My Whirlwind Week in Food: A Recipe Contest, Food Bloggers' Conference and Oodles of Inspiration

WHAT A WEEK!

Last week around this time, I had just recently completed the edits for my cooking video submission for the Cooking Channel's Perfect 3 Recipe Contest.  It was a simultaneous rush of relief and excitement: relief for getting it done and keeping myself in the running for the amazing grand prize and excitement that my recipe for Grilled Steak Tacos with Chipotle Cream and Chimichurri qualified me as a finalist!  I have to admit that I'm still on a high from that one and eagerly awaiting the final verdict on the matter. 

I hope you'll take the time to make the recipe and drop me a note letting me know what you think.  It comes together easily, so with a little advance preparation, you can enjoy it as a quick, weeknight meal--or anytime you fancy.  And if I say so myself, it's quite good!  Finally, a big 'thank you' to those who took the time to support me by voting for my recipe.

I rode the momentum and excitement from the recipe contest into the latter part of the week and the kickoff of the BlogHer Food '11 Conference.  My first blogger conference, I wasn't totally sure of what all it would entail.  The session titles and descriptions sounded compelling, yet practical enough to have true relevance for my benefit.  The added bonus of having it in my own backyard/hometown was the final "sign" that this was a not-to-be-missed event.  While I only had one day to spare for personally attending, I will definitely soak in the live blogging session recaps that BlogHer Food wonderfully provided. 

Me (on the right) and Fellow BlogHer Food Attendees

I looked forward to personally meeting fellow food bloggers, whose talent and professional generosity continue to inspire, along with industry leaders and great brands.  And my experience didn't disappoint.  I did all of the above--and them some--enjoying instruction on everything from working with media and brands, to vlogging, to advice on taking the mobile leap, while also soaking in personal stories of triumph and making great connections.  All of this with great noshing sprinkled throughout the day, no doubt.

My natural high exploded exponentially as the day drew to a close, and I relished what a great one it had been.  As I made the trek home, I reflected on the great impartation I had the good fortune to receive.  Now I must do a deep dive into all I learned and be a good steward of this treasure.  I'll also be sharing some nuggets here on DMRFF, so stayed tuned.  Beyond that, the weekend brought personal blessing and inspiration as I witnessed a dear cousin fulfill his dream of becoming a medical doctor. 

So as I wind down and prepare for the start of yet another week, I wish you Happy Eating and your own boat load of inspiration.

{Atlanta's Westside Market}: Dive into Fall Design

Some of the many Fall inspired wares

The Fall season has finally graced us with its arrival again, bringing along its own special inspiration for design and decor to enliven and infuse living spaces.  Tuesday night I was invited to attend a gathering at the Westside Market, one of the Southeast's premier design and furniture merchants, highlighting their many offerings and abundant inspiration around Fall design.  

From embellished table scapes, to art, to collectibles, to furniture pieces and beyond, the Westside Market proved to offer something for every taste and budget across the design spectrum.  Also serving as a consignment boutique, there are clothing selections sprinkled throughout the expansive venue, as well as the option to consign your valuables.  

I couldn't resist grabbing a few items for my own takeaway and already have plans for return visits in the days ahead.  If you're familiar with the Market, you'll want to drop in to see what's new from last night's seasonal reveal.  And if you're not familiar, then you'll definitely want to get acquainted with all it has to offer.  

So here's to welcoming Fall flair, design, inspiration and... Happy Living!

Westside Market

1530 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd.

Atlanta, GA 30318

(404) 941-3466

{In Case You Missed It}: 2020 Highlights

Against the backdrop of everything 2020 brought to bear (the good, the bad, and the downright ugly), I'm thankful for the highlights--the special, often everyday, moments that still allowed for a memorable year, despite a global pandemic and its fallout.  And so, without any further delay, (where did January go?!), I'm thrilled to continue my perennial tradition of highlights and to cap off my recent 10 year blogiversary installments. (Woot, woot!)

