Inspiration 8.9 (local edition)

Love this restrained, but charming conversation nook from DC-based designer Barbara Franceski (from the DC design house.)

P.S. Had the loveliest birthday weekend -- can't wait to share in a little bit.

Welcome Food Contributor Shulie Madnick!

I am so incredibly excited to introduce you guys to Shulie Madnick, who'll be sharing some of her amazing recipes with us every few weeks.

I just stumbled across Shulie's blog, Food Wanderings, this week and was completely blown away. She specializes in globally-influenced cuisine (largely rooted in her Indian-Israeli heritage), and much of it made from organic and local ingredients. Oh, and did I mention that she is insanely talented at food styling and photography? When I clicked through to her blog, I spent the first two minutes looking for the high-end cookbook she sourced her photos from -- only to discover it was all original work.

Some more about Shulie, in her own words:

"I was born and raised in Israel to parents of Indian ancestry...and that is where my informal culinary world begins. My mom is gifted with a touch only few are graced with in the kitchen and I am lucky to have her collection of recipes. Throughout the years, my friends encouraged me to write a collection of childhood stories and memories -- webbed with food stories and recipes-- so as a first stepping stone I started my blog.

Another inspiration is my son who, although born and raised in the USA, (his dad hails from Massachusetts), embraces his eclectic Indian/Israeli heritage and, up until recently, refused to let me share what he considers heirloom family recipes. Our mostly organic and local lifestyle began when my son was born 17 years ago. (I still feel I need to grow up though :).

I met my husband, Jonathan, at the tail end of my mandatory Israeli army service and his last semester at Tel Aviv University. One thing led to another, and we ended up in the DC area where he went to graduate school at Georgetown University.

For years I worked in advertising, marketing and sales, and eventually, I became a stay-at-home mom. A few years ago I started an import business of high-end costume jewelry and art on leather collection (belts, bags, etc.) from very gifted artists in Israel. I closed the import business recently and am trying to jump start a food product line, cooking classes and now work as a personal chef. I also hope to publish a cookbook someday.

I am only at the very beginning of this budding business but enjoying blogging to a point of giddiness and silliness (told you I need to grow up!)"

Below, Shulie shares a simple lunch she made from the bounty at last Sunday's Dupont Circle Farmer's Market. I am so envious of her ability to break away from the grocery list, choose what looked best at the market, and put together a wonderful treat without a recipe. More detailed recipes to come in a few weeks!

On a sunny beautiful day at the FRESHFARM Dupont Circle market, I found a vibrant, bountiful market today. With a bag full of organic produce, artisanal breads and cured meats, and a quick in and out of Kramerbooks, my morning was complete.

The guys' lunch today was a sandwich made entirely of the delicious and mostly organic findings at the market. Arugula, mache, two kinds of radishes from Next Step organic farm, Nathan Anda's cured beef pastrami and bresaola, whole grain multi-seed bread from one of the bakeries at the market, a vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon and a touch of salt to brush the bread with and lunch was complete.

Local Love: Industrial Salvage from Modern 50

Yesterday, I discovered Modern 50, an artist and design collective based out of Sterling, Va. Even though they are based out of Virginia, anyone can purchase their salvaged finds through their website, which is chock full of completely amazing early to mid century industrial, Americana.

Some of my favorite pieces below:

Bundle Up Part 3: Cotton Herringbone Throws

How cute are these herringbone throws available at Timothy Paul on 14th Street? So perfect for snuggling on the couch with some hot cocoa and trashy TV. For those of you who don't live in the DC area, I'm pretty sure they are by Sferra and are available at Gracious Home.

H/T Washington Post