D.M.R. Fine Foods, The Blog, Celebrates 10 Years (Pt.3)

Soaking in my exceptional BHG Stylemaker Event in '18

Happy New Year! 

Without question, making it through 2020 was a feat--and one well worth celebrating. And before much more time in the new year elapses, I want to finalize my "blogiversary" celebration with this third installment covering the 2016-2019 years.

I hope you've enjoyed my walk down memory lane from the 2010-2012 and 2013-2015 installments and perhaps learned a bit more about me and what I've been up to on this front all of these years. Best of all, I hope you are inspired to stay connected with me in the days ahead because I like having you around. :)

In reflecting on the 2016-2019 years, they were years of continued momentum across many of the areas that had come to life and blossomed in the previous years, along with their own new noteworthy highlights.  So let's once again dive in--and enjoy!

2016

My 2016 highlights included the likes of more amazing travel, the continuation of my Holiday Pop Up Shop, my For the Love of Food monthly food column in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine (2011-2019), continued food and lifestyle media coverage, more sponsored brand campaigns, including Groupon and Warby Parker, as well as PopSugar, being featured in the Vinings Lifestyle Magazine, and taking in that exquisite night to remember at the James Beard House in NYC that I was awarded in 2015, and enjoying a celebration among celebrations at the Red Rooster Harlem Cookbook launch party!! 

2017

My 2017 highlights reflect more amazing highs from my journey to date. From exceptional travel throughout the year, including another dynamic, hosted press trip to St. Croix in collaboration with United States Virgin Islands Tourism, it was another year for the travel books.

Beyond travel, the year brought on a new (and continuing) collaboration of epic proportions, with a cadre of fellow talented food bloggers, for a first of its kind Black History Month Virtual Potluck. It remains one of the key highlights of my blogging journey to date, as it gave more exposure and expression to our individual and collective voices, talents, stories and heritage, among each other, as well as on several renowned media platforms (including Food52, Blavity, Tasting Table, and more that would follow in the years to come.)   

My media footprint expanded(!!!)--to include television (a long-held dream of mine) via a series of holiday-themed segments on CBS46's, Atlanta Plugged In show, showcasing my recipes and entertaining tips, as well as a St. Croix travel radio segment that chronicled the best of the destination and travel planning tips, following my recent press trip earlier in the year.  

Continued collaborations, including existing and new media relations and social media campaigns, across more hotel, tourism, lifestyle and food brands, were definite highlights, along with more fashion media coverage for the Ragtrade Atlanta Fashion Week and Runway Show. 

2018

My 2018 highlights included more thrilling moments and experiences across the food, travel, lifestyle and media fronts.  From continued collaborations (BHM Potluck, food and lifestyle media relations and campaigns, etc.) epic travel, more sharing via television segments, this time on NBC's hit Atlanta and Company show, along with more fashion and lifestyle goodness from Saks to the Global Runway Fashion Presentation hosted by the Atlanta Airport, I couldn't make it all up, if I tried. :)

2018 was also the year I experienced one of my biggest honors on my journey to date: being selected as a 2018 BHG Stylemaker by Better Homes and Gardens magazine!!! An honor indeed, by all accounts, with the coveted spots reserved for a select few on an annual basis, I couldn't have been more thrilled to have been recognized by such a renowned and exceptional publication--and to have been in the company of my fellow ah-mazing Stylemakers--for an unforgettable event in New York City! From the day I was notified and invited until the very last moment of the event, I was beyond thrilled. (I know I keep saying it: but dreams do come true!)

2019

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, my 2019 highlights represented what was truly another phenomenal year.  As you might have guessed :), there was more epic travel (I added my fourth continent via Thailand and more new countries, states and cities to my footprint, as well as launching my own travel boutique), to more exceptional collaborations, media campaigns and recognition, across food, fashion, travel and lifestyle, including New York Fashion Week-adjacent media coverage at the MAN/WOMAN A/W 19 show, another phenomenal hosted press trip in collaboration with Arkansas Tourism, and a dream (to me) media collaboration with a long beloved brand, ESSENCE, among notable others.  

