The Bite & Booze Last Minute Gift Guide

by Rachel Hamburger, intern

It’s that time of year again… Holiday season: aka buying presents for those near and dear to our hearts. We know that finding the perfect gift for each person on your nice list has been so difficult, but if you’re still doing some last minute shopping have no fear!. The Bite and Booze team is here with some gift inspo for all the gifts you just haven’t gotten around to buying yet. (If you’re anything like me, that’s just about all of them… It’s crunch time!)

For the out of state Cajun who needs a lil’ taste of home in their pantry: 

A Slap Ya Mama Smorgasbord

For the fisherman: 

Red Stick Spice Company's Fresh Catch Gift Box

For the Jay Ducote fanatic: 

Jay D's Holiday Bundle

For those trying to keep things sharper in 2017: 

AnySharp World's Best Knife Sharpener

For the mixologist: 

Donner-Peltier Spirits from Thibodeaux, LA

For the mudbug master: 

Mimosa Handcrafted's Crawfish Cufflinks

For the one with city pride: 

Uncommon Green College Town Map Pint Glasses

For the one who needs a quick getaway: 

A stay at the French Quarter Mariott

For constant snackers: 

Chef's Cut Jerky

For the one who wants to take their salt game to the next level: 

Cellar Salt Co.

Jay D's Bites: Barbecue Bloody Mary

by Blair Loup

I fell in love with Blood Marys at an early age. I wasn't drinking them, but I was helping my dad make the mix. It amazed me at how we could take hum drum bottle of V8 and build this monument of complex flavors. To this day, the taste of a Blood Mary takes me back to simpler times, but just like everything else, our Bloody Marys have changed.

You can buy incredible Bloody Mary mixes on grocery store shelves all around you. They've got all of the levels of flavors that I used to meticulously develop with my dad on our back porch, but what they don't have is Jay D's Louisiana Barbecue Sauce. That's right. It's 2016 and we're putting barbecue sauce in our Bloody Mary mixes.

Jay D's Louisiana Barbecue Bloody Mary:

Bloody Mary made with Louisiana Sisters Bloody Mary Mix, Jay D's Louisiana Barbecue Sauce and Oryza Vodka

Serves 1

6 oz. LA sisters Bloody Mary Mix
2 oz. Oryza Vodka
2 Tbsp Jay D’s Louisiana Barbecue Sauce
Jay D’s Spicy & Sweet BBQ Rub to rim glass

Put Bloody Mary Mix, Vodka and Barbecue Sauce in a tumbler full of ice and shake. Pour into a glass rimmed with Jay D’s BBQ Rub. Garnish with celery, olives, pickled okra and spicy beans. Enjoy!

30a is Feeling the Louisiana Spirit

Donner-Peltier Distillery in Thibideaux can now be found in cocktails up and down the Florida Panhandle! Boasting a line of three different Rouxgarou Rums, Oryza Gin and Vodka and LA1 Whiskey, DPD now has boots on the ground on 30a.

VP of Sales, Johnny Culpepper formed a strong collaboration with Havana Beach Bar & Grill's Corey Jernigan to create a cocktail made for sipping with your toes in the sand: Summer on 30a. When Corey isn't working his magic as Head Bartender in The Pearl Hotel's eatery in Rosemary Beach, FL, he's preaching the gospel of sweet Louisiana sugarcane.

Check out the recipe and let us know if this beach worthy cocktail has your vote:



Ingredients:

· 2 oz. Oryza Gin, or Oryza Vodka

· 1 oz. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice

· .75 oz. Basil infused cane syrup

· .25 oz. Giffard's Vanille du Madagascar

· .25 oz. Elderflower liqueur

· 2-3 Small watermelon cubes

· 2-3 Slices of seedless English cucumber

Preparation:

Combine everything except the spirits, and gently muddle ingredients. Next, add spirits and shake vigorously. Double strain over crushed ice, garnish with a sliced watermelon rind.

