QFF Gift Guide 2023

2023 Get ready to embark on a journey through 20+ remarkable queer-owned food brands that will light up your holiday season.

Think of this as your friendly 2023 queer food gift guide here to make your festivities extra special and full of flavor!

TA 4............About QFF 6............About The Gift Guide 8............At-Home Barista Beau Bundle 9............Hobby Bartender Bundle 10............Dyke Beer 12............The LDR Bundle 14............Shaquanda’s Hot Pepper Sauce 16............The Cookbook Bundle 18............Diaspora Co. 20............Household Must-Haves Bundle 22............Kekoa Foods 24............Going Coast To Coast Bundle 26............LUVSPUN 28............The Mariah C. Bundle 30............Celeb Chef’s Selects 32............The Non-Foodie Bundle 34............QFF Resources 36............Kudos

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The Queer Food Foundation stands as a nationwide beacon for LGBTQIA+ individuals within the food, beverage, and hospitality industry, with a clear mission to promote, protect, and fund queer food spaces. In an industry where the contributions of queer individuals are often overlooked, our foundation is here to change that narrative. From farmworkers to sommeliers, media experts to waitstaff, brewers to gardeners, we aim to create an inclusive platform for queer expression in food. We advocate for more diverse and equitable food industry spaces, offering a welcoming community for all queer food workers to connect and share their unique experiences. We are a collective of passionate queer individuals, each working at different intersections of the food system, united in our mission to foster a thriving, diverse, and truly intersectional food industry.

Find out more about us at queerfoodfoundation.org 5

Our journey began with a simple desire – to seek out and support incredible queer food brands during the holiday season. After years of exploration, our passionate collective decided it was time to come together and unveil a selection of our cherished finds. We want to extend this opportunity to you, our wonderful community, to continue supporting these fantastic LGBTQA+ businesses long after the Pride festivities have faded. We present this labor of love with heartfelt enthusiasm and genuine humility.

From the early stages of dating to beloved family members and everyone in between, this guide was crafted with everyone in mind. With it, we invite you to embark on a delightful culinary adventure. Perhaps you’ll sip on a craft cocktail courtesy of 18.21 Bitters, whip up the most memorable dish of your life using Diaspora Co.’s exquisite ingredients, or surprise your bean-loving friend with the Rancho Gordo gift set

they’ve always yearned for. It’s our pleasure to provide you with an accessible, down-to-earth guide, crafted with love and appreciation. Your support makes this holiday season even brighter, one gift at a time.

Gifts For...

Nostalgia Coffee is more than just a brew; it’s a blend of science, innovation, and love for coffee. This diverse crew of coffee enthusiasts is on a mission to not only bring you exceptional coffee but also support a shift to a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive coffee industry.

Discover Friday Afternoon, a family-owned self-proclaimed geeky tea company. Led

by Friday Elliott, a taste visionary with LexicalGustatory Synesthesia, their teas are a unique fusion of words and flavors. With a diverse team of creative minds, their blends are truly enchanting.

Oso Cacao’s hand-crafted chocolate bars are a testament to tradition, with roots in Mexicanstyle chocolate making passed down through generations.

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Sincere Cider offers a taste of contemporary cidercraft, made in California using a special blend of culinary apples and French wine yeast. With a unique fermentation process that includes a touch of fresh-pressed apple juice for sweetness, this cider captures the essence of the West Coast.

18.21 Bitters is your go-to destination for crafting exceptional cocktails. They handcraft premium cocktail bitters, shrubs, syrups, and more, using fresh ingredients to create balanced, flavor-packed mixers. Whether you’re a mixology enthusiast or seeking a gift for one, 18.21 Bitters’ are sure to impress.

Kalchē Wine Club Subscription: For the wine connoisseur in your life, a Kalchē Wine Club Subscription is a fantastic choice. They’re on a mission to promote diversity sustainability and to decolonize big wine. By amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for justice, they’re making wine that goes beyond taste—it’s about creating a more inclusive and eco-conscious wine experience.

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Dyke Beer is not just a craft beer brand; it’s a celebration of LGBTQIA+ spaces and history.

Co-founded by Loretta Andro Chung and Sarah Hallonquist, they craft exceptional beers with striking label art. Beyond brewing, they host events in New York City, creating safe and inclusive spaces. During the pandemic, they adapted by offering Dyke Beer as a product, allowing people to bring home a taste of solidarity and the message that “You exist, and you are important.” Dyke Beer is a unique and meaningful gift for those who appreciate great beer and support LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.

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Gifts For When You’re In A...

The Rancho Gordo Vegan Bean Box is a thoughtfully curated gift box contains a selection of top-quality, heirloom beans. This set includes one-pound bags of exquisite beans, each with a distinct flavor and purpose in your kitchen.

