ATOD Magazine: A Taste of Dawn
THE DARE
ATOD Magazine was created and founded by Writer, Dawn Garcia, as a dare. Having written fiction, poetry, journalism, screenplays, plays, blogs, and anything in between – a friend dared her to write about Food for a job opening he saw online. One thing you should know about Dawn is she never backs down from a good challenge. And so, as she started to write a review, she realized to her, eating was so much more than mere food. It was an experience. It was an opportunity to take in every sense through sheer observation. She was never by any means an expert. The way she sees food is much like she sees most mediums of art:
“They are nurturing, beautiful, soul stirring necessities in life that feed the deepest parts of who we are. Without food – we would literally cease to be. Without art, at least in my world – breathing would not be possible. Food, photography, film, art, journalism – these are all essential modes of expression. Each one telling a story that only enhances the every day because let’s be honest: in this very fast-paced world we rarely stop to recognize the things happening right in front of us. We miss what’s alive, what’s happening spontaneously right at that moment. We rarely stop to pause and look at the masterpiece on the plate before us – and when we do, it is even more rare that we savor that first bite that enters our mouths, begs us to let our tongues swirl around, and recognize the very textures and flavors culminating within. Every palate is different. No two people experience that bite the same. Much like wine. Much like photography – and film – and art. These are the ways in which we associate our emotions. These are the ways in which we see reflections of ourselves, the moments we dare to see world through a different set of senses, and above all – the one way we are all united – if only for a moment.”
WHAT’S IN A NAME
6 entries later and a need to make the blog she created at least look pretty, a Tumblr blog was started and designed and called “A Taste of Dawn”. She thought it was fun, tongue in cheek, and a little suggestive: all things a smart woman should be. After people started inquiring as to when she would be writing another one, she decided to make a website because, well, she’s an overachiever. With a love for 1940′s nostalgia, it was a natural fit to create a site with an “old-school” feel and a visual undertone of beautiful sophistication. The site soon evolved into a resource of not only food reviews, but story. Dawn is a storyteller. The world is far clearer when you are able to be a part of story and so *ATOD evolved into Dawn interviewing Chefs which then evolved into writing about events and her sharing her deep love of the arts with ATOD readers.
THE EVOLUTION
As time went on, photography – her most loved form of art – was a natural fit. And so began her interviews with photographers, and then artists, and now filmmakers, actors, producers, anyone who has a story worth telling. The world she dwells in is one she has experienced. With a background in film, entertainment, fashion, art, and media – ATOD Magazine is a reflection of everything Dawn loves, hence why the name is befitting. As luck would have it, she gets to share that love with readers all over the world and in turn meets the most amazing Chefs, dines at some of the most interesting restaurants (from the hole-in-the-walls to Michelin rated and James Beard Award Winning establishments), she feasts on photography, goes to museums, sees incredible theatre, spends hours upon hours learning about what’s happening in this world, and attempts, every day to taste a little bit of life. If you’ve ever met Dawn Garcia you know she cares deeply about the world. In a state of such chaos, tapping into the true beauty of living – coming across artists and visionaries around the globe – well, it allows her to tell others about what she’s found.
THE BRAND
Almost exactly 18 months later, ATOD Magazine has now branched out and ATOD has grown. Now with a second (and wonderfully talented new writer) Matthew Dyson who lives in the UK, writing about the incredible world existing around him; an art liaison, Jessica Reinhardt, who has a background in Art Curating and embodies a passion for everything creative, with the promise of bringing on even more talent in time. that in mind, ATOD Magazine has expanded and ATOD+ = creative publicity was created.
ATOD+
Under the umbrella of ATOD Magazine, ATOD+ will begin orchestrating Authentic Events, in addition to holding Creative Workshops around the country and around the world teaching on various topics of: Writing | Eating + Indulging | Experiencing Your Senses, and continue to search for insatiable fare, unforgettable wines, prolific and raw photographers, intriguing filmmakers, brilliant storytellers, fascinating people, and always – those that dare to see the world through a vision that only dreamers can. The hope is that through it all – YOU the reader – feel as if you too have taken a journey – even if you can’t physically be wherever we are, maybe just maybe – you can imagine.
CONNECTING-THE-DOTS
In addition, ATOD Magazine has a Network of incredibly talented Photographers, Artists, Chefs, Venues, and more. Whatever you’re looking for, we will help you find. After all, that’s why we started: To share some of the most memorable restaurants, hotels, museums, and visionaries in the world. With combined experience in their respective fields, everyone we refer OR critique has a story. The purpose is in utilizing innovation, originality, creativity, and above all, the power of story.
WRITING FOR ATOD Magazine
ATOD is also in the process of searching for contributing writers to join the team. If you believe you have a voice that should be featured on the website and you’d like to be a part of this magazine in support of Chefs, the Arts, Cinema, Restaurants, Travel, Hotels, and beyond please direct a submission to:
submissions@atodmagazine.com
In the Subject Line: SUBMISSION
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Please submit any letters to the Editor by emailing: dg@atodmagazine.com
