FOOD AND DRINK From Cheongdo With Love: Discovering Soumou Cafe Posted on April 7, 2024October 4, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Finding cool new cafes is always fun. Let’s talk about Soumou Cafe, a great spot at Geumjandi Farm in Qingdao Cheongdo. This town is full of new cafes. When I visited, Soumou Cafe had just opened. Once you walk in, you’ll see it’s not like other places. It has its own style. Plus, it has a pretty cool secret too Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Cafe Tims: The Heart of Suseong’s Vibrant Alpha City Posted on April 6, 2024December 20, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters Alpha City in Daegu, South Korea, is experiencing an exciting cafe boom. New cafes and restaurants are opening left and right, energizing the whole area. Swept up in the buzz, Steven and I just had to check out a cozy dessert cafe in this lively Suseong district. It was the perfect destination for this week’s cafe-hopping adventure. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK TYCOGA Winery: The Best Day Trip in Iowa Posted on April 4, 2024December 20, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters At Tycoga Winery & Distillery, it’s more than just about the drinks; their pizza is pretty good, too. Thirty minutes from our door to theirs, we stepped into a place buzzing with life. Despite the crowd, the manager spotted us right away, treating us like VIPs and ushering us to the bar. That warm welcome set the stage for an experience we won’t forget, savoring standout pizza and wine in the heart of Iowa. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Venice Food Secrets: What Happened at Don Fernando’s Octopus Dinner Posted on April 3, 2024February 26, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters We both sat there staring at the plate placed before me. When I ordered a seafood salad, I figured I’d see a little crab and shrimp over some leafy greens with a splash of vinaigrette. I had no idea someone would go into the kitchen and out the back door to the canals beyond, scoop up whatever was unfortunate enough to swim into the net, and serve al fresco with a splash of olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper. We sat there, staring at the seafood salad I ordered. This is the story about My Octopus Dinner on the Venice Canals at Don Fernando’s in Treviso, Italy. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK How to Make Arancini at Home: Lessons from My First Attempt Posted on March 23, 2024December 20, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters Italian cuisine holds a special place in my heart, especially for its rich flavors, vibrant history, and the comfort it brings to any dining table. Among the vast array of Italian snacks, arancini have always been my favorite. These crispy, golden rice balls filled with savory meat sauce are a testament to Italy’s culinary ingenuity. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK How to Enjoy Elegance Beyond Coffee at Stay Classy Cafe Posted on March 7, 2024July 24, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Stay Classy Cafe in Gyeongsangbuk is a delightful departure from the ordinary brunch spot. Envision a serene location with a glimpse of the Geumho River, nestled in the tranquil countryside. Upon entering, the sophisticated interior defies its rural surroundings. A grand crystal chandelier gracefully hangs above a striking electric blue baby grand piano elevated on a platform. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Flowers and Coffee in Seoul: How to Enjoy VERS Gardenhouse Cafe Posted on January 23, 2024September 27, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Located in Yeonnam-dong, a neighborhood in northwestern Seoul saturated with quality coffee shops, Vers distinguishes itself from all others. While strolling down the street, it immediately caught my eye. The entrance, adorned with vibrant greenery, led me into a small cafe that transcended the typical coffee shop experience. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK The Best Guide to Cafes in Gachang South Korea Posted on November 12, 2023August 26, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Cafe hopping in Gachang, just outside Daegu, amid the stunning countryside, is a delightful experience. Most of these cafes are family-owned, offering excellent coffee and a tempting array of brunch options that will satisfy your taste buds. As we explored this serene countryside, we encountered several hidden gems, each with unique charm. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Homi Hosi Cafe: The Most Beautiful Hanok Cafe in Gyeongsan Posted on November 11, 2023December 24, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters Gyeongsan is one of my favorite places to go to cafe hop. And Homi Hosi Cafe is a good one to check out on your next caffeine run. Step inside the massive wooden lift and slide door at Homi Hosi (also spelled homihosi) Cafe. In this Daegu suburb, you’ll immediately… Read more