2020 started like most other years, for which I'm grateful, allowing me to indulge in some of the my favorite things all over again.  I kicked off the year with a trip to my forever favorite New York City, to indulge in the perfect trifecta of food, fashion and travel.  On the food front, my timing allowed for yet another indulgence in NYC Restaurant Week, where I took in both new (Wild Ink) and new to me (Butter) restaurants for phenomenal dining (for less).  

My stay also included another press invite to cover the A/W Man Woman Show again on the cusp of New York Fashion Week.  Designer interviews, coupled with innovative and classic collections spanning menswear, lifestyle and home goods, was a return to a space and collective design talent that was nothing short of exceptional.  

Finally, there was also my attendance at the New York Times Travel Show, where I soaked up industry knowledge and expertise from travel experts, media and tourism representatives, fellow consultants and more.  Although travel would be soon be impacted (and largely restricted) in unimaginable ways, the investment was well worth it--and my knowledge hangs in the ready for when the world restores to a healthier landscape.  

And with it all, I couldn't come to town without experiencing long-time favorites like Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park, along with new discoveries, like the fabulous Hudson Yards and The Vessel.  As it turned out, that would be the extent of my travel before the Covid-induced quarantine began a month or so later, so I'm truly thankful to have scored that trip and those memories just in time.

More excitement came with my continued collaboration with exceptional, fellow Black food bloggers for the fourth annual Black History Month Potluck and my Vegetarian Chili recipe (so good!), along with more food and hospitality media for local restaurants and hotels.

I was additionally honored to have my work featured in MyDomaine, sharing my Elderflower Lemonade Spritz.  And as quarantined life became the norm, hearing from many of you looking for cooking inspiration, I hosted my first Instagram Live Cooking Class and kicked off a star ingredient series, rounding-up recipes centered around a star ingredient that's typically on-hand in the pantry or freezer/refrigerator.

And as collaborations go, I was honored to participate in a Juneteenth Virtual Cookout with over 60 fellow Black food bloggers and creatives to celebrate the history and significance of this important (but often forgotten) part of American history.  Our virtual cookout was featured across several food and media outlets, including the Washington Post, Food52, the FeedFeed, Blavity, and many more, while resonating the emphatic message that Black lives and Black history matter.

Continuing that theme here on the blog included posts on effective allyship, to supporting Black-owned Atlanta restaurants, to drive much needed aid to those establishments disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

And because it became clear that "quarantine life" wasn't leaving anytime soon, I dedicated more content (blog and social media) to helping us continue to adjust and thrive in our quarantined lifestyle, including more travel, lifestyle, fitness, beauty, self care, and arts and culture posts and sharing, along with recipes and cooking inspiration for keeping things delicious while staying home and staying safe.

The holiday season was met with my guide for a stress-free Thanksgiving, including a series of social posts on everything from recipes, to advance prep, to making the best turkey, and more.

Finally, I paused to take in the 10 year run that crescendo-ed in August and recounted my journey from then until now in a series of posts, culminating with this one (albeit a bit beyond the 10th year). :)

Which brings me once again to the heartfelt, resounding sentiment of: thank you.  For every post you've read, comment you've shared, recipe you've tried, travel tip you've taken on, lifestyle inspiration you've garnered, platform you've joined me on, cooking class or pop-up shop you've attended, collaboration you've extended, and just simply being here year after year, I extend a million thanks!

Although I was excited to live out my passions here and beyond, it is absolutely the people I share this with (known and unknown) that make it worthwhile and keep me coming back again and again. At the root of my love for it all, has always been my love of sharing it with those who are along for the ride. I'm truly thankful for the blessings that make this journey so rich and rewarding.

I'm praying this new year is a blessed, healthy and prosperous year for you and those you love.  Let's stay connected through it all and keep cheering each other on. The best is yet to come!

XO,

Dawn

P.S. See more of my 2020 highlights here!

