This Holiday season, many of us are looking to shop small and support local. But, at times it can feel like a scramble to find the perfect gift for loved ones in your life. With different interests and different tastes, it’s sometimes hard to know where to start. This year, however, we’re confident you can find exactly what you’re looking for, for everyone on your list, in London’s Old East Village. From unique shops, delicious restaurants, salons and barbershops, craft beer and spirits, it’s safe to say that there’s something for everyone in OEV!
For the next four weeks, we’ll profile some of the different giftees in your life along with all of the OEV shopping options that would make their season bright. This week, we’ll look at any and all ways you can wow that foodie, the libation snob, or the self-proclaimed chef in your life as we explore what to buy for the Gastro Aficionado!
To start, let’s talk food...
Check out Bella’s Acacia Catering inside Somerville 630 and take home some of her incredible vegan kimchi for a holiday dinner or gift it to those who boast a cultured (and health conscious!) palette. (Construction Dollars accepted)
Treat your loved one to breakfast or lunch at one of London’s best Polish Restaurants, Unique Food Attitudes to enjoy authentic pierogis, cabbage rolls, soups and more. Or pick up some homemade European desserts that will wow anyone on your shopping list. (Construction Dollars accepted)
Be sure to take that special someone down to So Inviting for unmatched Chinese dumplings, potstickers, noodles, and rice. Grab some hot food to go, pick up frozen dumplings to enjoy at home during the holidays or pick up a gift certificate so your foodie friend can decide for themselves! (Construction Dollars accepted)
If you’re looking for some delicious and hearty items to spice up the holidays, head over to the Hungary Butcher for authentic Hungarian sausages, meats, take out foods, and grocery items. On top of this, here you’ll find some of the best pepperettes in town! (Construction Dollars accepted)
Lastly, if you’re looking to treat someone to a Saturday or Sunday (morning) on the town, head down to The Market Western Fair District (900 King Street) for take out foods from around the globe, incredible baked goods, cheese and butcher shops, or grocery vendors who can supply all the ingredients necessary to create that holiday feast!
Let’s talk kitchen, glass, and dinnerwares...
For that everyday chef in your life, there’s no better place to explore than Russell Hendrix (812 Dundas Street). They’re a premier supplier to restaurants and caterers but have various retail options of the finest quality. You can find everything at Hendrix to complete the kitchen of that aspiring TikTok star, the mom who has everything, or that special someone who just needs some new ramen bowls. Check them out today and get ready to win this holiday season!
It’s no secret that OEV is home to a grade-A variety of vintage and second hand stores where you can find beautiful house and dinner wares from years gone by. With such gems as Old East Exchange (Construction Dollars accepted), Silk Road, Tracy’s Treasure Chest, and Back to the Fuchsia (Construction Dollars accepted), there’s no shortage of unique pieces from all decades that are sure to spark conversation at a friend’s next dinner party.
Let’s talk drinks...
When it comes to cocktail ingredients and offerings, there’s no place quite like OEV to impress any certified spirits snob in your life. Take a peek at the hand crafted, small batch gins, whiskies, and cocktail kits at Union Ten Distillery (Construction Dollars accepted). Or, book yourself a spirits tasting or cocktail class through Paradigm Spirits Co., they come to you! Or if you’re looking for something a little more in the moment, head out to the Mockingbird (Construction Dollars accepted) a classic speakeasy with artisanal cocktails and delicious menu items.
Next up, for the craft beer lover in your life, look no further than OEV. With four breweries in one neighbourhood, you’re sure to find just what you need, be it takehome cans/bottles/growlers, merch, food items, or gift certificates. Visit Dundas and Sons (Construction Dollars accepted), London Brewing, Anderson Craft Ales, and Powerhouse Brewing, you’ll see what you mean, there’s something for everyone!
When we’re talking about the finer drinks in life, we cannot forget about coffee and tea! People come from far and wide to OEV for the coffee and tea options so treat your special someone to the best of the beans at Fire Roasted Coffee (Construction Dollars accepted), Asmara Coffee House, or 10Eighteen (Construction Dollars accepted). And if it’s loose leaf tea and accessories you need, check out Wisdom Tea Shop which boasts more than 146 varieties!
Okay, we’ve covered a lot of ground and have hopefully provided you with plenty of options to help quench that insatiable thirst for the Gastro Aficionado in your life. Be sure to check out all the great shops and restaurants in OEV this season and stay tuned for more perfect gifts for that special (and specific!) someone this holiday.
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Feature photo via Facebook / UnionTenDistilling