24397 Sun Jun 01 14:03:51 -0700 2003 14 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 95038 A small town Oregon Politico has earned a gift. Can anybody recommend some local/regional non- perishable food items ?(suitable for export).I've got Molinari Salami.Trader Joes they have up there and plenty of wine Sun Jun 01 14:03:51 -0700 2003 0 dukedee 1 95039 Some of June Taylor's jams, preserved fruits, or syrups. The rose geranium syrup is especially nice -- just mix with sparkling water or champagne. She sells the full line at the Ferry Plaza market on Saturdays or through her website at www.junetaylorjams.com. Sun Jun 01 14:26:16 -0700 2003 95038 0 Joan Kureczka 2 95069 If you decide on June Taylor, the bing cherry jam is really special. The only cherry jam that tastes true to the fruit. XOX chocolates. Graffeo coffee (which is across the street). Mon Jun 02 01:42:35 -0700 2003 95039 0 Stanley Stephan 1 95041 Some local olive oil (lots of choices). Michael Recchiuti chocolates. Sun Jun 01 16:08:22 -0700 2003 95038 0 Ruth Lafler 1 95057 If you want pre-packaged, the place linked below is a good one. We've ordered from them several times, and have always gotten compliments about packaging, presentation, and food. Delivery is prompt, too. About the only complaint we got was some of the items were gobbled up too quickly. ;-) Of course, it's not the *most* authentic, and it doesn't have that hand-selected aura. But they do use regional wines, cheeses, mustards, etc for most of the items. For hand-selected, I might go with some farmer's market honey and local chocolate. Can always toss in some sourdough starter for that kitschy SF feel. ;-) Link: http://www.winecountrygiftbaskets.com/ Sun Jun 01 20:32:56 -0700 2003 95038 0 Marc Wallace 1 95080 scharffenberger chocolate sampler. Mon Jun 02 09:42:48 -0700 2003 95038 0 gordon wing 2 95088 Gordon and all you Scharffenberger fans, first of all, this is not meant to be a flame but an inquiry. Why do you like this chocolate? Maybe I'm trying the wrong chocolates or my taste hasn't evolved to that point, but I've found it unremarkable. Also, like Schmidtt, you can buy it anywhere, like Whole Foods. Give me some insight about why everyone likes it so much. Yes, I know it is a quality product, but quality doesn't always translate to flavor. I've tried all the little bars they sell at the markets and none of them gave me the urge to buy more. I saw the shop (still closed) in the Ferry Building. Is there a particular chocolate he sells that is outstanding to you? Mon Jun 02 12:00:02 -0700 2003 95080 0 Stanley Stephan 3 95097 I'm actually not a Scharfenberger (sp?) fan, per se, but I mentioned it because they are in the "SF Bay Area" and do have a following. My personal opinion is that their chocolate is better showcased in finished desserts as compared to eating out of hand....but I will also admit that I haven't tasted all their varieties. The way they go about their business undoubtedly gains them extra points above and beyond what one might think about their chocolate. Maybe others will chime in with their favorite tidbits. Mon Jun 02 13:53:39 -0700 2003 95088 0 gordon wing 4 95213 I like the new E. Guittard line of premium chocolate. These are also local (Burlingame) and they taste better than Scharffenberger IMHO. Here's a link: Link: http://store.yahoo.com/guittard-online/copr.html Tue Jun 03 10:10:50 -0700 2003 95097 0 Nancy Berry 3 95145 My partner loves the Scharffenberger cocoa mix -- even though it's ludicrously expensive ($8 for a small tin). I believe she also went on a factory tour; nothing like fresh samples to make it seem better! Mon Jun 02 18:55:02 -0700 2003 95088 0 Marc Wallace 3 95158 I find Sch. pretty unremarkable too, but the Nibby Bar--semisweet, filled with cacao nibs--is a crunchy, bitter, yummy treat. The shape of the one ounce-bars somehow works well with the nibs. Never had another like it. Mon Jun 02 19:40:50 -0700 2003 95088 0 Missy P. 1 95083 Cafe Fanny Granola. Acme Kulich, Pumpkin Bread (or whatever has storage legs). McEvoy Olive Oil. Cafe Rouge Jerky. Scharffenberger Choclate. Anchor Steam Beer. If you could refrigerate, then we'd be talking... Mon Jun 02 10:17:49 -0700 2003 95038 0 k. gerstenberger 2 95367 If I were going to send Acme, I'd send the Olive bread, which is delicious and lasts well (the moisture from the olives keeps it from drying out). Wed Jun 04 15:41:24 -0700 2003 95083 0 Ruth Lafler 1 95103 Marshall's Farm Honey Link: http://www.marshallshoney.com/ Mon Jun 02 14:35:53 -0700 2003 95038 0 nja 1 95263 And please let us know what you finally selected! Tue Jun 03 16:53:19 -0700 2003 95038 0 Marc Wallace