CTbites 2020 Gift Guide: Great Gifts For Your Favorite CT Food Lover

How to find the perfect gift for this crazy ass year-well ain’t that the question of the day! As many of us are staying a little further away from stores and not partaking in the usual activities we have in past years, we got creative and found the creative for your gift-giving! Artisans, chefs, and vendors are all rising to the occasion with fabulous out-of-the-box thinking and we discovered a treasure trove of unusual, beautiful, tasty items and experiences that will infuse a blast of goodness into this particularly memorable holiday season. Give, get, live, love, and celebrate the moments of sparkle. To quote the infamous Clark Griswold, “we’re all in this together”.

The Food Crate

www.thefoodcrate.com

Times have changed…Send your friends, family and clients something they will actually use at home over the weekend and holidays. The Food Crate has it all from cheese & charcuterie, hors d’oeuvres, main courses, sides, desserts and much more! The Food Crate is a local Connecticut specialty gourmet grocery store specializing in prepared foods with a focus on home entertaining. Pre-packaged gift crates start at $99.00 and a la carte options are available when you want to add that extra special touch. Whether it’s a perfect holiday ham or complete brisket dinner, your clients, friends and family will thank you! The Food Crate ships nationwide and food is packaged for immediate enjoyment or future occasions. Check them out to see what makes them so special.

Arogya, Westport

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 over 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 Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, yoga, massage, and herbal therapies, this family-owned artisan tea shop and healing center is the perfect place for customized holiday gifts to keep one healthy and calm throughout these uncertain times. Arogya offers everything from customized gift baskets, immune-supporting organic teas, exotic tea-ware, and healing herbal remedies to premium incense, holistic skincare products, and CBD-infused essential oils to keep one feeling radiant, centered, digesting well, and sleeping soundly. Visit their website for healing tips and information within their informative blog, as well as a detailed description of available services, personalized gift certificates, and their extensive tea selection. The Arogya staff is well trained to answer any questions and gift wrapping is a complimentary service.

Heather Carey, Southport

www.heathercarey.com

Culinary Nutritionist Heather Carey knows a thing or two about healthy cooking, for yourself and your family. Making sure healthy food is on the table that everyone will actually enjoy, means knowing the secrets to meal planning; using the right combination of herbs and spices to make real food taste delicious, as well as having your kitchen set up with the right tools for easy cooking. Heather teaches private and group cooking lessons at the Green Palette Kitchen, her comfortable state of the art teaching kitchen in Southport and now exclusively on Zoom. Cooking lessons are always creative, fun and flavorful, yet simple enough that you can make the recipes again and again. Heather teaches small group healthy cooking classes and highly personalized private one-one cooking lessons for people who simply want to learn how to eat better, and also provides nutrition and kitchen coaching sessions. Cooking lessons are primarily plant-based and always focused on nutritious and delicious! Cooking class or nutrition coaching gift certificates make the perfect 2020 holiday gift in this time of social distancing and need for Winter fun. Reach out to Heather to get your one of a kind gift. 

Brewery Legitimus, New Hartford

www.brewerylegitimus.com

You will find Brewery Legitimus located in gorgeous New Hartford, CT, at the gateway to Litchfield County and a stone's throw from some of the most acclaimed fly fishing in New England. Brewery Legitimus brews a diverse selection of craft beers for the most discerning beer geek to the avid macro beer devotee. In addition to having an expansive taproom for gatherings large and small, an open-air beer garden (even great in the winter, as they have fire tables to keep you toasty) and a fleet of regularly visiting  food trucks, they’ve also got you covered for unique and fun gifts for this holiday season. With local delivery or store pick-up, treat your favorite beer lover to a feast…craft brews (canned or in crowlers), English cheeses, small plates and snacks (pretzels, cheese plates, olives, beer snacks) or pre-assembled gift baskets. Cookies, granola, honeys and jam from local Barden Farm round out their edible offerings. They also have a great assortment of brewery wearables to keep your beer lovers looking sharp. Brewery Legitimus is proud to be an independent and locally owned brewery and they are committed to supporting and partnering with other local, small businesses.

AMG Catering, Wilton

www.amgcatering.com

Looking for an “experience” this year instead of a tangible gift?? Give yourself or your loved ones the gift of cooking this holiday season and purchase a gift certificate. Join award winning chef Alison Milwe Grace of AMG Catering and Events at her state-of-the-art professional kitchen for safe and hands-on “secret” chef tips (shhh), educational and downright delicious cooking classes. They never disappoint; AMG has been named best cooking school three years in a row by Gold Coast! We have an amazing line up of classes for winter 2021. From sushi / dumpling class to couples Valentine’s Day classes ...we are offering gift certificates for our winter classes. ( 10 people max ... masks required ) Life is short-eat well, live well. Why not, right?

