No. 246: A Review

Last night I dined at the restaurant, No. 246, for the first time.  It came across my radar a little while back and seemed like a place that would satisfy my penchant for indulging in delicious eats in beautiful settings.  And the pedigrees of the chefs/owners, along with some local buzz, had me feeling sure that I'd love everything about it.  Was I right?  Well, yes and no.

While there was lots to love, there did happen to be one glitch of sorts in my experience.  So here's the lowdown on my first take at this neat spot, broken down into a few key categories that matter to me in any dining experience.

The Food:  No. 246 offers its own local take on Italian cuisine.  The menu boasted of cheeses, charcuterie, salads, sides, pizzas and, of course, pastas--along with some special entree offerings.  I scoured the menu online, in advance, (a habit of mine, I admit), and decided upon their Romana pizza.  The description of this pizza--tomato, oregano, anchovies, chilies, garlic, black olives and olive oil--spoke to me and my palette in a mouth-watering way, and I couldn't wait to dive in when dinner time finally came around last night.  Sometimes my choices change between my initial menu look and the actual restaurant visit, but this time it did not.  It stuck--and happily so.  I loved it.

Romana Pizza, No. 246

It was everything that I love about pizza.  The crust wasn't too thick or too thin and was perfectly crispy.  The ingredients--hearty tomato seasoned with garlic, chilies, olive oil, accompanied by the briny goodness of the olives and anchovies, made each bite so, so good.  Our table also received some chili oil for drizzling and that was the coup de tat to make this one of the best pizzas I ever recall having. Seriously.  And beyond all that, it was quite substantial and easily shareable depending on one's appetite, with maybe a salad or side dish tossed in to round things out.  In fact, I have left overs that will shortly become lunch.

But it wasn't all good on the food front.  I also scoped out the dessert menu in advance and knew that I had a date with their chocolate and candied hazelnut ice cream in a homemade waffle cone.  Being the ice cream junkie that I am, I purposely limited my intake to two courses so that I could indulge in every last bite of this treat.  The taste? Quite good.  And the garnish of hazelnuts added the perfect crunch and texture contrast. (I make a similar gelato recipe at home.)  However, it was served almost half melted!  Not good for a frozen dessert, right?  See what I mean in the shot below, which was taken right when it was delivered to our table.

Chocolate and Candied Hazelnut Ice Cream with a Homemade Waffle Cone

In hindsight, I should have sent it back and requested a fresh, truly frozen, dessert, but my reflex prevailed, and I dived in to prevent losing any further enjoyment from the fastly liquefying serving before me.  It definitely took the star appeal out of what I anticipate is normally a rock star dessert.  

The Ambiance/Decor:  True to the depiction on its website, I found the decor to be beautifully understated, yet stunning, giving the space an equally rustic and modern look and feel.  And the ambiance was casual and welcoming, bolstered by the low lighting that helped to offer up the feel of a special dining experience.

The Cost:  I found the menus to be reasonably priced and likely suitable to most budgets, with the entree courses topping out around the mid-twenties, on the high end. 

The Linger Factor:  When you're dining out, this is typically the time you look forward to "letting your hair down", unwinding and catching up.  And having the ability to linger for a bit after the courses have stopped flowing and the meal is over, to take everything in without the sometimes abrupt halt that can ensue, is a welcomed pleasure.  No. 246 offers up plenty, so you'll be able to enjoy not only your food--but your company.

And finally...

Location, Location, Location:  No. 246 is located in the heart of downtown Decatur, with convenient public parking close by.  (I was wearing 'valet parking' heels, so the ability to find relatively convenient parking in that downtown area on a Friday night scores big with me.)  It's a great part of the Atlanta Metropolitan area, replete with many other charming and noteworthy restaurants and shops.

All smiles from an enjoyable evening with a good friend & good eats

Final verdict?  I'll be back!

Happy Eating!

Link Love: Fall Comfort {Recipes, Getaways, Decor + More}

Photo Credit: Gourmet.com

I happen to love the time of year that is Fall.  With the crisp, cooler temperatures, beautiful foliage, heartier cuisine, high-intensity sports action (aka football), and more, what's not to love?!  And with all the reflections of the Fall season in the air--and on the web--currently, I want to share a few of my favorite Fall comforts.

From scrumptious recipes, to travel getaways, to seasonal decor, and delicious reads, Fall is to be celebrated and relished! 

So here's to the season...and to Happy Eating!

