Local last-minute gifts for foodies

Tis’ the season to make a mad dash for last-minute Christmas gifts.  Typically waiting a few days before Christmas leaves people stressed, thinking they can’t be creative or thoughtful with their gifts because they don’t have the time.  But that doesn’t have to be the case—especially if, like me, you have several people on your list who love good food, great spirits and unique restaurants.

To help my fellow foodies out this holiday season, I’ve put together a list of five gifts that can be purchased quickly and easily, and all are creative and thoughtful. Best of all, each gift is produced locally in Indiana, or offers dining experiences at unique locally owned restaurants.

 My top five last-minute holiday gifts for foodies: 

1)     A Classical Cocktails basket from Kahn’s Fine Wines and Spirits. Make spirits bright with Indiana distilled Harrison Bourbon, Prohibition Gin and Indiana Vodka. Throw in a cocktail shaker and a book on Prohibition era cocktails and your gift will be appreciated well into the New Year. 

Visit any of Kahn’s three locations to purchase a customized gift basket www.kahnsfinewines.com.

2)     Indianapolis Dining Cards are the perfect gift for social butterflies who enjoy variety and eating out with friends. Packaged like playing cards, a deck of Indianapolis Dining Cards contains 52 gift cards, redeemable at locally owned restaurants. 50 cards provide $10 off any food bill of $30 or more, and two cards offer a free coffee or cupcake. It’s a great way to avoid chains and sample a variety of Indy’s local flavors!   

Order online or pick up a deck of Indianapolis Dining Cards at a local retailer, a list of which can be found at www.indianapolisdiningcards.com.

3)     A Bacon of the Month Club membership from Goose the Market is a gift that keeps on giving. Club members receive 1lb of fresh house-made, house-smoked bacon each month. (How awesome is that?!) This is a down-to-earth delicacy sure to please any bacon lover.

Call to order a membership at 317.924.4944 or stop by in-store at 2503 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46205. Visit Goose the Market online at www.goosethemarket.com.

4)     Cooking classes at Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta and Market are the perfect unique gift for anybody interested in food or cooking. Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta and Market co-owner, Chef Tony Hanslits offers “Demos and Dinners” courses
that include a cooking lesson and conclude with dinner.
Register by phone at 317.257.7374 or in-person at Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta and Market located at the 54th Street and Monon Shops, near the Monon Trail. Visit Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta and Market online at www.nicoletaylorspasta.com. 

5)     A subscription to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) in the area. With over 32 different CSAs located in central Indiana, there is no gift more thoughtful than responsibly grown fresh fruits and veggies. CSA subscriptions can vary by farm, but generally all entail receiving a fresh basket of produce weekly dependent on growing seasons
A comprehensive list of area CSAs, complete with contact information, can be found here at www.goinglocal-info.com.