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my highlights always included my blog posts during the year, that were always done in tandem with every other amazing experience and opportunity throughout the years.  They can all be found in my archives section here on the blog, so feel free to indulge!

That brings us to the year we'll all never forget: 2020--and the actual culmination of my 10th blog anniversary, or "blogiversary", this past August.  So in keeping with my annual highlights tradition, I will dedicate a post to my 2020 highlights in very near future to conclude this memory bank/digital celebration of sorts. :)

I thank you for being here and being interested, engaged, supportive, connected and encouraging throughout my journey.  It has made it sweeter and all the more fulfilling--and I look forward to sharing more as the year unfolds. 

I wish you the best (healthiest, happiest, most fulfilling) year yet on your personal journey.

Happy Living!

Dawn

{In Case You Missed It}: 2018 Highlights

Happy New Year (again!)  Amazingly, this year is off to a fast and furious start, with January soon to be in the rear view.  So before any more time elapses, I want to share one of my most favorite perennial posts, highlighting many of the moments that made the year gone by special for me, personally, and for D.M.R. Fine Foods.

Each year it seems like it couldn't get any sweeter and, then, it does!  And that would be 2018.  On a personal note, I enjoyed more fulfilling career, personal, civic, and relational highlights that made everything else the proverbial (and oh so delicious) icing on top.

That "icing" included special moments, among others, in food, travel, lifestyle and media--a well-rounded foray of the good life.  And I'm excited to recap some of the most special for you here, starting with a fun slideshow round-up. (*Recommended: watch in full screen mode.)

Food ~
My year in food included such highlights as once again being a featured blogger and contributor to the acclaimed Black History Month Virtual Potluck, with my Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding with Maple Glaze, along with more recipes and foodie indulgences from near and far.

Travel ~
My wanderlust led me to exceptional new destinations, including Cartagena, Colombia and Cozumel, Mexico, and repeat favorites, alike, including South Beach, New York City, Chicago, Orlando and Bermuda.  From the occasional business jaunt, to vacation getaways, 2018 was another year of fulfilling travel and exploration.

Fashion & Lifestyle ~
I experienced of the biggest honors of 2018 on what I'll label as the lifestyle front, which was being selected as a 2018 BHG Stylemaker by Better Homes and Gardens magazine! Can you say, awe-mazing?!  (I'll be a doing a dedicated post soon to share more of the fabulousness of my entire experience, so stay tuned!)  Beyond BHGStylemaker, I had the pleasure of joining gorgeous fashion influencer, CariRene Vintage, for an amazing afternoon of fashion inspiration at the Global Runway Fashion Presentation hosted by the Atlanta Airport.  And as a special bonus, to boot, I met one of my favorite fashion and beauty editors!

Beyond decor and fashion, another highlight included a private Girlfriends' Spa Party courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty and Saks Atlanta, making for a great afternoon of pampering with some of my favorite girls.

Media/Collaborations ~
2018 was another standout year on the media and collaboration front.  I was so thrilled to return to the t.v. to share more of my food and lifestyle passions, this time with the fabulous daytime show, Atlanta and Company.  My media footprint continued with my running monthly column with Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, media corp for my forever favorite Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, and myriad media collaborations on behalf of exceptional local restaurants, wineries, farm co-ops (City Winery Atlanta, Varun Napoli, Dantanna's, Peach Dish), Atlanta Magazine, and more!

I obviously kept to my busier pace but, as always, it was extremely worth it, and equally as special to share it with you here on the blog and via social media.  I thank you for remaining connected and appreciate your ongoing support and interest in my corner of the world.  I love having you along for my journey and look forward to sharing more as 2019 continues to unfold. 

Happy Living!

 

D.M.R. Fine Foods, The Blog, Celebrates 10 Years (Pt. 2)

I'm excited to be back sharing more of the highlights and experiences that have made my D.M.R. Fine Foods blogging journey truly rewarding to date.  And I trust that the best is yet to come!  

