Tavolo Serves Up Thanksgiving; Leading Online Retailer Presents Largest Selection of Specialty Foods, Tools, Tableware and Gifts for the Feast.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 1999--

From Thanksgiving foods and tools to tableware and hostess gifts, Tavolo, the leading online retailer of premium-quality food, kitchenware and other cooking related products, features the largest collection of products needed to dress and set the table. Cooks beginning to plan for the big feast will find everything they need on Tavolo -- from distinctive appetizers and side dishes to turkey-roasting pans and serving platters.

"Thanksgiving is a food lover's favorite holiday, and Tavolo has amassed the single most incredible, unique and distinctive collection of foods available in one place," said Bill Wallace, Tavolo's Vice President and Director of Culinary Development. "By providing a tremendous selection of top-quality products and mouth-watering recipes, we're making it easier and more enjoyable for consumers to host an unforgettable feast for friends and family."

In its special Thanksgiving Planner, Tavolo offers four separate shopping areas for the holiday: Foods, Tools, Gifts and Tableware -- each with scores of choices, organized to make it easier for shoppers to find exactly what they are looking for. In addition, the site's recipe department features a complete menu for a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings-along with a guide to making the perfect turkey.

Fine Foods for the Feast

For the celebration of abundance, Tavolo has amassed the largest collection of seasonal foods for Thanksgiving to be found anywhere. From quick and easy hors d'oeuvres to varied selections of pumpkin, cranberry and chestnut products, the selection offers inspiration for distinctive menu planning. Il Trullo's Split Grilled Artichokes in Olive Oil ($24.50), Fonterosa Chestnut Jam ($10.50), Swan's Touch Spiced Pumpkin Butter ($4.95), Foie Gras Terrine ($64.50), Venison and Cherry Sausage ($11.50), Issimo Creme Brulee Cheesecake ($28.95) and Joseph Schmidt's Turkey Truffles ($14.50) are just a few of the fabulous imported and domestic foods to be found in this section of the store. Cooks will also find dozens of premium-quality appetizers, side dishes, specialty meats and desserts.

Turkey Tools and More...

The right equipment can make all the difference in preparing the big feast. Tavolo offers all of the necessary tools to help make the job more pleasurable and successful. Tavolo's Nonstick Roaster and Rack ($99.99) is heavy-duty, easy to clean, and will last a lifetime. For adventurous cooks looking to experiment with less traditional cooking methods, an Outdoor Turkey Fryer ($129.99) enables them to prepare a whole moist and tender turkey in as little as 45 minutes. Additional items available include beautiful pie plates and other baking accessories, as well as utensils such as potato mashers and thermometers.

Thanking the Cook

"What can I bring?" Thanksgiving guests will find dozens of deliciously unique gifts to bring to the table. The spectacular four pound Fenton & Lee Deluxe Chocolate Gobbler ($49.95) makes an unforgettable centerpiece, and Joseph Schmidt's Turkey Truffles ($14.50) placed at each table setting serve as the ideal after-dinner sweet. Chelsea Market's English Breakfast Gift Set ($30.00), including marmalade and tea, is the perfect remedy for the morning after the feast. Tavolo also offers a wide selection of scrumptious chocolates, gourmet gift baskets, dried fruits and nuts and much more.

Setting the Table with Style

Because a beautiful meal deserves a beautiful setting, Tavolo has put together a special offering of tableware for Thanksgiving. Shoppers can find everything from classic platters and gravy boats to whimsical place cards and festive candles. Timeless and practical pieces such as the Portugal Ceramics Oversized Turkey Platter ($24.95), Le Creuset's cast-iron, Oven-to-Table Pumpkin Casserole ($99.95), Wusthof Classic Carving Set ($138.95) and Riedel Stemware ($24.95 - $79.95) can be found in both the special Thanksgiving planner section as well as in Tavolo's new Tableware department.

Tavolo Thanksgiving Menu

Providing inspiration for both novice and veteran cooks alike, Tavolo's elegant, traditional Thanksgiving menu comes complete with detailed cooking tips and timelines. The menu, created by Tavolo's staff of culinary experts, includes Roquefort, pear and watercress salad, turkey with sausage and apple stuffing, buttermilk mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts with chestnuts, pumpkin cornmeal bread, apple-cranberry streusel pie and classic pumpkin pie.

About Tavolo, Inc.

Tavolo (www.tavolo.com), in exclusive partnership with the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the nation's leading center for culinary education, is the leading online retailer of premium-quality specialty food, kitchenware and other cooking-related products. The site offers thousands of specialty foods-including a signature collection of more than 200 private-label ingredients and prepared foods, professional-quality cooking tools, and brand-name kitchen appliances including All-Clad, Braun, KitchenAid and Wusthof. Tavolo also provides thousands of recipes, hundreds of cooking tips, buying guides and other expert cooking information and advice, in addition to useful customized features. Tavolo is a premier retailer of gourmet food and kitchenware on AOL and Yahoo! and has content licensing agreements with most major cookbook publishers and more than 100 renowned chefs. Headquartered in San Rafael, CA, Tavolo's investors include Amerindo, Attractor, Boston Millennia, DAMAC, Hambrecht & Quist, Hearst New Media & Technology, IDG, Marquette Ventures, Scripps Ventures, The Sprout Group, Van Wagoner and Weston-Presidio Capital.