The Foodie’s Christmas List

Do you have a foodie friend or family member on your Christmas list? Not to fret for there are plenty of food-centric places in Door County to find something special. Here are a few suggestions that are bound to thrill that foodie in your life.

Pipka’s

2340 Mill Road, Sister Bay

This bright and cheery gift shop has become a favorite stop year round when looking for gift items, but during Christmas it really is a special place. A section of the shop is Christmas themed and dedicated to the beautiful and ornate collection of Old World Santas for sale. Yet my favorite part of a visit is always to taste-test the famous Pipka’s Almond Cake, which is set out for customers to sample. It’s delicate, sweet and full of almond flavor. The recipe is easy to bake at home using the German-made baking pan sold exclusively at Pipka’s. A wonderful and ever-giving gift is the pan, a serving tray and custom almond flavoring to equip your foodie with all the right tools to make the almond cake over and over again in their own kitchen.

Tea Thyme

10566 Country Walk Dr #32, Upper level of Country Walk Shops, Sister Bay

With 130 tea varieties, Tea Thyme is your stocking stuffer headquarters. Occasional or committed tea drinkers will find something to love among the shelves of Rishi, Harney & Sons and Tea Forté teas. The charming space in the Country Walk Shops includes a gift shop as well as an attached British-style tea room to host true tea times. My favorite feature of the shop is the sampling station where you can smell the various teas — but beware, the more you smell, the harder it becomes to narrow your choices down. In addition to tea, teapots and tea accessories, a collection of British food items are also in stock in case you have an Anglophile on your list.

Top Shelf

10588 Country Walk Drive, Sister Bay

Being somewhat of a cheese enthusiast, I know I can always count on the cheese case at Top Shelf to entice me. This time of year you’re lucky to find a seasonal Rush Creek Reserve from Uplands Cheese Co. and, thankfully, Top Shelf is fully stocked. You’ll also discover plenty of hard-to-find ingredients, spices, or sauces, and an envious collection of top-rated wines and spirits. The collection of bourbons in particular are said to be a popular gift item. Or, really treat your favorite foodie with a custom gift basket; the staff can create custom gift baskets based on a given budget and food favorites for customers who are looking for that unique and, above all, delicious gift.

Cutting Boards and More

611 Jefferson Street, Sturgeon Bay

For those foodies who spend a good amount of time in the kitchen, having quality cutting and serving boards makes all the effort worthwhile. Cutting Boards and More in Sturgeon Bay have an extensive collection of handmade cutting boards, serving boards, charcuterie trays, wooden utensils and more. The craftsmanship is exquisite and the gorgeous American hardwood will add an elegance to any meal. The end-grain cutting boards are the main attraction; the end-grain is resistant to cutting marks and will allow the board to last more than 50 years. Other gifts that are sure to shine are the Wisconsin-shaped cutting boards and craft beer server.  The board is in the shape of Wisconsin and made of a beautiful dark walnut, while the peninsula is made out of cherry wood. Perfect for your Door County foodie!