In this installment, we're going down memory lane for the years of 2013-2015, and believe me when I tell you that they were some of the most progressive and thrilling years, following the amazing-ness of the early years.  So without further ado, let's keep this party train rolling!

2013

2013 highlights brought on the likes of amazing collaborations, including being a founding member of Popsugar Food Select which would segue into the publishing of five of my original recipes on the Popsugar platform and inclusion in additional round-ups, being acknowledged as Blogger of the Week among the cadre of fellow talented bloggers, and sponsored/ambassador campaigns for the Popsugar Must Have Box in the years to follow.  

My collaborations continued as a contributing blogger with the Travelista TV brand, expanding my reach for sharing my travel passion, tips and savvy with fellow travelistas far and wide.  Annnd, I saw another dream come true, as I embarked on my first (of several fully-sponsored/hosted) press trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Furthering my voice as a travel journalist and working with tourism authorities, all while taking in the best of a destination, couldn't have been more thrilling and fueling to keep indulging my passions with wild abandon.

2014

And then there was 2014!!! With momentum from the previous years flowing nicely, 2014 highlights brought even more awe-inspiring experiences.  I caught the bug for teaching culinary skills and techniques, while making food a fun and delicious endeavor, during my William-Sonoma days and in 2014 ultimately parlayed that into the realization of  my very own cooking school. (Can you say, dream fulfilled?!). As the pop-up concept was starting to catch on, and with a full-time corporate career in tow, I decided on a pop-up concept that would launch in the Spring of 2014 to raving success.  You can take in more of the amazing highlights from my Techniques and Tastings (TM) Pop Up Cooking School--and stay tuned for future offerings from this well-beloved DMRFF offering.

And if my cooking school wasn't enough, I added another pop up concept, in the way of my Holiday Pop Up Shop, to the mix with our initial launch in December of 2014.  My love of sharing my food with the "masses" beyond the world of media and bespoke cooking classes, was realized in this one-day format where I brought forth many of the recipes that had become customer favorites from my Holiday Sweets and Treats Menu catering days.  Again, I say, stay tuned for more on this front!

I also continued furthering my media and collaboration footprint covering events like the Taste of Atlanta Food Festival, restaurant reviews, being a contributing writer to the Travel Noire platform and crowning the year with another epic, hosted press trip and tourism collaboration to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands!

2015

The hits just kept on coming with my 2015 highlights!  

I experienced more epic travel forays to new destinations (like Argentina and Uruguay) and repeat favorites (hello Paris and London and NYC), and more, to satisfy my travel passion. 

Back on the media/collaboration front, my footprint expanded to more festivals, including the highly regarded Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, along with more restaurant and food industry event reviews, including Restaurant Week indulgences and more.  I was also honored to have my first of four recipes, to date, published on the FeedFeed!

There was also the matter of having the James Beard Foundation give a nod to my food, accompanied by an award of dinner for two at the James Beard House!!!!! It still remains one of the most special memories in my journey to date--and a night I'll always remember. 

My byline credits expanded to include a lifestyle piece in the June 2015 issue of Upscale Magazine; another honor, indeed.  

And then there was yet another dream come true, as I received my first media invitation to cover the Daniel Silverstain SS16 New York Fashion Week collection (eeek!!!). To know me is to know my life-long (as in adolescent years forward) passion for fashion and my dream of attending fashion week someday.  

And to be clear, all of these highlights were in parallel with blogging my heart out here and staying connected through my social media channels. From 2010 until now, that has always been the format.

So much amazing-ness, so many memories, so much more goodness still to share.  I keep pinching myself and thanking God for all the richness this journey has served (and continues to add) to my life and expression as a creative.  Thank you for being here and for allowing me to share many of the good things that continue to make it worthwhile.  Stay tuned for more in the days ahead. :)

Happy Holidays!

Dawn

{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!

