To Order

A TASTEFUL GIFT GUIDE FOR THE FOODIE IN YOUR LIFE

By Amy Senk

They had a solid sourdough starter long before the quarantine began, they know the fishmonger by name at the local farmers market, they prefer to cook at home instead of ordering takeout. Everyone has that someone in their life, and lucky for us, they can be easy to please when it comes to holiday gift-giving! The Tableau team scouted, tasted, and did lots of homework to come up with this local gift guide to satisfy your favorite foodie.

Rich Elixirs Kombucha Subscription

A subscription to Rich Elixirs will make sure the Kombucha lover in your life will always have healthy, ever-changing flavors delivered to their door. Choose the bottle size, number, and frequency, and like a modern-day milkman, Rich Elixirs will deliver (to most of Orange County) while picking up used bottles to recycle. With seasonal flavors like Apple/Cranberry/ Cinnamon and Pumpkin/Apple/Spice — plus all of the choices on tap at their shop inside SOCO’s OC Mix — the options are limitless. Subscription prices vary, typically starting at $36 with recycling discounts after the first delivery; Call for more details. richelixirs.com, (949) 445-0102

Argaux Wine Blind Tasting Kit

A bottle of wine is nice, but a virtual tasting romp through France is better! Argaux, a Costa Mesabased, women-owned wine business, offers the bottle, the gift packs and subscriptions as options. They also offer experiences, like a Blind Tasting Kit, or the new Gift & ‘Gaux packs, which provide wine, tasting notes, pairings and anecdotes that let you experience Corsica, say, or the California Central Coast, without leaving the safety of home. Prices start around $100. | argaux.com, (949) 284-4917

Alta Baja Market Vegan “Cheese” Platter

It’s beautiful, it’s yummy, it’s a party on a tray — and it’s plant-based! Meaning it’s the perfect gift for the vegan in your life. Alta Baja Market in downtown Santa Ana is a destination-worthy market, complete with a café, meals and meal kits to-go, Mexican wines and more. The Alta Baja Market “cheese” platter is our favorite, with its variety of house nut cheese with herbs, rustic baguettes, almonds, and dried figs, locally sourced veggies, berries, herbs or fruit — plus a rotating selection of other seasonal goodies.

This jam-packed platter serves anywhere from four to six people. The market needs two days’ notice to prepare in order to source the freshest ingredients, so plan ahead. The platter is currently available for weekend pickup only, with some delivery options on scheduled days. They can also accommodate allergies if you let them know upon checkout. Prices start at $50. | altabajamarket.com, (714) 783-2252

Savory Spice Gift Set

Since 2011, family-run Savory Spice Shop at SOCO’s OC Mix in Costa Mesa has been grinding spices and herbs to wake up the taste buds of local home cooks. This holiday season, Savory Spice Shop has come up with an exclusive, four-jar gift set — The OC — that includes a California Citrus Rub, Coastal Cali Fennel Pollen Rub, Surf City Spicy Citrus Seasoning, and a Sweet Smoky Santa Maria Seasoning. The flavors are SoCal-friendly, perfect for fish tacos or French fries or grilling chicken or steak. Priced at $27, it’s the perfect gift to inspire a salt-and-pepper cook. Order via email at costamesa@savoryspiceshop.com, or call (949) 284-0576. You can also order at the shop’s walk up window or arrange curbside pickup.

Valenza Chocolatier Edible Pumpkins + Ornaments

Nothing’s sadder than cracking open a chocolate figurine and finding empty nothingness inside — which is why we love Valenza Chocolatier’s holiday gifts of pumpkins and ornaments filled with a selection of awardwinning chocolates you’ll discover once you crack the chocolate shell. All created by Amy Jo (Valenza) Pedone, an internationally recognized master chocolatier, these are the perfect gifts to replace the employees’ holiday luncheon, or to place on a table as a favor, or for anyone who loves fine chocolate, The pumpkins are priced at $52, the ornaments $32, both of which can be ordered through their online shop for scheduled pick-up only (too fragile to ship). Other gift options for shipment or pick-up are available online. Note: Valenza Chocolatier is an online business and their commercial kitchen within The Hood Kitchen Space is not open to the public. valenzachocolatier.com, (949) 891-1206

Zero Non-Alcoholic “Cocktail” Book

Non-alcoholic (but delicious and fun) cocktails are trending, and this book will ensure your recipient is on top of the self-care wave. Zero: A New Approach to Non-Alcoholic Drinks, published earlier this year by Chef Grant Achatz and his culinary team, includes nearly 100 recipes — all without a drop of booze — from a faux Negroni and beer concoctions, to The Bubblegum — a craft creation that is, of course, pink. We’re fans of all Chef Achatz’s books, with their stunning photography, beautiful tableware and aspirational recipes — but this one is perfect for all ages — drinkers and non, alike. Available on Amazon ($85) or at www.theaviarybook.com/zero-standard-edition/ ($55)

Fleur De Lys Simon Pearce Pitcher

For a can’t-miss gift that will elevate and compliment any tablescape (no matter the host’s taste or style), consider this Woodbury pitcher, available at Fleur De Lys on 17th Street in Costa Mesa. We’re longtime fans of Simon Pearce glass, all handmade in the United States, and the selection at Fleur De Lys is second-tonone. Browse online or visit the shop, which is chock full of several items that would make perfect gifts — or help you upgrade your own holiday table. Pitcher is available in three sizes; Starting at $70. shopfleurdelys.com, (949) 548-0810

