By Jan Norris
You’re not showing up empty-handed to any affair on our watch. We have the suggestions and the goods for your hosts or for thank-you gifts during the season. Be the good guest and bring something appropriate — either tasty or useful.
We favor local producers, especially those with knowledge and friendly service. Some can even help you find other sources for items — just ask.
Let’s start with the sweet stuff. Chocolate and candy assortments are always tasteful.
For the chocolates
Scheurer’s Chocolate
640 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach; 561-640-4412; scheurerschocolate.com
This family-owned shop has been around since 1980, producing hand-dipped chocolate freshly made. It is so hard to choose from the many selections, but we like the dark chocolate truffles and, for those Florida-themed gifts to take back north, a box of solid chocolate seashells including dark, milk or a mix. A surprise shrimp is in there, too. ($19.50 for the box.) Custom orders are available, and this staff is the epitome of friendly customer service.
5150 Chocolate
1010 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach; 561-562-5731; 5150chocolate.com
This is a bean-to-bar factory, where the cacao beans are roasted and turned into edible chocolate. Unique here are handmade chocolate sculptures, as well as molded chocolates. So, if a corporate logo or special thank-you gift is needed, 5150 Chocolate.com can accommodate you.
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We like baskets or combo gifts. A good one is a cutting board with a great loaf of bread and a good cheese, some olives and other starters for a charcuterie board. Or fish dip and some stone crab claws, crackers and spreaders. And always a go-to: wine.
For the bread
Palm Beach Bakery and Cafe
206 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana; 561-585-0222; palmbeachbakeryandcafe.com
If you can get past the bakery’s everyday dark rye, or the delectable cardamom bread with raisins and almonds, order the special Joulu Limppu (Finnish Yule loaf). With those subtle warm spices and a touch of molasses, you’ll find a new favorite for a ham sandwich or just morning toast with butter. Buy one for you, too. It freezes well.
For the cheese and more
Gourmet Market
2800 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; 561-609-2686; gourmetmarketboca.com
Whole wheels of cheese are on display and available for slicing. European — mostly French — varieties are sold, along with a pantry of other gourmet items. A knowledgeable, friendly French couple own the shop and can make recommendations for best pairings with wines, cheeses, breads and more. A complete board is possible here, along with other gourmet gifts.
For the meat
The Meating Place
277 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton; 561-368-1191
Freshly cut steaks and filets are the jam here, and they’d make a welcome gift for carnivores (as would a gift card). For party food, the Meating Place also has deli meats and cheeses to create your own board. Get suggestions from the store’s experienced butchers as to what varieties to choose. Nice sauces to go with it all, as well.
For fish dip and crab claws
Captain Clay and Sons
Seafood Market
1319 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach; 561-266-2068; captainclaysseafood.com
The smoked seafood dip is made fresh and wins rave reviews from all who eat it. The holidays are right in the thick of stone crab season, and the shop has all sizes. If you’re gifting, have the staff choose an assortment for a “raw bar” platter. You’ll be No. 1 on your host’s list.
Capt. Frank’s Seafood Market
435 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach; 561-732-3663; Instagram: cap.tainfranks
Stone crab claws and shrimp are big sellers here at the holidays, as is the smoked fish dip, so put orders in ahead. The must-have companions: housemade mustard, cocktail sauces, and the store’s special coleslaw.
For the wines
The Wine Wave
900 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561-276-2076; thewinewave.com
This wine shop has a friendly, helpful staff that can help you choose something beyond the usual from its curated offerings. Many come from small batch producers, both domestic and international. Other spirits are on the shelves as well.
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Another idea for a basket or bundle for the cooks is a cookbook, a new utensil or serving plate — and kitchen towel. Or think of barware for people who drink.
For the cookbooks
Of course you can order off Amazon. But seeking out older cookbooks, possibly regional ones, is a fun pursuit.
