You can never go wrong with a gift of food or drink as long as you know what comestible indulgence your friends and family really fall for. A box of exquisitely crafted chocolate truffles? A selection of Southern farmstead cheeses? A lobster dinner?
Here are some ideas from the best local food experts -- both those who make the splurge-worthy items as well as those who know how to shop and assemble gift baskets and monthly food club packages. Everything here has an Atlanta connection, with the exception of that lobster. But who can say no to lobster?
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee (J. Martinez & Company, $50/pound): This Atlanta-based roaster is a pioneer in introducing Americans to estate and single-coffees from around the world. The Jamaican-born owners take particular pride in two prestige labels from their home country -- both the bright, fruity Wallenford Estate coffee and the rounder, more chocolatey Clifton Mount Estate can provide the right final touch for any holiday meal. www.martinezfinecoffees.com, 1-800-642-5282
Brown Derby Kit (H&F Bottleshop, $50): This Buckhead spirits shop, which grew out of the city's best known drinks bar, sets up shoppers with cocktail kits that supply them with not only the right spirits, but also the mixers, glassware and a little literature on the origin of the drink. Try the Brown Derby kit, with Kentucky Vintage bourbon, local honey and fresh grapefruits. www.hfbottleshop.com, 404-841-4070
Meat of the Month Club (Pine Street Market, $120/3 months, $230/6 months): This Avondale Estates butcher makes the city's best dry-cured and fresh sausages, and its sweet/smoky bacon will become your benchmark for fine swine. This monthly assortment arrives frozen, ready for you to thaw and consume as needed. www.pinestreetmarket.com, 404-296-9672
Maine Lobster dinner for four (GetMaineLobster.com, $245):This movable feast includes four lobsters, four pounds of mussels and four jumbo crab cakes. The lobsters and mussels arrive alive, so make sure the recipient has a big pot standing by. Additional lobsters can be added for a reasonable markup. www.getmainelobster.com , 207-370-2397
Cheese & Crackers, A Southern Collective (Star Provisions, $200/3 months, $375/6 months): Cheesemonger Tim Gaddis curates this cheese-of-the-month club, which offers three Southern cheeses with appropriate crackers, available for pickup on the 19th of each month. Look for assorted Southern blues in December. www.starprovisions.com, 404-365-0410, ext. 132
Chocolate Truffles (Cacao Atlanta, $50): This 20-piece set comes in flavors that range from coffee-cardamom to strawberry-basil to ginger blended with peaty Laphroaig Scotch whisky. Local chocolate artisan Kristin Hard hand-sources the Caribbean cacao beans and grinds them herself in her Inman Park factory. www.cacaoatlanta.com, 404-221-9090
Discuss food and dining on John Kessler's blog: www.ajc.com/go/foodandmore/
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