Donner Peltier is a locally-sourced, micro-distiller. Located in the heart of Louisiana’s sugar cane country, where it is the only distiller in the world to make vodka from long-grain rice; and rum from Louisiana sugarcane.

Their brands of Rougaroux® rums, Oryza® vodka and gin, and their latest addition, LA1® Whiskey, are handcrafted in small batches using grains and sugar cane harvested from local farms. Remarkably, in the few short years Donner Peltier has been in existence, their spirits have won numerous awards and genuine admiration throughout the region; and enjoy ever-increasing demand.

To learn more about Donner-Peltier Distillers (DPD) & Rougaroux Rum, Oryza Vodka, Oryza Gin, & LA1 Whiskey. Please visit: www.dpdspirits.com

The Official Bite and Booze Father's Day Gift Guide

by Sydney Blanchard

I've always been a daddy's girl, and I'm not ashamed to admit my dad is my best friend. We have a lot in common, so I generally have an idea about what he likes (beer, History, books, being left the hell alone). But every year around Father's Day I find myself in a rut.

Here are a few gift ideas from local, Louisiana retailers for the dad who's hard to shop for. Because at some point you realize a tie or an LSU baseball cap just won't cut it.

For when Dad needs a new 'do

He won't know what to do with most of this stuff, so have the experts at Mercer explain it.

Get Dad looking right with a haircut, a shave and all the products necessary to keep his look fresh from Mercer Supply Co., located in 1010 Nic.

For when he wants to link up

He wasn't trying to encourage you to become an engineer with that Lego set; he was trying to watch the game in peace.

Snazzy, locally made cufflinks can complete any look. Try these on for size. Lego cufflinks for all the times he stepped on yours growing up by MyOMyFirefly, or how about these Flamingo cufflinks by Mimosa, perfect for Spanish Town Parade festivities.

What better way to rep Baton Rouge's most tasteless Mardi Gras celebration?

For throwing shade with Pops

Now you'll never be able to tell whether he's listening to you or fast asleep in his rocking chair.

Every dad deserves some cool-as-hell shades, and Krewe Du Optic delivers. Better yet, get matching pairs of these CL-10s to up the cool factor.

For spicing up Dad's spice rack

Dads universally get amped about outdoor cooking.

He might not have been the best chef growing up, but he was always happy to throw some meat on the grill. Help him up his grilling game with this flavor-filled gift box from Red Stick Spice Co.

For the patriotic patriarch

The bundle includes a T-shirt, Molasses Mustard, Barbecue Sauce, Dry Rub, and a branded koozie. 

He's as proud to be an American as he is to be your dad, and he's already fantasizing about planning his annual outdoor Fourth of July cookout. Get him all his favorite Jay D's products, bundled, for $35.

For the dad rocking the beer gut

They drink to forget about how much you've disappointed them over the years.

Dads and beer go together like, well, dads and beer. Head to Tin Roof Brewing Company and grab Dad a 6-pack of his favorite local brew.

For all the times he put food on the table

Bolognese, so easy even dads can figure it out.

He changed your poopy diapers and spoon fed you mashed peas. The least you can do is return the favor. Send Dad a healthy, ready-to-cook meal from Indie Plate and get him hooked on local produce.

For the health conscious Dad

Because he can't eat poorly forever.

He's watching his sodium intake, and he thinks you should, too. Hook him up with some Slap Ya Mama Low Sodium Cajun Seasoning, all the flavor he expects without the guilt.

For when he's feeling athletic

Straight up embarrassing your dad at bowling strengthens family bonds.

He may have taught you everything you know, but that doesn't mean you can't school your old man in bowling. Take advantage of this rad Groupon deal for a night of partying and bowling at Quarters for the whole family.

For the future Daddy-Daughter diner road trip

A perfect gift for the plate lunch aficionado.

Does he like to reminisce about all the great plate lunch places he used to frequent back in the day? Take Dad with you on a tour of South Louisiana's best "seat yourself" eateries with Baton Rouge-based author (and my former journalism professor) Alex V. Cook's latest book.

