Angela Rakis
- Jun 28, 2022
- 5 min read

2022 1st Quarter -Favorites & Finds

Creatives - Design, Illustration, Words, Photography

Caile Elwell - Brand Experience + Brand Story

Caile has a vast background in hospitality - from hotels and inns to food + beverage to airlines. She is a writer and storyteller. Her niche is taking your brand and ensuring that the story is elevated.

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.

Stephanie O'Sullivan - Graphic Design

Design for various types of businesses

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

According to Weeze

If you have not started doing some type of anti-racism education for yourself, get to work. Especially if you're white and reading this (which is probably most of you). Louiza "Weeze" Doran is an educator and coach. And beyond. I love this woman. I learn something from her Instagram account DAILY. If you are rolling your eyes or saying, "I don't need this." Then you need it.

Carbface

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.

Effinbradio

Lindsay Collins hosts this podcast and her description 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.

Folk & Palate

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.

Cielo Rojo

Seriously amazing Mexican food. My friend Christy from San Diego gives her approval. Also plenty of vegan options.

La Casita Pupusas

There are a lot of choices for pupusas in this area, but these are the best. Fight me.

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.

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.

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

GREEK Things - because you know, Greeks.

Laiik

These shoes are so beautiful. They are comfortable. The price is a commitment - but they are made by hand, with quality materials. They will last forever. I only have one pair and I wore them all over Greece. I bought them at the Greek Festival - of course.

Ariousios Winery

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 and now coming to Maryland (College Park)

Steadfast Supply Company

Chartreuse & Company

Love the hope of discovery

Cookery Shops

My friend Cary has shut down her shop, but she has an amazing food blog. Be sure to sign up!

Jaynes Reliable

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beauty & Things that Smell Good

Karma by Erwin Gomez

See Peggy for your hair and Erwin for your brows. You will be so happy.

Fitology

My gym. Just trainers and their clients. Ask for the owner, Nick.

True Nails

It’s not glamorous, but trust me when I say this is solid nail care. It’s big so you rarely have to wait. Manicures last.

Places to Visit - an all maryland/dc list this time.

Blu Water Spa

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.

Washington, DC

It's not a swamp. You just keep electing swamp-y people who move here.

Hyattsville, MD

Ask me about it. If you're not hanging around Prince George's County you're missing out.

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.

Baltimore, MD

We don't call it Charm City for nothing, hon. So much innovation and creativity. Dare I say, it's infested awesomeness.