Swoon-Worthy Interiors

"An interior is the natural projection of the soul." ~Coco Chanel 

Coco said it best.

And gorgeously designed home interiors are especially soul-stirring and wake-up the dreamer in me.  Growing up, I (reluctantly) watched my mom and aunts throw themselves into decorating their homes.  And nothing has changed on that front these many years later.  Well, nothing, except my awakening to an equal thrill and love for creating my own world of beautiful and inspiring personal spaces.

And because of that, I love to seek inspiration and turn-up the dream machine for all the possibilities interior design can offer.  I have a running list of everything from closets, to kitchens, to bathrooms, to living rooms, to libraries, accessories, and more, to fuel my penchant and keep me swooning.

    
For more inspiration, visit my Home/Interiors board on Pinterest.

Happy Living!

Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

New York Fashion Week: Daniel Silverstain Spring/Summer 2016

I arrived back in New York City on last week to take in a front row view of Daniel Silverstain's Spring/Summer 2016 runway show and presentation at Shop Studios, amidst the excitement of New York Fashion Week.  A feast for the senses and imagination, the collection is laden with the futuristic essence of the 1967 Montreal World Fair, known as Expo67.

Designing since the age of 11, and now in his third runway season, the designer drew inspiration from the modern decor and innovative architecture that reshaped Montreal following the Expo.  The influences can be seen throughout the collection, from the neutral tones color pallet, contrasted with shapes of primary colors representing national flags, to lace and crochet textiles with metallic gloss coatings, to intricate multi-yarn jacquards mixed with natural wovens, yielding soft and relaxed silhouettes.

Featured below are several of my favorite looks from the collection.

Do you have a favorite look?  Which pieces from the collection can you envision in your upcoming Spring/Summer wardrobe? For more fashion and design inspiration--and to shop the collection--visit Daniel Silverstain.  You can also check-out more of my 'day of' coverage on Instagram, including a video look at the finale walk.

Happy Styling!

Photo Credits: Daniel Silverstain

All the Holiday Feels!

Welcoming the holiday season can be a bit daunting for some.  With all the hustle and bustle that surrounds this time of the year, the temptation to succumb to angst over everything from seasonal food, to decor, to entertaining, and more, can come rushing in.  And that's where heavy doses of fresh inspiration come to the rescue.

I keep the holiday feels and inspiration at an all time high with my 'The Holidays'  board on Pinterest and invite you to take it in as you plan and prepare to enjoy this season and all the holidays we enjoy throughout the year.

Happy Holidays!

Image Sources: 1, 2

{Style Files}: Off-the-Shoulder Everything

"A Fashion that does not reach the streets is not a Fashion." ~Coco Chanel

If there's one look that's shaping up to be my favorite for the warmer temperatures and season, it's the effortless, chic, uber-flattering, off-the-shoulder trend.  And it's a look that can stand all on its own, while making a statement.  From day to night, beach to street, and beyond, it's style personified.

I'm already indulging myself and decided to share some of my favorite inspiration for your Spring/Summer wardrobe.  Make it your own by dressing it up (or down), as little or as much as you please.

Want more inspiration?  Check out 30+ looks here!

Happy Styling!

{Be Inspired}: Work + Play

I recently spent a few consecutive weeks traveling to one of my favorite "homes away from home", New York City.  But rather than my usual leisure-only excursions, these trips were (mostly) business in nature.  I say mostly because when I'm in NYC, I can never do without some measure of play--and inspiration!  And NYC is always faithful to serve it up in quintessential Big Apple Style.  In this new installment of my BeInspired! series, I dish up the everyday inspirations that  captured my attention and affection.

From a lunch stroll around Central Park to an evening of theater on Broadway to a few good eats around the city to the all-around insatiable energy that is the signature of the concrete jungle, I love finding inspiration in the everyday--the life-as-usual routine that still manages to deliver new beauty, wonder, discoveries, reflection and excitement, as if it's anything but.  

