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!

Osteria Morini - Navy Yard, DC

Osteria Morini - Navy Yard, DC

dontmissmyplate

The pastas dishes here are delicious, so do not hesitate. The restaurant itself is beautiful lots of natural light, right by the water in The Yards Park not too far from the Baseball stadium. For the appetizer to start off, get the burrata.

Rating: 5 star plates 🍽️ 🍽️ 🍽️ 🍽️ 🍽️

If you like Italian food you'll be fine here. For those who are really strict about where to brunch, you have ricotta pancakes as one of the things that can help you out a the menu is not traditional in that sense. They also have an interesting special for 2 or 3 course meals for brunch, so you can save a little bit and add on a drink for half price or just get a champagne bottle and two juices to make your own mimosas. This is a great spot for dates and celebrations.

Ricotta Pancakes with maple mascarpone, blueberry jam

Ricotta Pancakes with maple mascarpone, blueberry jam

These pancakes are wonderous with the ricotta and mascarpone.

Crispy Potatoes with pecorino

Crispy Potatoes with pecorino

Some of the tastiest potatoes ever.

House-made Burrata - creamy mozzarella, pistachio pesto, grilled asparagus, mint

House-made Burrata - creamy mozzarella, pistachio pesto, grilled asparagus, mint

With the warm, toasted bread this makes such a tasty starter.

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One of the best pasta dishes they have, nice and creamy.

Battilardo - prosciutto di parma, parmigiano, and sopressata served with grilled bread

Battilardo - prosciutto di parma, parmigiano, and sopressata served with grilled bread

Campanelle Nero - squid ink pasta, shrimp, scallops, calabrian chile

Campanelle Nero - squid ink pasta, shrimp, scallops, calabrian chile

Uovo Al Tartufo - poached egg, asparagus crema, truffle, frisee

Uovo Al Tartufo - poached egg, asparagus crema, truffle, frisee

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Let them know it’s your birthday! You may get a sweet surprise.


Barrel - Capitol Hill, DC

Barrel - Capitol Hill, DC
Urban Butcher - Silver Sping, MD

Urban Butcher - Silver Sping, MD
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