Giveable City
The treat of Austin eats
Fri., Dec. 9, 2005
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
This season, there's a mouthwatering selection of edible Austintatious gifts for every meal of the day. The holiday breakfast gift bag should include a Kerbey Lane Pancake Mix Combo complete with two bags of their famous pancake mixes, a mixing bowl, and a whisk, available at their restaurant locations while supplies last. Spiceburst's Pomegranate Orange Butter is magnificent slathered on pancakes, waffles, biscuits, or scones, and a jar of McKemie HomeGrown's Blackberry Jelly will be welcome on any breakfast table. Look for Spiceburst products at www.spiceburst.com and at Farm to Market, Grape Vine Market, Breed & Co., and the Sunset Valley Farmers' Market (Toney Burger parking lot on 290 West), where you will also find McKemie HomeGrown. The final component to the breakfast package should be a couple of attractive mugs filled with authentic Mexican hot chocolate cones from Kakawa Whole Bean Chocolates (www.cocoapuro.com). Just grate or chop into very hot milk, stir vigorously with a whisk or molinillo, and enjoy luxurious hot chocolate. They're offering this seasonal treat wrapped in festive gold foil at their booth at the Downtown Farmers' Market (Fourth & Guadalupe).A selection of local cheeses and condiments can easily fill up the lunchtime gift basket. You'll know what it means to make a genuine New Orleans muffuletta with the marvelous Olive Salad Mix from Sgt. Pepper's and the herb-flavored cheese spreads from Full Quiver Farms will impress the most discerning palate. Look for these on Saturday mornings at Sunset Valley. Fans of grilling and barbecuing will rave about Spiceburst's Savory Pomegranate Glaze (great on chicken, pork, or beef), their fiery island-inspired Rocket Sauce (squirted on sandwiches or into soups), or a combo pack of their flavored salts for rubbing and sprinkling. Their newest product, a brilliant ruby syrup called Pomegranate Squeeze, adds color and zip to sparkling water, sodas, champagne, and margaritas.
Barbecue-starved displaced Texans will rejoice at dinner time when they open the package you ordered from the County Line by going to www.airribs.com. Customize a gift box with everything from beef brisket, ribs, or steaks to pork ribs, smoked hams, and smoked whole turkeys or breasts to their custom sausage, barbecue sauce, bread mix, or homemade pecan pie. Throw in a Cowboy Talkin' CD and hunger and homesickness will be assuaged all in one meal! – V.B.W.
Pickles for Hurricane Relief While not exactly Austin-centric, think about some gifts of hot pickles that will support displaced food workers from across the hurricane-devastated Gulf Coast.
Bill Kamman, veteran pickle-maker in Louisville, Ky., has teamed with the Southern Foodways Alliance to produce and promote a special sweet-hot pickle called SOS Sharpies (stands for Spicy Old Southern-style) to benefit food and restaurant workers in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Texas. Ninety percent of the money generated by pickle sales will be disbursed through the New Orleans Hospitality Workers Disaster Relief Fund. So far, pickle sales have raised $25,000.
"Ever since I was a little kid," Kamman says, "I've loved homemade pickles and lots of other great things to eat that came out of Southern kitchens like the ones I grew up in. The food people of this region are a breed apart. They always show up at your door with something to eat when you're facing hardships. It's a barn-raising mentality – you just naturally want to pitch in and help."
Jars of hot pickles – what a terrific holiday gift. Order a case of SOS Sharpies by mailing a check for $135 ($15 is for shipping) made out to Pickle Relief Fund. Send it to PICKLES, 425 E. Burnett St., Louisville, KY 40217. For delivery by Christmas, the check must be received by Dec. 16. For more information, call 502/523-6154 or e-mail sossharpies@yahoo.com. – MM Pack
The Perfect Basket
Austin is the gleaming buckle of the famous Cen-Tex barbecue belt, so it only stands to reason that a gift basket of local food should include some of our area's renowned smoky meats. So you'll need to borrow a friend's Seal-a-Meal (or get one of your own), grab some blue ice and a disposable ice chest, and head over to Elgin to visit Cross Town Bar-B-Q (202 S. Avenue C, 512/281-5594) for some of Carrol Grady's incredible brisket and sausage. Remember that you're not only eating some there for yourself, but getting some to go for the gift basket. Then, head on down Highway 183 to Buddy Ellis' City Market in Luling (633 E. Davis, 830/875-9019) for some of the best pork ribs to be had. Vacuum seal that spectacular BBQ, chunk it in the freezer, and you're half done. If you like BBQ sauce, one of the best local versions is Bubba D's (www.bubbad.com), made by airline pilot Dwain Ideus and usually found on the gourmet shelf with the barbecue sauces at many HEB stores.Many of the following superb additions to complete your basket can be picked up all at once by heading over to the Burger Center for a Saturday morning visit to the Sunset Valley Farmers' Market. From Pure Luck Farms (www.purelucktexas.com), made by the Bolton family in Dripping Springs, we choose the Plain Chevre, their Chipotle/Smoked Jalapeno Chevre, and their luscious Claire de Lune goat cheeses. For a smearing medium, we suggest Doctor Kracker's (www.drkracker.com) German-style w heat crackers to accompany the cheeses.
