Audio By Carbonatix
If you haven’t started your holiday shopping, then good for you! I think we all perform best under the pressure of deadlines, so just let it happen. Wait another few days, then get around to it. Most places will be open on Christmas Eve anyway. And a lot of gas stations are open 365. Lotto and scratch off tickets make herald angels do a remix. Hark!
See Also:
— A Craft Beer Mixed Six
Bread
If want to really woo Santa or any Judgy McJudger on your list, put your running pants on (the ones with an elastic waist) and hoof-it over to the Village Baking Company on Christmas Eve for a dozen kouign amanns, which are succulent buttery pastries made from angel wings. Eat four on Christmas Eve, another four Christmas morning and give away two – saving two for yourself. You’ve earned them on account of your spot-on gifting skills. Proprietor and baker Clint Cooper will also make a few special holiday goodies like vanilla bean caramels, marshmallows and hot cocoa mix and, of course, stollen. Village Baking Company will have extended hours this week: Wednesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., then Christmas Eve from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cooking Classes
Don’t let this sultry picture intimidate you (well, maybe a little) and give the gift of a 4-course lunch at Tre Wilcox’s home kitchen. “Attending TRE Cooking Concepts is for those interested in learning great techniques taught by a Top Chef of Dallas and those who want to indulge in a fabulous 4-course lunch, prepared & served to you one-on-one.” It’s $175 per person and dates range from January through March. Check specifics on Eventbrite.
Pickled Peppers
Another local gem is Spiceman’s FM 1410 in East Dallas. From a recent Facebook post dizzy with excitement, ol’ Santa Spiceman promises local, organic, smoked, pickled red or green jalapeños with a sprig of rosemary that “elves picked and packed themselves.”
Coffee
Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters is a small locally owned business that sources responsibly grown beans from around the world and roasts in small batches. Jimmy’s Food Store usually has a good selection, and you can also order online.
Another option is a $20,000 cup of coffee. While some might say that’s a slight exaggeration, it’s really about how you market it. Convince the recipient of this gift that a $5 gift certificate to Ascension Coffee is actually worth more on account of their coffee maker that cost more than my first three cars combined.
Barbecue
The gift of good barbecue is the gift that gives back forever. And ever. Chcck out this meat platter from Lockhart Smokehouse in the Bishop Arts District. Print out this picture, purchase a gift card, then wrap the card in that picture. Everyone loves a gift that has a home-made touch to it. Price varies based on weight, so work that out at with the folks at Lockhart.
Chocolates
Fortunately, Dallas has several chocolate shops to purchase great gifts. Dude, Sweet Chocolate will challenge what you thought you knew about dark chocolate. Also, be sure to check out their new Preston Center location. CocoAndre Chocolatier in Oak Cliff makes some amazing chocolate molds, like Cowboy Santa and Roadster Santa. Plus a pretty swank-lookin’ Frosty. Chocolate Secrets also has plenty of inspiring edible chocolate art, and hopefully they still have bacon-covered chocolates with a pink flying pig on the top. That’s just got to be the perfect gift for someone on your list.
Craft Beer
If you have a beer nerd on your list, make haste to Craft and Growler. Here’s the skinny: they have over 30 beer on tap, mostly local, some from other parts of Texas and then just a few more from wherever. Customers either bring or purchase a growler and get it filled and sealed with beer. Since most local breweries don’t bottle yet, this is a way to share local beer. They also sell gift cards. So your beer nerd can go nerd-out all on their own and pick their own beer.
Private Dinner
Chef Dat Underground Dinners are two-kinds of cajun crazy. He has gift cards for your unwieldy entertainment. For information, email dat@chefdat.com.
