Do you know of any fun or unusual food-themed gifts? —Suzi M., St. Louis
I see such things online or in my inbox from time to time. They run the gamut from practical to just plain fun. Just the other day, I was sent information on KFC’s 11 Herbs and Spices Firelog, a limited-edition log for $18.99 that the company claims to smell like fried chicken. Alas, the product sold out before I even had time to ponder the silliness.
KFC's chicken-scented log conjured the Original Slider-Scented Candle from White Castle, available for $10. (All of the proceeds are donated to Autism Speaks.)
Speaking of crave food, did you know it’s possible to send Imo’s Pizza, 5-pound blocks of Provel cheese, and ancillary products (including Imo’s golf balls and playing cards) across the country? The website has all the details. Or stop by the retail store at 800 N. 17th Street to pick up something in person or to have the bounty shipped elsewhere.
For the chili head on your list, St. Louis-based Saucy One is a source for hot sauces from around the world. Our top pick: the St. Louis Favorites 4-Pack, a selection of two hot sauces and seasonings created locally by Hot Charlies and Sriracha Granada.
The best crackers we tasted all year are Lahvosh Brewfest Crackers (made from spent grains) available at Parker's Table.
['J. Pollack Photography', 'LLC']
If you’re looking for a gift that will last a lifetime, check out NHB Knifeworks. Nate Bonner’s hand-made knives aren’t cheap (how many utilitarian works of art are?), but the shop also stocks less expensive items, such as presentation boards, kitchen utensils, even a leather-bound flask etched with an 1876 map of St. Louis (all pictured above).
The shelves at nearby Kitchen Conservatory are awash in kitchenware and gadgets. A few years back, we impulsively bought a pair of onion goggles that can also be used for yard work, bike riding, skiing (and night-time motor scooter riding). At the time, the goggles were strategically placed at the register. They still are. (Sign up for a cooking class while you're there.)
If you’ve ever attended the Best of Missouri Market in the fall, you’ve no doubt run across Around Town Designs, a local company that makes rugged custom drink coasters, highlighting St. Louis restaurants, local schools, and landmarks. No more holiday orders are being taken, but keep this place in mind for other occasions.
The most popular item this holiday season at Larder & Cupboard is a stemless wine glass etched with the St. Louis skyline. Owner Cindy Higgerson says she’s sold “a million of them.” A beer glass version is expected in a day or so.
One of the better online outlets for food-themed gifts is Uncommon Goods. My favorite item (and a gift that's always well-received) is the Copper River Knife. Other items that caught my eye this year are the Molecular Gastronomy Kit, the Eco-Friendly Instant Grill, and the Foodie Dice, a perfect stocking stuffer for the on-the-fly cook.
Finally, one of the better sites for food gifts is Goldbelly, where the mission is to "discover America’s most loved regional foods and ship ‘em to your door.” It’s the source for Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery’s famous Mile High Caramel Pecan Apple Pie and (wait for it) Gooey Butter Cheesecake.
If you have a question for George, email him at gmahe@stlmag.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @stlmag_dining. For more from St. Louis Magazine, subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