Joy Smith of Austin produces Joy Peppers' (www.joypeppers.com) peach-jalapeño jelly (just one among many different fruit options) and the addictively wonderful bread-and-butter-style jalapeño slices. At Sunset Valley, you'll also find the booth of the Reeh family from Fredericksburg: Hill Country Homestyle Canning (www.hillcountryhomestyle.com). They make a bunch of different pickled and canned products, but their crispy habanero dills and the zippy hot garlic dill pickled okra or the sizzling habanero okra are all delicious (and the okra goes great in a Texas martini made with Tito's Vodka).
Larry Butler's smoke-dried tomatoes (marinated in olive oil) are available from the farmstand at Boggy Creek Farm (www.boggycreekfarm.com), while a bagful is available by mail-order. A great little lagniappe stocking stuffer is the Garlic Saltburst made by Trish Sierer (www.spiceburst.com). Lastly, you might consider adding a six pack of Blanco's Real Ale Brewery's (www.realalebrewing.com) hoppy Rio Blanco Pale Ale or their malty Brewhouse Brown Ale to complete the perfect basket. – Mick Vann
Our Specialties
Shopping for fantastic finds for your foodie friends isn't all that hard in this town. We're lousy with high-end stores that cater to cooks, and, when Crate & Barrel opened, we officially arrived (with regard to kitchenware, that is). Anyone seeking gifts that can actually be consumed needn't resign themselves to mall kiosks offering bland salami and processed cheeses. Between Central Market and Whole Foods, specialty foods from every corner of the globe can be obtained to impress your most discerning food aficionados. But what about the touted locally produced products? The ones about which food writers rhapsodize, the ones that sustain a local grower or producer? And what if venturing out to the Land of the Big Boxes isn't your idea of a delightful holiday excursion, no matter how cute the teapot?Closer in and infinitely more intimate are two South Austin destinations that can go a long way to filling your food basket for the most discriminating food fan. What comes first, the food or the basket in which to hold it? If we go with repository first, then the first stop is Phlox Kitchen and Garden (1104 S. First, 462-9908). This newly opened boutique sits amid the expanding retail section that includes Love, Kick Pleat, and Sabia. Phlox, which is probably one-thirty-fifth the size of Williams-Sonoma, still manages to offer a choice array of stylish and unique kitchen and garden items. We spotted a breakfast kit consisting of a colorful bowl and coordinating mug packaged in an equally adorable hat box. Cool and serene Asian plates, bowls, and chopsticks are offered in aqua and green. Pop-art-inspired plates and salad tongs beg for tableside tossing. Merchandise comes locally and beyond, and as if the unique and stylish selection weren't enough, proprietor Leslie Moore couldn't be friendlier, and the prices are absolutely reasonable. The oversized buckets in oranges, reds, and blues are the ideal home for chilling beverages. Or a colorful repository for your ultra-special gift basket.
Take said basket and toss in a few Phlox finds before heading east to South Congress, where you'll complete the gift with food items found at Farm to Market Grocery (1718 S. Congress, 462-7220). While some markets search the world for the unique and tasty, owners Peg and Angela search the city for the same. The result is that their gem of a store is stocked with local treasures. Le Marseillais products, the sublime line from a former chef at Chez Nous are available here. We find the tapenade d'olives (green or black) irresistible. We've also been won over by the rich flavor of the eggs from Alexander Family Farm. Mary Louise Butters Brownies are insanely dense and delicious, as are the treats from Temptation Chocolate. Chautauqua Foundation smoked salmon is not only locally produced, but sales of the silky fish help provide funds for canoe trips for disadvantaged youth. Jams, salsas, soaps, flowers, and more provide endless selections for a treasure of a gift basket. The truth is, every shelf offers discoveries that cause spontaneous salivation. And all this shopping can be done within a 2-mile radius, leaving you plenty of time to grab a slice of genuine and super delicious New York pizza at Homeslice Pizza or a panini at Enoteca in celebration of your clever holiday shopping. – Barbara Chisholm
Goodies and Gadgets
Once you get to be seriously grown up, it gets hard for people to buy you Christmas gifts that you will actually like. Most of the things you want (that cost less than $25, anyway) you already have. That's where the beauty of the food gift comes in. Everyone eats food ... every day!For the choc-o-holic on your list, you can't do any better than a dozen chocolate truffles from local chocolatier Edis Mendes. Making chocolates is what makes Edis happy, and her chocolates are magical. (Mere coincidence?) Each dozen is an assortment of her most popular flavors: espresso, Grand Marnier, Chambord, blackberry, and, of course, straight chocolate. Edis' Chocolates ($16 a dozen); call 452-6748 to order.