Warm and cozy has never tasted better than Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine (Epicurious.com)

Want a great weekend (or longer) getaway that will surround you with the beauty of Fall, opulence and more?  Then consider a trip to America's largest home, the Biltmore Estate. (Biltmore.com)

Bring elements of Fall into your living space with beautiful centerpieces and entertaining essentials (potterybarn.com)

Curl up with a good (cook)book or two and turn up the heat in your kitchen! (foodrepublic.com)

{Be Inspired!}: Decking the Halls!

Last weekend I finally began adding Christmas touches to my home.  And although I'm not quite as eager as some (I have a cousin, for instance, whose decorations are always on full display by the second week of November!), I must admit that once everything comes together, I'm in love all over again (and secretly wishing for a way to keep the decor this way throughout the year.) 

From adorned table tops, to embellished topiary trees, to candles, wreaths and other accents, the smallest to grandest touches make for my very own special space that creates the perfect backdrop for this most wonderful time of the year. 

Photo Credit: Architectural Digest

And with that in mind, I've rounded up some seasonal decor inspiration to get your juices flowing with these savvy decorating tips from Architectural Digest--as you deck your own halls this holiday season.

Whatever you decide to do (or not), I hope this festive time of the year brings you goodness from near and far.

Happy Decorating!

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

Postcard from Savannah: A Southern Indulgence

For all of my love for cross-country and global travel, I have discovered just as many treasures close to home.  And the coastal town of Savannah, Georgia is one such treasure.  Steeped in Southern flair that includes decadent cuisine, the charm-laden River Street, the waters of Tybee Island, and much more, Savannah is a slice of Southern culture to be relished.

During my last visit, I stayed in one of the hotels lining the Savannah Riverfront, which gave me access to a convenient water ferry that transported guests to and from the shops and restaurants of River Street. 

River Street is a destination within a destination, especially for food lovers, and I dare say no trip to Savannah is complete without it.  And speaking of food, there's no shortage of restaurants to satisfy your mood and tastes.  One of my favorites for delicious seafood (a must when visiting a coastal town) is Vic's on the River.  I especially enjoyed the Shrimp and Crab Crepes pictured below, as well as the beautifully quaint decor, for a perfect afternoon lunch.  

 

 

Shrimp and Crab Crepes

I was impressed to discover how so very well Savannah does brunch.  After a few recommendations, I settled on what became my daily, go-to brunch spot, Hueys On The River, also nestled along River Street.  It appears their secret is out with locals and visitors, alike, as evidenced by the waiting list and constant foot traffic (always a good sign when trying to decide on where to eat.)  But, if I'm being completely honest, it was their perfectly sweet, pillowy, and decadent beignets that kept me coming back for more. 

The Beignets!

And if you happen to own a sweet tooth (yes, I'm guilty), then River Street will offer every indulgence you can imagine.  Homemade fudge, ice cream, candy and caramel apples are a few of the sweet delicacies that await.  

Beyond all the noshing, there's no shortage of sights and scenes to take in.  I enjoyed browsing the local shops, taking in a riverboat cruise and splashing in the waters of Tybee Island, an island and city that are only a short drive from the heart of Savannah.  My only semblance of regret is wishing I had planned more time for hanging out and exploring that fun area, but that's what return visits are for, no? 

Night Cap: The Riverboat Cruise

Sun down over the waters of Tybee Island

When it comes to playing in my own backyard, Savannah, replete with its insatiable culture and charm, is the perfect Southern indulgence. 

Happy Eating and Travels!

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

Link Love: Cinco de Mayo

Food and celebration go hand-in-hand for most occasions, and the celebration of Cinco de Mayo is no exception.  Mexican cuisine happens to be one of my favorites, so I couldn't let this opportunity to share some great recipes from around the web sit idle.

Whether you're looking for a hearty tamale pie, the perfect taco, a sweet treat, or something wet to wash it all down, this edition of Link Love has you covered for the best in Mexican fare--and entertaining.

So here's to freedom, celebration--and Happy Eating!
 



Taco Recipes for Every Appetite (Bon Appetit)

Hearty Tamale Pie to Please a Crowd (Williams-Sonoma)

A Refreshing Sip: Tamarind Cooler  (Gourmet)

Mango-Chile Ice Pops (Saveur)

Festive Decor via DIY Pinatas (Refinery 29)

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)

{Things To Do In Atlanta}: Pinewood Forest Idea Home

Life is good.  :)

I ended last week on a high doing something I absolutely love--once again sharing my food passion and expertise on Atlanta and Company.  (More to come on that soon, so stay tuned!)

