Holiday Shopping: Grosse Pointe Style, Part 2

Shopping can be hard work, but it doesn't have to be without its perks. So, you've decided to stay local to do your holiday shopping. You’ve walked Mack Avenue between the area north of Vernier up to Moross and have found an enormous amount of great gifts. You even stopped in on some of the businesses in the Village and on Fisher Road near Grosse Pointe South to add a few specialty gifts and pick up some hard-to-find ingredients at .

Now you’re hungry. And you still haven’t bought a gift for Aunt Ann or for Fluffy, your good friend’s American Bulldog. It’s time to head to the south end of the Pointes – Kercheval north of Alter Road. This half-dozen-block area is a gem for those who like really good and diverse food and need a couple more specialty stores.

First, stop in at . Here you will find a nice array of specialty gifts for the young and the older. What is really cool are the designer bags – one covered with keyboard keys and the other made of pop tops. Any college-age or art lover woman in your life will find these whimsical and useful. Better yet, Flowers by Gabrielle is a hostess (or host) gift dream. Look anywhere in the cute shop and you can find something for anyone. If nothing catches your eye, you can always opt for fresh flowers. Who doesn’t like those?

Now for Fluffy. Stop in at the boutique and be ready to be overwhelmed with pet ideas from jingle bell collars to hand-painted treat containers. But this store is not just about glamour. You can also get your pet a bag of high-quality food or a new chew bone, including the new chewies made of cheek (I know, sounds gross, but remember what bully sticks are made of), which is more easily digestible for your expert chewer.

Now you’re hungry. This is where it gets difficult – not because of a lack of choices, but because of the distinct array of them. If you’re in a hurry, stop in at Fou d’amour and grab a homemade casserole to go, along with a few scones for dessert. If you want to relax and sit down to eat, you must try . They make their own pita chips, and the dip sampler is amazing – complete with butterbean hummus, egg plant and red pepper puree and a powerful yet smooth garlic sauce.

If you’re more traditional, you must stop in at . This classic Italian restaurant is casual enough so that you are comfortable. But the food is anything but casual. It is rich, tasty, fresh and absolutely wonderful.

Now you’re ready to head home. Rats, you forgot you needed to pick up another string of lights and a downspout extension. It’s time to stop in at . The staff is kind and helpful, even if you’re not Clint Eastwood!