SHOPPING MADNESS
Have you had it with traffic snarls in parking lots? Long lines at the cash register? This just might be the answer for you: www.net-gourmet.com.
This newly launched Web site has ended the shopping nightmares of grocery store customers everywhere. The online market carries a broad selection of premium foods including wines, imported cheeses, exotic meats, pastas, desserts and more, all in one store. In addition to traditional fare, net-gourmet.com is featuring a gourmet gifts section, including themed gift baskets, desserts, kosher gifts, fruit baskets, gourmet chocolates and even cigar gift sets. In anticipation of forthcoming New Year resolutions, the site is ready with more health conscious choices that include natural seafoods, gluten- and wheat-free products, organics, health supplements and weight loss aids.

This has a broader selection than similar sites I've seen, and the prices seem pretty reasonable for what you get -- high-end gourmet foods. The photo above is the "Taste of Ireland" basket -- 4 pounds of goodies in a pretty copper tub for $70.