Mara Davis’ Holiday Gift Picks For Foodies

• Bella Cucina – Owner Alisa Barry first opened a restaurant of the same name in Atlanta in the early ’90s; now, her specialty gourmet foods are sold online and in stores across the country. A pop-up storefront was just opened at the Shops in Buckhead and Davis especially recommends the pesto selections as well as the lemon cream with crostatas.
• Beautiful Briny Sea – Suzi Sheffield’s salt blends are perfect for brines and cooking.
• Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters – There’s a lot of good coffee in town, but Davis’ go-to is a cup from Batdorf & Bronson, served at Dancing Goats Coffee Bars in Washington state and metro Atlanta.
• Malvi – This Cumming, Georgia, business serves up marshmallows, s’mores and cookies that look like they are made with rainbows and magic.
• Pine Street Market – For meat eaters, Davis says its “Meat of the Month” club is a good pick.
• The Spotted Trotter – Another local purveyor of fine meats, The Spotted Trotter is offering a class in butchery.
• Star Provisions – If you’re looking for good cheese, Davis says to head to Star Provisions, now open in its new location on Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard.
• Storico Fresco – This restaurant and retail space offers an “Intro to Pasta” class where you learn about the history of pasta and eat what you make.
• Gift Cards – Just about every restaurant in town offers gift cards, but Davis says make your gift feel a little more special by pairing it with something like a bottle of wine.
• The Atlanta Community Food Bank – And finally, in this season of giving and feasting, you can make a donation in your loved one’s name to a charitable organization like the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Bon appétit!

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