Shopping for a Foodie

Christmas is right around the corner and some of you may or may not be ahead of the game when it comes to buying gifts. Of course you can simply buy a gift certificate to their favourite restaurant, but why not mix it up a bit. I try to #supportlocal businesses whenever I am gift shopping for a fellow epicurean, so here are some of the stores I enjoy going to.

Ceramic coasters with seagrape leaves design. Photo Credit: 3 Girls & A Kiln

3 Girls & A Kiln

These three ladies all have different art backgrounds, but they are well known for their ceramic work. They’ve created a range of island patterns (coral, starfish, waves, seagrape leaves etc.) that are then hand painted onto bowls, mugs, serving trays and more. They also sell dish towels with tropical designs with my personal favourite being the “On It Like Scotch Bonnet” motif. Feeling creative? You can join an upcoming event or organise a private group class to paint a ceramic piece with your own design. There are tons of colourful products beckoning you when you walk through the store, but feel free to check out their website to see some of the patterns they have and to learn more about their classes.

Bon Vivant

They have a wide range of cooking tools, glassware and crockery to fit any budget. In the past I have purchased reasonably priced kitchen gadgets, such as a veggie ricer, barbecue accessories and spherical ice moulds. If you are wanting to splurge then it’s worth looking at their Riedel wine glasses, cheeseboards or even the world class Le Creuset crockery. If your foodie is into cooking classes then sign them up for an upcoming event at Bon Vivant or rent the kitchen space for a private class led by a local chef. Some chefs known to use this space in the past include Chef Maureen ‘Mo’ Cubbon (Best Life Culinary & Zest), Chef Joe Hughes (Bayside) and Chef Thomas Tennant (Tomfoodery). Visit Bon Vivant in Camana Bay or shop online by visiting their website.

Carnivore

This a great spot to visit if you have a meat lover in your life. This high-end butcher shop has quality meats, seasonings and sauces to elevate anyone’s barbecue game. Purchase a gift certificates from CI$50 so that your foodie can buy whatever they like. If you know them well enough, why not purchase one of Carnivore’s meal kits that feature burgers, bratwursts or steaks with seasonings, sauces and toppings to feed 4-8 people. Pop into their store in Camana Bay or visit their website and do some online shopping.

The Local Foodie Package. Photo Credit: GOODNESS

GOODNESS

This is a one stop shopping destination if you are looking for gifts that highlight a wide array of local vendors. You can find Tomfoodery’s FIYAH hot sauces, Laurel’s Pepper Jellies, Paradise Coffee, Cayman Sea Salt, Mr. Otto Watler’s honey and fragrant teas from Tea Time Cayman. They have other items that are perfect for a foodie, including charcuterie boards, coasters, reusable utensil kits and coffee mugs with local sayings like “You Nah Easeh” and “I Na Da One Fa You Today”. Ultimately, it’s a gem of a store that is worth seeing in person, but you can also visit their website to order online.

Grand Old House Wine Bar & Retail Store

Buy a gift certificate for a private wine tasting led by GOH’s sommelier and enjoy 5 glasses of wine and paired tapas. The sommelier can choose the theme for the tasting or you can customise it to target wines you want to learn more about; be it by varietal, type or region. The price per person ranges from CI$50-$150 and they do require a minimum amount of attendees, but the latter is something you can arrange at a later date. If you want to splurge then consider a gift certificate for GOH’s monthly wine tasting events that are around CI$125. They always have a specific theme and in the past they have done California Cabernet, New World Red and Spain to name a few. Learn more about their weekly events by signing up for their newsletter or visit their website.