So here's to work and play...via my most recent NYC inspirations.

Midtown Cityscape

Horse and Carriage sightings in front of Central Park

Serene Central Park View

From Day to Night: Ready for Broadway

An awesome production & my favorite keepsake

Wonderful array of spices at Chelsea Market

  Happy Eating & Inspired Living!

Link Love: Thanksgiving's Best (Recipes, Tips & More)

Thanksgiving = the official arrival of the holiday season in my world.  And each year I'm inspired by the bounty of recipes, sage advice and all-around inspiration that fuels this time of the year. 

To help make your celebration the best (and most delicious) that it can be, I'm sharing some of my favorite links from around the web. From recipes to cooking tips to table decor inspiration and more, you'll surely find a reason--or two--to be thankful.

Happy Eating!

Quick, video turkey tips galore! From unwrapping the big bird to the final finish, it's all here (nytimes.com)

A holiday baking guide that will have you ready to present your yummiest confections (wholefoodsmarket.com)

Swoon-worthy hostess gift ideas (marthastewart.com)

Thanksgiving table settings to dress up your table in style (countryliving.com)

Bookshelf: The Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving.  As the undisputed biggest cooking day of the year, it's no wonder that cooks everywhere seek out the best advice, tips and inspiration for making their special meal nothing short of fabulous.  And to offer some assistance with this quest, I'm highlighting a few notable cookbooks that will serve you well for your Thanksgiving table--and beyond.

From former New York Times restaurant critic, Sam Sifton, comes A-Z instruction and inspiration on cooking Thanksgiving and cooking it well!

Thanksgiving is all about the classics--the familiar, comforting dishes passed down from generation to generation.  Amanda Hesser's tome of classics are fitting for every day eats and special occasions alike, making The Essential New York Times Cook Book a superb reference for Thanksgiving.

If there was ever a food authority who consistently dishes delectable and home chef friendly recipes, it would be my food icon, Ina Garten (aka the Barefoot Contessa).  And just in time for Thanksgiving, Ina's newest cookbook promises the same FoolProof offerings that will make you the superstar of your kitchen.

So, here's to joyous, scrumptious cooking for Thanksgiving (and beyond)...and always to Happy Eating!

All Things Thanksgiving: Recipes, Guides, Tips & More!

Today marks the one week countdown to one of, if not the, biggest holidays of the year--Thanksgiving!

With all that has occurred (and continues) to happen in our world, there's never been a better time to pause and give thanks for the gift of life and the many blessings it affords.  And to make sure you're all set, I'm sharing my favorite recipes, tips, inspiration and more for your best one yet. 

Countdown and Six Step Guide to A Stress- Free Thanksgiving

Turkey Love: Prep Tips

All About Pie

Etiquette--(Including How To Eat Turkey, Chicken and Duck)

Tablescape Inspiration

And Much More! 

Happy Eating! 

#DearSummer: Seasonal Food, Travel, Entertaining & More!

We've been taking in Summer with loads of inspiration--and before we say farewell to the season, I invite you to join in on the fun!

From scrumptious recipes, to travel scenes, style, entertaining and more, we love taking in all that this time of year has to offer, and we're not done yet!

I hope your Summer is going great and that our inspiration will only make it better.  See our featured highlights here and may your remaining days of Summer be filled with...

Happy Eating and Living!

{Be Inspired}: Dreamy Tablescapes

I love being inspired and typically my inspiration comes in many shapes and forms.  But the one thing that remains constant is that wherever and however I find it, it always moves, awakens--and, yes--inspires me.  

With that being said, I'm excited to introduce my BeInspired! Series here on DMRFF!  Beyond my regular doses of food, travel, entertaining, and other yummy tidbits, occasionally I'll share the things, people, places and experiences that inspire me most in my day-to-day living, dreaming and being.  

And it doesn't stop there, because I look forward to you joining the BeInspired! conversation and sharing your inspirations with me!  To begin, keep reading and let's get started with my first installment.