A flavorful gift for your favorite bean enthusiast!

Bountifood offers unique and sustainable rice, directly sourced from partner farms in Northeastern Thailand. Their commitment to preserving biodiversity and restoring the land is reflected in their aromatic and flavorful rice varieties.

Madhu Chocolate is where every bar is a labor of love. By ethically sourcing high-quality cacao from Colombia and India, Madhu Chocolate not only delivers exquisite flavors but also contributes to farmer prosperity and the elimination of slavery in the chocolate industry.

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American Vinegar Works is dedicated to crafting exceptional vinegars, blending tradition and innovation. They prioritize quality by using only the finest American wines, beers, and ciders, reflecting regional flavors and emphasizing craftsmanship.

Their commitment to natural fermentation and time-honored methods ensures that each vinegar is a flavorful, artisanal creation that elevates your culinary and cocktail experiences. Plus, if you hate vinegar, they have plenty of other products worth sampling.

QFF Team Thoughts: Annalena @annalenabarrett - “Who doesn’t love beans?! This gift is unexpected, delightful, versatile, and will unlock your loved one’s culinary imagination.”

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Shaquanda’s Hot Pepper Sauce is a spicy sensation born from the creative energy of Bushwig, where Shaquanda first took the stage in 2013. The sauce started as a flavorful performance art piece but quickly evolved into a business. Loaded with quality ingredients and free from fillers and starches, these hot sauces offer a unique taste experience.

Shaquanda’s approach prioritizes flavor, allowing the natural intensity of chili peppers and the richness of onions to shine without excessive sugar and salt.

These sauces are versatile condiments and cooking companions, adding a dash of entertainment to your meals. Turn your kitchen into a culinary stage and let Shaquanda’s sauces take the spotlight.

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Give The Gift Of Reading With The...

Lagusta Yearwood Chocolate Cookbook. Delight the chocolate lover in your life with Lagusta Yearwood’s chocolate cookbook, offering over 100 innovative vegan recipes, from classic caramels to unique concoctions like miso caramel sauce!

Diasporican Cookbook is a James Beard Award-winning cookbook featuring over 90 deeply personal Puerto Rican recipes, sharing the tale of the Stateside Puerto Rican diaspora. Written by acclaimed author Illyanna Maisonet, this culinary masterpiece has received accolades from notable figures such as José Andrés.

Saved by the Bellini by John deBary is the ultimate ‘90s nostalgia gift with over 65 delicious cocktail recipes. Celebrating the best of ‘90s pop culture, this book takes you on a flavorful journey down memory lane.

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Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails by Shannon Mustipher is a fresh and award-winning take on the world of tiki cocktails, offering a modern perspective on this exotic libation.

The book is a valuable resource for cocktail enthusiasts, providing original recipes, tasting notes, and recommendations, all with a focus on Caribbean rums and spirits.

“Tiki” presents a colorful ticket to paradise, with dozens of easy-tofollow recipes for both classic tiki drinks and original cocktails. The book caters to both seasoned tiki aficionados and those new to this alluring cocktail genre.

Kosher Soul by Michael W. Twitty explores the fusion of African and Jewish culinary traditions, offering a rich and engaging perspective on the dialogue of diasporas. Beyond just providing recipes, the book delves into how food shapes cultural identities and the journeys of those who prepare it, including the author’s own path within Judaism. With its 48-50 tantalizing recipes and thought-provoking insights, Kosher Soul is a captivating and soulnourishing addition to any culinary enthusiast’s collection.

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Diaspora Co is on a mission to revolutionize the spice trade, addressing the historical injustices plaguing the industry. The founder, Sana, embarked on an eye-opening journey in 2016 to create an equitable, sustainable, and delicious spice exchange. Today, they source 30 single-origin spices from 150 farms in India and Sri Lanka, paying their partners generously. This isn’t just about spices; it’s about celebrating culture, embracing diversity, and embodying queerness as a powerful force for positive change. Gifting Diaspora Co’s spices means supporting a movement that redefines “Made in South Asia” and shares stories of freedom, struggle, and diaspora through food.

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Chef’S Select: Quin Liburd @ButterBeReady - “favorite queerowned food-related company is Diaspora Co. I’m a big fan of their Chai Masala and Pragati Turmeric…love the fact that their spices are single origin

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Gifts Everyone Needs...

MOYU, is a pioneer in superfood innovation. Their flagship product, a proprietary superfood bake mix rooted in Konjac™, an ancient fiber-rich root vegetable rooted in Yunnan culture, offers a unique twist on breakfast and protien packed baked goods.

