The 2016 Eater Nola Holiday Gift Guide

A first location is in the works from local micro-roasters Congregation Coffee, founded by Cochon Butcher chef du cuisine Ian Barrilleaux and partner Eliot Guthrie, who hails from coffee-obsessed Seattle. But the four pack sampler is a great taste of what's to come.
Congregation Coffee // Sampler for $20

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This Oak Street knife shop is run by chef duo— Jacqueline Blanchard and Brandt Cox—who boast an impressive collection of hand-forged Japanese knives, American rarities, refurbished cleavers, and an assortment of quality cutlery. The knowledge here is also incredible.
Coutelier // $12 to $350+

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It would be ridiculous for a knife obsessor to hide away his or her collection in a drawer. That's where a hand made magnetic knife block comes in. It's wall mountable and available in cherry and oak wood grains. Perfect for a home kitchen that has everything.
Coutelier // Starting at $150

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Let the chef in your life carry around her knives in style in this functional and stylish waxed canvas knife bag from local bag makers Tchoup Industries. Available in an array of colors and styles, including a leather version that goes for $200.
Coutelier // $160

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Swamp Pop is a Lafayette-based sugar cane soda company from chef Collin Cormier and his cousin John Petersen, with flavors that work well as cocktail mixers (Jean Lafitte ginger ale) or are best on their own (Satsuma Fizz).
Amazon // 12 pack for $33

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New Orleans' beloved sunglasses company Krewe Du Optic has partnered with Pintrill for these adorable New Orleans-centric pins that will spruce up any old leather or jean jacket. Po' boy and hot sauce add charm for the food lovers.
Krewe Du Optic // $15 each

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The crawfish tumbler ($20) from Perlis is the perfect gift for a parade enthusiast, as it will keep a beverage hot or cold, but the Uptown store also stocks a wealth of holiday goodies for the food lover— from king cake, po' boy and crawfish ornaments to Byrd's cheddar biscuits.
Perlis // $10 - $20

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A bottled Sazerac is basically the perfect gift for any holiday party host. This one is crafted by the bartenders at Cajun restaurant Sac-A-Lait in the Warehouse District, and comes with engraved coasters (but not the glass pictured). Call the restaurant to order.
Sac-A-Lait // $40

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For the cocktail novice, three cocktail mixers and a recipe book help craft a mean Old Fashioned and more drinks, from local bar pros Max Messier and Lauren Myerscough.
Cocktail & Sons // $44

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Loretta Harrison cooks up an array of incredible pralines for the holidays at her Marigny candy shop, Loretta's Pralines. The traditional creamy and coconut variations are favorites among regulars.
Loretta's Pralines // $2.70 each

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A truffle gift set from one of the finest confectioners in town. Flavors range from dark chocolate and mocha, to Indian Chai, Sazerac and Bananas Foster versions available. Plus, with locations in the Warehouse District and in St. Roch Market, picking up a gift box is easy.
Bittersweet // 8 truffles for $20

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This New Orleans-based cookie company's small batch offerings put the rest of the cookie aisle to shame, with eight flavors ranging from chocolate chip to dark chocolate orange to lemon cooler that retain their fresh-baked quality. Available at Rouses or online.
Love, Cookies // Four boxes for $19.99

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This Uptown shop, run by Nola native Mandy Simpson and husband Daren Sumrow of New Orleans Woodworking, offers an array of handcrafted chopping blocks and cheese boards that are treated with mineral oil and local beeswax, and fit just about any budget.
NOLA Boards // $30 - $250+

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Released in September, Commander's Palace restaurateur Ella Brennan's memoir is a great read for those interested in New Orleans' culinary history and one of the most important figures to help shape modern hospitality as we know it.
Amazon // $18

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Treat your furry pal right this holiday with pumpkin and cranberry dog biscuits baked by the students in NOCCA's culinary arts program. Each purchase supports these up and coming chefs. Available via shipping or pick up in the Marigny.
The NOCCA Marketplace // $10

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