As I prepared to finally embrace the weekend, I mentally switched to low-key mode and prepared to indulge in maximum chill, save a couple of exceptions.  Beyond a movie night out on Friday which fit my low-key agenda perfectly, there was a Saturday afternoon home tour of home tours.

After making the drive across town, I arrived at the beautiful, emerging "live, work and play" community of Pinewood Forest, where my gaze was immediately met with a glistening, sun-kissed lake.  I made my way to the Idea Home, nestled amidst finished and unfinished residential construction, and settled in for a highly anticipated tour of the property on its opening day, presented by Atlanta Magazine and Atlanta Magazine's HOME.

Touring beautifully designed homes, dressed with exquisite decor, is always an inspiration download and creative spark for me, and this home did not disappoint!

Each room was its own odyssey, with so much to see and take in.  From subtleties, to bold statements, surprise spaces, and full on "I can see myself living here" refrains, it was worth every minute spent.  So as you're considering things to do around the city, be sure to log this one on your favorites list.  (*Bonus: head over to the nearby Hanna Brothers Studio Cafe for a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch until 3 p.m.)

The Pinewood Forest Idea Home Tour is going now through October 7, 2018.  Hours are Fridays, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sundays, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.  Admission tickets are $25 and available for purchase here.

Happy Touring!

New Year's Entertaining: The Essentials

When planning your next big celebration (hint: New Year's), incorporate these essentials for an affair to remember!

1. The Perfect Bite: Delicious, elegant and easy bites, like Williams-Sonoma's Smoked Salmon Trio, will keep you and your guests satiated without the fuss of a formal meal.

2. A Signature Drink: Select a signature drink for your event, like this Lemon-Orange Fizz Mocktail, to keep the festive air high and the "bar" duty minimal.

3.  Gorgeous Flatware: Add a splash of unexpected flair that's sure to keep the conversation flowing, like gorgeous glassware or flatware. Feature here: Anthropologie's Bronze Age Flatware.

4.  Plates en Masse:  Having enough dinnerware to go around means never having to leave guests for mid-party kitchen duty.  Pottery Barn's Caterer's 12-Piece Dinnerware Set is the perfect stash for intimate affairs.

5.  Ambiance:  Nothing says--or creates--ambiance like the perfect lighting.  Use candlelight to enhance your setting and create the perfect mood and decor with these beautiful small hurricanes from Crate & Barrel.

6.  More Ambiance:  Just when you thought you had the perfect atmosphere in place, you must remember to seal the deal with a beautiful fragrance, such as Henri Bendel's Fragrance Reeds in (my favorite) Fig.

Happy New Year--& Happy Entertaining!

{In Case You Missed It}: 2017 Highlights

Happy New Year! Embarking upon another year has always been a source of excitement, hope and anticipation for what's to come.  As 2018 continues to unfold, I'm pressing the pause button to reflect and share some of the amazing highlights that 2017 brought to D.M.R. Fine Foods.

There's a heightened sense of gratitude that occurs when I realize just how amazing this past year has been.  On virtually every front, I was so blessed to create, curate, and share my passions in both familiar and new (for me), exciting ways!

If you've been along for the ride with me until now, multiplied thank yous!! And if you're newer to D.M.R. Fine Foods, welcome!  I look forward to you settling in and staying awhile. :)

So without further adieu, here's our best of 2017, starting with a short video stream of some favorite moments (recommended: watch in full screen mode).
Travel ~
My year in travel was probably my biggest in recent memory.  I literally started the year in the midst of a winter getaway to Rome, Florence and Paris and got to take in these favorite cities (and fall in love with them) all over again.  Within a month, I was off to warmer terrain in the U.S. Virgin Islands and enjoyed a lovely return visit to St. Croix.  My journeys continued to New Orleans, Chicago, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Cuba, Phoenix (including one amazing day trip to the Grand Canyon) and finally, my perennial favorite, NYC.  Travel is such a source of joy and discovery and refreshing for me, so a year heavy in taking in destinations near and far couldn't have been better.


Food ~
2017 was by far the most exciting year in food to date!  I started the year sharing recipes inspired by travels, like Warm Goat Cheese Salad, soon followed by a phenomenal virtual potluck with 27 other food bloggers in honor of Black History Month!! It was a one-of-a-kind showcase of global black culture--through the lens of food, including my Curry Chicken Pot Pie feature.  More goodness followed with recipes like Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Cherry Upside Down Cake, Roasted Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers, Braised Short Ribs and more!

Beyond my kitchen, my food journey was also inextricably linked to my travels, and I had the pleasure of taking in unforgettable local eats and restaurants, such as this and this and this.  It was another delicious year, indeed!

