If I could take burritos to Wisconsin, I would
September 30, 2013 9:20 AM Subscribe
I'm visiting a friend in Milwaukee, WI and would like to bring something from LA (or California in general) that maybe one would not be able to easily obtain in Milwaukee. She's been to LA before, and recently had a baby, so at the very least I will take adorable baby stuff, but a region-specific gift would be fun, if I could only think of something worthwhile! It has to be something I can carry with me on a plane.
Bringing cheese to Wisconsin might be a bit coals to Newcastle. CA wine? Caltech baby shirt? Milwaukee has a Trader Joe's, so that's out.
posted by Ideefixe at 9:48 AM on September 30, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by Ideefixe at 9:48 AM on September 30, 2013 [4 favorites]
If your friend is into crafty stuff, maybe some cool fabric/yarn/papercraft supplies? I'm in Milwaukee myself, and we have kind of a dearth of good stores for affordable, offbeat crafty items. If she's not into crafting herself but appreciates crafty or arty stuff, maybe some local art that encapsulates some sort of an "LA" feeling to you?
Good local coffee is always fun too - we have some nice local brands, but I always appreciate getting to try something new especially if it would be hard to find online.
posted by augustimagination at 9:56 AM on September 30, 2013
Good local coffee is always fun too - we have some nice local brands, but I always appreciate getting to try something new especially if it would be hard to find online.
posted by augustimagination at 9:56 AM on September 30, 2013
I agree that fresh fruit would be great if it works with the plane. It should-- I don't see why not.
For example, you can get fresh figs here, but they are very pricy and not as great as the ones you could likely bring.
posted by TrarNoir at 10:38 AM on September 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
For example, you can get fresh figs here, but they are very pricy and not as great as the ones you could likely bring.
posted by TrarNoir at 10:38 AM on September 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Another Milwaukeean here. Some generally Californian things that we have easy access to: See's Candies, Tapatio, Trader Joe's, Peet's Coffee.
I'd recommend heading to your favorite farmer's market and picking up some fragile/short-run local produce, along with a bottle of local olive oil, balsamic vinegar, wine, or honey. Green almonds, perhaps, or extra-fancy pistachios? Baby artichokes, dates, figs, or non-Hass avocados? Some kind of magical citrus or other fruit that we don't even know about here in the frozen north? Locally-roasted coffee or handcrafted tea is always good, too.
If one of my L.A. friends wanted to bring me something extra-special from their hometown, I would love nothing more than a jar of SQIRL Preserves. I dream about it!
posted by divined by radio at 10:40 AM on September 30, 2013 [3 favorites]
I'd recommend heading to your favorite farmer's market and picking up some fragile/short-run local produce, along with a bottle of local olive oil, balsamic vinegar, wine, or honey. Green almonds, perhaps, or extra-fancy pistachios? Baby artichokes, dates, figs, or non-Hass avocados? Some kind of magical citrus or other fruit that we don't even know about here in the frozen north? Locally-roasted coffee or handcrafted tea is always good, too.
If one of my L.A. friends wanted to bring me something extra-special from their hometown, I would love nothing more than a jar of SQIRL Preserves. I dream about it!
posted by divined by radio at 10:40 AM on September 30, 2013 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Avocados are pretty expensive in the Midwest. She might also appreciate your favorite locally-made salsa!
posted by stompadour at 10:42 AM on September 30, 2013
posted by stompadour at 10:42 AM on September 30, 2013
Best answer: stompadour beat me to it! AVOCADOS! If that was me in Milwaukee I'd be ever so grateful. The region between LA and San Diego is the avo capital of the country. Take at least a half dozen unripe avos and a couple of jalapeños. You can make guacamole together.
I've taken melons on a plane from the Bay Area. It's not a problem, just pad them well in your clothing.
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 10:55 AM on September 30, 2013
I've taken melons on a plane from the Bay Area. It's not a problem, just pad them well in your clothing.
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 10:55 AM on September 30, 2013
I've taken melons on a plane from the Bay Area. It's not a problem, just pad them well in your clothing.
This conjures SUCH an interesting mental image. You mean the clothing in your suitcase, do you not?
El Pato sauces (not the one with lead in it) for seasoning things. Fresh tortillas. Bagels from Fairfax Avenue.
That should do it.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 11:04 AM on September 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
This conjures SUCH an interesting mental image. You mean the clothing in your suitcase, do you not?
El Pato sauces (not the one with lead in it) for seasoning things. Fresh tortillas. Bagels from Fairfax Avenue.
That should do it.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 11:04 AM on September 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
I would just like you to know that I spent about 3 minutes searching for "baby burrito costume" in earnest because of this question before my coworkers started giving me the side eye. Am still trying to locate a cute one.
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 12:43 PM on September 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 12:43 PM on September 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
I always bring my mom a box of Canter's hamentaschen, but we're Jews and she loves a good hamentaschen. Still, just as an FYI, they travel pretty well.
posted by ablazingsaddle at 1:46 PM on September 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by ablazingsaddle at 1:46 PM on September 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
Plenty of hispanics in Milwaukee, avacados are actually cheap in the metropolitan areas, especially those with hispanic folks.
Better off with some franchise stuff not available outside of Ca.
posted by Max Power at 3:39 PM on September 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
Better off with some franchise stuff not available outside of Ca.
posted by Max Power at 3:39 PM on September 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
Bring her a nice California cheese.
Right, and be sure to bring a bottle of Wisconsin wine back with you. :P
posted by BrashTech at 4:48 PM on September 30, 2013 [5 favorites]
Right, and be sure to bring a bottle of Wisconsin wine back with you. :P
posted by BrashTech at 4:48 PM on September 30, 2013 [5 favorites]
A nice california extra virgin olive oil.
posted by Max Power at 6:12 PM on September 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by Max Power at 6:12 PM on September 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: All great ideas, but I can't believe I didn't think of avocados, which would be the perfect gift for my friend! I can stop by the farmer's market before heading to the airport.
Thanks everyone -- now I owe you all fancy jam and burritos!
These Birds of a Feather, I'll be sure to revisit this for updates on your search
posted by estherbester at 4:11 PM on October 2, 2013
Thanks everyone -- now I owe you all fancy jam and burritos!
These Birds of a Feather, I'll be sure to revisit this for updates on your search
posted by estherbester at 4:11 PM on October 2, 2013
« Older What's your experience navigating life errands as... | Am I breaking some unwritten cell phone rule? Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by dawkins_7 at 9:27 AM on September 30, 2013 [1 favorite]