D.M.R. Fine Foods, The Blog, Celebrates 10 Years! (Pt. 1)

Time flies when you’re having fun and you look up one day to realize that your blog is ten years old and counting.  Ten years (*throws confetti*)!  It’s an amazing milestone for me, personally, as I think back to where it all began.

 

For a bit of catch up, before there was D.M.R. Fine Foods, the blog, there was D.M.R. Fine Foods in its solely food-centric incarnation that was born out of an idea that came to life during the holiday season of 2007.  So we’re celebrating 13 years of existence (woot, woot), with the companion blog having arrived on the scene 10 years ago.  This post reveals more details on my start and food story.

 

So back to the blog, as I’ve shared before, when I began, it was purely out of a passion to share my love for all things culinary, with no idea who would read, engage and find joy in my corner of the world wide web.  It was a disposition that has served me well and allowed me to remain true to the passions that brought the brand, and subsequently, the blog, to life.  To share, inspire, aspire, create and grow, authentically and organically.  And I could not have asked for a more blessed and thrilling journey to date.

 

As I take time to celebrate many of the special moments that have constituted this ride throughout the past ten years, I will be highlighting them here on the blog and on my social media channels and email list, so be sure you’re connected with me!  I believe my story is one of what’s possible when you dare to believe, share your gifts, put your best foot forward, trust God and nurture a growth mindset.  Despite the odds (or number of followers, subscribers, etc., and some of the other vanity metrics that often label “success".)  For me, quality has always outweighed quantity.  I’m proud of the work I produce, whether it’s on my blog platform, as a micro-influencer on my social media channels, an event host, a food writer, brand ambassador, media liaison, and so on.  Please know, if you put our your best (not someone else’s, but your personal best), that someone will feel it.  And quality work will live long beyond the latest trends, fads, etc. 

 

But rather than tell you, I also want to show what’s possible with that ethos in tow.  I’m happy to share that I’ve seen many of my dreams literally come true with D.M.R. Fine Foods, in what felt like serendipitous fortune.  So without further ado, let’s get this party started!!

 

The Early Years, 2010-2012:

 

My first blog post was published on August 15, 2010 and the blog was dedicated mostly to the culinary spectrum at the outset, but would soon expand in scope to embrace more of passions.  Besides my enthused foodie and recipe sharing on the blog, I experienced highlights such as:

 

Meeting and cooking with one of my favorite chefs (2010)

 

Being given my very own monthly food column, For the Love of Food, for a renowned regional publication, Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, that would run in print publication and eventually also digitally for eight years! (2011-2019)

 

Winning a CookingChannel Recipe Contest and all the amazing accouterments, including having my recipe published on CookingChanneltv.com (2011)

 

Being a Guest Chef at Williams-Sonoma (2011)

 

Expanding my blog scope to include my travel and lifestyle passions (2011-present)

 

Being a featured contributor for Recipe Lion (2011)

 

Meeting, growing and collaborating with my community of fellow food and lifestyle bloggers and foodies (2010- present)

 

Collaborating with and having my work featured on Yahoo! (2012)

 

Being featured in HuffPost Taste (2012)

 

And more!

 

So you see, so much goodness can happen in a very short time span (and this was before Instagram was a boom! ;))

 

I look forward to continuing my celebration over the remaining weeks of 2020 and hope these shares will inspire you to pursue your dreams and passions and embrace wherever they may lead.

 

xo,

Dawn

 

 

{In Case You Missed It}: 2019 Highlights

Happy New Year! How amazing is it that we have crossed the threshold not only into a brand new year, but a brand new decade?!  And, as always, wrapping up a year gives way for my reflection on many of the moments that made it special, indeed.

2019 was not without its ebbs and flows, and despite some of the bumps, bruises and downright difficult moments I encountered, there were undoubtedly so many more special moments that I was blessed to experience and/or create--and I'm excited to recap some of my favorites here for you, as a part of my now running annual highlights.  From food, to travel, to lifestyle and fashion, media collaborations, and sharing with you, it was another very good year for me and D.M.R. Fine Foods.  And considering we're heading into the 10th anniversary of the blog this year (I launched it almost three years after starting my brand and business), I'm thrilled to say that it keeps getting better and better.  And the best is still yet to come!

