The Ultimate Foodie Gift Guide: Vancouver Edition

By VITA Daily

Make it a happy and tasty holiday season with these local finds. —Anya Levykh    

• Odd Society Spirits Salal Gin

  By VITA Daily

  Handpicked salal berries (sourced from the Sunshine Coast and Cortez Island) are steeped in Odd Society Sprits’ Wallflower Gin for many months to create a brand new liqueur that is complex, sweet, tart and herbaceous, with a natural hint of oregano. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif on its own, on the rocks or with lemon and club soda to create a ‘Salal’ Gin Fizz. $30 at OddSocietySpirits.com

• Ai & Om Sujihiki Knife

  By VITA Daily

  Made by Konosuke from Swedish stainless steel, this elegant 270 mm knife features a Khii rosewood handle. When you first pick up this blade the first thing you’ll notice is the weight, or rather, the lack of it. This is a precision tool meant to be like an extension of your hand. Some would say that it’s perfect for a lady, as it’s very well balanced and light, but why not spread the love? And, don’t forget, the tip of a whip can cause more damage than the blunt end of a stick! $408 at AiAndOmKnives.ca    

• Thomas Haas Tannenbaum Tree

  By VITA Daily

  Oh, Tannenbaum. This decorative Christmas tree is filled with airbrushed truffles and accented with white chocolate snowflakes. $69 at ThomasHaas.com

• The Dirty Apron “The Chef” Gift Box

  By VITA Daily

  Have a master home cook in your life? They’ll love Chef David Robertson’s curated selection of kitchen tools and The Dirty Apron-made kitchen essentials. Gourmet pantry staples range from Familia Dodi Aceto Balsamica, to fleur de sel and The Dirty Apron’s own, brand-new single origin extra virgin olive oil from Spain. Chef David also hand-picked a few of his kitchen tool essentials, including the Wüsthof Two Stage knife sharpener, a dual sided grater, and of course, a Dirty Apron apron. This artisanal arsenal will help elevate any dish and add to any home cook’s tool kit. As home chefs know, cooking with a glass of wine in hand is always more fun, so we’ve included a bottle of La Stella Vivace 2015 Pinot Grigio. $190 at DirtyApron.com

• The East Van Foodie by Brad Hill and Chris Dagenais

  By VITA Daily

  This book is a celebration of the food and community that lies in the heart of East Van. Featuring 47 restaurants and 100+ recipes ranging from simple, everyday family meals, to challenging cuisine that will push you to the boundaries of your culinary repertoire. The decadent, hearty, and nutritious range of featured recipes offer something for every palate and skill level. $44.00 at FoodieBook.ca        

• 49th Parallel Coffee Holiday Gift Box

  By VITA Daily

  Give the gift of wakefulness with 49th Parallel’s Holiday Espresso, a vibrant single origin espresso from the Shakiso region of Ethiopia with sweet flavours of peach jam and lavender, and their Holiday Blend, a medium roast Colombian blend with flavours of plum and rose hip. Also comes with a 49th Parallel mug in classic mint green. $49 at 49thCoffee.com

• Parallel 49 and Central City 24-Pack

  By VITA Daily

  Think of it as a “crafty” take on the traditional advent calendar. Enjoy 24 seasonal favourites and brand new beers; 12 from Parallel 49 and 12 from Central City. $73.00 at www.bcliquorstores.com       

• Laduree Holiday Macaron Gift Boxes

  By VITA Daily

  The famed Parisian patisserie is known around the world for their delicate macarons. Pick up a box at the Robson Street store and customize based on your giftee’s preferences. Various prices. Laduree.com

• East Van Bees Honey and Gifts

  By VITA Daily

  From chili honey to bear oil and lip balm, this online store is full of sweet surprises! Starting from $4 at SquareUp.com   

• Northern Divine Caviar

  By VITA Daily

  It’s sustainable (land-based aquaculture). It’s local (raised and harvested on Sechelt). And, it’s delicious. Need I say more? 30 g ($88) – 1.8 kg ($4,320) tins. Available at multiple retailers. NorthernDivine.com