My father’s favorite Christmas gifts are always “activity gifts” - things we can do to spend time together. A couple of Christmases ago I bought us two tickets to a “Stinky Cheeses” class at Casellula, and we had so much fun that Casellula has been our go-to bonding place ever since (although they no longer offer classes, alas).

There’s a regular menu (with dishes including Peppadew Peppers stuffed with Buffalo Mozzarella & Speck and a “Pig’s Ass Sandwich” with Chipotle Aioli), but what Dad and I always do is order a dish of olives, a plate of Bresaola and Salami, and then a selection of cheeses. The fromager stops by each table to ask about any particular likes or dislikes - don’t be shy, they’re totally not-snobby and very interested in making sure you have a great experience - and Dad and I usually request at least one goat cheese (for me) and one mouth-numbing blue cheese (for him), letting them go to town on the rest.