Find the best local gifts and cookbooks — plus our picks for splurge-worthy restaurants and wines
A spread of cheese and tinned fish from Alimentari Aurora, from our gift guide
Lauren Segal/Special to The ChronicleIt’s still not a “normal” holiday season, whatever that means, but nearly two years into the pandemic, there’s plenty of reason to celebrate. We started the year without the vaccine; we’re ending it with booster shots and vaccines for many children. Many spent last holiday season without seeing family and friends; this year, people are traveling to see loved ones once again. For The Chronicle Food and Wine team, such progress should be accompanied by plenty of delicious food and drink to celebrate. In this guide, we’ve put together everything you might need to send out the year in style.
Find personal gifts from Bay Area producers in our gift guide, illustrated this year with sculptural, playful photos from artist Lauren Segal. Besides being local, the gifts speak to the best of what’s been happening this year in the dining world, such as a new wave of artistic chocolatiers and the plethora of nutty, spicy new salsa macha options. You could also buy the food lover in your life one of this year’s most thrilling cookbook debuts, or perhaps cook some giftable recipes from columnist Jessica Battilana.
Finally, if you’re ready to splurge for a special occasion, our critics will direct you to the places worth the money: Restaurant critic Soleil Ho is debuting her best fine dining restaurant list today, while wine critic Esther Mobley offers picks for high-end California fine wines and spirits. Transportive tasting menus, grandiose dining rooms, and warming, weighty Napa Cabernet are all included.
If you end up gifting one of these things to yourself, we hope you take a moment to savor each sip. These earthly pleasures are ones to remember.
Delectable, of-the-moment gifts to buy
Artistic chocolates, custom bagels and other buzzy treats
A sculptural display of H Mart goodies
Lauren Segal/Special to The Chronicle
The best cookbooks of the year
Native American cooking, regional Mexican specialties and other stand-outs
Garlic, cumin and chile roast chicken, or pollo ajocomino, from “Treasures of the Mexican Table” by Pati Jinich.
Courtesy Angie Mosier
Top splurge restaurants
Where to actually spend your hard-earned cash
The grilled banana with dulce de leche and topped with cold-smoked Californios Reserve golden osetra caviar from Tsar Nicoulai.
Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle
High-end wines and spirits that are worth the cost
When you want to spend a little extra, try these seven special bottles
Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle
Easy recipes for homemade gifts
Get cooking for your neighbors and loved ones
A collection of homemade gifts
Jessica Battilana / Special to The Chronicle
Top Chinese restaurants
Our updated guide, for when you're seeking solace on a holiday (or any day)
Kelsey McClellan
Serena Dai is The San Francisco Chronicle’s senior editor of food and wine. Email: serena.dai@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ssdai
What to eat, drink and gift in the Bay Area this holiday season - San Francisco Chronicle
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