At The Table with Sarah Millman

How this designer makes meals easy and romantic

a selfie from Sarah in the Claire blouse from Local Woman

Hi Friends,

I’m so excited to introduce you to Sarah Millman today! She is an incredible artist, designer and the founder of Local Woman a small slow fashion line based in Toronto. I really love Sarah’s strong sense of style and how it translates into all aspects of her life and in the kitchen. She has an expert eye and does an amazing job at infusing ease and romance into the everyday.  

I reached out to Sarah to see if her work as an artist and designer translates into the kitchen and feeding her family?

Can you share a bit about yourself and your work?

My name is Sarah Millman, and I'm a mom, artist, and clothing designer. I run a small label called Local Woman, designed and manufactured in Toronto. 

a stunning birthday cake from Sarah

Do you find common themes with your cooking style and your design strategy ?

 I do! I love the classics, but with a dash of whimsy- kind of like the clothing I make. I like to stick to simple recipes but with ingredients I find romantic - in season, beautiful to look at and taste. Locally grown is a big plus too. 

What is your most loved kitchen tool?

Our Japanese chef's knife from Tosho Knife Arts, followed by our Breville espresso machine. I use both multiple times a day. 

What can we always find in your fridge?

I always have a homemade nut or seed milk in the fridge because I use it for my daily (or two) coffees.

Lately I've been lazy and using pre-ground almond flour, a couple of dates, vanilla, water, and a pinch of sea salt for a really fast nut milk. It's so nice over iced coffee. I don't even strain it - I don't mind the grainy bits at the bottom of the drink! 

a family style snack plate

What are your favorite pantry ingredients for a quick meal?

Rio tuna in olive oil, green olives, capers, artichoke hearts with the stems (GiGi brand is my favorite grocery store brand & is relatively affordable), and salted pumpkin seeds. I love these with some leafy greens, sheep’s milk feta, dill, and some vegetables for lunch. 

Can you share your best tip for family meals?

Don't force it if you have a picky eater. Try to eat at the table together. Put phones away. Gently introduce new foods.

Do you have any favorite food memories you’d like to share?

I'm from Nova Scotia, and summers in the Maritimes mean beach days and seafood - usually eaten outside, with your hands, and with lots of butter and fresh baked rolls.

On our last visit to PEI, we ate at a seafood shack next to the ferry, down by the docks - and it was quite possibly the best lobster roll I've had in my life. There's also an oyster restaurant my family loves to visit on PEI called the Malpeque Oyster Barn - and I think my first time there I died and went to heaven. We watched as they hoisted the oysters directly from the water and brought them inside to our table. So fresh! Unreal. 

To find out more about Sarah and her stunning clothing label, visit thelocalwoman.com or on instagram @thelocalwoman