It's crunch time, gift givers. Christmas is less than 2 weeks away, and the mall is no place to spend your Christmas Eve. If you are still searching for gifts, and especially if that is because your intended recipient is difficult to buy for, keep reading for some unique local ideas.
Triangle Food Tour- This sounds like such fun! A guided tour, walking and eating your way through Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill- sign me up! The tours last about 4 hours and the groups are no larger than 10 people. I also love that this was started by a local couple who truly love the culinary scene in the triangle, instead of being run by a national or regional service. Maybe I'll see you there, especially if my husband is reading this blog…
Atlantic Brew Supply- I am an amateur beer brewer. Should I say was? I brewed a lot more before I had kids. One of these days they are going to make great assistants…Anyway, brewing is an awesome hobby with a great pay-off at the end, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to try something new. ABS is a wonderful place to start-the staff is incredibly helpful, and all the ingredients are fresh. The last time I visited, the employee asked me a few questions about what I like to drink, came up with a recipe for me on the spot and then helped me gather all the ingredients, including grains milled to order. This rivals any supply store I used in Portland, OR. They have an awesome blog with specific gift ideas, ranging from novice kits to professional grade equipment. And did I mention there is a pub on-site? You might not want to leave this one to online shopping.
Bottle Revolution- If beer that is already brewed is more your thing, I highly recommend Bottle Revolution, with multiple locations in and around Raleigh. It really is like being a kid in a candy store. Loads of seasonal, rare and unique bottles and usually about a dozen beers on tap. You could also give a Beer Club membership as a gift, the perks and discounts last all year long.
Joe Van Gogh Coffee- This Hillsborough coffee company produces simply the best coffee I have ever tasted. I wait all year for their Holiday Blend (added bonus- they donate $.50 of each bag to local Habitat for Humanity chapters). What is unique about what they offer, from a gifting perspective, is that you can get a simple bag of delicious beans, a rare micro-lot tin of world renowned coffee, home delivered coffee subscriptions, unique coffee brewing equipment, or just really cool logo t-shirts.
Southern Season- This place just wins. Its been around forever, and for good reason. It is a vast expanse of the best in everything food-related, from cheese to marmite, international and exotic to homespun local specialties. My only warnings-don’t go hungry and don’t get lost.
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Meredith Antunez
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