First try the library sales racks: Delray Beach Public Library, Lake Worth Beach City Library and Boynton Beach City Library all have book sales shelves that may have hard-to-find local cookbooks and reliable basics books among the mass-produced volumes.
Bookwise
145 NW 20th St., Boca Raton; 561-347-6455; bookwiseusa.com
This shop is a neat find for any book lover. Both new and used books are sold in a cozy space with reading tables set up throughout, and a friendly staff available to help. Plan for a visit — even if you’re looking for a specific genre, in this case cookbooks, you’ll be drawn to other shelves.
For the kitchen tools
The World of Cutlery
7461 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; 561-672-7340; theworldofcutlery.com
If your cook needs a new knife, here’s your gift source. Famous brands include Shun, Wusthof and Victorinox. The store also sharpens existing knives — get a gift certificate for a sharpening for your host. Choose from useful gadgets that make kitchen work easier, like the grater lid for a Mason jar, or any number of peelers and choppers, or scoops.
For unique tableware
Delray Beach Kollective
424 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561-873-8197; kollectiveshop.com/about-4-1
An artists collective, the shop features numerous collections from artisans. Serving ware, bar items, tableware — the shop is a place for browsing for unique gifts, small and large. We’re keen on the glass swizzle sticks with colorful alligators, flamingoes, palm trees and sailfish atop the stirrers — so Florida.
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Pie is another fail-proof idea this time of year.
For the Pie
Upper Crust Bakery
2015 N. Dixie Highway, Lake Worth Beach; 561-586-5456; theuppercrustpies.com
After 47 years of pie baking, this place knows a thing or two. Step beyond your comfort and order the coconut cream or the German chocolate cream. Get orders in early (as in yesterday) if you’re looking for the Thanksgiving pies. Prepare to stand in line for pickup.
Meals on Wheels
Pie it Forward
Pickup site: Duffy’s Sports Grill, 1750 S. Dixie Highway, Delray Beach; Mowpbpie.org
The annual “buy a pie and feed a homebound senior” sale is here. The Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches takes orders for pies baked by professionals in the community, with the money going directly to feed a homebound senior or veteran for a week.
How to? Go to the website, choose your pie flavor, pay ($30 per pie) and pick up Tuesday, Nov. 25, for Thanksgiving. South County site is Duffy’s in Delray Beach, but other locations are available. Don’t need a pie? You also can donate by buying a virtual pie, or buy a pie for a senior or veteran.
In brief
Angelo Romano, the culinary director and chef, will lead the new Oceanwalk by Benny’s on the Beach in Lake Worth Beach. It’s set to open this month.
Romano is returning to his native county from New York City, where he earned critical acclaim at Roberta’s, The Pines and for Grand Tour Hospitality.
The restaurant will use renovated space in Oceanwalk, the old casino building at the beach. Romano created a menu that’s familiar and creative, according to Angie Gutierrez, director of operations for Benny’s on the Beach. Local foods from coastal waters and area farms are highlighted.
Grilled seafood, prime steaks, pastas and a raw bar are planned.
Oceanwalk is at 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach. For updates, go to oceanwalkbybennys.com. ...
Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria in Boca Raton makes its comeback debut Nov. 3.
Renovations after a fire include a new color scheme, lighting fixtures, a slight change in layout, and two semiprivate rooms. The bar is now called Louie’s Lounge and features both early and late Happy Hours. Reservations start Nov. 10. More info is at louiebossi.com. ...
Amar Sandwich Shop is open at 522 E. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. The fast-casual Lebanese concept is based on street foods, including pita wraps and flat breads. Favorites such as falafel and shawarma are on a menu that has both vegan and vegetarian options.
Go to amarsandwichshop.com for a full menu. ...
Palm Trail Grill on George Bush Boulevard in Delray Beach has closed. Originally scheduled to reopen mid-October for a makeover and menu refresh, the restaurant instead is permanently shuttered, staff members said.
Jan Norris is a food writer who can be reached at nativefla@gmail.com.
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