Xinca is a family-owned company led by Cynthia Duran, a Salvi Latina who’s on a mission to share the taste of her heritage with the world. Fleeing the Salvadorian civil war, Cynthia’s family discovered solace in the kitchen, recreating authentic dishes that have now become the centerpiece of Xinca The Barreled Bee, led by native Oregonian Lee Hedgmon, is a testament to the art of crafting complex flavors from simple ingredients. With an insatiable appetite for learning, Lee’s creations reflect the joy of continual growth and exploration.

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Omsom Try ‘Em All Set. OmSom, a name inspired by a Vietnamese phrase that translates to “noisy, rambunctious, riotous,” embodies the bold and authentic essence of Asian cuisine. Co-founded by sisters Vanessa and Kim Pham, the daughters of Vietnamese refugees, OmSom brings proud, loud Asian flavors directly to your kitchen, all while paying homage to the traditions that inspired it.

The set offers air-dried Saucy Noodles and Cooking Sauces, ready in minutes.

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Kekoa Foods, a baby food company was born from a family’s love and dedication to nourishing their premature son, Kekoa, in the NICU. Their journey led them to create nutrient-rich, natural, and organic meals for babies that embraced diverse flavors and ingredients. Now, Kekoa Foods is on a mission to educate families about the importance of introducing worldly tastes and nutritious options to infants, fostering a love for real food from an early age.

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For The Adventerous Kind...

Discover the delectable world of Third Culture Bakery, creators of the Original Mochi Muffin, and more. Starting as a twoperson operation, Co-founders Chef Sam Butarbutar and Wenter Shyu transformed their passion and dedication into the Bay Area Sensation- the Mochi Muffin.

Scout, a brand rooted in the tradition of craft canning, pays homage to fishing communities and the art of seafood preservation.

Inspired by the antique home canning machine, Chef Charlotte Langley embarked on a journey to bring responsibly sourced, deliciously crafted tinned fish to the modern home cook.

Bite, run by Sam & B, offers delicious homemade mini donuts.

This queer-owned, small start-up based in Brooklyn, NYC, serves up delectable donuts through a variety of options, from order pick-up, delivery, and catering to nationwide delivery with their Bite Boxes.

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Tiffin Asha is a culinary love story that began in 2002 and eventually led to a South Indian-inspired restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Now, Tiffin Asha brings the taste of their cultural journey to your home, offering a unique blend of traditions and flavors that make for a delightful and meaningful gift.

Their product line is a reflection of their diverse culinary experiences, with favorites such as Masala Chai and Green Tomato Pickle.

QFF Team Thoughts: Gretchen @gretchenvanesse - “Take the simple luxury of tinned fish, and make it ethical, traceable, B Corp, and lipsmacking, and you have The seafood brand Scout. Crackers optional.”

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LUVSPUN Floss, by Therese Dozier, is a heartwarming holiday gift choice that offers over 200 flavors of artisanal cotton candy, all made from raw organic sugar and free from artificial ingredients. What makes LUVSPUN special is their mission to provide workforce development opportunities for youth with autism.

Created by an Autism-Mom, this Black-owned and operated company’s commitment to clean, vegan, and gluten-free cotton candy ensures a unique and lovingly crafted holiday treat.

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QFF Team Thoughts: Vanessa @chefvanessaparish - “I thought I didn’t like cotton candy since I was child until I tried LuvSpun. All natural sugars, AND a Queer Black Mom supporting work development for youth with autism?

Therese changed the game with this one!”

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When You’re All Alone For The Holidays...

At Maxine’s Heavenly, you’re not just a customer; you’re family. Pull up a seat at the table and indulge in cookies crafted with a perfect blend of good-for-you ingredients and taste. These cookies were born from the desire to offer the healthiest and most delicious plant-based cookies, certified by the Vegan Action group, all while capturing the heartwarming flavors of their mom’s homemade treats.

The Toasted Mallow is the brainchild of Tricia Arce and her wife, Hazel, who turned a dream into reality by creating the world’s first Marshmallow Cafe in Gilbert, AZ. Their marshmallows have garnered worldwide attention and were featured on renowned networks such as the Cooking Network and Food Channel.

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Wood Stove Kitchen has an exceptional selection of cocktail and mocktail mixers in unique, all-natural flavors. Their artisanal syrups are a game-changer, offering a slow-simmered mulling syrup for a high-quality mulled wine experience. They also have a variety of baking spices such as lime sugar and espresso rubs.

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Verifiably Tasty...

Chef Mavis-Jay Sanders (@chefmavisjay) “Chuck’s Famous Brownies! I don’t even eat chocolate and I’ll bust down the entire box by myself without hesitation. Not only is this the best brownie ever made, every purchase helps provide free medically tailored meals to house bound individuals too sick to shop or cook for themselves, their family, and caretakers.”

