Claire McCormack Photography | dallas

{portrait | Kelly Rucker}

We had the privilege of interviewing one of our favorite food photographers, Claire McCormack Hogan of Claire McCormack Photography. I love Claire for so many reasons... she's an incredibly talented artist, she's an open-hearted lover of people and life, and she's also one of those amazing dreamers who was courageous enough to pursue her dreams. Claire's work is captivating and Mr. H and I are also inspired by the way she lives life. She's so down-to-earth and celebrates life/people in such a humble, sincere way that it can be shocking when you find out her clientele includes: Superbowl XLV, The Ritz Carlton, Maggiano's Little Italy, Stephan Pyles, The Big 12 Conference, Weight Watchers & Jennifer Hudson, DuJour Magazine, The Scout Guide, Daily Candy, and Southern Living to name a few. 

We're honored to have her on the mr.&mrs.h guide today. If want to be inspired by beauty or need some inspiration for going after your dreams, read on because Claire's insight and art will do just that...

MMH: What led you to food photography?
CM: Art directors and editors looked at my website and encouraged me to focus on doing one thing really well. Food was what I loved most. I love the food scene and I've always had a passion for food. I love what food brings out in people. Growing up, instead of playing fort I played kitchen. I always wanted to be a food writer or chef. Food photography allowed me to be in the food world without the mean critiques. It was my happy medium.  

MMH: What was the biggest learning curve in taking on the world of food photography?
CM: I didn't go to school for it, so having to teach myself about owning a company, being in a technical art, and running a business has been a such a learning experience. But,  it's come naturally in the sense that it combines the things I love the most - people, relationships, and creativity. 

Now that I have a few years under my belt, it's definitely gotten easier. But, when you are an expert in a field or, in my case, trying to become one. You are always learning and I can get that wave of feeling like I'm drinking out of a fire hydrant. But, instead of focusing on that I've learned to love the experience of learning. 

MMH: Perks of the job?
CM: In the food industry, chefs are clearly passionate about what they're producing and I'm passionate about what I'm producing. That's an exciting element, to play off of each other in a sense. 

My favorite part, though, is the relationships I get to build.  It's great to get to know people and love on their individual creativity, understand how they work, and how they like to be responded to. Whether, it's the assistants, or the PR team, or the media, or the publications, or the chefs themselves, or their management team, I think it's really fun to get to know all the people that make it run because it's never just one person.

Another thing I love about food photography versus fine art photography is seeing work produced and in print or online. I love seeing it come to life with all the other elements whether it's the the text, the typogragphy, or the story. It's really fun to see the whole thing come together because I'm just a piece of it.  

MMH: Toughest part of the job?
CM: Confidence. There's so much technically to photography. I'm always striving to learn and there's always going to be someone who's better. When you're putting your work out there for criticism or likes and dislikes. You have people who like your work and people who don't like it.You have to be confident in what you are producing. But, you can't be all things to all people. That's one reason I finally picked a niche, that's why I did food photography

Also, comparison. There's always going to be someone who's better. But, comparison is a thief of joy. And, I love what I do. I love the clients I get to work with. I love the relationships I get to build and those are going to be unique to me. I think confidence and comparison are always challenges as an artist. But, it's worth it in the end. I love getting to do what I do, I wouldn't want to be in a office all day or under a big corporation. But, you do have to have a strong inner-voice. 

MMH: Do you have a "most memorable" shoot? If so, why?
CM: There are a lot of different ones for different reasons. But, right after I decided to focus food photography a magazine out of New York hired me to shoot the Food and Wine Festival in Austin. I remember being there for 4 days, shooting food for 10 hours a day, meeting some of the best chefs in Austin - really from all over - and it was such a cool feeling. I remember being exhausted but thinking, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe I get paid for this." It was such a sweet memory of realizing this is what I want to do and I'm actually here. 

But, honestly, in every shoot, I love hearing the chefs' stories. And, even on the littlest shoots, I look around and think, "Wow, I get to do this for a living."

{all images courtesy of Claire McCormack Photography}

MMH: Claire, thanks so much for taking time to share your passion, insight, and art on the mr.&mrs.h guide! We are so inspired by your work and the way you live life. 

{To see more of Claire's delicious photography, head over to her website & her blog. Also, if you're heading to the Lone Star state any time soon, don't miss Claire's favorite spots to eat+drink in Dallas, Austin, and Fredericksburg, Texas.}

-mr.&mrs.h

marché | nashville

Our favorite brunch spot in Nashvegas is hands down Marché. Marché is the brainchild of Margot McCormack, who has spearheaded the revival of East Nashville's food scene. The atmosphere is ideal for brunch -- it's sunny and happy. You feel like it's the perfect weekend morning every time you enter Marché's doors. Plus, it's located in an old telephone switching building that's full of character and personality. 

