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Gift Guide: The food obsessive

A local gourmand helps us pick out foodie-friendly presents.

By David Tamarkin

"I think it’s a really good way of connecting with local farmers. And it’s a pretty phenomenal deal_the CSA really allows you to follow the seasons and connect with farmers without breaking the bank."
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"I need more classics."
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"If somebody gave me this I would make out with them and then I would go straight to the restaurant."
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"They look really functional_just sexy and utilitarian and really nice."
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"I haven’t met a cheese I didn’t like."
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"Cheese paper is superdorky, and I love it"
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"It’s like a quarterly magazine of my subconscious. It’s amazing."
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"When you have a really, really fine salt, it just really enhances everything—it’s like a tiara."
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"I think it’s a really good way of connecting with local farmers. And it’s a pretty phenomenal deal_the CSA really allows you to follow the seasons and connect with farmers without breaking the bank."

11/17/2010

BRIAN RIGGENBACH, 30, Lakeview

Riggenbach works in the front of the house at Balsan in the Elysian Hotel. But at home, he’s in the back of the house, constantly testing recipes for Yo Soy, the monthly dinner club he throws with his partner, Mikey Corona. The foodie finds on his culinary wish list should satisfy the picky cooks on your list.

My favorite budget-friendly stocking stuffer is… “nice olive oils,” such as Piana degli Ulivi, $20 at Pastoral.

If you have to get a gift certificate, get it from…Lettuce Entertain You, $25–$100 at leye.com/gift-cards. “So I can go to L2O. I think they’re doing phenomenal things there.”

Please don’t get me any more…kitchen gadgets. “I don’t like a lot of gimmicky or one-purpose gadgets.”