Athletic Brewing, Stratford

www.athleticbrewing.com

Athletic Brewing believes you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your ability to be healthy, active, and at your best to enjoy great beer – so, they've created their innovative lineup of refreshing, non-alcoholic craft beers. IPAs, Lagers, Stout and more, and with a variety of flavor profiles, you are sure to find more than one to enjoy, no matter the season. Just a note: their Upside Dawn Golden Ale was a Silver Medalist in the 2020 Best of Craft Beer Awards. Whether you've decided to cut alcohol out of your life for good, for a night, or for just one drink, Athletic Brewing Company provides an option without compromises that you’re guaranteed to enjoy! And for the holidays, giving an Athletic Club membership means you'll have first dibs on limited batch offerings, exclusive Athletic Club gear and merchandise (tees, gaiters, sweatshirts, hats), custom monthly beer deliveries, access to rotating seasonal beer styles year-round, and discounts only available to club members.

Manna Toast, Westport

www.mannatoast.com

Give the gift Manna this holiday season! The recently launched Manna Market is not only stocked with provisions for your fridge but gorgeous Gift Baskets filled with Manna’s homemade delights and delicious local  treats. Gift baskets can be delivered same day by our couriers. We can also ship our baskets out of state. Please call 203.557.0881 to inquire. For local orders please shop the market on our website. Mannatoast.com. New digital Gift Cards are also available on our website where you can send them instantly through text or email! No postage needed :) 

Please help save Connecticut restaurants this winter and support local. Happy Holidays!   -The Manna Toast Family 

Sassy Birch Vegan Jerky, Brookfield

www.sassybirch.com

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for the jerky lovers or vegans in your life? Well look no further, Sassy Birch Plant-Based jerky makes the perfect holiday gift for all!  Aside from being super delicious and cruelty free, Sassy Birch brings more to your Christmas table than meets the eye. Not only can you snack on Sassy Birch jerky, but you can cook with it as well! Just like the infamous instant ramen, and just as easy, simply add water and heat for a plant-based pulled ‘pork’ alternative that will knock your socks off. Sassy Birch has tons of easy-to-follow holiday recipes and many more available for free on their website.To add to that good feeling you get by supporting small, local businesses, Sassy Birch is 100% woman-owned and uses local and organic ingredients whenever they are available. The eco-conscious consumers out there will also be happy to know that Sassy Birch packaging is made from Kraft paper and PLA, a corn-derived and 100% compostable plastic! There are four flavors of jerky to choose from today; Chili-Lime, BBQ, Cracked Pepper, and Maple. And if you’re looking to stock up on these perfect stocking stuffers, Sassy Birch offers combo packs and bundles of your favorite flavors. Use code ‘HOLIDAY’ at checkout for free shipping now through Dec 25th!

The Bee Love Project, Fairfield

www.thebeeloveproject.com

To end the year with some love and wellness check out The Bee Love Project, a local initiative that brings people together to understand the role of bees in our environment. The Bee Love Project’s wildflower honey and pollen are local, raw, delicious, and have many health and immune boosting benefits. Their creamed honey is a delightful spread, great on toast and bagels. For those who love raw honeycomb and know how exquisite it is, they suggest having it with Brie and your favorite seasonal berries. Indulge yourself with honey and honeycomb in a jar; it takes the pleasure of eating honeycomb to the next level. This is also a unique and beautiful gift. And if you are looking for absolutely yummy stocking stuffers, there is nothing better than their Honey Vanilla Artisan Marshmallows. Want to surprise your children, your mom, your hubby or your bestie? Give them a bee-themed t-shirt or Pom Pom shirt: QUEEN BEE, BEEUTIFUL, BEE BRAVE, BEE BOLD or spread the love with adorable bee-themed masks!

Culinary Works, New Canaan, Stamford

www.culinaryworks.com

Culinary Works combines professional cooking instruction with a casual, hands-on, and dynamic social format that everyone can enjoy. New this holiday season is the Culinary Works Video Cookbook! A sampling of their most popular menus and holiday favorites, each recipe comes with a PDF and video lesson to help you master new dishes like a professional. Give a gift certificate to a friend, or purchase recipes for yourself to discover delicious options. Looking for a way to gather people together? Culinary Works virtual events are the best way to enjoy time with friends, family, or co-workers in a safe manner. Get cooking with customized, private cooking parties for entertaining, corporate team building, and celebrations of every kind. Executive Chef Julia Deane’s classes focus on knife skills and proper cooking techniques while showcasing fresh, in-season menus. These events are a fun way to learn to cook with the flavors of each season.

Culinary Works has the perfect recipe to create unique, memorable, and delicious experiences.

Connecticut Chefs Recipes For Restaurant Relief E-Cookbook

www.ctbites.com

100 recipes from the CT chefs you love in support of our unemployed CT restaurant workers. 100% of the proceeds go towards the delivery of pantry boxes to feed out-of-work restaurant staff throughout CT.

