This holiday season more than ever, Corken + Company urges you to exercise the tradition of giving by starting in your own communities and neighborhoods. We’ve all come to understand during these trying times how essential it is that we shop and eat local. Over what is typically the busiest time of year for many small artisans, retailers, craft-makers, and restaurants- it is more important now than ever.
In an earlier post this month, we featured a few markets to check out for gift shopping. In another post, we also pinpointed a few local non-profits that need our support. In addition to those efforts, we can’t stress enough how important it is to support our small local businesses.
Eat local.
Order takeout, tip generously, and buy gift cards to use later!
Shop local.
Browse markets and shops online and in socially-distanced environments to buy locally-made gifts. Again, purchase gift cards. Keep in mind many local retailers are offering individual appointment times to promote safe and healthy shopping.
If you have taken advantage of all of these opportunities, you might be wondering: how else can we help?
Corken & Company came across this phenomenal gift idea from 5280 magazine that gives in more ways than one and keeps on giving.
Here are three locally-created cocktail and cookbooks that make a great gift for yourself or the favorite chef in your life. All recipes are provided by local establishments in Colorado. The proceeds benefit these deserving culinary masters. Bring your favorite eats and libations home to your own kitchen or those of your loved ones. Remember, you’re also invigorating your local bar and restaurant community. Though we may not be able to enjoy their crafts in person, that won’t stop us from enjoying in spirit from the safety of our homes.
The Happy Hour Handbook
This collection of cocktail concoctions and delectable appetizers from 16 of your favorite Denver watering holes and dining places. Recipes include an avocado daquiri from the Cooper Lounge and a maple-walnut old fashioned from Williams & Graham. It also offers helpful tips and tricks. From contributing professionals that instruct on picking the right glass, ice, and mixer, this book makes for the perfect cocktail. The price of the book, available in soft and hard cover, begins at $29.95. This makes it an affordable gift.
A Bite of Boulder
Take a proverbial bite out of Boulder with the use of 43 recipes from 30 of Boulder’s beloved local restaurants. Jessica Emich, curator of the collection and Boulder restauranteur, summarizes the goal of the book. It aims to offer “nutritionally inspired comfort food,” which we can all admit we need more than ever right now. The included dishes are unique and internationally influenced. Ranging from an udon kombu noodle bowl from the vegetarian Leaf and red chile posole from Santo. The book can be purchased online for $29.99. 50% of the proceeds will be returned to contributors.
The Aspen Cookbook
If you don’t live there or visit often, you must make a trip when we are all cleared to travel again. Aspen, the charming and infamous ski village in Western Colorado, has published a collection of more than 100 recipes from 60 restaurants and chefs that call it and the Roaring Fork Valley home. Delectable dishes span breakfast to dessert and include spaghetti carbonara from historical L’Hostaria Ristorante and lemon soufflé pancakes with raspberry syrup from The Little Nell. The book can be purchased online and is priced at $45. All proceeds benefit a restaurant relief fund offering grants to local establishments who need the help.
Restaurants and bars are having to get creative to turn a profit during these unprecedented times. The least we can do is take advantage of their creative energy and spirit. Use the heading links above to purchase one or maybe a few of these exceptional publications and turn to Corken + Company, now and always, for ideas and information on supporting local businesses. We know firsthand how special of a place Colorado is to call home. Let’s all do our part to keep it that way!