For the neatest guy you know

You can't go wrong gifting a nice bottle of whiskey.

You love him, but the only way you can tolerate him (and his political opinions) is if you're both a little toasted. Donner-Peltier's LA1 is the perfect sipping whiskey for spending some QT with dad.

8 Summer Sips You Can't Miss

by Sydney Blanchard & Hannah Alkadi

Summertime always brings out the drinker in me. The way I see it, if I'm expected to tolerate the heat and humidity of Louisiana summers, at least have the decency to fix me up a fancy, freezing cold cocktail.

Luckily, all my favorite bars and restaurants have taken the hint. Here are some of my favorite cocktails around town to beat the summer heat.

Rum Punch at Barcadia

Masonrita at Mason's Grill

You look like you need a little #masonrita in your life! 😉🍹#masonsgrill $6 alllllllll night looooonnnnng!

A photo posted by MasonsGrill (@masonsgrill) on Jun 21, 2014 at 2:28pm PDT

Cane Shaker at Donner Peltier Distillers

Adult Snoball at Olive or Twist

Jardin District at Radio Bar

Our spring cocktail menu has been released!! Come on by and try one of our delicious drinks like this Jardin District. The bar opens at 4pm!

A photo posted by The Radio Bar (@the_radiobar) on Mar 21, 2016 at 2:22pm PDT

Moscow Mule at Beausoleil

Rose Freeze at Bistro Byronz

Southern Hemisphere at City Pork Brasserie

A Southern Hemisphere. #BRFoodies

A photo posted by Christina Stephens (@christinastephens) on Apr 16, 2016 at 11:13am PDT

The Official Bite and Booze Holiday Gift Guide

by Sydney Blanchard

The original idea for this post was to make a gift guide for the Baton Rouge food lover. But then we realized...it's hard not to be a food lover in a city like Baton Rouge. Like, pretty much everyone on your holiday shopping list probably loves to eat, right?

Yeah, that's what we thought.

Here are some locally available items we know we'd love to receive during the holiday season, so there's a pretty good chance someone you know will appreciate them, too.

Heck, we'll just come out and say it: we think we've got pretty good taste.

For the Louisiana Transplant

South Louisiana Supper gift box from Red Stick Spice Company, $28

For the Fast Peeler 

Love Crawfish, Love Louisiana tee from Storyville, $16

For the Grillmaster

Himalayan Salt Plate at Shoppers Choice, $32

For the One Who's Tired of Burning Everything

Pastry and Savory Leisure Classes at Louisiana Culinary Institute, around $125

For the Indulgent Health Nut 

Hanleys Foods Dressings at Calandro's Supermarket, $5

For the Craft Beer Aficionado  

Tin Roof Merch at the Tin Roof Tap Room, $20

For the Recipe Collector

Louisiana Cookin's Louisiana de Mer Cookbook, $20

For the President of the Jay Ducote Fan Club 

Jay D's Holiday Bundle, $25

For the Hosts with the Most

Donner-Peltier's locally produced spirits, around $30

For the Farmer's Market Frequenter 

Taste of Louisiana gift basket from Indie Plate, $45

For the Fashionable Foodie

Mimosa New Roads Pecan Necklace, $30

For the Wine Snob

Landry Vineyards Wines available at Calandro's Supermarket, around $15

For the One with the Freezer Full of Gumbo

Gumbo Print from Defend New Orleans, $20

For the Spice Junkie

Slap Ya Mama gift basket, $20

Culinary Bucket List: "Bayou in the Big Apple" Dinner at the James Beard House

by Jay Ducote

Jay Ducote at the James Beard Hous

In the food world, the James Beard Awards are pretty much the "Oscars" of the industry. The James Beard Foundation, named after the legendary American culinarian, hands out the prestigious awards to chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, and more.