So to get us going, I'm kicking things off with a fun slideshow round-up. (*Recommended: watch in full screen mode.)



Food ~
My food escapades once again included being a featured blogger in the 3rd annual Black History Month Potluck, which showcased my Spice Roasted Chicken, along with 27 additional recipes from fellow bloggers for a one-of-a-kind expose of the best in black cuisine and culture.  There were additional new recipes brought to life in my kitchen, like my now favorite Hasselback Butternut Squash with Maple Butter, Egg Muffins and more, and favorite sips, including this travel-inspired Spritz and this festive, grown-up twist to apple cider.  From my travels (more on that in a moment), to home cooking, restaurant weeks, local dining experiences, and more, 2019 was a delicious year.

Travel ~
2019 was an epic year of travel for me.  From taking in never-before-visited continents, countries, cities, and states, to revisiting long-time favorites, and making memories all along the way, 2019 kept my wanderlust in full gear.  The lineup included New York City, Florida (Orlando and Destin), Chicago, Thailand (Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket), London, Paris, Arkansas (Little Rock, Bentonville, and El Dorado), and last, but certainly not least, Maui, Hawaii.  Travel is truly life for me, and I'm so grateful to have amassed such amazing experiences and lifetime memories, once again.

But it didn't stop there.  I did a thing and launched my very own travel boutique, to boot.  Taking my expertise and love for travel and extending that to help others explore and create postcard-worthy memories now lines my travel purpose and goals.

Fashion and Lifestyle ~
I started the year with the privilege of indulging my inner fashion bug during the NYFW-adjacent MAN/WOMAN Autumn/Winter 2019 Man Show in NYC.  Can you say my element?! It goes without saying that it was great to be back in the thick of it all.  From a little extra fun with Mac Cosmetics for National Lipstick Day, donning tribal braids for a new look and life lessons, necessary self care, and more, the year brought more of the lifestyle flair that I love.

Media/Collaborations ~
2019 proved to be another exceptional year on the media/collaboration fronts.  From my running monthly column in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine (which wrapped its 8 year stint!!! last year), to my absolute favorite Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, to ADAC, Slutty Vegan, Candytopia, more phenomenal restaurants (SEAR/Marriott Hotels, Aziza, Mission + Market, Fogo de Chao, Henri's), Diptyque, Home Depot Backyard Night Market, Scotch & Soda, Miracle Atlanta, ESSENCE (dream collaboration!!!), and one truly unforgettable press tour hosted by Arkansas Tourism, I couldn't have asked for a better extension of my bringing my talents and passions to bear across so many phenomenal brands and experiences.  Truly. blessed.

I'm thankful for every experience and opportunity to live and share my passions and expertise.  I thank you for remaining connected and appreciate your ongoing support and interest in my corner of the world.  I love having you along for my journey and look forward to sharing more as 2020 continues to unfold.

Happy Living!

xo,
Dawn

{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

{In Case You Missed It}: 2016 Highlights

Happy New Year!  I hope that your new year is indeed off to a great start and already shaping up to be your best one yet.

Before we go much further, however, in keeping with my recent tradition, I want to pause and share on some of the most special highlights from 2016.  If you follow me on social media, then you're likely aware that I was fortunate to end last year and begin the new year indulging in my passion for travel with a vacation in a few of my favorite European countries and cities--hence the recent quietness on the blog and much appreciated break and rest from my usual routine. (More highlights from that to come in the days and months ahead...!)

Now that I'm back in the saddle, so to speak, my first order of business here on the blog is to share a brief capture of some of the moments--in food, travel, fashion and style, lifestyle, inspiration, and more, that made last year exceptional on its own terms.  Six plus years and counting, and I am more thankful than ever for this outlet and the opportunities you afford me to share my passions with you.



