Here at Chow Bella, we understand how important it is to give (and receive) the perfect foodie gift. So this season, we're helping out by offering 21 food- and drink-focused gift suggestions, one each work day until Christmas, from a local business or provider. You get scads of rock-star ideas, the dollars stay in the Valley, and we get to go shopping -- win, win, win!
3: For the Culinary-Minded Traveler: An Escape to Aravaipa Farms
Have a special foodie in your life who's been really good this year? For a truly unique experience of travel and culinary delights right here in Arizona, you'll want to make reservations at Across the Creek at Aravaipa Farms.
Located in Winkelman, Arizona, (two-and-a-half hours southeast of Phoenix) and next to the Aravaipa Wilderness Preserve, this out-of-the-way escape with just five casitas and room for a maximum of ten guests, is owned by Carol Steele, a 1992 inductee into the Phoenix-Scottsdale Culinary Hall of Fame and former owner of a gourmet cheese and coffee shop in Scottsdale.
And when Steele's not feeding you memorable farm-to-table meals (she grows her own produce) included with your stay, there's always bird watching, hiking, relaxing, and drawing inspiration from somewhere in or around the 300-acre property.
Depending on the season, double occupancy casitas range from $250 to $345 per night, with a two night minimum, and include a queen bed, covered patio with a fireplace, a breakfast bar with coffee, and a snack-stocked fridge. Three meals each day are included in the price.
For more information or to make a reservation, go here.
Miss a Gift?
21: For the Gin Lover: John's Premium Tonic Syrup from Tuck Shop
20: Wrapped Goodness: The Twelve Tamales of Christmas from Los Sombreros
19: Kitchen Confidence: Cooking Classes at the Classic Cooking Culinary Institute
18: For the Grillmaster or Aspiring Chef: Artisan Sea Salts from Go Lb. Salt
17: Blades of Glory: Lee Zierten Artisan Knives
16: Limited Release: 2010 Cochise County Shiraz from Pillsbury Wine Company
15: For the Brittle Addict: Christmas Krak from Laura's Gourmet
14: For the Holiday Hostess: Salad Servers from Frances Vintage
13: The Gift That Grows: Non-GMO Seed Gift Basket From Humble Seed
12: For the Downtown Locavore: The CSM Card from Phoenix Public Market
11: For the Coffee Connoisseur: Roasters Choice Coffee Subscription from Cartel Coffee Lab
10: Signature Goodies From Beckett's Table
9: For the Festival Foodie: 2012 Scottsdale Culinary Festival Pre-Sale Special (Limited Time Offer!)
8: For the Chocoholic: A Chocolate Affair Class at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort
7: For the Culinary Historian: A Cookbook Celebrating Arizona's Centennial
6: Wine & Chocolate Gift Boxes from Dos Cabezas WineWorks and Tracy Dempsey Originals
5: For The CenPho Restaurant Lover: Phoenix Dining Cards
4: Locally Made Goodies All in One Place at Phoestivus Market