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Chef Chala June (@chala.gram) “Tempo Crackers are the perfect snacky gift for the herbal enthusiast *cough cough* on your white elephant list. Not only do they come in a range of delicious flavors like honey bbq and chili limon, but these crackers are also microdosed with THC and CBD for a perfect little pick-me-up.”

Chef Vanessa Parish (@chefvanessaparish) “If you have not had Kareem (Mr.Bake Sweet)’s Sweet Potato Cake, then you have not LIVED! A Harlem native now located in D.C. he has a list of amazing desserts that I have to beg him to bring me everytime I see him. As a fellow Pastry Chef, this is the one!”

Chef Preeti Mistry (@chefpmistry) - “I’m a big fan of MadMarvlus and Emme Wines, both queer identified winemakers. My fav from MM is her SHEREHE which is a cider made with fruit from Earthseed Farm, an Afro-Indigenous Collective here in Sebastopol. My fav Emme is her Skin Contact white called “Tell Your Sister I Say Hi.” 31

Honorable Mentions...

At Swish Embassy, their slogan is more than just words; it’s their mission. They create fun, witty, and sometimes cheeky clothing that sparks conversations and connections. Founded in 2009, Swish Embassy began as a bedroom project in Toronto, evolving into a global LGBTQ+ fashion brand with a vast range of products produced in the USA, Canada, the UK, the European Union, and soon in Australia, making it the perfect place to find unique and expressive gifts for fashion-forward friends.

Johnathan Castro Designs is a New York-based ceramic artist with 16 years of experience rooted in a background of studying ceramics in the Midwest. His work showcases a blend of tradition and modernity, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese pottery for functional pieces and the fascinating realm of underwater plants and animals for his sculptural creations.

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Welcome to Style On J, your destination for modern menswear and accessories that cater to all shapes and sizes. With a specially curated collection that spans from fashionably conservative to avantgarde, J aims to provide something for every menswear enthusiast.

Embrace “Looks for Living Out Loud” and discover the perfect pieces to express individuality and confidence.

For Your Viewing Pleasure is a socially-conscious apparel brand launched in 2022 by Vanessa and Lara. Their mission goes beyond fashion, focusing on activism and giving wearers a platform to express their beliefs. They concentrate on causes such as Palestinian rights and LGBTQ+ equality, and a percentage of proceeds from their items goes to vetted humanitarian organizations (including the QFF!)

QFF Team Thoughts: Jae @jae_chef_ miami - “Whenever I need a special t-shirt or tank for a fun event, I always search for one at the Swish Embassy.

The graphic designs on their shirts are fun and witty with a lot of references to pop culture.”

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Queer Food Directory - The Queer Food Directory is a unique and dynamic community resource committed to amplifying, connecting, and supporting queer and trans individuals and businesses across the entire spectrum of food spaces. This platform not only allows you to showcase your distinctive culinary endeavors but also streamlines the process of discovering and connecting with fellow members of our diverse and vibrant queer food community. Join us in our collective celebration and elevation of the voices and talents of LGBTQ+ individuals within the culinary world.

Queer Food Fund - The Queer Food Fund is a community-driven mutual aid project with a mission to provide sustenance to those facing food insecurity within the Black Queer and Trans community.

Operating across the United States, we directly redistribute funds donated through to eligible individuals (18+). Our endeavor is made possible solely through the dedication of volunteers, reflecting our commitment to supporting community.

Educational Panels - Utilizing our network of queer food workers and chefs, we work with organizations, such as the James Beard Foundation, to host and curate informative, fun, and collaborative events. Bi-monthly, we host a series of educational panels covering a wide range of topics, from queer entrepreneurship to the realms of queer food media.

By facilitating these insightful conversations, we aim to promote advocacy and raise awareness for those 34

aspiring to pursue careers within these fields. These partnerships serve as platforms for knowledge sharing and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and informed food industry.

Scan here to check out the QFF Directory.

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Curator - Vanessa Parish (Exec. Director/Co-Founder) Editor - Gabrielle Lenart (Co-Founder) Designer - Camryn Sheasley Board of Directors Sunny Levine (Chair of the Board) Jona Beliu (Co-Founder) Amanda Celestino Will Thomas Superior Murphy Arvin Batigan Annalena Barrett Marissa Dobbins Advisory Candace Boyd Nora Landis-Shack Cori Da Costa Mario Monte Kayla Mensah Margo Sivin Jae Camino Dylan Stein Gretchen Van Esselstyn Morgan Stewart Ren Driscoll Alex Walsh Radhika Sharma Kareem Queeman 36