Each year, around this time, I get several desperate Where Can I Find It requests for those roly poly pilgrim salt and pepper shakers made popular in the Publix television ads from 1998. And, each year, I have to steer readers to Amazon or eBay because, years ago, Publix stopped selling them. Known as the Pilgrim Pair, this adorable couple has, for a limited time, been invited back to the Thanksgiving table. I spotted the pudgy pair in all of the Publix stores I visited in Atlanta, in dedicated displays near the holiday food specials. The pair sells for $5.99. But, remember, the folks at Publix are putting it out there that the pilgrims are only around for a limited time, and there’s no guarantee that they’ll be available again next year. You might want to do what I did — buy two.
Q: I bought a lovely vintage black pocketbook that looks nearly new, but it doesn’t have any little buttons on the bottom that keep the fabric from touching surfaces. Do you know where I can some of these to attach them myself? I know I can probably take the bag to a shoe repair and have it done, but I’m afraid it would cost me too much. Thank you. — Mrs. Lawrence, Kennesaw
A: This is a simple and inexpensive do-it-yourself project that will keep the bottom of that vintage bag in tip-top shape. Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft, 2500 Cobb Place, Kennesaw, 770-428-9986, stocks packages of Bag Works purse feet. They come four to a package and are a silver color. Each bag costs $1.99.
Q: Please help me find both white and yellow cheese curds. I found them online but it would cost me over $30 to have a couple pounds shipped to my house. That’s pretty expensive, so if it’s possible to get them anywhere in the Atlanta area, I’d be really grateful. Thanks so much. — Karen Lake, email
A: Karen, there’s one place that seems to always keep squeaky curds in stock — both white and yellow Cheddar. Across from the imported cheeses and deli meats, you’ll find tubs of cheese curds for $4.99 per pound in the dairy case at Dekalb Farmers Market, 3000 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-377-6400.
Q: Where can I find sour cream-and-onion ripple Utz potato chips? — John Bayer, email
A: Utz line of snack foods, which includes a variety of flavored chips and pretzels, hails from Hanover, Pennsylvania. You can find Utz ripple-cut sour cream-and-onion-flavored potato chips at Kroger, 3871 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 404-240-0808. A 9.5-ounce bag costs $4.29.
