Hell's Kitchen Flea Market and Kashkaval

Photograph: Christian Hartman

Have your date help with your last-minute holiday shopping at the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market (39th St between Ninth and Tenth Aves; 212-243-5343, hellskitchenfleamarket.com). Pretend you’re taking part in an archaeological dig as you frantically search through the oddball trinkets, antique jewelry and novelty pieces, hoping to find a gift for Aunt Myrtle. Celebrate your successful excavation of gifts over the cast-iron fondue pots at Kashkaval (856 Ninth Ave at 56th St; 212-581-8282, kashkavalfoods.com). Dip a French baguette into the Cheddar & Ale fondue ($24 for two, plus $5 for a side of veggies or $6 for meat) and sip glasses of cabernet sauvignon ($16 for two). Consider the meal an early Christmas present to each other; this isn’t the time to spend money frivolously!

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