6. Sammy Mila: From Famous Hands to Food Phenom Artwork

Table for Two

Pull up a chair at the Table for Two. Join Jessica Dunker, President and CEO, of the Iowa Restaurant Association, on a tour of the state and spend time with some of Iowa’s award winning restaurateurs, chefs and hospitality professionals. You’ll hear the stories, inspirations and even a few secrets, behind your favorite eating and drinking establishments. You’ll be surprised when you learn which high profile operators say they chose the industry, and which claim the industry chose them. We talk traditions and trends, tastes and tactics– with some of Iowa’s most innovative entrepreneurs. Our conversations will entertain patrons, enlighten operators, and leave everyone hungry for more. Subscribe to Table for Two on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Table for Two

6. Sammy Mila: From Famous Hands to Food Phenom

March 20, 2023 • Iowa Restaurant Association • Season 1 • Episode 6

Sammy Mila once was described as having the “most famous hands on YouTube.” The one-time food stylist for publishing giant Meredith Corporation, Sammy’s hands have been featured in countless recipe videos. However, styling food for magazine photoshoots and making how to videos doesn’t bring the same joy that directly serving people does. When a well-established Des Moines bakery/dessert lounge came available for sale, Sammy decided to follow a dream and leap into ownership. Already a 40 Women to Watch in Hospitality honoree, Sammy reimagined the bakery to include everything from late night noodle bowls to vegan baked goods. Toss in her funky décor, craft cocktails and peanut butter Cheez-It cookies, and you quickly understand Sammy’s vision to create an environment and menu that have something for everyone.

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Jessica Dunker

Host