The Foundation converted James Beard's old brownstone house in Manhattan into their offices and a space for one-time-only dinners with rotating chefs from around the country.

While winning a James Beard Award is one of the ultimate milestones of a career in the culinary arts, getting invited to cook at the James Beard house is also one of those monumental achievements for aspiring chefs.

Being in the food world and even carrying a membership card for the James Beard Foundation, one of my bucket list dreams has been to dine at the James Beard House. However, I didn't just want to go to some random dinner on an odd trip to New York. Instead, I figured that I'd wait for a chef who I happen to be friends with to get the invite, and then I'd plan a trip to New York around that dinner.

Cody Carroll, Owen Hohl, Brad Andries and Jay Ducote with Louisiana Redfish at the James Beard House

So as fortune would have it, this summer while in the middle of my Food Network Star run, I got the news that Chefs Cody and Sam Carroll from Hot Tails in New Roads and the newly opened Sac-a-lait in New Orleans had been invited to cook at the James Beard House in October. I knew I didn't want to miss this dinner put on by Louisiana Culinary Institute graduates and the former King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood. I booked a trip for Team Bite and Booze to head to the Big Apple.

Brad Andries and Cody Carroll prep for their dinner at the James Beard House

The night before the dinner at the James Beard House, Cody told me that if I wanted to come help them prep, they could use a couple extra hands. An opportunity to actually cook in the James Beard House?! I couldn't pass that up. We showed up around noon the next day. I threw on an apron and got to work. I could feel the history. The legacies of chefs like Julia Child and Jaques Pepin filled the kitchen. In many ways, slowing down to savor the experience, I realized how truly awesome it was.

Jay portions out grits for one of the dishes at the James Beard House

From noon to around six I helped chop, slice, and portion different components of the 6+ course meal. The kitchen at the James Beard House is notoriously tiny. There are ample small corridors to squeeze through and low hanging obstacles on which to bump my head. As a rather large dude, it certainly proved to be as cozy as advertised. There is an atrium and a back yard to get a little extra head room and fresh air, though. 

The Damn Thistle made with Oryza Vodka

The dinner got started with cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres. The Damn Thistle (pictured above) and barrel-aged sazerac were both big hits with the fun-loving crowd. The Damn Thistle starts with Louisiana's Oryza Vodka and finishes with elderflower, pineapple, lime, and hibiscus. We also feasted on deviled crab, pig's ear, and duck tongue appetizers as we mingled with other folks attending the dinner. Before long, with our stomachs ready for the task at hand, we sat down for the formal six course supper with wine pairings.

Turtle Boudin Noir, Louisiana Pear, Fingerling "Brabonts", Sugarcane-Cured Chappapeela Pork Jowl, Pickled Mirleton

Sweet Fried Alligator, White Remoulade, Hand-Mashed Mirleton

P&J Oysters, Louisiana Wild Mushrooms, Duck Egg Carbonara, Mustard Green Vermicelli

Lost Fish: Perdu-Style Gulf Fish, Whipped Creole Potato Salad, Sweet Corn Calas, Crawfish Etoufee 

Lightly Fried Thin-Cut Venison, Cast Iron Seared Venison Sweetbreads, Hand-Rolled Gnocchi,
Truffle and Acadiana Honey, Creole Andalouse, Cane-Soaked Red Onion

Aged Banana Pudding, Pointe Coupee Pecan Butter, 'Nilla Wafer Crumble, Whip Cream

The meal could not have gone much better. Each dish came out seemingly exactly as the chefs intended. The flavors were true to Louisiana while being elevated and sophisticated for a refined palate. Turtle, alligator, oysters, duck, gulf fish, crawfish, venison and more rolled through the kitchen of the James Beard House and onto the taste buds of inspired diners. Congratulations to the chefs for pulling off a successful dinner experience. "Bayou in the Big Apple" certainly left its mark!

Piper, Liz, Jay, Cody, Sam, Blair and Sydney pose after the dinner at the James Beard House