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But, onto the most important aspect... the food. Although you can't get attached to one "favorite" because the menu focuses on seasonal cuisine and is ever-changing, you won't be disappointed with any new item you choose. The blood orange mimosas are usually on the menu and are the perfect counterpart for any brunch order. 

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Be forewarned, Marché's line for brunch is typically out the door. Either arrive early or prepare to wait. The good news is that you can enjoy Marché's delicious coffee while you wait. Hope you get to taste this brunch bliss soon! (Sidenote: Marché's sister restaurant, Margot Café, is one of Nashville's other standouts that you don't want to miss.) 
-mrs.h

geronimo restaurant | santa fe, nm

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As you know, we have a "meals of a lifetime" list on the Mr.&Mrs.H Guide. Many factors can make a meal unforgettable. It doesn't have to be the best fine dining establishment you've ever been to, it could be a dive with unforgettable fresh seafood, or really amazing company around the table. There are so many aspects outside of the meal itself that make a meal unforgettable. But, at Geronimo Restaurant in Santa Fe the "it factor" was definitely the food. 

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Now, the other factors were there as well... the company was amazing (some of the most precious people in my life were seated around me); I was in one of my favorite cities, Santa Fe, New Mexico; and, the restaurant is house in a home built in 1756 (which was the cherry-on-top because I have a nerdy level of obsession with history and architecture). The interiors are wonderful as well. The restaurant is warm and intimate, so true to place, and amazing art hangs on the walls (but, I wouldn't expect less in the art capital of the South West). 

Still, the. food.  I can't say enough. You can't go wrong. I loved everything, but my one piece of advice is listen to the wait staff... Mr. H did and he "won" on each course. (We have ordering battles where we go around and taste each person's choice to see who had the best one.) Even though all of our choices were to die for, Mr. H was hands down the winner. If you're not convinced already, it's so good I'd make a trip to Santa Fe just for a meal at Geronimo. However, Santa Fe is so wonderful you don't have to twist my arm to get me to make a trip to that enchanting city.

-mrs.h 

la petite grocery | new orleans

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Clearly, we love traveling and we love food. Needless to say, traveling to a food city makes our hearts sing. On a recent trip to New Orleans, I finally got to try La Petite Grocery. I'd been trying to make it there during our last few trips to Nola, but hadn't been able to. Fiinnnallllllyyyyy, I was able to tastes the delights of this wonderful place. And, I was not disappointed!! In the midst of restaurant greats (Galatoire's, Commander's Palace, etc), it totally holds it's own. In fact, it may be my no. 1 pick in New Orleans right now. I loooooved it. 

The Blue Crab Beignets are one of the best appetizers I've ever put in my mouth. I was with a group of friends and every entree ordered was amazing. I love the restaurant's design -- it feels classically New Orleans with a little freshness added to the mix. It's housed in an old grocery store (hints the name). And, you know my love for historic architecture... I was in heaven. To sum La Petite Grocery up in a phrase: "what's not to love?" My only regret was that I waited this long to try it. 

-mrs.h

hot and hot fish club: tomato salad

There are few things I crave more than Hot and Hot Fish Club's tomato salad. Everything about it embodies summer goodness. (In fact, Chef/Owner Chris Hastings describes the dish as "summer on a plate.") Ahhhh, I'm craving it just thinking about it now.

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Part of the tomato salad's beauty is the fact that you can only order it during the summer. Chef Hastings (who won the James Beard Award "Best Chef in the South" in 2012) uses local, fresh ingredients so the tomato salad only hits the menu when tomatoes are perfectly in season -- and not a day before. In fact, a few years ago, I called and asked when the salad would be on the menu. The staff member I spoke to said they hoped to have it that Friday. I made my reservation, showed up expectantly, and was greeted with the unfortunate news that Chef Hastings felt the tomatoes still weren't up to par... I'd have to wait another week. 

Chef Hastings puts the finishing touches on a Tomato Salad with Bayou La Batre Shrimp 

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The salad usually shows up on the menu in early May, but Chef Hastings has to use nearby Florida tomatoes until Alabama tomatoes ripen up in June. The tomato salad stays on the menu through September when tomato season says farewell until next year. If you've never had this salad, it's worth making a trip to Birmingham, AL to try it (plus, if you're a foodie, B'ham has so many great spots you can make a "food trip" out of the weekend). 
-mrs.h

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tipsy parson: great food - great design

Our love of food and design were two aspects that drew Mr. H and I into hospitality. When a restaurant or hotel combines those two components, I'm in heaven. One such restaurant is Tipsy Parson in NYC. "Morning, noon, and night," Tipsy Parson is serving up Southern soul-food with a twist.

