221905 Fri Apr 29 19:51:36 -0700 2005 8 18 Manhattan 0 1180468 Hey chowhounds--question: I'll be visiting from SF and needed help thinking of some food gifts/souvenirs I could bring back home with me for some friends and coworkers...something that'll keep well for a few days. Any tips or suggestions? Someone suggested jaques torres chocolates and pound cakes from Sarabeths...but I don't want to be falling into a food network trap--unless it's really worth it. Thanks in advance! Fri Apr 29 19:51:36 -0700 2005 0 euni 1 1180478 H and H bagels. Fri Apr 29 23:03:01 -0700 2005 1180468 0 nogs 1 1180497 Before you go the airport make a trip to Houston Street. Start at Katz's Deli and get some Pastrami - make sure that you tip the guys at the counter - what the hell - ask for the fattiest cut - your friends taste buds if not waistline will not begrudge you of this. Walk a few stores down to Russ and daughters...the best appetizing store in the world hands down.get some picked lox - an old world favorite that is getting harder and harder to find...get some of their Chopped liver, made the old way (codeword Schmaltz). While there, sample some of their amazing variety of nova and make sure to get some. I love the Scottish. Very deep smoke. If you want to splurge a bit get some of the sturgeon...so good. Keep heading down the street to Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery.get a variety I am partial to the Kasha... Also in the nabe and must have NY foodstuffs although less perishable and therefore not necessary for on the way to the airport. Kossar’s Bialy, 367 Grand St. (212) 473-4810(make sure you try some hot) And Guss' Pickles, 85 Orchard St. (917) 701-4000 Pick up a six-pack of Jewish Seltzer aka Dr.Browns Cel-ray soda (probably available in SF deli's but the perfect accompaniment to this food anyway) Enjoy Sat Apr 30 08:50:03 -0700 2005 1180468 0 Jongellert 1 1180529 Jacques Chocolates ARE really nice, and they make a hell of a better/easier to transport (and present) gift than pastrami. Sat Apr 30 14:18:19 -0700 2005 1180468 0 Adrian 1 1180546 Jaques Torres chocolates are pretty and nicely wrapped, but are second rate when compared to some other options available here in the city. Kee's, for one, is a far better option taste-wise. Sat Apr 30 16:39:08 -0700 2005 1180468 0 Tim 2 1180561 I totally disagree (about Kee's being better). Sat Apr 30 18:13:35 -0700 2005 1180546 0 Adrian 3 1180584 Um, OK. Sat Apr 30 22:25:30 -0700 2005 1180561 0 Tim 4 1180594 I think Kee's chocolates are superior as well. Both in terms of quality and interesting-ness. Sun May 01 00:22:38 -0700 2005 1180584 0 Nina W. 1 1180598 "Sarabeth's" preserves."Teuscher" chocolates (esp. the champagne truffles, and be sure to keep them refrigerated :).An italian-style cheesecake from "DeRobertis" or "Veniero's Bakery".A NY-style cheesecake and black & white cookies from "Junior's" (there's a branch in Grand Central Station).An old-fashioned apple pie from "The Little Pie Company"."Frozen Hot Chocolate Mix" from "Serendipity 3" (assuming they still sell it, alternatively the recipe :). Sun May 01 00:59:31 -0700 2005 1180468 0 Jon