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H A P P Y H O L I D AY S Continued from previous page
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At just under $3,000, the Jura Impressa Z7, found at Sur La Table, can make 11 kinds of coffee drinks.
cacies and to-die-for hostess gifts. There is the traditional fruitcake ($30), the biscotti cookie hamper — a festively ribboned wicker basket filled with an assortment of breakfast cookies ($65) — and a four-cake sampler with chocolate champagne, Amaretto, Irish whiskey and lemon vodka confections ($32). Neiman Marcus’ home gifts are traditionally over-the-top. Consider the 14-karat gold-plated, pagodashaped salt-and-pepper shakers adorned with freshwater pearls and Swarovski® crystals ($195) or the set of two Baccarat champagne flutes ($260). For those on a tighter budget, Neiman Marcus has created “Little Gems,” offering fun gift ideas for $100 or less, including a gorgeous, illustrated “Vintage Cocktails” book ($50) with vibrant photos exploring the art of making drinks. To make your own sodas and fizzy waters at home, Los Altos Cook’s Junction recommends The SodaStream Soda Maker ($89.99-$199.99). “It is one of our top sellers,” owner Linda Janes said. “We sell
lots of different types of syrups, and it is good for the environment since the sodas don’t have to be shipped and you reuse your own bottles at home.” One consistent destination spot for home chefs is Sur la Table in the Town & Country Village shopping center in Palo Alto, where a display of brightly colored small appliances greets customers at the door. The seven-speed hand mixer ($49.95), the mini food processor ($39.95) and the immersion blender ($29.95) in colors such as lime green, cherry red and sunshine yellow make gifts with electrical cords cool. The coffee area features “the ultimate coffee maker,” according to David Pavot, store manager. At $2,999.95, the Jura® Impressa Z7, is not cheap, but the convenience of making 11 different kinds of fancy coffee drinks at the touch of a button have led local aficionados to make Pavot’s store the top seller of the Z7 in the country. Along with great tools to inspire the home chef, Sur la Table offers an array of classes held in their professional kitchen most evenings and weekends — a gift sure to kick off a delicious new year.
VIVIAN WONG
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Savvy Cellar Wine Bar & Wine Shop www.savvycellar.com 750 W. Evelyn Ave. (at Castro St.), Mountain View
<C@=85M ;=J=B; A589 95GM WINE GIFT CARDS $25, $50, $100
savvycellar.com/shop/gifts
90-POINT WINE CLUBS 3, 6 & 12-month options savvycellar.com/clubs
AWARD-WINNING WINE CLASSES 2-time winner of “Best Wine Classes in SF Bay Area” savvycellar.com/classes
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■ MOUNTAIN VIEW VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 19, 2010