As seen on Breakfast Television December 7

During the holiday season there’s always plenty of food and wine displayed on the market shelves, however, if you have some true food or wine geeks on your list, a box of waxy chocolate and bottle of cheap plonk just won’t do.  They’ll be looking for something far more precious under their tree.  Here’s a few selections that will be sure to get you invited back for dinner.

***The Salami that Don Chubai on BT was so fond of is available at Moccia’s at 2276 East Hastings (near Nanaimo)

A Basket Case

Edible British Columbia is your one-stop-shop for all things British Columbian.  If you don’t have time to pick out your own basket of BC pleasures for those on your list, have them put together a Best of BC Gift that will be remembered each time an item is enjoyed by the receiver.  Don’t miss items from Gone Crackers, Sister’s Secret and Mix Bakery.  Throw in a gift certificate from one of their cooking classes.

Farmer’s Market Fare

If you really want to impress the foodie in your life, you won’t want to miss the Vancouver Winter Farmers’ Markets. Put together a basket of local produce, or try one of the prepared items made locally.  Christopher Brown, the former owner of Ecco il Pane Bakery will be parked at the Decmeber 19th market at the Wise Hall with his breads, biscotti, marmalades, Panforte and Panettones.  The Meyer Lemon Marmalade is made with organic Meyer lemons and makes a perfect gift alongside either the hazelnut, almond, fig, honey and spice Panforte or his chocolate, pear and cranberry Panettone.  Rise Artisan info:  christopher-brown@shaw.ca. 604 731 0739.

Soothing Teas to Calm

Stop into the newly opened Urban Tea Merchant at either their Park Royal Location or the newly opened shop at at 1070 West Georgia for some divine tea from the House of The O Dor.  Pick out a teapot if the recipient has been extra good, and perhaps some of their Pink Champagne Truffles and some jams and jellies.

Get Your Apron Dirty

Dirty Apron Cooking School has exactly what you need form those budding chefs on your list.  Pick up a gift vocher that comes conveniently wrapped up in a box with some foodie treats.  The recipient can use it for a class, or to purchase some cooking equipment at their on premise store.

Go for the Gold

Vista D’oro Farms & Winery offers holiday gift boxes and branded wood wine crates for personal and corporate gifting. The winery’s bestseller contains a 500ml bottle of  2007 D’oro, the winery’s fortified port-style wine alongside a trio of Vista D’oro Artisanal Preserves for just $90.

Chocoholics Rejoice

Thomas Haas Chocolates has the fix for anyone craving quality chocolate.  Purchase one of the truffle trees, boxed chocolates or chocolate Santas, or perhaps a Stolen to share around the office.  The newest store at 2539 Broadway in Kits, makes shopping that much easier.  Take a pause here for a latte and a chocolate treat for yourself.

A Baker’s Delight

Ganache Patisserie has one of the most intricate Buche Noels in the city.  This is a must if you are on the hook for dessert.  Why end the night on a sour note?

Go ahead and Wine

Stick local!

– La Stella Winery just outside of Osoyoos crafts a spectacular Merlot, their Allegretto.  This medium bodied red has flavours of plum and dark berries, balanced acidity and a long, smooth finish.  A perfect pizza wine. Available at Private Wine Shops or from the winery for $38.  The name is a reminder to pair good wine not only with food, but also with music.

– If bubble is in order, bring out a bottle of Sumac Ridge Winery‘s Tribute.  This 100% Chardonnay has citrus, apple and pear aromas and flavours.  $1.25 from each bottle’s purchase goes to the Canadian Olympic Team. Available at your BCLDB stores for $30.

– White wine fans will appreciate Road 13 Vineyard’s Jackpot Chardonnay.  You’ll discover tropical notes with apple and pear. Barrel aging gives this white complex toasty notes that make it a perfect wine for roast chicken.  Buy at your local BC VQA stores at $25.99.

Snack locally

If you’ve been invited to a feast, why not volunteer to bring a cheese and charcuterie platter.  Pick up some salamis from Moccia’s on East Hastings and pair with some BC Cheese, such as Farmhouse, sourced from Les Amis du Fromage.  Grab some crackers from Vancouver’s Leslie Stowe.  Try the newest flavour of Raincoast Crisps, cinnamon raisin.

Keep alert Ethically

Buy some locally roasted ethical coffee from Ethical Bean along with a travel mug for those on the go.  Pick them up at the newest Ethical Bean Express in the Granville Skytrain Station.

Book It

If you’d like to inspire a home cook  there are a plethora of new cookbooks to check out.  Araxi, Quattro, C Restaurant, Blue Water Cafe, and West are among the latest must haves for the kitchen bookshelf.  Purchase Vancouver Cooks2 and you’ll have a resource that will be frequently consulted, plus you will be supporting the Chef’s Table Society and their busary programs for upcoming chefs.  Books to Cooks is a great place to shop for cookbook worms.

Bring a Chef Home

Give the gift of peace….in the house.  Executive Chef Quang Dang from C Restaurant is available as a private chef for a night…or two.  Give a certificate for a dinner party and hope that you’ll be invited.  Contact Curtis Wong, Director Sales and Marketing for C Restaurant at curtis@crestaurant.com.

After it’s all over….

Why not buy yourself the gift of health this year with the T-fal Actifry? This handy device can “fry” 1 kg of French Fries in just 1 tbsp. of oil.  Might be handy after all that holiday feasting.