As you start making your holiday list and checking it twice, you just might want to consider Gift A Feast for the foodies in your life.
The local company sources the best hand-crafted food products in the Bay Area, then assembles them in curated collections that are hand-wrapped and delivered with a hand-written note.
It was started by Gypsy Achong, an environmental microbiologist and engineer, who decided to give up science to pursue her passion for food.
The gift collections range from “A Feast of Ice Cream Toppings” ($44.95), which includes June Taylor’s “Princess Peach” Syrup, Toffee Talk Crumble Mumble, and Cocotutti Cappuccino Truffles; to “A Personal Tea Ceremony” ($194.95), which includes Cocotutti brandy truffles, June Taylor Candied Meyer Lemon Peel, a creamer wrapped in parchment paper, an eggshell-glazed cup, a tea strainer, bamboo scoop and an Aerolatte frother.
Recently, I had a chance to try a sample of “A Feast of Merry Treats” ($49.95). Anyone receiving this would definitely feel special, what with the pretty ribbon-tied tower of little boxes.
The smallest held two pieces of Toffee Talk toffee that had great crunch and a deep caramel flavor.
Underneath was a box of Cocotutti truffles, two each of the Lavender Lemon and the Orange Confit, the latter of which has a really complex citrus flavor.
Next, a box of Neo Cocoa handmade truffles: Zested Lime, Toasted Coconut, Mocha Cinnamon, Crushed Cocoa Nib, and my favorite, Almond Butter & Smoked Sea Salt. These truffles have an amazingly dense yet smooth texture.
Finally, there was a tin of June Taylor Meyer Lemon Candied Peel, which I couldn’t stop eating. The soft, sugary, floral, slightly bitter rinds are truly addictive.
Gift A Feast makes it easy to give someone dear a real taste of the Bay Area.
CONTEST: One lucky Food Gal reader will win “A Feast of Merry Treats” as described above. Entries, limited to those in the continental United States, will be accepted through midnight PST Nov. 16. Winner will be announced Nov. 18.
How to win?
Just tell me what you most look forward to feasting on at this time of year. Best answer wins.
Here’s my own answer:
“Carbs! Let’s just say that a low-carb diet would be anathema to me. I’m a gal who loves carbs year-round. But especially now. Let me count the ways: turkey stuffing, homemade herb rolls, rich scalloped potatoes, mile-high apple pie, cranberry-walnut muffins and Christmas cookies of any kind. Some people may look most forward to the turkey or ham or prime rib on the holiday table. Not me — I go for all the good stuff on the side.”