Marcus Delaney

Former bartender turned food writer. Believes the best gift is one that brings people around a table. Will judge your knife by how it cuts a tomato.

Twelve years behind the bar at restaurants across New Orleans, from dive bars to fine dining. Pivoted to food writing when he realized he had more opinions about kitchen equipment than cocktail recipes. Now works from a shotgun house kitchen that's too small and too perfect. Every product he recommends has survived at least one dinner party for twelve in that kitchen.

kitchen and cooking gifts wine and spirits accessories hosting and entertaining housewarming gifts food and gourmet gifts

4 Articles by Marcus Delaney

General Apr 4, 2026

The Best Subscription Box Gifts to Give in 2026

Eight subscription box gifts that create rituals, not just receipts. Real picks from a food writer who's tested them all.

By Marcus Delaney

A collection of thoughtful housewarming gifts including a chef's knife, olive oil, and wooden cutting board arranged on a kitchen counter

Housewarming Apr 4, 2026

Housewarming Gifts That Aren't Wine or Candles

Tired of defaulting to wine and candles? Here are housewarming gifts that earn their space — organized by what they help someone actually do.

By Marcus Delaney

A clean kitchen counter with essential beginner cooking tools including a chef's knife, cutting board, and cookbook

Just Because Mar 27, 2026

Best Gifts for Someone Learning to Cook for the First Time

Skip the overpriced gadgets. Marcus Delaney picks the gifts that actually help someone learn to cook — beginner knife sets, spice kits, cookbooks, and more.

By Marcus Delaney

A well-worn cast iron skillet, a chef's knife, and a bottle of wine on a wooden countertop — the makings of a proper housewarming gift

Housewarming Mar 26, 2026

The Housewarming Gifts That Actually Get Used

Skip the candles. These are the housewarming gifts that earn permanent counter space.

By Marcus Delaney