Earthy Delights
www.earthy.com The top site for exotic mushrooms and truffles, from black Himalayans to fresh wood ears.
try: White Truffle Oil, $9, and Black Truffle Butter, $12 (shown).
navigation notes: Fresh truffles vary with the seasons, so the site is constantly updated. Check in periodically, or browse the frozen truffles and truffle oils, which are sold year-round.
gift options and wrapping: Fresh products are sent with gel ice packs and cannot be gift wrapped. But there are gift-basket options (cheeses, oils, spices, and more). Also, individual nonperishables can be wrapped for $7.50.
customer service and shipping: Perishable items are shipped overnight for $25, no matter how large the package. Nonperishables can be sent via UPS Ground.
D’Artagnan
www.dartagnan.com The best site for a wide variety of foie gras. D’Artagnan also sells truffles, free- range meats, poultry, and game.
try: Truffle Melange, $9.
navigation notes: Choose your category, then read a description of each product that includes its shelf life. The FAQ devoted to foie gras is enlightening; learn about the different grades of raw foie gras.
gift options and wrapping: The site offers a long list of gift baskets, including the “Luxury Collection,” which includes foie gras, smoked duck breast, and truffle oils, for $200.
customer service and shipping: All fresh items are shipped overnight via FedEx or UPS; orders of $250 or more are shipped free. Everything comes packed in foam boxes with gel ice packs.
Seattle Caviar Company
www.caviar.com try: Rendezvous #2 (an ounce of sevruga caviar and a bottle of Laurent Perrier Brut), $96.
navigation notes: Shop according to product, from caviar to specialty oils to capers. We appreciated the advice in the site’s Caviar Primer: “Buy
only as much as you plan to serve.”
gift options and wrapping: Choose gifts by price. Sets are packaged in
an insulated bag with gel ice packs and come with a handwritten note. Champagne is wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon.
customer service and shipping: All caviar orders will be shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight. The minimum shipping charge is $30.
