Author Archives: Mike Major

For me, some of the best gifts aren’t splashy; they’re simple but thoughtful. It shows that the giver gets me. Or if you’re like me, I don’t always think well ahead of time, so big and well-planned may not be in the cards. Below, we have our best stocking stuffers (if you still use stockings, that is). They’re items that you can pick up quickly today and tomorrow before the big day.

Austin Press Soaps

Winter is not kind to our skin. Oddly, neither are the heated indoor spaces in which we take refuge. These Austin Press soaps are made with olive, palm, coconut and argan oils that leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Made in San Fransisco, these amazing little soaps come in eight different scents that will fit your recipient’s lifestyle. From the musk scent of Monk’s Library to the floral smell of Farmer’s Garden, Austin Press has you covered. Also, the packaging is gorgeous.

Porter Metal Straws

With more and more people seeking to reduce our footprint, giving the gift of reusable items is both thoughtful AND conscientious. These metal straws from Porter come in 3 varieties (copper, silver, gold) and will class up any beverage. They come in sets of 4, so your favorite recipient can leave one at home, at the office, in the car, and keep one in their travel bag. Plus, a cleaning brush is included in each set.

Finishing Salts and Pairing Salts

While kosher salt reigns supreme when cooking, the refining process can remove naturally occurring characteristics and minerals. Adding a finishing salt to your favorite dish can not only enhance the flavor but provide color and texture. Our private label salts come in three varieties: Cyprus Sea Salt, Hawaiian Black Lava and Pink Himalayan. We also have carry Pairing Salts (Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet) that make pairing food and wine so easy. You simply read the label and serve its companion wine without a second thought.

Cork Stopper

Seldom does a bottle of wine get opened around me and not get finished. If (that’s a big if) I happen to not empty it, trying to either find the cork or even fitting said cork back into the bottle is a tough endeavor. Enter these handy dandy wooden-handled corks. While you may not be able to enjoy your wine for more than a few days after opening, these babies will keep your wine safe from accelerated oxidation and more importantly from spilling.

COOK Gift Certificates

Giving the gift of letting your loved one choose their own toys is always an option. It takes the pressure off of you to find something specific and allows them to treat themselves. They don’t have to use it in the pantry either. The gift certificates can be used for both our retail shop and COOK classes. So if stopping in for a happy hour cheese class or catching a cookbook author class is their preferred choice, they are welcome to do so. Think of it as a choose-y0ur-own-adventure gift!

Today (Monday, December 23), we will be open from 11am to 6pm and tomorrow (Tuesday, December 24), you can stop by between 10am to 2pm. Happy holidays!!