FOR NOTHING LESS THAN THE BEST Described as "a seamless fusion of elegant artistry and bold innovation," Armand de Brignac Champagne was developed by those who work to perfect the art of Champagne in its quality, taste, and presentation. The Cattier family-whose experience in winemaking dates back to 1763-prides itself on choosing only the highest-quality grapes from the topmost portion of each harvest's first pressing, thereby earning the resulting vintage classification as a prestige cuvee-wine that grows more complex and delicate as it ages.
Since it contained a premier spirit, the Cattiers insisted the bottle be just as luxurious and opulent. Each Champagne comes in a bottle inspired by the French fashion industry; some have been gold-plated or rose-colored, and the most recent is the Blanc de Blancs' antique silver bottle just released this June. A great way to show appreciation for V.I.P.s, top clients, C.E.O.s or anyone else you want to spoil this holiday season, the Champagne comes from a designated Premier Cru vineyard-a certification by the French Champagne governing body given to fewer than 50 of the more than 300 vineyards in the region.
Armand de Brignac is sold throughout the country and at local spirit retailers including Portofino Wine Bank and Cork & Bottle in Miami. Additionally, packaged bottles of six can also be ordered through the company Web site, though other quantities can be packaged on a case-by-case basis. The Brut Gold is priced at $300 per bottle, while the Rose and Blanc de Blancs are $500.
FOR THE NEW YORK TRANSPLANT Florida is known as a refuge for many from the cold winters of the Northeast. You can bring those transplants around you a bit of a home with a muffin bouquet from the Popover Café in New York City. Not your ordinary muffin basket, the company's signature popovers are packaged in long-stem flower boxes and tied with a simple tulle ribbon-a refreshing option to traditional cellophane-wrapped gift baskets. There are six gift options to choose from, including the classic bouquet of six popovers and an eight-ounce jar of preserves or the café's signature apple butter (priced at $65); or the café's Popover Sundae bouquet, complete with six popovers, hot fudge sauce, and an ice cream scoop for $75-all you need to add is the ice cream. Though a half dozen muffins constitute a standard bouquet, special orders can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
TO FIND THE HOTSPOTS When you're traveling for work, there isn't always an Internet hookup available. But he Wi-Fi Wireless Hot Spot Finder can show you the closest connection network-and its signal strength-within 150 feet via its light display. The finder comes with a three-volt battery, is attachable to a key ring, and can be customized with a personal message or company logo. Prices start at just $24.50 per unit the price drops as order quantities increase. A $55 setup charge will be added for each color needed for the silkscreen or logo imprinting, with the first color run at no additional charge.
