Local Foodie Gift Guide 2019

It's that time of year...shopping for gifts for the loved ones in your life or a quick hostess gift as you head to a holiday gathering. Here's my 2019 Gift Guide for the local "foodie" in your life.

J.Lees Knife (price varies)

These locally-made knives are hand crafted and custom with steel blades and reclaimed wood handles with materials obtained from custom bass guitar builders. I was turned on to them this fall, thanks to a local chef friend. We gifted them at a charity event, and they were a big hit. Even a good home cook desires quality and unique knives, and you're supporting a local craftsman with these.

Fix It with Food Cookbook ($18.97)

The latest cookbook from Cleveland celebrity chef Michael Symon was just released, with more than 125 recipes to address autoimmune issues and inflammation. The book is co-authored by Cleveland Scene dining editor Doug Trattner.

Gift Certificate for a Cooking Class at Architectural Justice Gallery and Café (any amount)

Like the French Pastry Workshop ($55) coming up on December 29th. Mr. H isn't on social media and never reads my blog, so I can share that I purchased one for our upcoming anniversary, and we'll enjoy cooking together (ok, ok, mostly me watching) at a class in 2020. Shhhh! It's always a thoughtful gift to give an "experience" and even better if it's something you can do together.

Cheese Grotto ($85 - $135) purchased at Old Brooklyn Cheese Co.

Taking after age-old European traditions, this can be stored on the countertop for effective short-term cheese storage, or it can be stored in the fridge for long-term storage. Mr. H bought me one last year, and it has been life-changing for this cheese lover! Our soft cheeses are room temperature and spreadable at all times, and it's easy to just nip off a bite at any time instead of getting into an entire cheese/charcuterie spread and consuming way more than you need.

Vintage Serveware or Entertaining Items from Helm Collective

Seriously, I am obsessed with her adorable shop on Lorain Avenue. You can pick up stunning platters, bowls, candlesticks, vases, stemware, and more to please any hostess or home cook in your life. Also, giving new life to vintage items just feels good.

Stocking Stuffers or Hostess Gifts:
- locally sourced sauces, dry goods, and canned goods from Ohio City Provisions
- gift certificate for a Sausage-making Class at Saucisson
- Pope's Bloody Mary Mix (or sauces, jams, and more)
- Crepe Mix from Crepes de Luxe at the West Side Market (going in Mr. H's this year, shhhh)
- City Hippie Granola in a variety of kick-ass flavors
- locally-made olive oils, vinegars, pasta sauces, hot sauces, or spice blends from chefs like Dante, Zack Bruell, Doug Katz, or Jonathon Sawyer (many of which you can pick up at Heinen's Grocery Store)

None of these are affiliate links or sponsored content. They are products or services that I've personally purchased or would like to be gifted. I encourage you to shop local this season, as there are so many fantastic vendors right out your doorstep that can sell you that perfect gift for the foodie or home cook in your life. Share your additional ideas in the blog comments. Happy Holidays!