Hello! Welcome to Dontmissmyplate.

Thank you for visiting my website! I'm Maxine, a food blogger, home cook, travel enthusiast, and lover of food and culture. I’m passionate about fusion cuisine, a style of cooking that blends ingredients and techniques from different countries, regions, and traditions.

My approach is influenced by both Southern African and American cooking, shaped by my life experiences and reflected in the diversity of my recipes. I also focus on farm-to-table cooking, using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. I believe food tastes best when it’s in season and close to its origin.

Travel plays a big role in how I cook and create. I love sharing my food adventures, from what I’ve eaten to where to eat, while discovering new flavors, cultures, and techniques that continue to inspire me.

I hope this space feels helpful and inspiring. Whether you're in the mood for something familiar or ready to try something new, you’ll find plenty to explore here. Happy cooking!

The Conche - Leeburg, Virginia

The Conche - Leeburg, Virginia

dontmissmyplate

Conche celebrates chocolate in a way I haven't experienced before, and I love chocolate! With cocoa infused into pretty much everything on the menu. From a conching machine to a chocolate display to an offering of cocoa shots, it is quite the experience. They also include an element of performance art with some of the desserts, so it's great for groups and special events like birthdays. I would recommend getting the bacon mac and cheese for an appetizer, lamb flatbread with a Moroccan flare, and for dessert, if you don't get the flaming ball of chocolate or dessert meatballs; try any of the chocolates up front. My favorite was rosemary caramel. Then for a drink, just ask for a mustache!

Kaliwa - Southwest, DC

Kaliwa - Southwest, DC
Rustico - Ballston, VA

Rustico - Ballston, VA
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