Features

Gift Gift Guide Holiday Christmas Shopping Homepage

CTbites Holiday Gift Guide For CT Food Lovers (2022 Edition)

April Guilbault November 25, 2022

Ah, the hunt for the perfect gift. Or least a really, really, good one. Where to start? Don’t we go through this every single year (we do) and swear each year our shopping will being in July! Well, if you haven’t begun to purchase or ponder, we’ve got a good-make that great-list right here that will have you on your way to pulling out the almighty Sharpie and cross, cross, crossing things off your list. Is there any more divine feeling? Well, maybe finding that perfect gift! Happy shopping everyone!

OnWashington

To Purchase: https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/onwashington

One card, multiple choices! The gift that’s a sure thing-the OnWashington Gift Card, a community-based digital gift card that is a wonderful way to support local small businesses. Consumers can purchase an OnWashington E-Card to send as a gift which can be used at participating restaurants, shops, and salons that are part of AGW SONO Partners’ extensive Washington Street Historic District portfolio. With the OnWashington Gift Card, purchasers can write a personal message and send it to family, friends, and colleagues via email, text, or physical copy. All digital and always available on your phone, recipients can choose to spend it at any participating merchant or mix it up and spend flexibly at multiple locations. Current OnWashington Gift Card merchants include: Eco Evolution, Saltwater Restaurant, Il Posto, Salon Etre, Exotic Snax, Tablao Wine Bar, Affogato, Oishi, Jean’s Closet, Mecha Noodle, Donovan’s, and more to come!

CTbites Merch! “BITE ME” Hoodies, T-Shirts, Tanks, Totes ++

www.etsy.com/ctbites

The moment you’ve all been waiting for…CTbites has launched a line of “Bites” merchandise just in time for the holidays. Show your friends and family you love them with a limited edition “BITE ME” hoodie, t-shirt, tank top, hat or tote bag. We’ve got additional styles and snarky messages coming soon. Check out the CTbites merch shop here.

AMG Catering

www.amgcatering.com

Looking for an “experience gift” this year instead of a “wrap-it-up gift”? Give yourself or your loved ones the gift of cooking this holiday season and purchase a gift certificate for cooking classes. If you are looking for the perfect gift for your 11-15 year old, give them a gift certificate for the AMG “Chefs-in-Training Summer Cooking Camps”. 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; after all, AMG has been named Best Cooking School four years in a row by Gold Coast! They also have an amazing line up of classes for Winter 2022. From the boozy “Comfy Cozy" class to couples Valentine’s Day classes to a Chinese New Year class and much more! They are offering gift certificates for their winter classes and summer cooking camps, or you can organize your own private group cooking class. Life is short-eat well, live well. Why not, right?

Rebel Daughter Cookies

www.rebeldaughtercookies.com

Rebel Daughter Cookies, of Norwalk, CT, specializes in ultra-decadent, gourmet chocolate chunk cookies. Their drool-worthy Hanukkah and Christmas lineup includes: Get Lit (olive oil pistachio), Rebel Without A Claus (chocolate peppermint marshmallow), Pecan Pie, and Berry & Bright (spiced oatmeal, coconut, fresh cranberry). Or opt for the Ho-Ho-Holiday Sampler featuring a mix of 3 holiday cookies plus crowd-pleasing signature favorites. Rebel Daughter Cookies offers free pickup, delivery, and nationwide shipping. Visit rebeldaughtercookies.com to order.

Double L Market

www.doublelmarket.com

Did you get the memo?! Everyone is talking about Double L Market’s Holiday website. Like their store, it’s the best of the best, pure and simple, and you can navigate the many offerings with ease. It is even iPhone and Android friendly for shopping on the run. (and who isn’t running during the holiday season!). The website is simply titled: “Curated Collections” and is divided into two distinct categories: Premier Gifts and Perfect Gifts. Both sections contain 8 thoughtful ideas, with Premier featuring gifts such as Breakfast in Bed, Pasta Perfect and Fantastic Fruit. The Perfect section stocks smaller gifts such as their Pancake Kit, a mixed set of local honey products, and a set of specialty balsamic vinegar and olive oil. They offer sixteen different sets to choose from, plus, of course, a gift card option. You choose, the Double L team pulls it together! Pick up or delivery. For your immediate Thanksgiving shopping, the site also includes a Thanksgiving food section, with turkey to side dishes to fresh baked pies and more. Check out the Double L Market Curated Collection and be surprised!

