The images above are exactly why we love browsing the Zingerman's website. All of the products are illustrated in the store's characteristic, whimsical style. And aren't cheese illustrations so much cuter than actual cheese?
This online store (with an actual presence in Ann Arbor, Michigan) is a great resource for gourmet gifts, and with Father's Day around the corner, it's worth a look...
Ordering food by mail is always iffy for us — especially when it comes to gifts. You never know if it actually tasted good, arrived intact, or was packaged nicely. We can recommend Zingerman's from firsthand experience (a certain father is a big fan of the coffee cake). It's not cheap, and you'll pay for quick shipping, but we trust the quality of the food.
The store has its own creamery, run by cheesemaker John Loomis, and Zingerman's label cheeses, but there are plenty of European cheeses for sale, too. You can also buy international cheese "passports," which include a sampling from one country.
The sweets section is full of interesting, off-the-beaten-path products (they sold Scharffen Berger cocoa long before the brand became so ubiquitous) like peanut butter chews and fleur de sel caramels from France.
If you have a little money to spend, Zingerman's excels at gift boxes. Right now, they are offering several Father's Day packages, including a Reuben Sandwich Kit and a Powered by Pork gift tote, which includes several varieties of bacon and a Mo's Bacon & Chocolate bar from Vosges.
One thing we're wary of is bread. Of course, we live near so many great bakeries and can also bake our own, so we're not exactly in the market for mail-order bread. But we still wonder how it would travel, even if shipped overnight. Anyone had experience buying Zingerman's bread by mail?
Related: Gift Idea: Bacon of the Month Club
(Images: Big Cheese, Strawberries with Balsamic, and Lemon Poppyseed Cake; all from Zingerman's)
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
I was working on a project in MI and lived around the corner from Zingerman's. I have ordered gift baskets from them numerous times and they are always well-received.
Their bread is great and. like all their products, will arrive in great shape. (I personally love the chocolate cherry bread) They include extra storage bags and instructions on how to freeze and then reheat the bread. But when I factor in the cost of the bread the high shipping, it's just too expensive.
view Kathryn's profile
I'm lucky to live less than an hour from Zingerman's. If you're ever in the area try out the original Zingerman's Deli (my fav sandwich is Gemini Rocks the House) or the Zingerman's Roadhouse (best chicken ever)- the food is always fresh and top notch.
view amm1029's profile
Zingerman's mail order currently has a promotion going on where you can get 25% off if you type in 27EL0602 at check-out. Only good for merchandise and does not apply to shipping. Send the code to all your friends! They want you to:)
I can say from personal experience that Zingerman's has amazing food and ridiculously good service. The bread and food does seem pricey, but once you taste the quality of it, trust me, you'll never go back. I once got a loaf of the cranberry pecan bread and ate the whole thing in a couple of hours. It's that good. Their shipping service is terrific and everything is wrapped up really nice, so send away for Father's Day!
view phageintosis's profile
I love Zingermans! Discovered them when I spent a summer in Ann Arbor about 15 years ago and have been a customer ever since. They are pricey, but everything is delicious. They also have an excellent selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars -- great holiday gifts for foodie friends.
view anninva's profile
Not only does Zingerman's have great food; but they are a company that you can't help but to feel good about supporting. Locally owned and operated, they are known for being a great employer, supply their restaurant with locally, organically grown food all summer and established an extremely successful not-for-profit food rescue program for the county (http://www.foodgatherers.org/). Although they may be a bit expensive; the are an important member of the community and the extra expense is well worth it.
view rbeardsl's profile
I agree with rbeardsl, AND th bread is freaking amazing. I'm addicted to the French Mountain and Sourdough. The latter actually came out of my freezer after five months and after following their re-heating instructions, blew away any other sourdough I've ever had. I also got a cheese sampler for Hanukkah and it was fantastic.
view beckerjess's profile
A2 represent! I used to go there with a friend and make a lunch of picking a sampler of cheeses and bread. They will also give you half a dozen bagels for free on your birthday.
view JJJ111's profile
Hey all!
I currently live in A2, and eat at Zingerman's pretty regularly.
Be sure to watch my blog for a real COST posting of what it means to eat at Zingerman's nowadays!
Lawd knows I love me some nosh, but it's getting expensive!
www.thebitterfoodie.blogspot.com
view thebitterfoodie's profile