299359 Fri Dec 03 16:59:24 -0800 2004 7 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1658171 Has anyone ordered a gift package from Zingerman's? If you have, what did you order and what would you recommend? The peasant bread and creamy cheeses looked interesting. Any thoughts on those? Also,how are they in customer relations(if there is a problem) and on-time delivery? This would be a gift for very dear friends who have been exceptional hosts, so I'd like it to be special. Also,if anyone has other recommendations of where to order a special gift package,I'm receptive.TIA Sue Fri Dec 03 16:59:24 -0800 2004 0 sue 1 1658187 I've bought (and have had bought for me) a boatload of stuff at Z's over the years, and have never been disappointed. And don't fret about buying the baked goods - they will replace ANYTHING immediately with profuse apologies, and a 10% off-next-purchase coupon to make it up to you. My favorites: Chocolate Cherry bread the Magic brownies the Italian cherries the Paesano bread The Weekender I plan to use em again this year, probably for my exceedingly hard-to-please parents...so go for in. Buy someone some expensive honey or the Cocoa Box or enroll them in Bread of the Month. You'll be glad you did. Seriously! Fri Dec 03 19:01:16 -0800 2004 1658171 0 peg 2 1658196 I sing the praises of this place so much I'm afraid somebody is going to think I'm shilling for them, but they're great. I completely second two of Peg's recs (the chocolate cherry bread and the brownies), and would unquestioningly recommend anything from there. They're customer service is so good that they have a separate business unit that does customer service training. If you call and sound even vaguely dissatisfied, they'll try to make you happy. I love Zingerman's! Fri Dec 03 20:07:00 -0800 2004 1658187 0 Smokey 1 1658191 As an ex-Ann Arborite, I sometimes crave my old Zingerman's favorites and have done a fair amount of mail order from them. Everything has been surprisingly fresh. If you don't like any of their gift baskets, they are more than happy to let you select your own products and package them festively. My favorites are: Scones (currant, ginger, cheddar) Breads (raisin pecan, chocolate cherry, parmesan peppercorn, I think they have a seasonal cranberry nut bread too) Brownies (magic brownies are my fave, Buenos Aires are a close 2nd) Fri Dec 03 19:21:09 -0800 2004 1658171 0 chococat 1 1658209 I sent the Weekender to a couple as a wedding present. She's a vegetarian, so they let me substitute a cheese for the salami that would be compatible with the other goodies. The customer service was excellent because they steered me to a cheese that my friend - who is very chowish about cheese - would appreciate. I waited until the last minute to send the gift because I was vascillating over a few other places but despite my indecision the present arrived on time. The present went over big, they still have the box the goodies came in (always the hallmark of a good present, lol). Fri Dec 03 23:58:42 -0800 2004 1658171 0 Tracy L. 1 1658248 I'm another HUGE fan of Zingerman's. I actually just placed an order for my husband's boss...5 italian cheeses and two breads. All of their cheeses are to die for and the paesano bread is my absolute fav. I've placed probably 20 orders from them in the past year...everything from their "pre-packaged" gift baskets, to the bread club, to the cheese passports! We've also tried Olive Oil, brownies, balsamic vinegar, pasta, chocolate covered figs, and more! All were perfect! We had a problem once with a mistake they made on an order and, like someone else mentioned, they IMMEDIATELY fixed the problem & sent us a discount coupon as well. Their customer service is out of this world! I LOVE Zingermans!! IMHO, their cheese selection is their biggest asset. Oh, and the zingerman's creamery cheese passport is awesome as well--the cream cheese and the sharon's hollow rounds...YUM! Can you tell how much I love Zingermans???? Highly recommend them! Sat Dec 04 18:16:31 -0800 2004 1658171 0 mish 1 1658259 IMHO, they are the litmus test when it comes to quality, freshness, and customer service; end of story, that's all she wrote...etc. For whatever it's worth, the service THERE is amazing. The Ritz of deli/restaurant/foodmarkets. Speaking of (and this is the last thing, really) I just got my holiday catalog today and have been circling stuff intermittenly (sp?) all day. :) Sat Dec 04 22:24:07 -0800 2004 1658171 0 thegreek 1 1658303 Thank you all for the great testimonials. I did place an order(called on the phone as I wanted some guidance) and the service rep was unbelievably helpful and patient.I can't imagine that the recipients of my gift won't be very pleased!!! Now, I have to start thinking about a "gift" to myself!!! Thanks, again Sun Dec 05 16:50:24 -0800 2004 1658171 0 sue