Root to Table’s Top Ten Holiday Gifts for Blue Ridge Foodies
With the passing of Thanksgiving, now is the time to kick off your holiday gift buying. Here are some great options to take the stress out of gift-buying for that “Blue Ridge” foodie in your life. Plus, nothing beats the shopping frenzy than a relaxing dinner out over the holidays. Below are our top picks! We have also done some research and will share a new holiday cocktail that will have your holiday party guests raving.
Great Gift Ideas for that foodie in your life!
The best way to tackle gift-giving is to pour yourself a glass of wine and take a big breath in and out, closing your eyes and thinking all things positive. We’ve found four gift ideas for that foodie in your life.
#1 A Gift Certificate to a Root to Table Culinary Event in 2023. There will be four events this upcoming year – one per quarter – March, May, October, and December. The Bavarian Inn will host its fourth Root to Table dinner on May 7th. Enjoy a weekend in Shepherdstown, take a bike ride on the C&O Canal, visit a spa , or enjoy a wine tour in nearby Loudoun County. Then dinner with Hillbrook’s new Executive Chef Jan Van Haute. Contact Founder Nancy Craun and she will help you purchase the Root to Table gift certificate that meets your needs!
#2 Wine or Booze always brings a smile to the receiver. However, here are a few tips. First, go to a good wine store like Locke Store in Millwood, Virginia. Ask their wine experts what the most popular wines are currently wines. You will never go wrong with one of their recommendations. Again, this purchase is not driven by price, but by popularity. If your choice is liquors, research what brand you should purchase. Nothing causes more disappointment than to realize it is Johnny Walker, but not the Black he loves. Instead, you chose Johnny Walker Green because it cost more, and thought he would be impressed.
#3 Culinary Wares will make that great cook in your life happy. Be a good listener as your epicurean cooks in the kitchen. Does your foodie mention a utensil or cookware? I gave my son-in-law a meat thermometer in his stocking. It was his favorite gift that Christmas! How about a Traeger Grill? You have a platinum dealer in the Blue Ridge at Orsini’s in Martinsburg, West Virginia. They also have a vast selection of “All things BBQ.
#4 Do you have a Beef lover in your circle of family or friends? Step out of the box and give them their favorite steaks. Our beef farmers have many choices, from popular cuts like Filets, NY Strips, Delmonico, and Roasts to combination beef boxes between $150 and $250, or customize your cuts with whole or quartered beef bundles. Check out Audley Farm in Berryville, Virginia, Ayrshire Farm in Upperville, or take a drive on scenic Route 340 to Luray, Virginia and visit Burner’s Beef. If you are looking for unusual stocking stuffers, check out the beef jerky sticks!
Great locally Sourced Dinner options
One way to enjoy the holidays is to visit local restaurants beautifully decorated for the holidays. In addition, you can enjoy a beautiful drive in the country and relax by the fireplace in one of our top picks.
# 5 Come feast at one of America’s first “farm to fork” fine dining establishments at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville, VA. Chef Vincent Badiee offers a unique dining experience he calls “Ology.” A creative dining adventure from the Chef’s “test” kitchen featuring a combination of innovative and traditional dishes served family style at your table from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Also, check out owner Beverly’s annual cookie exchange on December 18th at 3 pm. It is a FREE event – a lot of fun!
Editor’s Note: The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm is the location for Root to Table’s “4 Sensational Chefs, 1 Stellar Meal” on December 4th. Tickets are going fast, so RSVP for a fantastic feast prepared by four great culinary friends.
#6 A new experience is small-town shopping in Shepherdstown with lunch at MJs on German DeliCafe. Chef Jordan was formerly at Hillbrook Inn, working under Executive Chef Jan Van Haute. Opened just for Breakfast and Lunch, a house favorite at MJs is Classic Grilled Cheese and a bowl of soup!
#7 When taking that drive out to Locke Store, make a reservation at Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville, Virginia. Looking for something fresh? Something Seasonal? Something healthy yet delicious? Look no further. Hunter’s Head Tavern has a new Harvest Salmon Bowl that checks all the boxes. With fireplaces in all dining rooms, they specialize in fabulous seasonal cocktails. For Christmas, Hunter’s Head does specials/prix-fixe for Christmas Eve and brunch for Boxing Day. An excellent English pub!
#8 Getaway for the weekend, enjoy a beautifully decorated resort on the Potomac River. The Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Take a walk or bike ride on the C&O Canal, and enjoy unique small-town shopping on German Street. Enjoy a beer from the Bavarian Brothers Brewing Company or a fantastic holiday cocktail in front of the fireplace before sitting down to dinner. They are serving a Christmas goose on Christmas day’s menu!
Grab ‘n’ Go for Christmas Dinner or have your Holiday Party Catered
#9 With a farm-driven catering menu, Chef Erik Foxx Nettnin of The Polished Foxx offers Christmas dinners for 2, 4, or 6. Starting with crabcakes and shrimp for appetizers, then prime rib and turkey, sides, and a holiday toffee pudding. The meal comes with easy-to-follow cooking instructions. Pick up at Chefscape in Leesburg, VA.
#10 New to Root to Table is Chef Reid Badger of Between the Hills Events. Chef Reid offers wonderful dinners for pickup. He is doing a prefix Christmas Eve dinner for reheat. His location is in Lovettsville, Virginia. Learn more about his offerings.
The bottom line, explore what local businesses are offering you. Then, support them, so they do not go away! You will be surprised how much fun your shopping experience will be making new friends in our community.