Good Vibes Cookie Co. Cookies

Crystals can be gorgeous and colorful, and many believe they emit energy that can elevate your mood and even heal. When you combine the beauty and positivity of a crystal with a delicious, buttery, sugar cookie, you may have discovered the perfect gift for the magical people in your life. Good Vibes Cookie Co. is a one-woman shop, and artist/cookie maker Jodi Mannis has been baking and decorating cookies since 2018. You can choose from a variety of gift packs that start at $22. Online orders only. goodvibescookieco.com

W/R/F Bowls

A trio of V-shaped bowls, handmade in a SoCal studio run by Japanese artist Nobuhito Nishigawara, would make a beautiful statement in any kitchen. However, they are also functional ceramic dinnerware that any home chef will find endlessly useful. The W/R/F Studio’s name reflects Nishigawara’s Japanese heritage; the family name translates to West River Field, and each piece combines clean + simple lines and Japanese design with absolute functionality. The collection also includes mugs, plates, and more. Each object is produced in the studio and is one-ofa-kind. The V-bowls are priced starting at $24, and all items are made to order. Visit the studio website for information. | wrflab.com

CherryHills Market PastaMaking Class

Fall is here — the season to gather harvest (and your favorite people) to CherryHills Market’s Artisan Kitchen at Pacific City for a private pasta-making class. In a two-hour class that accommodates 4-10 people (we encourage COVID-safety, so make sure everyone is healthy!), you’ll learn how to form, press, plate, and eventually eat) fresh pasta — with a glutenfree option thrown in. The class costs $70 per person and includes light appetizers, a B.Y.O.B. option with a $5 corkage fee and countless memories. There are lots of other ever-changing cooking and crafting class options, as well as a shop filled with unique pantry items, kitchen decor, and more. Call for information or to schedule a class at least three days in advance. cherryhillsmarket.com, (714) 587-2670

TO ORDER

CULINARY COMFORTS

By Elisabeth Abrahamson

We love comfort food year-round, but it’s especially satisfying during the cooler months. Here’s what we’re craving right now.

Stella Jean’s Ice Cream

With two locations in SoCal (Costa Mesa and San Diego), this small-batch ice creamery churns out scoops made with real ingredients. Stella Jean’s new must-try flavors for the season include Pumpkin Cornbread with a Pepita Crumble (vegan), Moongoat Coffee Ice Cream, and Apple Butter Crumble. Swing by for a cone or bring an ice chest or cooler to take a pint (or three!) home. Costa Mesa location: 270 E. 17th Street, Suite 16. (949) 791-8133. San Diego location: 4404 Park Boulevard, Suite B. (619) 501-8252; stellajeans.com.

Cloud 9 Bakers

Head to Cloud 9 Bakers, located in San Juan Capistrano, to stock up on organic, gluten-free, dairyfree, non-GMO, and soy-free baked goods. New baked goods offered this winter season include pumpkin, apple, and peach pies, pumpkin spice bars, sticky cinnamon, and brown sugar rolls, and a double chocolate pound cake. Indulge in one of their guilt-free treats and feel good about supporting this small business. Tip: Buy your favorite baked goods in bulk to give as gifts this holiday season! 31654 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano. (949) 388-8311; cloud9bakers.com.

Georgia’s Restaurant at LBX

Take it easy this holiday season and let Georgia’s Restaurant at Long Beach Exchange do the Thanksgiving cooking for you. Pre-order Georgia’s Thanksgiving Soulful Sides and choose from mac and cheese, collard greens, yams, red beans and rice, and black eyed peas. And don’t forget the dessert! Peach cobbler and sweet potato pie are offered for Thanksgiving. Soulful sides are available for preorder now through November 21, and will be ready for pickup on November 24 & 25. 4101 McGowen Street, Suite 155, Long Beach. (562) 420-5637.

Toast Kitchen + Bakery

Chef John Park of Costa Mesa’s Toast Kitchen and Bakery likes to keep his menu fresh and everevolving. This winter, he’s whipping up a comforting curry noodle dish topped with marinated shrimp, sweet potato, cabbage, Chinese long beans, and fresh herbs. Keep your sweet tooth happy this holiday season and stock up on new seasonal flavors from Toast’s Pints and Pie menu. Choose from taro blueberry pie with blueberry pie ice cream, apple pie with mulled wine ice cream, POG pie with strawberry shortcake ice cream, strawberry rhubarb almond pie with sakura ice cream, and chocolate banana cream pie with Thai tea ice cream. Yum! 1767 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa. (949) 873-5057; toastkitchenbakery.com.

Coastal Kitchen

Some folks argue that SoCal doesn’t have winter weather. And while our temps might not dip below 60 degrees, in no way does that mean Southern Californians can’t enjoy a piping hot cup of soup on a chilly (for us!) day. This winter, check out Dana Point’s Coastal Kitchen for a bowl of award-winning New England Clam Chowder. This decadent and creamy soup is garnished with croutons and bacon crumbles, and pairs well with a full-bodied white like an oaky chardonnay. 34091 CA-1, Dana Point. (949) 4492822; coastalkitchendanapoint.com.

Bruno’s Italian Kitchen

A standout restaurant in downtown Brea, Bruno’s Italian Kitchen, named after Chef Peter Serantoni’s father, is creating classic home-style seasonal dishes for the winter season. Our favorite? The Spaghettini alla Checca. Dig into perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed with roasted heirloom tomatoes, garlic, basil, and fresh mozzarella. The perfect comfort food dish that’s filling, yet light enough to leave room for dessert. We recommend the Budino al Caramello, a caramel pudding with chocolate ganache, whipped cream, sea salt, and roasted hazelnuts. 210 W. Birch Street, Brea. (714) 257-1000; brunositaliankitchen.com.