San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Support local businesses with unique gifts from around the Bay Area
As we gather for the holidays this year, many of us feel more thankful for friends and family than ever before. This is a great season to salute our intrepid local businesses, too, who worked so hard to stay afloat through challenges.
In the world of Amazon, it feels especially nice to give back and purchase directly from Bay Area artists and entrepreneurs.
To compete with often confusing in-person shopping regulations (mask or no mask?) and increasing rent, many local shops are turning to e-commerce, too.
So while it’s certainly more fun to visit the stores and see the merchandise live and in-person, there is no denying that online shopping is fast, convenient and still puts the money back in our neighborhood businesses.
Plan your holiday presents around these 20 great NorCalcentric finds from around the San Francisco Bay area: boasts a lovely tied back feature. Buy at www.wear consciously.co.
The new line of natural, coldpressed premium juices comes from San Francisco spirits entrepreneur Ken MacKenzie, and mixologist and bar industry veteran H. Joseph Ehrmann. You’ll enjoy riveting flavors like Mexican Lime & Agave, Pineapple & Ginger Root, Lemon Sour, Cactus Pear & Pomegranate, Cucumber & Lime, Jalapeño & Lime and Three Citrus & Mint Leaf. Bring some to your next holiday party as a memorable host/hostess gift. Buy at https://shop.freshvictor.com. www.yaoaxaca.com or at Berkeley Bowl Marketplace (www.berkeleybowl.com). that clings to curves. Buy at the store, 2257 Broadway, Oakland, 510-508-0773, on online at www.shopmcmullen.com.
of your Contra Costa County friends and families from this eclectic, family-owned shop. Handmade by local artists of dark wood, each pretty piece is adorned with script for cities like Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Martinez and more. Buy at the store, 2333 Boulevard Circle, Walnut Creek, 925-322-7109 or online at www.wishwalnut creek.com.
This San Rafael-based butcher is particularly famous for this sumptuous full rib cut from the chuck end of the prime rib. Owner Bryan Flannery dry-ages the mouthwatering meat and supplies it to top chefs across the country, including Joshua Skenes, Nancy Silverton, Jeremy Fox and Grant Achatz. Buy at www. flannerybeef.com.
Has there ever been such a thoughtfully designed apron, as this creation co-designed by Bay Area Indian-American, MasterChef alumna, cookbook author and baker Hetal Vasavada? Features include heat-resistant and machine-washable high-thread count duck canvas fabric with 100% cotton straps and antique brass hardware; two heat-resistant baker’s mitts attached on the corners with elastic waist bands to easily reach into the oven and a built-in towel loop with a large pocket and double layer chest pocket to hold small baking tools. Select fuchsia canvas with marigold straps, or powder blue canvas with peach straps. Buy at www.bluecutaprons.com.
Have you ever tried glühwein, which translates to “glow-wine,” because of how you feel after you’ve been drinking the fragrant, spicy quaff? This version from San Carlos brothers Josh and Joel Reed is less sweet and little more wine focused than traditional European style — the Merlot is gently mulled with organic cinnamon, citrus, star anise, clove, nutmeg, vanilla and a splash of brandy. For extra aromatics and flavor, warm it slightly before sipping. Buy at www.napice.com.
Some 30 local artists gather at this delightful Carquinez waterfront gallery to show their art installations with lots of work utilizing “found” materials. Browse among 1,000-plus unique pieces made of glass, wood, metal, clay, mixed-media, encaustic, textiles, assemblage,
Entrepreneur Tracy Hayward trained in culinary arts in France, started out selling her own products to top restaurants and then launched into providing fresh pureed fruits and vegetables to home cooks wanting intense flavor without all the handwork. Surprise the creative talents you know with a gift of two new flavors including spicy Red Jalapeño puree with rice vinegar (make a “wow” ceviche) and a Peach Ginger blend with a bright splash of citrus (try it in holiday desserts). Buy at www.perfect puree.com.
Who doesn’t want their home to smell like the intoxicating dessert, deep with top notes of lightly torched caramelized sugar, a hint of coconut blended with a dash of rum and floating over creamy custard with a vanilla and maple base? Owner Jessica Christine Johnson hand pours the pretty candles in small batches in her Napa Valley studio, inserts a crackling wood wick by hand,
Share the holiday season with furry friends. They’ll howl over this cute collection of Sonoma Lavender’s calming aroma therapy pet mat, a Snoopy squeeze toy (Sonoma County’s own superhero), Costeaux French Bakery Gourmet Bacon Dog Treats, Cookie... Take A Bite treats, a Soap Cauldron Soapy Tails bar and a hand-crafted paw print hanging ornament from Jendala. Woof. Buy at www.sonoma sampler.com.