*UPDATED 11/2020*

Happy “Black Friday”!

Don’t forget – tomorrow is “Small Business Saturday”!

I always love to shop “small”. I find that small businesses are often local “Rock Star Brands“.  Whenever I travel, I always try to visit the “Mom and Pop” shops in order to get a better feel of the city or town. When I am home, I find it more interesting, more authentic somehow, to try to shop and eat local.

I have compiled this short list of small(er) businesses to check out this #SmallBizSat if you are a food lover or if you have a “foodie” on your holiday shopping list.  There are many wonderful shops but these places have left an impression on me this year (or in past years).

Several shops have websites, but if you are able, try to visit the shops.  I think you will love the special attention and customer service you receive. 

Stage Left / Catherine Lombardi

5 Livingston Avenue  New Brunswick, NJ  08901

Click here for the Stage Left website.

Click here for the Stage Left Wine Shop.

The entertaining and knowledgeable staff always answers my questions, makes me feel at home, and helps me to impress the wine lovers in my life.

 

Cookery Ware Shop

Peddler’s Village  Lahaska, PA  18931

Click here for the Cookery Ware Shop website.

This beautiful shop is nestled among the unique stores of Peddler’s Village in scenic Lahaska Pennsylvania.  It may look small from the outside but the selection is huge.  Year round, I find great gifts for anyone with a kitchen! Cookery Ware Shop offers a wide array of tea sets, recipe boxes, aprons, cutlery, baking tools, pots, pans, and more.  I have never left this store without purchasing a little something new for myself.  I always find the very friendly staff to be helpful.

   

*CLOSED* Broadway Panhandler

65 E. 8th St (Between Broadway and University)  New York, NY  10003

This shop is located in Manhattan, and I am sure it would delight the professional chef and amateur alike. The shop has an enormous and eclectic collection of cookie cutters, a large knife department, and a delightful selection of NYC themed aprons, potholders, coasters, trivets and cooking related gift ideas of quality and range above that of a typical souvenir shop.  It was hard for me to resist the “buildings of New York city cookie cutter set”!

 

Gary’s Wine & Marketplace

Locations in Bernardsville, Closter, Madison, and Wayne, New Jersey

and St. Helena, California

I can always find nice gifts for drinkers and non-drinkers alike at Gary’s Wine & Marketplace.  I have found the staff to be friendly, knowledgeable and I have received great guidance, advice and customer service time after time.  The store offers lovely gift baskets year round and a great selection of gifts at various price points in the gift department.

Click here for Gary’s Wine & Marketplace website.

 

World Famous N’awlins Cafe & Spice Emporium

at The French Market

1101 N. Peters Street  New Orleans, LA  70116

I am overwhelmed by the selection of Hot Sauces, spice mixes and coffees at this shop – and some items are available online. I thought the staff at the French Market location was delightful and helpful to spice aficionados and novices alike. I was sure to grab a bite to eat after shopping!

Click here for N’awlins Cafe & Spice Emporium website.

Happy Shopping Small tomorrow and year round,

Jenn