Just like Oprah has a few of her favorite things, so do we.
After all, this is Favorite Daughter. And about that name. I'm the youngest of three kids and the only girl. My dad loves to introduce me as 'his favorite daughter' and it just seemed like a perfect name for my business consulting work. As a company focused on smaller businesses, we tend to become family. On this page you will find great brands, interesting products, wonderful businesses. Stop by often it's an ever-evolving list. I recently added podcasts because "what are you listening to" has replaced "what are you reading." If you have a favorite retail or food business or just something you think people need to know about, send me a note.
Creatives - Design, Illustration, Words, Photography
Danielle Mouledoux - Graphic Design
Danielle and I met when I worked at EDENS and she ran marketing for Angelica Film Center. She is always working on wild projects. Ask about her music.
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Mirian Alvarenga - Graphic Design + Hand-Lettering
You will never work with a more pleasant, delightful and happy designer. Oh, and she's talented. Graphic and hand-lettering.
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Stephanie O'Sullivan - Graphic Design
Design for various types of businesses
https://www.stephanieosullivan.net/
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Meaghan Webster - Social Media + Photography
Focus on restaurants and wine companies. And truly the most impressive work. She may not even have time for you - she's that good!
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Kate Medley - Documentarian + Photographer
I had to add Kate to my site for a while. She is such a storyteller with her camera. I worked with her for many years. Her love of food, farming and people is evident in her work. Visit her website just to feel good.
PODCASTS + PEOPLE SAYING THINGS
The Robicelli Argument Clinic
A food podcast that sometimes veers off course. You get food-industry veterans Allison & Matt Robicelli and their friend Evan and a guy named Noah...and really good guests, and, well they discuss and disagree about food. Sometimes it's not about food. It's funny and sweet. And poor Matt has a lot to say but can't always get a word in. Because he married an Italian from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The podcast is Baltimore-based, so go Maryland.
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Gonna be kinda hard to explain this one, too. It's listed as a podcast about food and food media. But it deviates. Hosted by Laurie Woolever & Chris Thornton. Their guests are amazing. They play a fun game at the end of each episode. They love weird candy. Just go listen.
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Lindsay Collins hosts this podcast and her desciption is perfect: a Charleston-based podcast taking a ridiculous look at the food and beverage community. Tackling the issues that don't matter at all. She's pretty funny and sometimes she has guests and sometimes it's just her going on about food and people.
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My friend Tenja is working to tell stories of people in food in a unique way. Curating the connection between the human story and the power of food. Help her out - follow along on Instagram & Facebook. Watch out world...
Food & Drink - i can't list them all! So many loves.
The Girl & The Vine
Delightful spot with a bar in Takoma Park. Carry out, sit on the patio. They sell wine, too.
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El Sapo
From our friends at Urban Butcher - Cuban food with great outdoor space.
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Cielo Rojo
Seriously amazing Mexican food. My friend Christy from San Diego gives her approval. Also plenty of vegan options.
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La Casita Pupusas
There are a lot of choices for pupusas in this area, but these are the best. Fight me.
https://www.lacasitapupusas.com/
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Burley Cafe
Last website update I focused on the brewery so this time the cafe gets focus because I had some crazy coffee drink there. Here's the link. And NOW they also have retail store.
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Viking Tree Trading
If you're reading in order..this is the store owned by the Burley folks. Vinyl records, cool clothes. Mostly stuff for guys.
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Seed & Mill
My love of tahini has no end. But you have to get good quality tahini that is smooth. Not the chalky stuff. They also make halva. And my friend Shimme works here. So get this one
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GREEK Things - Found on the island of Chios
The the sap of the mastic tree is only cultivate on Chios. It has many uses from food to medicine. The history and story is fascinating.
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I never knew we made wine on Chios! We followed some very winding roads to get there. Assyrtiko would be common Greek wine from the islands. The dry red Aftsitros is unique to Chios. Cultivated since ancient time from Chiotiko Krassero + Ayannitis varietals.
Shops & Retail Therapy
Shop Made in DC
Growing the DC maker community
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Steadfast Supply Company
http://www.steadfastsupplydc.com/
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Chartreuse & Company
Love the hope of discovery
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Anthropologie
It’s a chain, but they are so good at merchandising
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Cookery Shops
https://www.cookeryshops.com/about/
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Jaynes Reliable
https://www.facebook.com/jaynesreliable/
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National Picnic
Small-batch clothing made in NJ
Doing Good
Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center
I serve on the board of this non profit contemporary art center. Visit the store for unique, handmade gifts. Insider tip: visit Vigilante Coffee across the street.
https://www.pyramidatlanticartcenter.org/
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1000 Women Project
One of my clients, Shea Radiance has partnered with an important project to provide 1k clean cook stoves to the women who collect the shea butter for the beautiful products she creates.
https://www.1000womenproject.com/
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Chef Ann Foundation
Do not be fooled. There are ways to feed children a healthy meal at school. You can take some very easy steps in your community. Check it out.
http://www.chefannfoundation.org/
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Southern Foodways Alliance
I so love this organization. They document, study and explore the diverse food cultures of the American south. Subscribe to their podcast and journal called Gravy.
https://www.southernfoodways.org/
Beauty & Things that Smell Good
Karma by Erwin Gomez
See Peggy for your hair and Erwin for your brows. You will be so happy.
http://www.karmaerwingomez.com/
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Fitology
My gym. Just trainers and their clients. Ask for Karl
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True Nails
It’s not glamorous, but trust me when I say this is solid nail care. Its big so you rarely have to wait. Manicures last.
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Blu Water Spa
Places to Visit - an all maryland/dc list this time.
Assateague Island National Seashore
I don't camp, but if you do you can do it here! I got for day trips. You can see the wild ponies. Walk the beaches. It's lovely.
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Washington, DC
It's not a swamp. You just keep electing swamp-y people who move here.
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Hyattsville, MD
Ask me about it. If you're not hanging around Prince George's County you're missing out.
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Berlin, MD
It is the best stop on the way to or from the beach. The most darling town with a brewery, bakery, shops and all sorts of things. Frankly, my friends are tired of hearing about it.
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Baltimore, MD
We don't call it Charm City for nothing, hon. So much innovation and creativity. Dare I say, it's infested awesomeness.
Education & Learning - shout out to my Alma Maters
Springbrook High School - Silver Spring, MD
Hey Blue Devils! Stay tuned - the class of 1989 is launching a mentorship program. All alumni are welcome (encouraged!) to join as we give back to the next generation.
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North Carolina State University - Raleigh, NC
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International Culinary Center - New York, NY
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Elizabeth Seton High School - Bladensburg, MD
I currently teach Hospitality & Tourism Management here. If you are able to come speak to students or hire interns let me know.