World’s Largest Truffle: House of Knipschildt/ Chocopologie, Norwalk

www.chocopologie.com

Fritz Knipschildt has done it again and created the world’s biggest truffle, a dark chocolate shell covering a decadent ganache filling and rolled in cocoa powder that clocks in at a demure 8 lbs and serves 20 people. If any year called for a mega-truffle, this is it.

Wood Fire Food

www.woodfirefoodco.com

From infused sea salts (beef, chicken, pork, red wine) to killer handcrafted cutting boards to live-fire cooking classes in your own home, take your pick and give gifts of beauty and unique experiences. We love these recycled plywood cutting boards. Made from locally sourced wood that’s been upcycled from their provate catering event, finished with natural beeswax, and built by Chef Daniel Sabia in Tarrytown, NY.  

Restaurant Gift Cards

As we have seen the struggle of the restaurant industry to stay afloat during these past months, we hope that you will consider giving restaurant gift cards this year as gifts. Support favorite local restaurants, give people you love a break from cooking or save the cards for when the restaurants open up again full-steam. This is truly an impactful gift.

Aquila's Nest Vineyards, Newtown 

www.aquilasnestvineyards.com

Support the new vineyard in town-Newtown! With their love of mythological tales and astronomy, their holiday season gift packages of wine and snack, gift certificates, and digital gift cards will have the recipients starry-eyed.

Conserva 

www.conservaculture.com

High end specialty foods, lifestyle and table scape shopping site (launched by the Barcelona Wine Bar team) that will bring “preserved intentionality” to both your party and pantry. Secret ingredient foods and table accessories that are steeped in culture and craft.

Beaver Brook Farm, Lyme

www.beaverbrookfarm.com

Family owned since 1917, Beaver Brook churns out award-winning sheep and cow’s milk cheeses and a variety of wearable products utilizing wool from their herd (socks, pillows, blankets, sweaters, hobo bags).

Calcutta Kitchens, New Haven

www.calcuttakitchens.com

Small, hand-crafted batches of flavorful Indian simmer sauces. Vegetarian, gluten-free, (mostly) vegan and without preservatives. Give a monthly SAUCEscription to your favorite foodie.

Craftsman Cliff Roasters, Norwich

www.craftsmancliffroasters.com

Coffees, Ceremonial Cacao (w/ hibiscus, lavender, or original), and house-made chocolate bar subscriptions! Their beans, cacao, and chocolate are specially curated and Non-GMO, Fair Trade, certified organic. This is SO for people on the nice list. 

Virtual Barn Suppers: Dirt Road Farm, Weston

www.dirtroadfarm.com

Virtual barn suppers! You set up your supper venue (backyard? rooftop? dining room?) and then tune in for all the details about how you will create it for your loved ones-you’re getting tips, demos, and recipes you can access at any time. Pretty much everything but the barn.

Glass House Design Store, New Canaan

designstore.theglasshouse.org

One beautiful, highly curated and collectible item after another for your kitchen, dining and bar areas. Sleek, modern designs that will thrill.

Herbaceous Catering Private Chef Dinners, Bridgeport

www.herbaceouscatering.com

Gather your pod of people for dinner at home and Herbaceous will do the cooking. Or if you prefer, they can deliver the food, along with pics of how to reheat, garnish and serve it! Menus are entirely customized so if you are looking for a cocktail hour, intimate dinner by the fire, or a slew of wine pairings, they’ve got you covered. All Covid protocols strictly followed.

LaMothe’s Sugar House

www.lamothesugarhouse.com

Maple syrups, honey, maple coated popcorn and nuts, pancake mixes, coffees. Perfect stocking stuffers, hostess gifts or just good winter eating.

Virtual Cooking Classes: Match, South Norwalk

www.matchsono.com

A new spin on an old favorite-Clarke cooking classes! But at home, virtually! Choose from 4 different gift packages, ranging from a live class for 4-16 people, to recipes and Q & A sessions. Add a dessert or cocktail demo to launch it over the top.

Moffett Made, Norwalk

Facebook: Moffett Made

Instagram @moffettmade

Hand-crafted appetizer trays and coasters of walnut and maple, with in-laid wood and swirling rivers of vibrant epoxy. Can be monogrammed. Unique statement pieces for your gatherings.

Open Door Tea, Stratford

www.opendoortea.com

Virtual afternoon tea. “Gather” your group, then tea is sent to the participants before your tasting day with instructions on how to make the most of the experience. Sip, taste, discuss all things tea and enjoy…safely!

Peace.Love.Light

www.peacelovelightshop.com

Unique and exquisite items for the Jewish holidays; Challah knives, Challah covers and boards, place cards, holiday cookie stencils. 

Savvy Tea Gourmet, Madison

www.savvyteagourmet.com

Virtual tea tastings on most Saturdays covering a wide variety of tea information because they not only want you to enjoy tea, they want to help you improve your life by drinking it. Check website for their myriad of tastings that run the gamut of tea topics.