Check off these restaurant and bar-related items from your shopping list
With holidays right around the corner, it’s time to think about gifts for friends and family. Luckily, Charleston has a wealth of food and beverage items ready to purchase and ship directly to your loved ones. From locally roasted coffee beans to cocktail mixers to a decadent coconut cake, you’ll find something for everyone on your list here. There’s stocking stuffers, extravagant presents, and everything in between. And, if you’re not in the giving mood this year, save a few of these products to stock up your own pantry. Buy local and buy often — here are the Eater Charleston-approved items for your consideration.
Anson Mills Products
For a real taste of the Lowcountry, send your loved ones a few packages of Anson Mills products. It wasn't until Glenn Roberts founded Anson Mills in 1998 that the legendary Carolina Gold rice came back from near extinction and is now served on menus across the Lowcountry. Anson Mills also produces heritage benne seeds, Sea Island peas, and other staples of Charleston’s past. It’s a true taste of history. Price: Varies
Grey Ghost Holiday Cookies
Named after the legend of the Grey Ghost on Pawleys Island, who warns residents of coming severe storms and hurricanes, this bakery cooks up treats inspired by Southern ingredients. Pick up individually packaged Christmas and Hanukkah-themed cookies in flavors like almond toffee, lemon sugar, and molasses spice or pick up a larger stack to share at holiday parties. Price: Varies
Rewind Candles
Want your house to smell like wine but in a good way, not a I-just-dropped-a-bottle-of-chardonnay-on-the-floor way? Then look towards Charleston-based company Rewined Candles. Seductively fragranced wax poured into recycled bottles makes for a handsome gift to any wine lover. Search through scents like pinot noir with hints of leather and violet or rosé with notes of rose petal, white peach, and pink peppercorn. Price: $28
J. Stark Wine Tote
Wine makes for a quick and easy host or hostess gift, but why not make that bottle even more special with a tote from Charleston-based home goods company J. Stark? The Tremont wine tote is constructed with waxed canvas and leather straps. There's room for two bottles of your favorite varietal and space for a wine opener. Go the extra mile this gift-giving season and give your friends and family a little something extra with their boozy presents. Price: $70
Thunder Sauce
Need a way to easily make Southern-influenced dishes, like deviled eggs or grilled catfish, instantly better? Try the Thunder Sauce from the good folks at Lowcountry favorite The Glass Onion. A combination of sweet peppers and onions, this relish makes it easy to add new layers of flavor to many of your home-cooked meals. Price: $6
Charleston Bloody Mary Mix
Forget the Zing Zang and go for a few bottles of Charleston Bloody Mary Mix. What’s better than a holiday brunch with a few morning cocktails? Nothing. Made with top-notch, natural ingredients, these mixes forgo the horseradish and feature a unique blend of habanero mash, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and spices for a bit of heat and flavor. Price: Varies
Bad Bitches/Tilt NYC Apron
Bad Bitches Nikki Furman and Sarah Adams know the importance of looking good in the kitchen. That’s why they teamed up with Tilt NYC to produce an apron that works with a woman’s curves, rather than squish them behind unflattering fabrics. No frilly stuff here, just the elimination of the chest pocket, no folding at the waist, and full hip coverage. $10 of every sale will go to the Bad Bitches Grant Fund to provide hands-on experience for women in hospitality to enhance their careers. Price: $75
The Shelter Collection From The-Commons
Designer Erin Reitz of the well-curated home goods store The-Commons puts forth interesting pieces for any holiday table. Her newest products present lines of glassware and ceramics. Reitz designs the pieces and has them produced by a non-profit organization in Star, N.C. Each piece is hand blown or hand throw with materials sourced in the state. These pieces make for super unique presents. Price: Varies
Peninsula Grill Coconut Cake
The star of the Charleston dessert world is undoubtedly the famous Peninsula Grill coconut cake — even if you don’t like coconut, you’ll probably enjoy this dreamy decadence. Imagine what a hero you will be if you send your friends an entire, freshly baked dessert straight from the restaurant. Maybe they’ll even share a slice with you. Or perhaps bring a cake to your next holiday party and be the star of the evening. Price: $130
Burnt and Salty Condiments
Chef Bob Cook's Korean mustard has been a staple of sandwich shop Artisan Meat Share since it opened — when he and partner Cris Miller decided to bottle the product, the entire town rejoiced. The addictive, spicy, plus a touch of sweet sauce goes perfect on everything from wings to potato chips. Since launching the mustard, Burnt and Salty has also brought coconut suka and a Thai-inspired chili glaze to shelfs. Price: $28
Smithey Ironworks Skillet
The workhorse of any great Southern kitchen should be a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. If you're friends weren't lucky enough to get a mint condition set from a family relative, then look to local company Smithey Ironworks for a handsome, and useful, holiday gift. Perfect for home cooks of every level. Price: $160
Caviar & Bananas Gift Basket
Charleston cafe Caviar & Bananas makes giving local easy with a gift package of Lowcountry food products. They stack the basket with Red Clay hot sauce, Dottie’s Toffees, Grey Ghost cookies, Bulls Bay salt, and other Holy City favorites. C&B can customize to your gift receiver’s taste — and they’ll even put a bow on it. Local gifts made easy? Perfect. Price: Varies
Sideshow Press Cocktail Kit
Step up the cocktail game with a classic cocktail mixing set from local wares provider Sideshow Press. The adorable glass pitcher is engraved with a horseshoe — which means all your drinks shall be lucky. The set also comes with a julep strainer and swizzle stick for mixing. Learn a few new recipes and entertain friends with this sophisticated set. Price: $38
King Bean Coffee
Local coffee roasters King Bean are here to keep you caffeinated for the holidays. Available in a variety of single origins & blends including their 2016 holiday blend “Peace & Joe” — it’s bold and festive, just like your parties should be. Bring a few bags along for an easy host gift or to perk up the office coffee maker. Price: $12.99
Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Products
Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. has been a staple of the Charleston market for years. Starting with a small batch tonic, entrepreneur Brooks Reitz built up his product list to now include elderflower tonic, sweet tea syrup, bourbon-soaked cherries, bitters, and more. A bottle of these libation enhancers are sure to make a handsome addition to any home bar. Price: Varies