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.

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.

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.

Albania is emerging as an under-the-radar food destination with a rich culinary culture influenced by its Mediterranean location and history under the Ottoman Empire. The country's agritourism industry is flourishing, with family-owned farms offering traditional foods and experiences that reflect the Albanian code of honour, besa. Prime Minister Edi Rama has been instrumental in promoting tourism and advocating for EU admission. Notable establishments like AgriTourism Huqi, Agroturizëm Gjepali, and Mrizi i Zanave showcase the country's commitment to sustainable tourism and preservation of cultural values. Chefs like Fundim Gjepali and Bledar Kola are reclaiming national pride through their culinary work, while the government supports the development of rural restaurants and farm stays.

Albania is emerging as an under-the-radar food destination with a rich culinary culture influenced by its Mediterranean location and history under the Ottoman Empire. The country's agritourism industry is flourishing, with farms like AgriTourism Huqi and Agroturizëm Gjepali offering traditional foods and experiences. Prime Minister Edi Rama is encouraging tourism and advocating for EU admission. Chefs like Bledar Kola and Altin Prenga are promoting Albanian cuisine and sustainable tourism. The article provides insights into planning a trip to Albania, highlighting places to stay and eat, and the importance of agritourism to the country's economy.

Lindsay Gasik and her husband Richard Koivusalo have spent a decade leading durian-focused tours around the world, timing their travels with monsoon seasons to taste durians at their peak. They visit both well-known and obscure durian-growing areas, engaging with local communities and exploring the history and stories behind durian varieties, such as the Musang King. Gasik's passion for history and durian craftsmanship is evident as she discusses the influence of soil, fertilizers, and harvesting practices on durian flavors, highlighting the fruit's diverse taste profiles and the intricate care that goes into its production.

Seattle's annual Pride festivities extend beyond June's Pride Week, with events starting in May and continuing into summer. The city's LGBTQIA+ community and supporters participate in various events, including the Seattle Pride Parade on June 25 with a 'Galactic Love' theme, Seattle PrideFest, Trans Pride Seattle, Seattle Dyke March, and Capitol Hill Pride. Other events include drag shows, brunches, and arts-related activities. The celebrations emphasize inclusivity, community support, and the fight for LGBTQIA+ equity.

The article challenges the common perception that 'fresh' seafood is synonymous with quality, explaining that due to high-quality freezing methods and gourmet tinning techniques, 'fresh' is not always the best option. It advises that frozen or canned seafood can be superior because it is preserved at its peak, and that the term 'fresh' can be misleading. The article provides guidance on when to buy fresh, frozen, or canned seafood, considering factors such as quality, texture, flavor, and convenience.

In Berat, Albania, the author sought to visit the Solomoni Museum dedicated to Jewish history but found it closed due to the caretaker's illness. The Ethnographic Museum docent shared information about the Jewish presence in Albania, dating back to Roman times and including refugees from the Spanish Inquisition and Holocaust. The prime minister announced plans for a new museum in Tirana to honor Albanians who sheltered Jews during the Holocaust. The author also explored other historical sites in Berat, including the Sultan's Mosque and the Halveti Tekke, experiencing Albania's culture of hospitality.

Hannah Chamberlain, a TikTok bartending star, shares her experience of hosting holiday parties and the evolution of her approach to make them more enjoyable for both herself and her guests. She emphasizes the importance of preparing a make-ahead punch, which serves as a welcoming gesture and conversation starter. The punch features The Famous Grouse whisky and festive garnishes. Hannah also suggests a DIY cocktail and cookie station to encourage guest interaction and concludes with the idea of sending guests home with mason jar cocktails as party favors.

The article reflects on the cultural significance of teriyaki in Seattle's culinary scene, contrasting it with the city's acclaim for seafood and award-winning chefs. Despite teriyaki's ubiquity and role as a definitive local dish, it is often overlooked by food critics and new residents, who are drawn to the more celebrated aspects of Seattle's food culture, such as Copper River salmon and oysters. The article cites various sources, including John T. Edge's 2010 piece in The New York Times, and comments from local media and food writers, to highlight the tension between teriyaki's place in Seattle's food identity and its lack of recognition in popular food narratives.

The article discusses the challenges and strategies of eating in China for non-Chinese speakers, particularly for those seeking authentic culinary experiences beyond tourist areas. The author, a food and travel writer, shares personal anecdotes and tips for navigating the language barrier, such as using smartphone apps like Waygo for menu translation and Maps.Me for navigation, since Google Maps is not functional in China. The article also suggests preparing by reading books and watching documentaries about Chinese food, and emphasizes the importance of understanding Chinese dining customs and sign language for numbers. The writer encourages seeking help from young locals and maintaining a good sense of humor when communication fails.

The article by Naomi Tomky explores the diminishing influence of Sephardic Jews in Seattle's Pike Place Market, once a hub for the community. It traces the history of Sephardic Jews in Seattle, starting with Jack Policar and Solomon Calvo in 1902, and their subsequent establishment of businesses in the market. The piece highlights the cultural significance of the market to the Sephardic community, with businesses like Tacher’s Turkish Restaurant serving as a gathering point. However, today only three Sephardic business owners remain. The article features interviews with these owners, who reflect on the changes and their commitment to maintaining their heritage. The narrative also touches on the broader theme of immigrant communities contributing to the local economy and culture, suggesting a cycle of new immigrant groups filling roles once held by previous ones.