ottawa foodies

Since Christmas is coming soon, what do you foodies want for Christmas? Any good gift ideas? Any gadgets? Any unique food products? Any store recommendations to hit for stocking stuffers? (my recommendation would be the Candy Store in Westboro)

I love my subscription to Fine Cooking. And it is the gift that keeps coming - every other month all year. I avoid the problem of 'nothing to open' on Christmas day by wrapping up one of the special issues from Chapters.

I found a few cool items. One was one of those round, multi-spice shakers except instead of being filled with spices it is filled with all kinds of different salts.

I bought my mom this special herb keeper for keeping fresh herbs longer in the fridge.

I am buying my dad seafood for Christmas- langoustines and scallops.

None of my friends are foodies necessarily. I've been eyeing up a few cookbooks at Costco but I need another cook book like I need another hole in the head!

How about a 2009 Entertaiment Book for discounts at many Ottawa Restaurants including Allium and Absinthe.

Well I would love a filet knife to debone chickens, fish, etc. And gift certificates for my favourite stores would be great!

I agree with Pasta Lover, especially as the economy continues its downward spiral...a gift certificate to a favourite store of resturant would be delightful. Also, Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything, or the "Guide to Street Food" recipe book from Bridgehead.

As for stocking stuffers, I like to do "themed" stockings. So, last year it was Seinfeld themed, and there were indeed Juju Fruits to be had (The Candy Store sells them!!)...this year, I think it might be chocolate themed (in that everything will either be chocolate, chocolate coloured, or go well with chocolated (fondue forks, anyone?)

I would like to have a SpiceBoy ( no.. not the culinary equivalent of a cabana boy ) I originally saw it at The Bay, and was curious so I tracked down the website...
www.oliverhemming.com

I'd like fancy salts - the ones that are really expensive, that I would never buy for myself. Oh, and a lighted grinder to go with them :)

OK ... Forget the Entertainment Book.. I won't need one if I get 'down-sized'.

So this Ottawa Foodie only wants one thing for Xmas .... A JOB !!

I have to concur with Captain Caper on this one, even if it is depressing (I'm asking for gift certificates to my favourite places as a result).

On the plus side, it means I'm baking/making a lot more gifts than I ever have.

I'll take a Spice Girl instead of Pete's SpiceBoy ("not that there's anything wrong with that!")

Zigga zig ah!

Monty, that totally made my day :) (I think I'm with you...a Spice Girl over a SpiceBoy anyday--besides, I love my Peugeot grinders!)

How about choosing a theme...such as GARLIC and choose things to do with garlic like a peeler, a really good press, and a garlic jar!

I was going to suggest these wicked little bowls from Lee Valley, but the web page says that they're out of stock until March 2009. That's what you get when you offer 8 for $10! I knew I should have picked some up as soon as the catalogue came out.

foodlover: I'm a big fa of the theme stockings (see above post). And they don't have to be a food, it could be anything a TV show/episode, song, movie, sport, country, etc.

I think the themed stocking idea is a great idea. I'd never thought of doing that before. Thanks for sharing!

Momomoto - Those stainless steel mini bowls are a cooks delight. Thanks for sharing... I'm going to put them on my "Kitchen Wish List" (even if I have to wait until March).

"1001 Foods You Must Taste Before You Die"
I picked up this book last week and HIGHLY recommend it! I may wrap it up and put it under the tree for myself so I can act *all surprised* then hole-up in a corner and read it again on Christmas day.
You might include "Not that I want YOU to die" on the card. :)
Seriously, a very complete and beautiful book.

"From single press extra-virgin olive oils and artisanal cheeses to more exotic fare such as zebra jerky, this compilation is a cornucopia of culinary delicacies from every cuisine around the globe. Featuring luscious photographs and descriptions of must-eat foods from sweet to savory, this culinary gazetteer of the world offers expert guidance on how to really eat like a local when in Rome or how to find the most authentic Peking duck when visiting Beijing. Any foodie will delight at the fact-filled descriptions and marginalia and sidebars bursting with culinary history and trivia. Whether looking for the "must-taste treats" to seek out on your next vacation or inspiration for a romantic dinner for two, this compendium is sure to be a source of gourmet inspiration, certain to expand even an experienced epicure's mental grocery list."

www.amazon.com

A great book for those who think they know or like to know everything is the Food Lover's Companion. Has settled many a disagreement!

PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT for the foodie in your life (or for you to request of others):

Tickets to a Midwinter Feast at the Courtyard Restaurant, January 26th. This is a fundraising dinner to benefit the Canadian Organic Growers project Growing Up Organic, aka raising a new generation of farmers and food lovers. Dinner centers on pasture-raised organic lamb, roasted OUTDOORS on a spit. Everything for this meal is being sourced from organic growers in this region -- yes, you can eat local in the winter! Cellared roots, bright greenhouse-grown microgreens, cheeses and fruit compotes.... only 60 seats, and includes a fire circus performance. Bards especially welcome. $150pp gets you a $120 tax receipt, order online at www.cog.ca/guo-ottawa.htm