Chow Chow and Other Edible Gifts

I recall when I was a lass we'd go on vacations and find these cute little country shops, and we'd end up with jars of tomato jam and pickled whatnots like chowchow and tiny green tomatoes. Father's Day is rapidly approaching and I'm trying to think of where I can find things like this around here. Brick & mortar please, I'm seeing my peeps next weekend.

Thanks!

The Heinen's stores in the north suburbs carry a product called "Slawsa" which is about as close to Chow-Chow as anything I've ever seen in this area. Look for it in the condiment section. Heinen's Glenview store is probably the closest location to you.

http://www.slawsa.com/

Buddy

Local Foods has a bunch of stuff like that. Not as wide a selection as you might find at a Wisconsin tourist stop like Mars Cheese Castle, but a respectable showing.

I'd bet you'd find some interesting things at a neighborhood farmers' market. We bought pickled radishes last week at the Andersonville market.

The GP wrote:I'd bet you'd find some interesting things at a neighborhood farmers' market. We bought pickled radishes last week at the Andersonville market.

Of course, farmer's markets. I can't believe I didn't think of that. I haven't been in years. Although I didn't have time this week, I'll need to revisit. Mother's birthday is coming up, after all.

stevez wrote:Local Foods has a bunch of stuff like that. Not as wide a selection as you might find at a Wisconsin tourist stop like Mars Cheese Castle, but a respectable showing.

I went here yesterday. What a cute place! I got so many ideas, I'm already planning for Christmas presents. It's frickin' June, somebody slap me.

Lamb bacon, people!

Also, it's just down the road from Fresh Thyme, so I was able to check that out too and finish my grocery shopping.

Thanks for the tip!

Binny's has Old South brand Tomolives - tiny pickled green tomatoes. My kids would devour these by the jar when they were small.

spiny--what was small, kids or tomolives??

(Slap me! I just could NOT resist! Otherwise my enrollment in Pedants USA would be in danger... : )

Geo

I changed the title and am giving this a bump.

I love giving edible treats as gifts, and putting together little baskets to go with my peeps' tastes. I'd like to start a list of places that specialize in interesting stuff. No major chains like Jewel, but independent stores.

Foodstuffs
2106 Central, Evanston
http://www.foodstuffs.com/evanston/

Chicago Candy & Nut / Arway Confections
3407 / 3425 N. Kimball Ave., Chicago
http://www.chicagocandyandnut.com/
arwayconfections.com/

That is what I am good at. I hand out (made by me) Guinness Stout Brown Mustard, hot sauce made from fresh Wisco ingredients, pickled eggs, and pickled kielbasa. People wait for the stuff. It makes it fun. I haven't been to a retail outlet in 20 years and am not a shopper, except deli's and food stores.