Staff Picks: The Alleyway Gift Guide
Hanukkah’s here, and Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Festivus are coming up. Still haven’t figured out what to give? Do not worry, I reached out to the staff and tapped into their expertise. We’ve zeroed in on what's most essential. This guide is all you need for holiday success.
Hanukkah’s here, and Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Festivus are coming up. Still haven’t figured out what to give? Do not worry, I reached out to the staff and tapped into their expertise. We’ve zeroed in on what's most essential. Don’t be stressed; this guide is all you need for holiday success.
2023 Honda Accord
Dylan has recently gone from making and scooping ice cream to selling cars at Lia Honda of Kingston. Dylan says that if you’re looking for a car, get a 2024 Honda Accord and get it from him. He might even be able to put a novelty bow on the roof for you.
Succulents
For those not looking for a new car, Dylan recommends the ever-charming succulent. Their low maintenance nature and variety in shapes, sizes, and colors make them perfect for everyone. They're not just plants; they're symbols of enduring love and resilience.
Heated Blanket
Heated Blanket
Texting me on a cold and rainy day earlier this week, Madison recommended heated blankets. She says heated blankets are an excellent gift, especially during the colder months. They offer the ultimate comfort of warmth and coziness, making them perfect for anyone looking to stay snug.
HEYDUDE Shoes
Santa wears HEYDUDE
Nick's pick is the versatile and comfortable HEYDUDE shoes. “They’re like a mix between boat shoes and slippers and I wear mine everywhere. Best pair of shoes I’ve ever had. So comfortable.” At the time of speaking, Nick was wearing camo HEYDUDEs, but they come in an insane amount of colors and patterns.
Lego Infinity Gauntlet
LEGO Infinity Gauntlet
Antonio's pick is a must-have for that kid of any age on your gift list. He says the set has the perfect build duration – not too long, not too brief – and the finished product looks fantastic. The completed model is not only a striking display piece for any bookshelf but also showcases LEGO's exceptional attention to detail. Known for their consistent quality over the years, LEGO makes an ideal gift.
JBL Bluetooth Speakers
No matter where you need music, no matter your budget, Leo says JBL has what you need. Leo says his JBL speaker is, “the most used gift I’ve ever gotten.” Some are tiny, some are huge, some are waterproof, some can even attach to your key chain. And they come in so many colors. Can’t decide what song to listen to first? Leo’s go to song on his JBL is Us and Them by Pink Floyd.
Nike Sweatpants
Rowan highly recommends Nike Sweatpants as an excellent gift for anyone who values comfort and style. Perfect for workouts, lounging at home, or casual outings, they come in a variety of styles and colors. Their versatility and comfort make them a practical gift that can be used year-round.
Milwaukee Top-Off
Milwaukee Top-Off
Ian recommends the Milwaukee Top-Off Power Supply as the ideal gift. Not just for job sites, he's considering one for each family member. It's a lifesaver during power outages, camping, or road trips, thanks to its AC power outlet, USB-C port, and USB-A port. This practical, versatile tool is a valuable addition to anyone's daily life.
Coyuchi Relaxed Linen Sheets
I feel like royalty every time I get into bed, all thanks to Bosco’s Mercantile. Talk to Laura about a delicious Coyuchi sheet set if you really want to treat someone special or yourself. Coyuchi is the ultimate in year-round comfort. Believe it or not, they get softer with each wash.
Honorable Mention: Harry Potter LEGO Sets
Intending to reach out to one Leo for gift recommendations, my fingers inadvertently danced across the screen to another - a certain Leo from Fletcher & Lu, the culinary gem tucked away on Kingston’s Broadway. This Leo, a purveyor of tastes at the new delicatessen known for its homemade cured meats and pâtés, artisan cheeses, fresh pasta, rotisserie chickens, smoked fish and amazing sandwiches, (and Alleyway pints) offered his gift suggestion: Harry Potter LEGO.
Alleyway at Adams, MyTown Marketplace & More
Calcutta Kitchens in Kingston
Julian here. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Your unwavering support is truly unbelievable. Each day, I pour my heart and soul into bringing Alleyway Ice Cream closer to you.
I'm excited to share some wonderful news since our last newsletter. Alleyway Ice Cream is in four new locations, and I'm thrilled to announce that we’ve made our debut in local grocery stores for the first time ever! The new places you can now find our pints are:
Adams in Lake Latrine
MyTown Marketplace in Stone Ridge
Calcutta Kitchens in Kingston
Ruby Hill Farm in Clinton Corners
Alleyway needs your support to make sure our ice cream stays in their freezers. If our ice cream doesn't fly off the shelves, they’re going to take it out to make room for other products. Your love for Alleyway has brought us this far, and I’m counting on you to keep the momentum going. So please, if you see Alleyway in a freezer, buy it! It will help keep our ice cream available for everyone to enjoy.
Why Our Matcha Tastes So Good
Here I am in Kyoto drinking matcha, eating matcha ice cream, and matcha tiramisu.
Last December, right after Alleyway closed and Japan finally welcomed tourists back, I got to taste some real matcha for the first time. It was a game-changer and that’s when I realized that Alleyway's matcha needed a serious upgrade. So, I went on a mission and found this amazing matcha straight from Kagoshima. Kagoshima is the best region for organic matcha thanks to the active Sakurajima volcano and nutrient packed volcanic soil. It’s very expensive, but perfect for our ice cream.
What I Learned About Matcha
Matcha’s history goes back at least 800 years with roots in Zen Buddhism. Initially introduced to Japan by Zen monks, the ceremonial preparation and consumption of matcha became an integral part of their meditation practice. The delicate process involves grinding shade-grown tea leaves into a fine powder, which is then whisked into a frothy drink using a bamboo whisk and hot water. This meditative ritual remains alive in traditional tea ceremonies, where every movement is deliberate and imbued with meaning.