Their key is in the way they've seamlessly mixed the details of Southern tradition with cutting-edge creative concepts that enhance the classic Southern cuisine and design. If you're in the city and need to escape the crazy pace, Tipsy Parson is the perfect place... there's nothing like a little soul food and Southern hospitality to nourish the heart and body. 

-mrs.h

i love it all--the tile, wallpaper, paint color, the list goes on and on...

now that's what i call a good lookin' bar

i love that they have cheerwine on the menu.
(for you "non-southerners": cheerwine is a heavenly soft-drink sold in the Carolinas.)

{all images via}

mi cocina - highland park

HP's Tex-Mex Mecca

If everything is bigger in Texas then it's really big in The Big D! Dallas will always have a special place in my heart. I lived there for four years and had so many wonderful adventures and memories during that time! Since leaving Dallas, I've realized there are some things that no state can offer other than The Lone Star State. The top item on that list is Tex-Mex. To me it is the perfection of Mexican-American cuisine and no state can rival it. Even California with it's strong Mexican roots can't hold a candle to Tex-Mex. 

Mambo Taxi = ¡Delicioso! 

I have several favorite Tex-Mex spots in Texas... some are hole-in-the-wall dives and others totally reflect the upscale glamour of cities like Dallas and Houston.  Today's highlight is definitely the latter. Mi Cocina (a.k.a. "Mi Co's") is sexy Tex-Mex. From the atmosphere to the clientele, it oozes a sleekness that is fitting for the Highland Park Village vibe. (Mi Co's has several different locations now, but my go-to was always HP Village, so I can't speak for the rest.) And, the food... the.food.!! It's what I still crave on a weekly basis even after being gone for more than four years. 

HP Village, how I love thee!

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Below, I've listed my top picks from their menu. You really can't go wrong though. And, don't leave without getting a Mambo Taxi -- Mi Co's most famous concoction. It's a heavenly mixture of frozen margarita and Mi Co's special sangria. But, don't drink too many Mambo Taxis or you will be taking a taxi home... they are potent. Here's another tip: After dinner, stroll on over to the Village Theater for their paciugo gelato! Then catch a movie or get the gelato to-go and do a little "window shopping walk" around the Village (that's always my favorite).
-mrs.h


Mrs. H's favorites at Mi Cocina:
App's
- guacamole
- chile con queso (mouthwatering goodness)

Entree's
- Nachos al Carbon (They are officially an appetizer, but I always order them as my go-to entree. 
  Also, I usually order half chicken and half beef fajita. Two can spilt this if you don't want to be stuffed.)
- Lucy Changa (a.k.a. the Cocina Changa)

Drink
- Mambo Taxi

Paciugo at the Village Theatre... mmm, mmm good!

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Mex in Denver

Looking for the best tacos in Denver? Look no further than Pinche Tacos.

Thanks to the recommendation of fellow blogger Bradley Nesbitt (Flutter By), Mrs. H and I landed at Pinche Tacos during a recent trip to Denver.

I have to admit that growing up in Alabama didn't prepare me to be a Mexican food critic, but dating Mrs. H (well at the time Miss N) while she lived in Dallas did provide a rather speedy education.

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    Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey - sounds like a good recipe

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Our waitress, Riley, did a great job of steering us in the right direction. Her favorite Margarita is the Jalisco Donkey Show and her favorite taco is the Carnitas.

I have to agree with her on the Carnitas - the pork was so juicy and tender!

For this South Alabamian, Pince Tacos is a definite must when visiting the Mile High City.

-mr. h

"if you're going to San Francisco..."

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The Mama's and the Papa's advised those going to San Fran to wear flowers in their hair. Here at the mr.&mrs.h guide, we advise you to add another item to your list when heading to the City by the Bay... make a stop by Tartine Bakery.

Yesterday was my (mrs. h) birthday. I would give anything for the days when we lived in NorCal and would celebrate my b'day in SF. I made sure that we went to Tartine for breakfast to get a morning bun - my favorite. And, we'd usually make another stop that afternoon for a loaf of fresh baked bread--that is if we made it in time. The line starts before 4:30 p.m. (approximately the time when the loaves come out of the oven) if you don't get in line in time you'll miss your chance to taste the heavenly treat of Tartine's bread... plus what could be more perfect than enjoying bread in the city where sourdough became famous? (They have great lunch items too - salad/sandwiches, etc - if you're in the Mission District around lunchtime.)

So, if you're going to San Francisco be sure to stop by Tartine with some flowers in your hair.

-mrs.h