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Shop Local Ideas: Volume 1 (The Early Shopper)

Shop Local Ideas: Volume 1 (The Early Shopper)

Nov 28, 20144 min read

The holidays are upon us. Break out the eggnog, hang the mistletoe and start the shopping. Have a Tucson Foodie on the list but not sure what to get them? Have no fear, below are some ideas to make gift giving a piece of cake.

For Your Cheesy Friend

Sunday Brunch Basket at Blu a Wine and Cheese Stop with Stu's Bloody Mary Mix, Sour Puss pickles, olives and salami. Picture taken by Kristin Tovar
Sunday Brunch Basket at Blu a Wine and Cheese Stop with Stu’s Bloody Mary Mix, Sour Puss pickles, Empeltre olives and Creminelli Wild Boar salami. Picture taken by Kristin Tovar

Offering a variety of wines, gourmet products and specialty domestic cheeses, Blu, a Wine and Cheese Stop is crafting the perfect gift baskets for the holidays. Some of the baskets include the Wine Adventurer, I Love Arizona, Spice of Life, Pucker Up and the Gluten Free Goddess. If one of the pre-designed baskets doesn’t tickle the fancy, poke around and create a one of a kind.

Custom Cookie Cutters

Alchemist Visions AR-15 Cookie Cutter
Alchemist Visions AR-15 Cookie Cutter

Check out Pablo Sua of Alchemist Visions on Etsy.com for some of the most creative cookie cutters around. From a full set of Pac Man characters to an Air Jordan Jumpman, with the state of Arizona in between. They are sure to bring a smile and just might result in cookies as a thank you.

For the Green Thumb

Regional Corn Variety from Native SEED/Search
Regional Corn Variety from Native SEED/Search

Visit Bon at the Broadway Village for one of a kind pots and decorative items for the garden. Then stroll over to Native Seed Search for something to put those lovely pots. They have assembled collections of seeds to intrigue any gardener. Choose from the chile seed, heritage seed, herb garden, or low desert wildflower collection just to name a few. Go rogue and put together a collection, throw in a pound of heritage beans and a book on seed saving and you might just want to keep the gift.

For the Home Cook

Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil displayed at Alfonso Olive Oil  (Photo Credit: Michael Moriarty Photography)
Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil displayed at Alfonso Olive Oil (Photo Credit: Michael Moriarty Photography)

Blood Orange Olive Oil. Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar. Serrano Honey Vinegar. Intrigued yet? With dozens of specialty vinegars and olive oils to choose from at Alfonso’s Olive Oil, it’s easy to find a great pairing for the home cook. Make sure to ask one of the friendly staff for cooking ideas and good luck not buying a bottle or two of your own.

For the Host with the Most

Sand Reckoner Vineyards
Sand Reckoner Vineyards

Bottles of wine are always a hit. Keep it local and check out one of the many unique wineries in Arizona. Want to give something other than wine? Stop by the Hacienda Del Sol Gift Shop for western inspired dish towels, aprons, and wine bags. Farmer’s Markets are full of surprises like fragrant soap from Desert Oasis Soap company or hand made wooden spoons and cutting boards. Looking for flowers? La Fleur Plantscapes for eco-friendly floral design sure to make any holiday table a bit more special.

For the Philanthropist

Iskashitaa Refugee Network Harvesting Pumpkins (Photo Credit: Iskashitaa Refugee Network)
Iskashitaa Refugee Network Harvesting Pumpkins (Photo Credit: Iskashitaa Refugee Network)

The holidays are also a season of giving gratitude. Support one of the local charities that help put food on the table. Visit the websites for Community Food Bank, Iskashitaa Refuge Network or Native Seed Search and find the charity that identifies with the philanthropist on your list.

