Mozzarella sticks are celebrated as a versatile and beloved appetizer, transitioning from happy hour snacks to late-night munchies. The author reminisces about their experiences with mozzarella sticks at Denny’s and Red Robin, praising the latter for serving them with ranch instead of marinara sauce. Despite changes in lifestyle and the closure of some favorite establishments, the author continues to enjoy mozzarella sticks at home with the help of an air fryer, particularly the TGI Fridays version.

Korea's Peace Gems are historical sites in and around the DMZ and other parts of the country that offer visitors insights into the events of the last century, including the Korean War. The DMZ, established in 1953, serves as a buffer zone between North and South Korea and includes the Joint Security Area in Panmunjom. Observatories like the Odusan Unification Observatory provide views into North Korea. The DMZ also features peace-themed trails that highlight the area's transformation into a de facto nature reserve. In Seoul, the War Memorial of Korea educates visitors on the country's military history, while the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan honors fallen UN soldiers and promotes peace.

Spring brings a wave of new food-centric books from local authors, featuring titles like Ashley Rodriguez's 'Rooted Kitchen,' Geraldine DeRuiter's 'If You Can’t Take the Heat,' and Kat Lieu's 'Modern Asian Kitchen.' These books offer a mix of seasonal recipes, personal anecdotes, and cross-cultural culinary adventures, each with a unique and engaging style.

Hidden Gems Weekend Market in Snohomish County offers a diverse array of regional Mexican delicacies, including Sinaloa-style roasted chicken, pit-roasted lamb, and tejuino. The market, which runs from April to September, features around 300 vendors selling various foods and crafts. New additions this year include an Indian chaat stand offering unique dishes like mac-and-cheese pakora and kulfi.

Seaweed, particularly dulse and kelp, is gaining attention as a sustainable and nutritious food source in the United States. Alanna Kieffer, who farms dulse in Oregon, and chef Luca Ponti of Portland Cookshop, advocate for its versatility and environmental benefits. Seaweed farming, especially kelp, is expanding rapidly, with Maine leading in production. Organizations like the Native Conservancy support Indigenous kelp farming in Alaska, while in Hawaiʻi, groups work to preserve limu diversity. Seaweed can be used in a variety of dishes, offering umami flavor and important nutrients. Despite regulatory challenges in some states, the industry is growing, with products available online and in stores like Whole Foods.

Scenic Luxury Cruises introduces The Chairman’s Collection, curated by founder Glen Moroney, featuring ultra-luxury expedition voyages on the Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II yachts. The collection offers intimate cruises to remote destinations like Eastern Greenland, Iceland, and Antarctica, with a focus on adventure and luxury. The ships are equipped with helicopters, a submersible, and a Discovery Team of experts. The article also mentions Emerald Cruises, part of the Scenic Group, which provides yacht cruises in various regions.

Mexican cheese culture, though relatively new compared to Europe and Asia, is deeply ingrained in the country's culinary traditions. Fresh cheeses like queso fresco, panela, and requesón dominate, with 80% of Mexican cheeses being fresh. Quesillo, also known as queso Oaxaca, is the most famous Mexican cheese, known for its rich, buttery flavor and iconic strands. Asadero, from Chihuahua, is another notable cheese, praised for its melting qualities. Mexican aged cheeses, such as queso tipo Manchego, are also popular, though they differ from their European counterparts.

The author describes a snorkeling experience in the Campbell River during a salmon run in the Pacific Northwest. With high salmon numbers, the town of Campbell River was abuzz, and the author decided to view the event from the perspective of the fish. The experience was chaotic and challenging, with the author struggling against the current and debris while observing the salmon's calm and controlled movements. The journey provided a new respect for the salmon's migration and a unique insight into the underwater world.

A travel writer recounts a chaotic two-week road trip through the Balkans, highlighting a transformative experience at a monastery in Kosovo. Despite numerous setbacks, including health issues and logistical challenges, an unexpected encounter with a calf at the monastery alleviates the writer's travel anxiety. The narrative emphasizes the unpredictability of travel and the joy found in unplanned moments, ultimately leading to a more relaxed and adaptable approach to future trips.

A comprehensive guide to the top 16 activities and attractions in Seattle, highlighting experiences from the Puget Sound to downtown. The article emphasizes the unique charm of the city, including sailing hot tubs and Indigenous cultural centers, making the famous drizzle seem insignificant.