," of a Hickories Farm raised pig. Consumers are placed in a longer term relationship with one animal and you eat a wider variety of cuts of meat. You can not just take the tenderloins and leave the hamburgers. You can not just take the bacon from the pig -- you also must find a use for the shoulder roast and the loins. You may need to clear some room in your freezer or go in with a few friends. Their price is a reflection of the costs of conscientious animal husbandry - something you do not find on the factory farm feedlot. IF YOU ARE GIVING THIS PORK SHARE AS A GIFT - contact the farmers at The Hickories (info@thehickories.org) and they will be sure to follow up with the recipient about specific cuts that he/she prefers.  

Secret Ingredient Girls

www.thesecretingredientgirls.com/

Silvia Baldini is a local CT chef, and a national expert and celebrity in the food and media industry. Alena Lawrence is of the few women Olive Oil experts in the US, and was the owner of Olivette, an award winning boutique and olive oil tasting room in CT. The two met several years ago and immediately discovered they shared the same passions: cooking, traveling and living a high-quality life to the fullest. Now, they have joined to create The Secret Ingredient Girls, a curated site that sells only ingredients that adhere to their discerning taste and expertise in the food industry. They sell everything from gorgeous olive oils, to chocolates, dried pasta and spices.

Oops I Ate My CBD (chocolates)

https://teamoops.com/

Local startup “Oops I Ate My CBD” has hopped on the CBD trend to create gourmet hemp infused chocolate bars, which come complete with 50mg of CBD per serving. CBD is one of the chemicals in cannabis, but unlike THC (also found in Marijuana), is a non-psychoactive compound that is emerging as a very popular wellness ingredient. The bars are made with 99.6% pure hemp derived CBD Isolate, and contains zero THC (read: legal everywhere). Their chocolate bars come in 4 core flavors (dark chocolate, strawberry shortcake, cookies & cream, lemon meringue pie). They have also created holiday themed flavors (mint cocoa, gingernog) which are limited for the winter season. Time to spice up the holidays, CBD style. View their complete product line here.

Arethusa Eggnog

www.arethusafarm.com

Milk, cream, eggs, spices and vanilla. And in a completely adorable, old school vintage glass milk bottle featuring a calf from their herd, decked out in its holiday finest. This is eggnog the way eggnog needs to be. Creamy, and decadent with an overtone of “this is so rich I shouldn’t be doing this, but man, I lovvvve it”. Wrap it with a bow and thrill a hostess, or buy a few bottles, spike the heck out of it and enjoy it in the comfort of your own home (big blankets and roaring fire not included). The taste will remind you of holidays-gone-by and also make you look forward to holidays-to-come. Check your local markets for availability.

Joy Newton Designs

www.joynewtondesigns.com

Made from all natural flax linen, these sumptuous tea and kitchen towels and napkins are graphically gorgeous and reflect nature at her best. Designs of elderberries, sunny squash blossoms, craggy oysters, ruby beets, fennel fronds and figs will subtly command your table, with their subdued yet lively colors and modern prints. Whether adorning your own table or given as a gift, these pieces will add a unique note to surroundings. The Alphabet Harvest Wall Hanging will also be a great conversation piece for all ages, without a doubt.

Logee Greenhouse

www.logees.com

Nestled in the Quiet Corner of our diverse state is a haven, or more specifically, a greenhouse that is blooming with rare, unusual and tropical plants. Among them, a huge variety of fruiting plants, many of which can be grown indoors even during the harshest Connecticut winter (do we still have those?). Meyer Lemons, Limequats (cross between, yes you guessed it, a lime and a kumquat), Curry Leaf plants, Coffee, Kaffir Lime, Myrtle Leaf Orange. And more. Give the gift that keeps on…growing.

Vita Pasta Lab

www.vitapastalab.com

Artisanal pasta to buy or make…yourself! For Fairfield County residents, made-to-order fancy-schmancy pastas are yours for the picking up; stuffed pastas such as green tortellini, rosettes (so gorgeous), pumpkin ravioli, tagliatelle, farfalle and more. Give them as utterly unique hostess gifts (what hostess wouldn’t want dinner for the night after the party?)! Vita Pasta Lab also offers workshops which would make a great gift or even a night out for yourself and friends to escape the holiday madness, all the while learning something new to add to your own entertaining toolbox. Past workshops have included A Taste of Bologna, Basic Fresh Pasta, and Pasta Ripiena: Ravioli and Tortelli.