From dining at the James Beard House, to being featured in Vinings Lifestyle Magazine, to recurring media coverage and collaboration for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Taste of Atlanta Festival, as well as local restaurants, working with amazing brands like Groupon and Warby Parker, sharing my recipes in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, increased collaboration with PopSugar, a fabulous Holiday Pop Up Shop, wonderful travels from New York to Miami to Mexico to Italy, and more, 2016 was once again super sweet and special for D.M.R. Fine Foods.  I feel truly blessed by it all.
 
As always, I hope DMRFF continues to inspire you to live and embrace "the good life" in all its facets. 

Here's to the happiest new year yet....

xo, Dawn

{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  
  

 

About That Recipe Contest....I Won!

Perfect 3 Host, Kelsey Nixon, and Me on Set

You might remember some rumblings from me a couple of months back about a recipe contest I had entered--and more than a couple of solicitations for votes.  Well the day, the hour, has finally come when I can share what has felt like the biggest secret for the last while:  I won the Cooking Channel's Perfect 3 Recipe Contest!  The contest was divided into thirteen categories, each of which produced a winning recipe.  My category of choice was tacos--and my recipe for Grilled Steak Tacos with Chipotle Cream and Chimichurri was the ultimate winner. 

The winning dish

You can likely imagine the sheer thrill I experienced upon receiving the news.  I was so honored and excited and couldn't wait to spread the news far and wide, but it would be a while yet (now to be exact) until I was able to scream my delight into the blog and social media sphere.  My competition had included the likes of professional, seasoned chefs and food authorities, so this was no small feat in my eyes.  And I know that the support of the many who took the time to vote for me/my recipe in the final days of the competition surely played a part in my win.  So to you--each and every one of you--I say THANK YOU!!  Your support has meant so much to me, truly.

If you'll indulge me, I'll give a bit of background on the contest, before I came knocking for votes.  It all started with me entering my recipe into the contest.  A few weeks or so later, I received a notice that my recipe had been selected as a finalist.  There were three of us, however, so more work remained.  I then had to create and submit a short video of me demonstrating my recipe.  Once my video was done and submitted, I then realized I needed to solicit some votes!  So I hit my loyal networks and asked for support--which I obviously got.  In the end, everything came together to make mine the winning recipe.  Glory to God!

Now onto the prize...(my favorite part!)

The grand prize for each winner was to be flown to NYC to film a webisode of our recipe at the Food Network/Cooking Channel studios with Kelsey Nixon, the host of the soon-to-premier The Perfect 3 Cooking Channel television series.  Can you say, Awe-mazing?!  If you asked me what my dream prize would be, I couldn't have planned it any better.  NYC, Food Network/Cooking Channel and me.  It doesn't get any better!  And the Cooking Channel team made it the dream experience I was expecting.  From the time I arrived in NYC--car awaiting at the airport of course :)--until I returned home three days later, it was one of the grandest, most special experiences I have ever had the privilege of enjoying.

My three day, expense-paid trip included a stay in the fabulous Meat Packing District--home to Chelsea Market--which is home to the Food Network/Cooking Channel.  Sweet, huh?

My shoot was perfectly arranged for late afternoon of Day 2 of my visit.  I arrived to the studios and took that step I had always wanted to take--into the doors of the Food Network studios.  After being greeted by my guide and right-hand woman so-to-speak, I was given the privilege of touring the studio, including a stop by the Food Network kitchens, themselves, where chefs were making my recipe in preparation for my shoot!  Check out some photo highlights from that grand day below.

Home of the Food Network/Cooking Channel

The Next Food Network/Cooking Channel Star...

Those kitchens!

Meeting the chefs who were preparing my recipe; we're holding the marinated steak!

One Happy Girl!