Pickles might not sound all that exciting, but people really, really like the kinds that you can't find in the store. Specifically, bread and butter pickles. Everyone loves them, nobody sells them ... except P/2 Organic. The best way to get them is to go to the South Austin Farmers' Market (open Saturdays from 9am-1pm) on South Congress at El Gallo restaurant, about two blocks south of Oltorf. Often, P/2 is the only vendor there; this is a very small (and therefore convenient) farmers' market at which to shop. P/2 Organic's Bread and Butter Pickles, Hot Bread and Butter Pickles, and Hot Sweet Chunk Pickles are the B*E*S*T Pickles I have ever tasted. This is the kind of gift a father-in-law would really appreciate ($4).
While it is not exactly a food gift (unless you grow some of your own food, like I do), one of the best gifts of all time is the Tubtrug from Phlox Kitchen and Garden at 1104 S. First. I myself received one as a gift last Christmas, and I have given five as gifts since. It is the greatest invention for gardeners since ... the trowel! It's a brightly colored flexible waterproof bucket, and I wish I had 10 ($14.95 for small and $16.95 for large).
Phlox also has a vast array of stunning kitchen items, all very reasonably priced. A bamboo cutting board is a great gift. Not only are they beautiful, they are also totally "green": Bamboo is a sustainable and ecologically responsible alternative to cutting down our precious hardwood forests. Plus, it's harder than hardwood ($20-30)! Groovy retro drinking glasses in either "Swirl" or Stripe" are $19.95 for a set of four. A very pretty gift, and I can't imagine anyone who doesn't need drinking glasses. Phlox has absolutely the best dish towel selection in town, too. Lots of 1950s-era designs, and some just plain lovely designs, and that most excellent gift: the Texas dish towel! Great for both die-hard Texans and those who live so far away that Texas is, to them, a mysterious and mythical Western land. – Kate Thornberry
Turning Up the Heat
A few years ago, I garnered a lot of brownie points by schlepping some sausage from John Mueller's BBQ (1917 Manor Rd., 236-0283) to an unnamed but barbecue-savvy restaurant critic in New York. This is my favorite Austin sausage – short, thick, smoke-reddened links spiced with black pepper – and I routinely carry it to barbecue-deprived friends in California, too. For gift-giving purposes, order a "cold pack" that has been cooked, wrapped, and chilled, ready for transport. Order cold packs two days in advance; it's $8.99 for a dozen sausages and $5.99 for six. Tell the lucky recipients to place a foil-wrapped package in a baking pan, add just a little water, and warm in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes.For the discerning chile heads on your list, Jill and Kevin Lewis of Austin Slow Burn concoct some marvelous jams and jellies by combining piquant peppers with sugar, spices, fruit, and herbs. My true love is Hot Apple Pie Jam flavored with vanilla and jalapeño, but Spiced Peach Jam with allspice and habanero runs a very close second. Both the Habanero Jelly and the newest Cranberry Jam contain a hint of rosemary, and the Green Chile Jam has a fillip of lime. All of these can be served as a side for pork or lamb, paired with cheeses, or in an over-the-top PB&J sandwich (and when no one is looking, just enjoy an unadorned spoonful). Available at Central Market, Whole Foods, Grape Vine Market, Farm to Market Grocery, and Tears of Joy Hot Sauce Shop ($3-5 for a 6-oz. jar).
I'm allergic to malls, especially around the holidays. The Tea Embassy (900 Rio Grande, 330 9991, www.teaembassy.com) is the perfect antithesis of mall madness. This beautifully restored and appointed Victorian house contains an enormous array of artisan teas, unusual tea accoutrements, and related gift items that I've seen nowhere else. Tea consultant Carol Sims and son Jonathan Sims have created a calm oasis of pure aesthetic pleasure; you can shop peacefully while sipping a hot cup of something (like heavenly Almond Cookie green tea) or rest by the fireplace in one of the graceful armchairs. And the gifts: Where to begin? There are more than 100 varieties of teas from across the globe: green, white, flavored, Puerh, and a selection of caffeine-free Rooibos (red bush) teas from South Africa ($4-7 for 2 ozs.). Browse the English bone china teapots, delicate glass teapots and cups from Germany, sleek Japanese and Chinese pots, antique and modern teacups and mugs, infusers, warmers, custom-made cozies, and elegant teakettles. Not to mention exquisite children's tea sets, tea-themed books, calendars, notepads, cards, napkins, magazines, ornaments, jewelry, and even music. Don't worry if the wide world of tea is new to you: The Sims are available to assist, consult, and advise. Gifts from $4 to $400.