109 Cheese and Wine

www.109cheeseandwine.com

Owned by Monica and Todd Brown and founded in 2009,109 Cheese and Wine is dedicated to curating the finest cheese, charcuterie, wine, gourmet products and house warming gifts available. They only sell what they would buy themselves so that you go home with the best of the best! Make a point of visiting with them and their dedicated foodie staff in Ridgefield and Kent CT. for the perfect cheese and charcuterie board, gourmet foodie gifts and artisan wines.

BE Chocolat

www.bechocolat.com

For the holidays, BE Chocolat has released new flavors that you must discover: a white and dark chocolate crushed candy cane bark, new praline flavors like rum, eggnog and Bailey’s, a new collection for Hanukkah, and their just-released Advent Calendar (first come, first served!), with 24 chocolates chosen from their best sellers and holiday favorites. Although they are located right in Fairfield, you will enjoy the same experience as shopping in a small chocolate store in Brussels or in Bruges. At Atelier BE Chocolat, you can see the Belgian chocolates handmade in small batches, respecting the Belgian artisan chocolatier traditions. They are known for making your box of pralines (ganache filled chocolates) with classic and creative flavors, and for their beautifully handcrafted bonbonniere (boxes made of chocolate with pralines inside!). BE Chocolat also offers holiday chocolate bombs and a tempting choice of bars (Turmeric, Peanut butter, Dark Ginger, Crushed Candy Cane, and Biscoff). Pre-order online for faster order pickup (they text you when ready!) or for shipping to loved ones nationwide. Contact them for larger projects too. Their white glove service will transform your ideas … into chocolate

DeTAPAS Spanish Gastrobar

www.detapasrestaurant.com

DeTAPAS Spanish Gastrobar is now offering Paella and Tapas cooking classes. Classes can accommodate 4-8 people and you will learn about the nuances of authentic Spanish cuisine, the techniques and materials used. Participants will make a paella and two tapas and sit down in the restaurant to enjoy the fruits of their labor with a complimentary glass of wine. Guests will also receive copies of their recipes to bring home. This promises to be an unforgettable opportunity! Guests will also receive copies of their recipes to bring home and wow their guests. For more information, please call us at (203) 557-0257.

Fjord Fish Market

https://shopfjord.com/pages/shop-for-the-holidays

When you're looking to bring everyone together for the holidays or need the ultimate hostess gift, there's no better way than with a Fjord wild seafood platter! This platter comes with a full range of seafood options that’s entirely wild-caught such as crab claws, shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crabmeat, and fresh Maine lobster meat served with a side of cocktail and crab mustard sauce. Alongside the assorted seafood platter, their platter selection includes shrimp cocktail, poached salmon, a range of sushi platters, and a vegetarian and meat-friendly platter with grilled vegetables and sliced beef tenderloin. Whether you're looking to bring everyone together or just want to treat yourself, their platters are the perfect choice. All their platters offer a variety of sizes and are sure to have something that appeals to everyone's tastes.

Ideal Fish

www.idealfish.com

Ideal Fish is disrupting the paradigm for fish production by offering the only sustainable, US-based source for Branzino (European Sea Bass) and partnering with producers of other species whose aquaculture practices live up to the Ideal Fish standard. Ideal Fish is a strong advocate of using Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to produce the cleanest, freshest fish possible with the least environmental impact. Their Waterbury, CT RAS facility offers a technologically proven alternative to Branzino sea cage farming and its harmful impact on the oceans. In addition to Connecticut raised Branzino, Ideal Fish offers Salmon, Trout, and Barramundi, all available fresh or hot smoked and all raised domestically in RAS systems.

Bethlehem Vineyard

www.bethlehemvineyard.com

From the first small farm vineyard in the (little) town of Bethlehem, come a variety of wines with names like Santa’s Helper, Holiday Cheer, La Creche, and Old St. Nicholas-we just don’t think these gifts can get any more Chirstmassy! P.S.-They have Rose and cider, too.