*****

As a girl who loves a gorgeous tablescape, I was immensely inspired by these beautiful works of table art!  If you're into dreamy and over-the-top fabulous decor, then you'll probably love this healthy dose of inspiration as much as I do.  

P.S....I can see some serious entertaining and dinner parties taking place around these tables!

Here's to Happy Eating...and Inspired Living!

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4

Link Love: The Valentine Edition

There's no dearth of Valentine's Day inspiration during this time of the year--and for good reason.  It's the one day when it's not only excusable--but expected--that we pull out all the stops for those who are special to us. 

I've happened upon my own batch of inspiration from around the web and want to share the love with you.  So here's to link love with a Valentine's twist!

1. A Valentine's Day Gift Guide (for The Food Freak in Your Life)

2. Recipes for Romance + More!

3. Valentine's Day Playlists

4. Date Night: Cooking Classes

A Cook and Her Books

Now that it's Thursday, my mind is taking its initial leap towards the weekend--or rather to what to cook and eat over the weekend.  I suppose I foster similar notions throughout the week to some degree or another, but with the bit of extra time and leisure typically afforded at the week's wind down, I allow myself to ponder more.

Grabbing vintage cooking magazines, searching my favorite digital sources (like this app I discovered), flipping through current subscriptions and my own over-stuffed recipe book from my 'print everything' streak of days gone by, all offer the inspiration that I've come to rely upon.  But what truly gets me going and planning and, yes, possibly salivating, most of all are my books--my treasured (and growing) collection of cookbooks.

I've always been a lover of books and the written word.  And when my love for food and cooking emerged, that affinity naturally carried over to cookbooks.  Although they're not novels or memoirs or the like, they are lively and beautiful and motivating.  I curl up with them in bed and take sheer pleasure out of the decadence between their pages.  With no formal culinary education to tout, my cookbooks (along with all of my other sources of cooking knowledge and inspiration) remain my most beloved culinary tutor.

While I may never cook my way through every recipe I've amassed, the possibility alone thrills me.  And that's simply because this cook loves her books--and wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy Eating!

Raspberry-Topped Chocolate Cake (Redux)

Raspberry-Topped Chocolate Cake

After quite some time, here I am again sharing on one amazing recipe that will have bakers--and eaters alike--jumping for joy.  The first time I featured this confection, I shared my inspiration behind baking this recipe and my sheer bliss at the final, beautiful and scrumptious results.  It was my second or so blog post on DMRFF, and I had a tendency to keep it rather minimal in those days, so much so, in fact, that I didn't even include the recipe! I'll just say the inspiration factor was in higher gear than the traditional recipe sharing on that day. (Smile.)

After receiving great feedback, both on and offline, about this beaut, I knew I had to complete the circle and finally share the accompanying recipe for all those who love to bake and/or devour cake as much as I do.

Decadent Chocolate Cake Layer

Baker's Note:  It will require a generous bit of time from start to finish, so plan for when you have some leisure time to spare.  Then enjoy the stimulating escapade of bringing this decadent, rich, chocolaty dream to life in your kitchen.  Finally, finish with the perfect adornment of "snow-capped" raspberries and tell me what's not to love?!

And now, as promised, the recipe, courtesy of Bon Appetit.

Happy Eating!

{In Case You Missed It}: 2015 Highlights

As I approach the end of another year (five years and running now for the blog), it has become clearer to me than ever that the love and sweat poured into D.M.R. Fine Foods is worth every ounce of effort.  Sharing my passions with you here and beyond, and getting to experience them in newer and more exciting ways during this past year, has made 2015 nothing short of phenomenal.  While you're always welcome (and encouraged) to devour the archives, I want to encapsulate the highlights that set 2015 apart for D.M.R. Fine Foods--and have us raring to go for an even greater 2016!

