Looking for the perfect gift for the gourmet traveller in your life? Here are some of the products we’re loving this holiday season.
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Spoil the coffee drinker in your life with the latest espresso machine from Nespresso. Designed to fit in even the most confined of spaces, the Nespresso U ($299, bundled with a bonus Aerocinno milk frothing device) is as clever and compact as they come.
This timeless overnight bag, $2400 from Mulberry, is an elegant accessory for anyone with a love of travel. Smart features include a detachable leather strap, a double-ended zip for easy access, and a handy internal pocket.
Scanpan’s Spectrum Chefs torch, $29.95, is your go-to gift for the sweet-tooth who’s got it all. With its soft-grip handle and simple push-start button, you can guarantee they’ll be brûléeing the perfect crème and toasting bombes Alaska every time.
This hardbound calf-leather recipe book, $425 from Smythson, is a no-brainer for any eager cook. As a bonus, too, it comes pre-wrapped in one of the company’s signature Nile Blue boxes.
Here’s something the food-lover with almost everything: gourmet-inspired temporary tattoos. Tattly’s fun selection includes rows of icy poles and even kitchen utensils. They’re a steal at just $5 for a set of two.
When it comes to the art of giving, you really can’t go wrong with a box of chocolates. These handmade pralines from Melbourne chocolatier Tad Lombardo – Attica chef Ben Shewry’s supplier of choice – taste as good as they look and are our top pick this year. Priced at $30 for a box of 12 chocolates.
Amateur and professional photographers alike will find plenty to love about the Sony Cybershot DSCRX100, $799. Our favourite feature is its ability to take high-quality shots in very dark settings, making it perfect for taking flashless photos in mood-lit restaurants.
The cook of the household will be delighted to find one of these Maxwell & Williams 32cm baking dishes under the tree. They’re available in a range of colours, from classic white to cornflour blue, for $29.95 a pop.
The perfect companion for the woman on the move, this striking yellow travel wallet from Chanel, $2060, comes in a handy clutch size with a removable passport holder and compartments in all the right places.
Louis Vuitton’s latest collection of City Guides for 2013 now includes exciting new destinations such as San Francisco and Verona. Each guide provides an insider’s look into the food, fashion and art cultures of a city, offering the very best advice for the luxury traveller. They’re priced from $33 each.
With a 7.9-inch display, the iPad Mini is big enough to deliver as a tablet but small enough to hold with one hand. Download the latest issue of GT from the Apple App Store and you’ve got the perfect travel companion. Prices start at $369.
Got a would-be mixologist in the family? These DIY gin-blending kits, $140, from Sacred Distillery are sure to keep them occupied on Christmas Day. Each kit includes six botanical distillates, allowing you to mix your gin to your own liking. Martinis, anyone?
Looking for a great stocking filler? Kookery’s tea towels, $24.95 each, not only score points not only for wit but also feel – they’re 100 per cent linen, just the ticket for polishing all that Christmas dinner glassware.
Stumped for secret Santa ideas? These espresso mugs from Le Creuset are just the thing. They’re available in all 10 of the French brand’s trademark colours and at $12.95 each they come pretty close to nailing the Kris Kringle spending limit.
These flutes from Riedel’s Ouverture range are the perfect gift for the consummate party host and a great addition to the Christmas table setting. They’re $39.95 for the pair.
What food-lover doesn’t want a custom-made Japanese knife for Christmas? This striking example from Chef’s Armoury features an ochre-stained bone handle and an impressive 101-layer nickel Damascus blade – truly cutting-edge stuff. It’s priced at $519.95.
Bakers rejoice. KitchenAid’s classic Artisan Stand Mixer now comes in two new colours: contour silver and espresso (pictured). You’ll find them at leading kitchen and appliance stores for $749.
The design-lover in your life will be rapt with this brass Ilse bowl ($175) designed by Ilse Crawford. It’s just one of the many captivating pieces from her collection for Georg Jensen, which also includes vases, boxes and candle holders.
These lightweight cotton beach towels (from $110 each) from Jac+Jack’s home range come in a variety of summery colours and patterns sure to brighten up any beach outing.
These original French and Italian vintage posters from the personal collection of Sydney chef and art collector, Antonio Ruggerino, are ideal for anyone with a love of food, drink and design. The collection features posters that date as far back as 1880. Prices start at $2000.
antonio@verde.net.au
