Real FOFoodies know that the best treats aren’t found in grocery store aisles. Instead, they’re made on vineyards and farms, peddled off at neighborhood farmers’ markets and served at restaurants only locals frequent. Our FOF Foodie Gurus tipped us off to the local delicacies worth traveling for–but, you don’t actually have to travel to try them. From a clambake in a can to ribs from Ohio, each of the 11 items can be shipped straight to your door!
1. Phat Beets and People’s Pickles from Rick’s Picks in New York, NY
FOF Marla H. Bane: “These are the best pickles. They’re made in NYC by my friend, Rick Field. The Phat Beets are pickled in rosemary, ginger and lemon. I love adding them to salads or to a cracker with goat cheese. The People’s Pickles are another favorite; they taste like classic New York deli pickles but they’re all natural and low-sodium.”
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2. Goat Cheese with Cherries Ice Cream from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream in Columbus, OH
FOF Connie Torgerson: “I love the combination of sweet and salty with the tang of goat cheese. She has such unusual flavors and uses the best ingredients from the best suppliers. I started reading Jeni’s cookbook last night and I admire her passion and perseverance.
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3. Lump Crab from Chesapeake Traditions in Ocean City, MD
FOF Christine Quigley: “Shipping is expensive because it’s so perishable, but it’s worth it — the crab is top notch!”
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4. Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Sauce from Stonewall Kitchen in York, ME
FOF Jo Ann Graham: “It’s absolutely incredible. Forget the ice cream and eat it straight from the jar! So good.”
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5. Strawberry Cherry Chipotle Vinegar from Big Paw Vinegar in Campbell, CA
FOF Connie Torgerson: “I’m in love with this vinegar. I have it shipped to me in six packs. I use it on fresh tuna, as a dressing for my coleslaw and even mix it with sparkling water for a great-tasting drink.”
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6. Cape May Clambake from The Lobster House in Cape May, NJ
FOF Deborah Rogers: “The Cape May Clambake includes lobster, clams, corn and all the makings for seaside dinner anywhere. It is shipped in a can and when you open it, you are transported to the Jersey Shore.”
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7. Raspberry Jalapeno Jam from Petals and Produce in Washington, NC
FOF Cindy Henderson: “Petals and Produce is a wonderful business in eastern North Carolina that offers fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables. But, what I really want to brag about is their mouth-watering salsas, jams and relishes. The prices are amazing (just $5.50 per pint) and the quality is outstanding. The raspberry jalapeno jam has become a holiday family tradition. We serve it with cream cheese and crackers as an hors d’oeuvre and everyone loves it!”
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8. Chandelier Chardonnay Fire Grilled Garlic Marinade from Tavern on the Green in Rochester, N.Y.
FOF Jyl Ferris: “I always make my own marinades but I fell in love with these from Tavern on the Green. They are produced in Napa Valley using the finest ingredients. The owner, Lou, donates 50 cents for every product sold to The National Foundation for Missing and Exploited Children.”
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9. Rack of Ribs from Montgomery Inn in Cincinnati, OH
FOF Linda McCoy: “If you are ever in the Cincinnati area, a trip to the Montgomery Inn is a must! They have the best ribs on the planet. When we took my family there for dinner, my brother-in-law asked for a knife. The waiter said ‘Sir if you need to use a knife, I’ll be takin’ those back to the kitchen!’ The meat falls off the bone, the sauce is scrumptious. If you can’t make it, they ship all over the U.S. They’re legendary!”
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10. Bumbleberry Pie from Betty’s Pies in Two Harbors, MN.
FOF Petra Hennek: “Everyone along the Superior shore in Minnesota knows about Betty’s. They have cream pies and fruit pies, my favorites are usually the fruits. I like the bumbleberry with ice cream and whipped cream. My kids like the French silk. My husband loves the toffee cream. They’re crazy, crazy good.”
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11. Goat’s Milk Caramel from Fat Toad Farm in Brookfield, VT
FOF Kathleen Dolan: “Delicious with a lovely, smooth texture. I put it over ice cream with pound cake and berries. It does not taste like goat’s milk or goat cheese. Recently, my friend who absolutely hates goat cheese tried it and loved it.”
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