For seafood lovers in your life, think about a gift certificate to Quality Seafood Market (5621 Airport, 512/454-5827, www.qualityseafoodmarket.com). Available in any denomination, gift certificates can be used at the extensive fish counter, in the restaurant that specializes in Creole and Cajun seafood dishes (and serves the best fried oyster po'boy in town), for takeout, or at the brand-new, as-yet-unnamed oyster bar, where a dozen fresh oysters on the half shell will set you back a big $6.95, and beer and wine are available.
– MM Pack
The French Connection
I have great news for Austin food lovers, and just in time for the holidays! Until recently, the fabulous gourmet French specialties from Le Marseillais had been available for purchase only at the Sunset Valley Farmers' Market and lately at Farm to Market Grocery on South Congress. Now, chefs Eric and Martine Pelegrin also have a Web site – www.bistrolemarseillais.com – where one can place orders for home delivery and purchase gift certificates for any occasion. These will make a great gift for anyone with an appreciation for good food.The Web site includes weekly menu offerings and an online order form. All one has to do is fill the online order form, leave a check and a cooler with ice outside on the designated delivery day, and, voilà!, dinner will be at the doorstep, with heating and serving instructions. The reusable containers are then washed and placed in the cooler to be picked up on the next delivery.
Every week they feature a different entrée ($25) that serves three to four people. They also offer side dishes for pairing, as well as soups, salads, and a small selection of their fine pâtés, terrines, vinaigrettes, spreads, and condiments. These are truly wonderful, and would make a great addition to the holiday table or party. I am quite partial to the pork or salmon rillettes ($8.50), the duck liver mousse ($8.50), and the chicken liver with mushroom and sherry mousse ($7), which come in 180-gram glass jars and are perfect for bringing to parties or as gifts to the host. Not all the products are always available, but they can be made for special orders with advance notice.
Customers will be added to the mailing list and will receive a weekly e-mail that is more like a mini lesson in French culinary history. It describes the featured entrée, its history, and other interesting facts, and it offers wine pairing suggestions available locally. All the entrées I have ordered so far have been spectacular, and the wine-pairing suggestions have been right on. I have found this is the easiest way to enjoy a no-hassle special dinner in the comfort of home.
For holiday gift giving, people can purchase gift certificates for $25 and up by e-mailing gifts@bistrolemarseillais.com or calling 383-0501. Gift certificates will be sent electronically. Since they do not accept credit cards at this time, payment arrangements will be made when orders for gift certificates are confirmed. Folks can also buy gift certificates directly at their kitchen during pick-up hours on Wednesday evenings (directions are on the Web site) from 5-7pm and at the Sunset Valley Farmers' Market on Saturdays from 9:30am-1pm. Although regular delivery routes are limited, gift certificates will be honored anywhere in Austin, and their delivery schedule for the holidays will remain as usual. Bon appétit! – Claudia Alarcón
Stocking Stuffers
Avocational cooking classes are a delightful gift for both singles and couples. Personal chef services could be just the thing for families with a new baby, friends who've just moved into a new house or gotten out of the hospital. Custom delivery of organic groceries would be a healthy way to show you care, and what cook wouldn't appreciate newly sharpened knives? – V.B.W.Cooking Classes
Central Market Cooking School: 4001 N. Lamar, 458-3068, www.centralmarket.comCulinary Academy of Austin: 6020-B Dillard Circle, 451-5743, www.culinaryacademyofaustin.com
Beth Pav's Cooking by Design: 431-8751, www.cookingbydesign.com
Gina's Kitchen: 917 W. 12th, 236-0705, www.ginaskitchen.com
Blair House Inn: 100 Spoke Hill Rd. in Wimberley, 512/847-1111, www.blairhouseinn.com
Breed & Co.: 3663 Bee Caves Rd., 328-3960, www.breedandco.com
Faraday's Kitchen Store: 1501 RR 620 N., 266-5666, www.faradayskitchenstore.com
Grape Vine Market: 7938 Great Northern Blvd., 323-5900, www.grapevinemarket.com
Personal Chef Services
Pamela Nevarez – Eat Street: 350-4061, eatstreet55@aol.comAbigail Donovan – Culinary Travels: 633-3690, www.culinarytravels.biz
Toni Scott – Dinner Made Simple: 826-8816, www.dinnermadesimple-pcs.com
Suzann Dvorken – The Accommodating Chef: 694-8037, sdvorken@austin.rr.com
Plus ...
Greenling Organic Delivery delivers baskets of organic produce from area growers and specialty stores to participating customers weekly. For gift certificates or to register, call 888/789-2352 or go to www.austinorganicdelivery.com.The Sharpest Knife (4703 Burnet Rd., 467-9763): Take your knives to them or call for mobile service ($30 minimum – about 10 knives), and these guys will sharpen you right up. They also sell equipment.
