Season’s eatings in Salt Lake

Salt Lake City may have only a few great shopping neighborhoods, but there are plenty of great shops, especially if you love food. Here’s how to make a big dent in your holiday shopping list in one day of hunting and gathering.

EAT: Orbit Café. WHAT: Jetsons-style cafe with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe. Gimmicky maybe, but a platter of walnut bread-based French toast drizzled with lemon butter is a delicious way to start your day. WHEN: Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat, brunch Sat-Sun. HOW MUCH: $. WHERE: 540 West 200 South; 801/322-3808.

SHOP: Western Nut Company. WHAT: More nuts than you can fathom, snacks for parties, and gift baskets in all price ranges. WHEN: 8-5 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat. WHERE: 434 South 300 West; 801/363-8869.

Bakers Cash & Carry. WHAT: No-frills industrial space that’s the go-to source for bricks of fine European and American chocolates, flavoring essences and oils, candymaking tools and molds, and everything you need for fancy cake baking. WHEN: 9-6 Mon-Fri, 9-1 Sat. WHERE: 367 W. Paxton Ave.; 801/487-3300.

Rico Mexican Market. WHAT: Fresh tamales, burritos, salsas, tortillas, and special entrées for busy nights or parties; traditional Mexican candies, art, decorations, and piñatas too. WHEN: 10-6 Mon-Sat. WHERE: 779 South 500 East; 801/533-9923.

Xocolate. WHAT: Fine handmade chocolates and hand-dipped fruits, from plump strawberries to dried mango. And don’t miss the buttery English toffee, conveniently packaged for gift giving. Xocolate also serves exceptional hot cocoa and espresso drinks. WHEN: 10-7 Mon-Thu, 10-9 Fri-Sat. WHERE: 863 East 700 South; 801/487-2802.

Liberty Heights Fresh. WHAT: Purchase fine oils and vinegars, farmstead cheeses, organic produce, olives, and almost any specialty food item you can imagine. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 1242 South 1100 East; 801/467-2434.

SEE: Horne Fine Art. WHAT: Take a retail break: Moving Inside is a show of original paintings and drawings inspired by the change of seasons. WHEN: 12-6 Wed-Sat through Dec 24. WHERE: 142 East 800 South; www.hornefineart.com or 801/533-4200.