FOOD
Where to start? There was no shortage of great recipes that made for a delicious year from start to finish.  Favorites included Rustic Strawberry Jam Crostini, Chilled Red Pepper Soup, Strawberry-Basil Sorbet, Buffalo Hot Wings, Crispy Flatbread Pizza, Raspberry-Ricotta Cake and so much more! Visit our recipes page to see them all.

Beyond my own cooking and baking forays, were equally delicious restaurant tastings and brand openings, food festivals, including the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival and perennial Taste of Atlanta Festival.  Not to mention the thrill of my award of dinner for two at the Beard House in NYC from the James Beard Foundation and a share of this post on their Instagram feed. Swoon!

And last, but certainly not least, was the continuation of my beloved Pop-Up Cooking School and Holiday Pop-Up Shop.  

TRAVEL
I started the year with an enviable travel bucket list that combined long-standing favorites with new, yet to be seen, territory.  I'm elated to share that I made every place on the list (with an extra or two along the way)--with the exception of one due to a last minute downturn in weather.  You'll have to stick around in 2016 to learn which one that is because I won't let it get by me next year.   

What could be dreamier than starting my year in travel in Paris and London for a winter holiday?  It was followed by weekend getaways, R&R beach escapes, NYC, and finally Argentina and Uruguay.  Laden with beauty, great food, amazing people and cultures, adventure, shopping, art and more, as travel goes, it was phenomenal on all counts. I'll be sharing more in upcoming travel postcards, so wait to be inspired.

FASHION
A passion of mine since seemingly forever (just ask my mom), I loved bringing more of myself to the blog on this front.  From beach style, to Labor Day garb, to New York Fashion Week(!!!), 2015 served up some truly memorable moments in fashion.

LIFESTYLE INSPIRATION
From interiors to dining alfresco to makeup and beauty to simple pleasures, there was no shortage of lifestyle inspiration in 2015.    

MEDIA COLLABORATIONS
Beyond the festivals, restaurants, businesses and brands I was fortunate to work with this year, my collaborations as a contributing writer with Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine's For the Love of Food column and as a PopSugar Select Food member continued in full force.  I was also proud to add UPSCALE Magazine to the list as a contributor to their annual Luxury Hotel and Spa Guide in the June 2015 issue.

The biggest thrill of them all remains connecting with my readers, supporters and patrons through the blog, events, social media and beyond.  Thank you for the support and enthusiasm that makes it doubly fulfilling.  I hope you enjoyed all we had to share in 2015 and stay plugged in as the New Year unfolds.  (**Check out this quick video collage of some of the year's favorite moments.) 
 
Here's to the happiest of New Years--and may it be our best one yet!

Xx,
Dawn  
  

 

Bookshelf: My Summer Reading List

The longer days of Summer beckon us to slow our pace a bit and take more time for the people, places and things we enjoy most.  And for me, books and reading top the list of simple, yet indulgent, pleasures that I turn to again and again.  Whether it's a fascinating biography, a compelling novel, a delicious and inspiring cookbook, poetry, or other, I have always maintained a love affair with words--the stories they create and the knowledge they impart.

For this Summer, I've pegged some amazing titles for my reading list, including a few "foodie-centric" reads that will surely offer big doses of inspiration, information and entertainment to keep the pages turning.

  

Inspiration: The new and highly anticipated memoir from acclaimed Chef, Cookbook Author and Restaurateur, Marcus Samuelsson.  Discover his personal journey from truly humble beginnings to his heralded place in today's food world and beyond.

Information: From America's First Lady comes her first ever cookbook that will take us inside the White House and its gardens and narrate the compelling story of the importance of healthy and sustainable eating. 

Entertainment: This one is no newcomer to my bookshelf, but is begging to be dusted off and consumed anew.  A cheeky, engaging and delicious read from the original Domestic Goddess, I can't wait to rev up my foodie juices with Nigella leading the way.

So here's to a blissful Summer of simple pleasures and....Happy Reading!

P.S. what's on your bookshelf?