After my tour, I was escorted to the green room where I had finishing touches done by the resident make-up artist and waited for a bit while the pie category winner wrapped her shoot.  Then...it was showtime!  I was mic-ed up (and down, frankly) and entered the set where I met Kelsey and the team on-hand who were directing our shoot.  Kelsey was the best.  She was so warm and friendly, so I was able to relax and feel at home during the shoot.  And I even had my own "kitchen genies" who would come and replace food or clean-up items, etc., on cue.  (Now if I can just find a way to duplicate that at home.)  It was a fun shoot, that I'll never forget, and I'm so excited to see--and to have you see--the final version once it's published online.  I also can't wait to see all the other winning recipe webisodes.

After the shoot, I grabbed an ice cream cone and took a stroll at the beautiful High Line Park to watch the sunset and take it all in.

So I'll keep you posted on when it's finally available to watch.  Late summer is my likely guess.  But, I'll let you know, don't worry.  In the interim, you can check out The Perfect 3 television series for yummy inspiration.

Finally, you have to make the recipe and let me know what you think.  P.S. If you love steak and bold, delicious flavors, you'll LOVE these tacos!

I think success is sweetest when shared, so thank you for allowing me to share this very special honor with you.

Happy Eating!

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.

Labor-less Labor Day Eats x Atlanta Plugged In

Summer isn't over yet!! I want to (air) scream this every time I cite a mention of Fall food and flavors these days.  Don't get me wrong, I loveeee the Fall.  It's my favorite season, in fact, but I'm all about celebrating each season to its fullest--and that means relishing the final days of Summer.

Just as Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of Summer, Labor Day tends to mark the unofficial end of this sultry time of year.  And with Labor Day in mind (and on the horizon), I have to share a few, fun recipes to make your entertaining over the long weekend anything but laborious.  Think effortless!

If you follow me on social media (I'd love it if you did--see the easy 'connect' buttons in the right margin. Shameless plug. ;-) ), then you're likely aware that I had the awesome privilege of returning to my favorite, Atlanta Plugged In, earlier this week to share my tips and recipes for making the most of the holiday.

WATCH ME HERE

Now that you've watched the segment, I hope you're inspired to try these easy, delicious, and, yes, healthy dishes.  Win, win, win.

And to tie it all together with a big bow on top, I'm sharing a bonus "recipe" in the way of a super fun and effortless sip.  Because there's so much to cheers to and be thankful for.

Enjoy a delicious, effortless, and safe holiday weekend.

Happy Eating!

Peach Caprese Bites
Ingredients:
Fresh peaches, sliced into rounds
Fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
Prosciutto, thinly sliced
Basil leaves
Flaked sea salt (optional)
Balsamic syrup, for garnish, (optional)

Method:
Arrange peaches, mozzarella, basil and prosciutto in stacks.  Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and drizzle balsalmic, if using.  Enjoy!

Roasted Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
Ingredients:
Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Fresh pineapple
Old Bay Seasoning
Kosher Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Olive Oil  
Brown sugar 
Cilantro
Fresh limes  

Method:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

On a baking sheet, toss together shrimp, seasoning, a light sprinkling of salt, freshly ground pepper and olive oil.  Roast in preheated oven for 5-6 minutes.  Set aside.

On a separate baking sheet, toss together pineapple, brown sugar, salt, pepper and olive oil.  Roast for 15 minutes in preheated oven. (*Cook's Note: Shrimp and pineapple can be prepared a day ahead and served at room temperature, if preferred.)

Add roasted shrimp, pineapple and cilantro to skewers.  Garnish with more chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice.  Enjoy!

Watermelon with Chili-Spiced Salt
Ingredients:
Fresh watermelon slices or chunks
1 tablespoon kosher salt 
1/2 teaspoon chili powder 
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)

Method:
Add salt and spices to a dish and stir well to combine.  Sprinkle over melon, serve and enjoy! (*Cook's Note: leftover salt can be stored in an airtight container in your pantry.)

Cotton Candy Sparkler
Ingredients:
Cotton candy
Sparkling drink of choice (cider, prosecco, champagne, etc.)

Method:
Pour sparkling beverage in glasses.  Top with cotton candy.  Toast and enjoy!