Black Cap Blades

www.blackcapblades.com

Custom knives that are made with the person and what they cook in mind. Every detail is considered when it comes to these unique knives that will last a lifetime. Hand-crafted by a chef, sustainable, custom orders encouraged!

Bleu on Bank

www.bleuonbank.com

Charcuterie boards of all sizes and theme: Indian, Vegan, Greek, Halva Sweet Fruit Board, Sunday brunch and more. Also check them out for gourmet food items, unique kitchenware and gifts (eh-hem, the vintage Gourmet Mag cover puzzles).

Brasitas

www.brasitas.com

Baskets brimming with homemade Plantain chips, Sangria and Margaritas for 4, Pico de Gallo and more. A perfect gift for the Latin food-lover on your list. Place order by Wednesday, December 22nd by emailing brasitasrestaurant@gmail.com

Cato Corner Farm

www.catocornerfarm.com

From their Farmers’ Market Basket brimming with all sort of nibbles to a hunk a Womanchego, their Affineur’s Reserve with 3-4 “fabulously assertive cheeses” or their Cheese of the Month Club, your gift-giving will be well-received and nibbled.

The Charles

www.thecharlesct.com

Throughout the holiday season, The Charles will be offering a Holiday Gift Bag special containing a bottle of red or white wine, a $100 gift card, and $20 in Charles Cash for purchase in the restaurant. $190 value for $150.

Gather-Intentional Living & Everyday Hospitality

https://gatherintentionalliving.com/

Kits of beautiful lifestyle products (cheese knives, recycled Champagne glasses, numbers, cheese boards), online classes, and workshops to help you host and live with panache and ease.

Maikana Foods

www.maikanafoods.com

Give the gift of health this season-to yourself, to a loved one, to an elderly relative, to new parents. Gift cards available online or purchase a subscription that renews every week or every four weeks that include 15 healthy, nutritious meals delivered each week.

Ox Hollow Farm

www.oxhollowfarmct.com

Give some lucky carnivore on your list an Ox Hollow membership card, which can be used on any items in their store or farm markets. You help support their farm all the while filling your kitchen with beautiful farm-raised meats. Membership cards start at $300 (with some bonus bucks thrown in for good measure: ie. $300 card=$350 M(eat) Season Card) and they have no expiration.

Curated CT

curatedct.com

Boxes of Connecticut-made “goods and services from makers, growers and artisans” in our fine Nutmeg State. Send a box of local love such as the Charter Box, the CT Roasters Box for the coffee lovers, the Tour of CT, or Tour of CT subscription boxes (fun!); ah, such a unique way to learn about our state! Taking local to a whole new level, all in one box.

The Hunt

www.thehuntct.com

Do you love to set your table with a vintage vibe? The Hunt has got vintage dinnerware, kitchenware, and gadgets (in color coordinated displays. Hello, love that)! that will add unique, retro notes and helluva conversation starters to your holiday meals. I remember Grandma having those plates…

Maple Craft Foods

www.maplecraftfoods.com

For the bacon lover you can look no further…a Maple Candied Bacon Kit! Choose 1, 2, or if you are going whole-hog, 3 pounds of the sugary, fabulous stuff.

Mia Bella Box

www.miabellabox.com

Woman-owned and produced with love, curated with passion! These boxes, for corporate or personal gifts are chock full with every kind of gift product. We are, of course, partial to the ones stuffed full of food items such as Corksicle tumblers, Bourbon Smoked Peanuts, tasty teas and fancy-schmancy chocolate bars.

Mix Design Store

www.mixdesignstore.com

Swanky barware such as Eames Chair coasters and stemless Martini glasses, fluorescent “Tequila” wall signs, and multi-colored Bicycle Can Glasses, modeled after beer cans in shape but with a cute retro bike design. Look ‘em up, they’re adorable.

Red Bee Honey

www.redbee.com

Throw your own Honey Tasting party with a Red Bee Honey Tasting Kit (contains 4 different honeys and score cards) or up the game and get the Honey Connoisseur Kit which comes with a dozen different honeys.

Twisted Tree studios

https://sites.google.com/view/twistedtreestudiosct/home

Live-edge wood and epoxy designs of charcuterie boards, coasters, beer flights, bottle cap openers, and more. Check out their stock or request a custom piece.