COOK, WIRTER & CO-FOUNDER OF WAHACA
In this episode of "My Life in Charms," host Anoushka Dukas had the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Thomasina "Tommi" Miers, co-founder of the acclaimed restaurant Wahaca and a passionate advocate for Mexican cuisine and sustainable food practices. With a rich background in cooking and a deep love for Mexico, Thomasina shares her journey, from winning MasterChef in 2005 to establishing her restaurant, which has brought authentic Mexican street food to the UK.
Thomasina's story is intertwined with her family history, including fond memories of her grandmother shaking cocktails and her father's craftsmanship as a cabinet maker. Annoushka and Thomasina explore her love for dancing, the importance of food in her life, and her commitment to sustainability through her charity, Chefs in Schools, which aims to transform children's relationships with food.
Throughout their conversation, they discuss various charms that represent significant moments and influences in Thomasina's life. The first charm, a martini glass, was with around the rim to symbolise salt, an orange slice made of orange , and a straw, reflecting Thomasina's childhood memories of cocktail parties.
Next, they talked about a bicycle charm crafted in 18ct yellow gold, featuring turning wheels and pedals, with black rhodium accents on the seat and handlebars, symbolising Tomasina's love for freedom and exercise. The charm also included a diamond set in the centre of the spokes, showcasing the intricate details of the design.
Thomasina also chose a brain charm, made as a two-dimensional coin in 18ct yellow gold with a white gold brain and blue sapphire rays emanating from it, representing her experiences with ADHD and the fragility of mental health. Another charm featured an elephant's head in yellow gold, with brown diamonds on the edges of its ears and black diamond eyes, holding a garnet heart, symbolising her love for elephants and family connections.
As they wrapped up, Annoushka created a charm for Thomasina that symbolises her love for the planet. This charm was designed as a three-dimensional globe, featuring a malachite bead to represent the green of the Earth, with yellow gold continents that spin, and a ruby marking Mexico, reflecting her deep connection to the country.
Thomasina's passion for food and the environment is clear, as she emphasises the importance of making conscious choices about what we eat. She believes that every meal is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. This inspiring conversation celebrates the power of food, family, and the stories we carry with us, all told through the lens of beautiful charms crafted from exquisite materials.
