Last-Minute Gift Guide

Foodie Shops

By Amy Dalness with contributions by Heather Apodaca

The artisan food market has taken over pretty much every kitchen in the country, so we’re willing to bet your holiday list has at least one self-declared foodie on it. These shops make it easy to find gourmet gifts that will surprise even the most devoted food connoisseur. Show your friends and family that you know your kale from your kimchee.

The Grove

600 Central SE, Suite A • 248-9800

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
thegrovecafemarket.com

Known for fresh, local fare, The Grove also hosts a small market of culinary-inspired gifts and treats. Fanciful holiday chocolates, pretty little things for the kitchen, and gourmet treats like sparkling wine vinegar and organic jams are the store’s staples. And since it shares space with a restaurant, you can grab lunch as you’re checking off names.

The Candy Lady

524 Romero NW • 243-6239

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
thecandylady.com

The Candy Lady is an Albuquerque chocolate institution. It is also a one-stop shop for last-minute holiday treats and sweets. From standard chocolate to vanilla red chile and lemon dream, the fudge alone comes in enough varieties to satisfy every taste bud.

The Alpine Sausage Kitchen

2800 Indian School NE • 266-2853

Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It’s easy to drive right past this unassuming German delicatessen—but don’t let the building’s ordinary exterior fool you. Carnivores will find a meat-lover’s Eden within. This shop specializes in rare cuts of meat and offers more than 20 varieties of sausage. Unusual gourmet treats such as German pickles and beet horseradish will keep vegetarians (or anyone with an adventuresome palate) happy.

Golden Crown Panaderia

1103 Mountain NW • 243-2424

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
goldencrown.biz

The green chile bread here is legendary, but the bakers also offer plenty of other treats that wrap up quite nicely. Goodies include buttery biscochitos, flakey empanadas and—for those looking for a gift that packs an extra culinary punch—bread sculptures that are both whimsical and tasty.

Talin Market

88 Louisiana SE • 268-0206

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
talinmarket.com

With fare from more than 20 countries, this international warehouse of world cuisine might just have something for every food lover. The store specializes in Asian flavors, but you will find plenty of Latin American, European and Indian specialty items as well. Hard-to-find sake, beer and wine, cooking gadgets, dinnerware and cookbooks are always in stock.

Moons Coffee and Tea

1605 Juan Tabo NE Suite F • 271-2633

Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Moon’s little shop offers a huge selection of gourmet teas, roasted coffee and every imaginable means of brewing them. It is an ideal place to find offbeat flavors as well as standard, high-quality brews. And the owner is full of advice on finding the perfect leaf or bean.