Last Updated on 2025-12-16 | Originally Posted on 2024-12-13
Welcome
I feel a bit weird including a page like this, but you’re only likely to see it if you’re looking for it. It’s nice to get gifts that I’ll not only use but thoroughly enjoy.
I like receiving hand-written cards as well as homemade presents. I’m always grateful to those who take the time to be so thoughful. I’m also happy, though, if you grab a bag of G.H. Cretors Caramel and Cheese Popcorn or Snack Factory Original Pretzel Crisps off the shelf from Sam’s Club.
Local Favorites
Airship – I like independent coffee shops, particularly Airship Coffee, but you have to visit one of their Bentonville stores to buy an in-store gift card. Starbucks is my go-to when I can’t get to Airship or if I’m looking for a shop that is open late.
Chick-fil-A – It’s my favorite fast food restaurant since arriving in Arkansas. I understand that their foundation supports causes some find troubling. However, they do a lot of good for their communities and employees.
Tacos4Life – I like Tex-Mex a lot, and their menu frequently hits the spot. I also like Chipotle. Their late hours mesh well with my teaching hours, when I don’t want to cook a meal at 10 p.m.
Favorite Clothing Brand and Outdoor Store
Patagonia – Although I don’t truly need anything from this high-end retailer, I will probably continue to browse their online 50% end-of-season sales in January and August.
REI – I also love shopping at this outdoor retailer, both online and in their retail stores in Tulsa and on the corner of Houston and Lafayette in SoHo. That leads me to other NYC favorites!
When on Vacation in NYC
Zabar’s – The epicurean dream on the Upper West Side since 1934. What’s not to love? It has coffee, cheese, breads, and a mezzanine filled with kitchen items. Oh, there is one thing: Gefilte fish! Not a fan. It’s been a favorite place to shop since my college days at Purchase decades ago.
JB Prince – It’s the best kept secret for chef’s tools, except for those in the restaurant trade. It’s tucked away on the 6th floor of a nondescript office building in NoMad. Judith B. Prince was a revolutionary woman in the male-dominated restaurant supply trade. It’s a fun place to shop since it has an assortment of items from France, Italy, and the U.S. that you can’t easily find at big box and specialty kitchen stores.
Eataly – This may be a store you know. It’s a highly publicized megastore in Flatiron, across from Madison Square Park. You can find many imported food products from Italy, as well as several restaurants on different themes. It’s a splurge for sure, and puts the senses on overload.