Media ~
Beyond sharing here on the blog, my recurring column in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, digital and social media, I was immensely blessed to add both television and radio to the fold.  From a radio interview on the food and culture scene in St. Croix, USVI to several appearances on CBS46's Atlanta Plugged In morning show, I couldn't have been more thrilled for the opportunities to share my food and lifestyle passions with broader audiences.

The year brought continued successful collaborations that included media relations and social campaigns for the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, The Four Seasons Hotel, St. Lucia Department of Tourism, Davio's Northern Italian Restaurant, PopSugar, and more.

Fashion & Lifestyle ~
Fashion found its way center stage through style files on Trench Coats, the Met Gala Red Carpet and the exceptional Ragtrade Atlanta Fashion Week and Runway Show.

And lifestyle inspiration spanned fall tablescapes, to holiday-themed decor, and more.

Thank you for allowing D.M.R. Fine Foods to share with you and may you be inspired to live "the good life" like never before!

xx,
Dawn

{Be Inspired!}: Simple Pleasures

Photo Credit: The New York Times

I'll admit that I love the grand, OMG, wow moments that punctuate our lives.  But the reality is that those punctuation points are intermixed with the more tempered--and more frequent--normalcy of our everyday lives and routines.  Routine isn't a bad thing, however--especially when sprinkled (or showered) with simple pleasures. 

If you've never thought of simplicity and pleasure as likely bedfellows, I assure you they are.  A favorite song.  A talk with a good friend.  A thought-provoking read.  A motivating quote.  Fresh flowers.  An unforgettable meal.  A great dress or shoe sale. :)  A lingering sunset.  The list becomes virtually endless when I take the time to pause and reflect and embrace the joy of everyday living. 

So today's inspiration is all about sharing a few of the simple, but nonetheless special, pleasures that brought laughter, satiation, and the joie de vivre to my life this week.  

A new recipe for my weeknight repertoire --  I discovered a "fried" chicken like dish that came together on a sheet pan in my oven.  The results? Delicious crispy-skinned, moist chicken legs that are still as good the next day (without the added cleanup or calories of its fried counterpart.)   See the easy recipe, courtesy of New York Times, here.

Farm-to-table meets the runway at Paris Fashion Week -- It sounds strange, I know.  And it is.  Except that we're talking jokes and fun and the quirky approach Valentino lended to its Autumn-Winter '15 runway show this week.  I love fashion--and intermixed with a bit of Zoolander humor brought a welcomed laugh.  Lighten up with this fun video parody.  

Photo Credit: Fashonista.com

   
A birthday party for me! -- So, Anthropologie just happens to be one of my favorite stores for everything from home and kitchen decor, to clothing, jewelry and more; we go way back.  And I received a sweet surprise from them this week: an invitation to a birthday party for me (not a private party, but a party all the same!--a spring fashion show, sips and snacks, etc.).  So a little shopping and celebrating are in order for this March birthday girl.  


What are some of the simple pleasures that brighten your days?

May we all embrace more of them...along with Happy, Inspired Living!

Link Love: A Southern Living Summer

While visiting my mom for Mother's Day weekend, I indulged in my usual habit of leafing through her decor and lifestyle magazines.  At some point along the way, I landed on a Southern Living issue that seemed to transport me right into the middle of Summer -- a scrumptious, mouth-watering, refreshing Summer to be exact.  

It's true that we eat with our eyes first. (At least that's true for me.)  And page after page presented recipes that spawned an inner excitement followed by the exclamation, "Oooh, I'm going to make that!"  It's the raw inspiration that keeps me excited about the joys of cooking and eating.

To make sure I could follow through on my new found excitement, I asked my mom if I could "borrow" her magazine and bring it home with me. :)  She graciously obliged and as the days of Summer unfold, I look forward to making many of the vibrant dishes that will make this one of the tastiest seasons yet.

While I have my mom's August 2012 hard copy edition on hand, I wanted to share the love with these links to some of my favorite recipes from that issue via SouthernLiving.com.

Here's to a Summer of Happy Eating...Southern Living Style!

Sip:
Iced Hibiscus Sweet Tea 

Nibble:
Chipotle Shrimp Cocktail 

Grilled Watermelon with Blue Cheese and Prosciutto 

Salad:
Three Sisters Salad

Main Dish:
Chicken Enchiladas 

Beef-and-Watermelon Stir-Fry

Sweets:
Icebox Butter Cookies

Mexican Chocolate Ice-cream Pie

Photo Credit

{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