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Box set — Door to Door Organics of Michigan, a company that delivers fresh, organic fruits, vegetables and groceries to customers' doorsteps, is offering special holiday gift boxes until Dec. 24. The four gift packages are $29.99 each, with free shipping anywhere in the Door to Door Organics' delivery area. Customers can place their order anytime from now until Dec. 24. Discounts available for four or more boxes going to one location. For more info, or to place an order, see doortodoororganics.com and click on Michigan.
New & unique — Deli Unique in Novi celebrated its grand opening just a few weeks ago. Drop in and see what's new. We hear they offer gift certificates for the deli-hound in your life. In Crowne Plaza of Novi, 27000 Sheraton Dr. (west of Novi Road, just north of I-96), Novi; 248-319-0222.
Santa for breakfast — Rainforest Café will host Breakfast with Santa Claus 8-10 a.m. Dec. 12 and 19. Expect photo opportunities with Santa, fun activities, stories and more. At Rainforest Café, Great Lakes Crossing, 4310 Baldwin Rd., Auburn Hills; reservations at 248-333-0280; adults $8.99, children 4-10 $5.99, children 3 and younger free.
FOOD/THOUGHT
If you're trying to figure out a gift for the outdoor wood-fire cook in your life, Peter Mallmann's Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way (Artisan, $35) could be it. Here, the "seven fires" are the various methods of wood cookery indigenous to Argentina. Each is described and illustrated in evocative photographs. The expected beef recipes are accompanied with many vegetable dishes, some cooked directly on the burning embers. It's like encountering a whole new cuisine.
BOTTOMS UP
Hand-pulled beer comes from a "beer engine" that manually pumps the liquid out of a cask; it has become known to the British as "real ale." It's the way it was done before forced carbonation. Beer poured from this device is characterized by less carbonation and is served slightly warmer than that from a standard pressurized tap. Berkley Front, Copper Canyon, Dragonmead, Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Slows are just a few places around town to get a tasty pint of cask ale.
THE WORKS
Naturally, reading Seven Fires will spur a need for some new tools. The Spitjack Tuscan Fireplace Grill will scratch that itch. If you're used to grilling only in the summer and can't stand cooking outdoors when frost forms on your face from your breath, this bad boy is for you. Put it in a clean hearth. Build a wood fire (charcoal will work, but it's not the same) and set your flesh on the adjustable-height grate. The built-in drip pan helps prevent flare-ups and collects the drippings. See spitjack.com.
