28135 Tue Mar 02 22:20:13 -0800 2004 3 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 117214 This weekend I'm flying to Phoenix to meet two colleagues who once lived in the Bay Area. These two people are foodies and they always loved the food products and cuisines of the bay area. I want to bring them a food gift -- a small thank you that reminds them of the great foods available around here. Any ideas? The item must: - be easy for me to carry on the plane - not need refrigeration - shouldn't be jam or honey. I was thinking a baguette from a great bakery? Or something sweet? what foods best reflect the essence of bay area deliciousness? THANKS! Tue Mar 02 22:20:13 -0800 2004 0 foodtoflywith 1 117217 back 15 or 20 years ago when I lived in exile in the Phoenix area, the only decent food waiting for us when we got 'home' to the Valley of the Sun was Mexican, and we used to bring sourdough baguettes back on the airplane. These days, however, I think most of the great transportable items can be obtained there as well, and the home grown food is quite improved. My suggestion would be to post on the Phoenix boards to get a sense if there is still something besides the SF weather that they really miss down there. Wed Mar 03 00:37:19 -0800 2004 117214 0 susancinsf 1 117223 How about... --Coffee from Peet's, Graffeo, or another top-quality local roaster. --Chocolates from Michael Ricchiutti, XOX or other local --Candied bergamot peel from June Taylor -- Smoked fish (we like the alderwood smoked salmon, but many are equally good) from Capt. Mike's. Wed Mar 03 10:45:18 -0800 2004 117214 0 Joan Kureczka 1 117301 my ideas: 1. wine 2. croissants from tartine 3. canneles from bay bread (i would miss these dearly if i ever left the bay area) 4. half baked pizza from zachary's? (it's supposed to be room temp when you put it in the oven so if you eat it after you get off the plane...) Wed Mar 03 23:37:07 -0800 2004 117214 0 felice