Warning: Don’t follow Sara Damjanovic via social media on an empty stomach. The owner of Floret Cakery in Sioux Falls captures her everyday life of creating sweet pieces of art in her kitchen that are almost too
beautiful to eat.
605 stopped by to visit with Damjanovic about what she loves to do when she’s not too busy baking creative cakes.
I love to wander the aisles of Maxwell Food Equipment. If you’ve never been, it’s basically heaven for anyone that likes to spend time in the kitchen. They have every single gadget that you could possibly think of, and it’s where 99 percent of my cake decorating supplies come from. I never leave without a bag full of items.
My dad and I grab brunch at Josiah’s [Coffeehouse, Cafe & Bakery] every Tuesday. We get mounds of food and coffee and spend hours talking about everything from politics to traveling to starting my own business. Their new location is one of my favorites in Sioux Falls— they’ve managed to create a big-city vibe in the middle of downtown, and I love it.
Yoga classes at Amy Miller Training (AMT) are awesome. If you’ve never been to AMT, you’re completely missing out. Five years ago, I met Amy at the former Santosha Hot Yoga, and she made me feel like I was immediately at home, despite not having been to any yoga classes for a long time. Amy’s current studio is filled with the kindest and most fun instructors who make each class a total blast. It’s my favorite place to go when I’m in need of a mental push or serious sweat session.
I love taking cooking classes at Plum’s [Cooking Company]! Earlier last year, my friend Abby Bischoff and I took a class that was taught by Molly Yeh—one of my absolute favorite food bloggers and cookbook authors eve —and had the best time. Plum’s kitchen is so beautiful, and they are always stocked with the most amazing cookware and kitchen gadgets. One of my dreams is to be able to teach a class there myself!
My partner’s daughter loves nature. During the summertime and fall, we spend hours at McKennan Park looking for butterflies or collecting walnuts to feed to the squirrels in our neighborhood. I love how beautiful and well maintained the park is and how vibrant it gets, especially in the summertime.
I enjoy reading and brainstorming at the downtown Coffea [Roasterie]. My favorite spot is in the right-hand corner of the window and my favorite drink is an Almond Milk Latte. Also, I’m obsessed with their French Almond
Coffee Cake.
I’ll find any excuse to go to The Co-op [Natural Foods]. Since we live a few blocks away, it’s really easy to come up with a reason to go to the Co op, whether it’s to grab something I need for lunch or dinner or saying hi to the employees. I love that they’re intentional about creating menus that are allergen friendly and that they always have a unique array of products.
I play endless rounds of pool at the Top Hat with my friends. It is, hands down, my favorite bar in Sioux Falls. Their Bloody Marys are unrivaled, and that they serve their pizzas with the most delicious sweet chili sauce that tastes great after one-too-many Bloody Marys.
Every month we like to head to the The Market for dinner and a bottle of wine. I love that they locally source a lot of their ingredients and that their staff is always so kind and knowledgeable about their menu. Plus, the environment is so cozy. We always leave feeling full and happy. Every other Sunday we have lunch at my parents’ house. Not to sound biased, but my mom is the best cook I know and is my inspiration when it comes to cooking and baking. Without her, I never would have developed my passion for spending time in the kitchen. She not only taught me how to cook, but how to make anyone feel at home with a good meal or dessert.
RANDOM FACTS:
I immigrated to the United States with my mom and dad almost 22 years ago.
I’m completely obsessed with my dog, Norah. We rescued her almost four months ago, but it feels like she’s been part of our family forever.
I’ve visited six out of 10 Canadian provinces.
My guilty pleasure is Dunkin’ Donuts.
It takes me at least 25 minutes to water all of my houseplants.
