The Gourmet

Vanessa Clarke, who owns and runs The Good Food Store in Ballsbridge, is a woman who knows her pancetta from her pan forte and has a good idea what your average gourmet would like to get in their stocking. "Speaking personally, I know I'd love to get a jar of foie gras - we stock a gorgeous one by the Cork firm, On The Pigs Back (£20 for 180g). Also some caramelised mango, which you'll have to make yourself, some champagne and orange truffles from Skellig Chocolates (£11) and a bottle of organic `champagne' like Clairbio Monopole Brut (£16.50). Delicious."