For the Beer Geek

Stout Pint at Good Oak Bar
Stout Pint at Good Oak Bar

Stroll over to 1702 bottle shop, Tap & Bottle, or one of the many breweries and assemble the ideal six pack. Give the gift that keeps on giving and visit Brew Your Own Brew. They can help put together a brewing kit for pale ales well into the New Year.

For the Outdoors Lover

Bicycle With Rack from Transit Cycles (Photo Credit: Transit Cycles)
Bicycle With Rack from Transit Cycles (Photo Credit: Transit Cycles)

What goes best with a Sunday bike ride? A Sunday picnic of course. Visit Transit Cycles in the Mercado San Agustín for a variety of tools that make both bike rides and picnics a beautiful pair. For example an aesthetic basket for the front of a bike or an adjustable water bottle cage perfect for carrying a bottle of wine.

For the Caffeine Junkie

Fresh Grounds at Yellow Brick Coffee Cupping Event
Fresh Grounds at Yellow Brick Coffee Cupping Event

Every morning your giftee will be sending positive thoughts your way as they sip a warm cup of coffee. Check out Stella, Exo, Savaya or Cartel for special gift bags for the season. Want to give a coffee subscription? Visit Yellow Brick Coffee for specialty coffee beans from around the globe. Not sure which coffee to pick? Tucson Foodie has you covered.

Article written by:

Alicynn Fink

Alicynn Fink

More about Alicynn
Alicynn Fink is a recent grad from the University of Gastronomic Sciences. Follow her stories at restaurantwife.com.

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Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭

Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own!

🎶 Live Music 🍺 Craft Beer Garden 🏋️ Classic Contests 🥨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! 

Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson
2️⃣ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment “Let’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!”
3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM!

Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT
Tickets & more info ➡️ oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com

⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭 Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own! 🎶 Live Music 🍺 Craft Beer Garden 🏋️ Classic Contests 🥨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson 2️⃣ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment “Let’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!” 3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM! Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT Tickets & more info ➡️ oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com ⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!
A new Chihuahuan-style restaurant and tortilla factory is opening in Tucson! @Tortillaschiwas debuts Thursday at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory.

Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a married couple originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the project. The James Beard-nominated duo will bring a roughly 15-item menu featuring dishes from their Phoenix restaurants, including Cocina Chiwas and Espiritu Cocktails + Comida.

Tortillas Chiwas will initially be open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 p.m. with just 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable. The team also plans to mill nixtamal on-site for hand-pressed tortillas, continuing the building’s long tortilla-making history.

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 
Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsA new Chihuahuan-style restaurant and tortilla factory is opening in Tucson! @Tortillaschiwas debuts Thursday at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory. Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a married couple originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the project. The James Beard-nominated duo will bring a roughly 15-item menu featuring dishes from their Phoenix restaurants, including Cocina Chiwas and Espiritu Cocktails + Comida. Tortillas Chiwas will initially be open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 p.m. with just 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable. The team also plans to mill nixtamal on-site for hand-pressed tortillas, continuing the building’s long tortilla-making history. Photos by @jackie_tran_ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨

In partnership with @salus.healers, join us THIS SATURDAY, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way.

🌿SWIPE TO SEE OUR WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventAn evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨ In partnership with @salus.healers, join us THIS SATURDAY, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 🌿SWIPE TO SEE OUR WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevent
@vegantucsonnightmarket returns September 5th from 6–10pm with over 60 vendors!

Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 

🐖 FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY
📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ

Check out the vendor list in our bio✨

Thank you to our sponsors: @semperfi_heatingandcooling, @tucsonprimeleaf and @trulieveaz_ 

Photos by @astra1wanderer 
#tucsonevents #vegantucson 
#tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal@vegantucsonnightmarket returns September 5th from 6–10pm with over 60 vendors! Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 🐖 FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY 📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ Check out the vendor list in our bio✨ Thank you to our sponsors: @semperfi_heatingandcooling, @tucsonprimeleaf and @trulieveaz_ Photos by @astra1wanderer #tucsonevents #vegantucson #tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal