Well, food blogging has brought about many firsts. I look at food differently, often thinking about how to plate it and how to capture the light just perfectly in a photo. I read recipes differently, always pausing to think about adapting them to my own interests and taste. And last but not least, I look at dishes and linens much, much differently.

Even if I’m eating alone and in a rush, I still always set a place for myself. There’s something depressing about standing in front of the TV or perching on the edge of a chair at the counter. I always put out a nice place mat and silverware, and there are usually flowers on the table. The aesthetics of a room, table, and a place setting is important if you think about eating as a sensory experience and not just a habit or necessity. Now I’m not talking fine china and stemware with each meal. I’m just saying the presentation of food matters.

So I’ve been very aware of dishes, napkins, linens, and antique silverware lately. And during the past week, Heath Ceramics has come into my radar. I was having coffee and a macaron at Cibo in Sausalito and noticed their beautiful dishware. After a little investigation, I realized it was Heath, and I’d just read how Chez Panisse uses Heath Ceramics for their dishes and serving ware. I promptly hopped online and discovered they’ve been around since 1948 and, low and behold, the U.S. factory is in my backyard. I knew what I had to do: the next morning I woke up and headed over to investigate. And that’s when I found the plate.

Now when I talk about just one lonely plate, don’t get me wrong: I would love to own eight. In fact, I’d love to own the matching mugs and bowls, the wooden salad tongs, the lovely red espresso cups, and the rustic cutting board. But this non-working girl’s got to save her pennies (Dear Santa…) so I settled for just one. What I love about my little plate and about all of the tableware at Heath is the aesthetic, the weight, and the muted colors. Heath Ceramics is one of the few remaining mid-century American potteries still functioning today, and they use much of the original design and technique they did a half-century ago. In addition, the store stocks sweet letter-press cards, vintage-inspired linens, and textiles. I could’ve spent days in there.

Above when I was talking about food blogging firsts, I failed to mention that I actually selected a dish to make this afternoon solely for this plate. Yep, that’d be a first. Tonight, my mom’s cooking a pot roast and cheesy potato dish, so I thought we needed something light and crisp–inspired by my new plate. There’s a recipe in the new Martha Stewart Living (which is a little odd and uninspiring) for an Apple and Celery Root Salad, and I figured the light crunch and the stark wintry colors would be perfect compliment to tonight’s dinner…and, it’d look great on that plate. I was right.

Celery Root and Apple Slaw
From: Martha Stewart Living Magazine
Note: You’ll notice my preparation is much more a “salad” than a “slaw.” I think a mandolin would come in handy to get smaller matchstick pieces-I was going for a little heartier look.

Ingredients:
1 small celery root, trimmed, peeled, and cut into matchsticks (about 2 cups)
1 Granny Smith apple, cut into matchsticks (2 cups)
1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. apple cider
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss. Let stand for 30 minutes before serving.

Serves: 4