Welcome to this edition of Dimanche (That Means Sunday), a roundup of things that caught my eye this past week.

I’m going to slightly gloss over this past week in favor of the one that came before it, because that week was more exciting. A couple weeks ago, I headed down to Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, MO, to catch a trout for a Missouri Life story I was working on.

Luckily, I have a boyfriend who knows how to fish because I don’t really know anything about it. I’d never caught a fish in my life, even though I’d been fishing once before. He showed me what to do and got me set up on the river, and then I tried all day to catch a fish. I’m not going to give away the ending (you’ll have to check out the Missouri Life story for that), but let’s just say that the day exceeded my expectations.

Being at Bennett Spring reminded me of why I love nature. Even though there were other people around fishing, I felt a connection with the land that was intensely personal. It was just me, myself, and I, standing in an icy cold river. Eventually, the cold wore off and it felt pleasant to stand in the water. Yes, it was frustrating to try to catch a fish, but I’d look around, hear the rush of water from the dam, see the beautiful green trees swaying in the wind, and realize that even if I didn’t catch a fish, at least I had this experience.

I know not everyone feels the same connection to nature but I strongly believe that beauty is where you find it. I’d recommend a day or two in a remote or semi-remote area to anyone who wants to recharge and unwind.

Without further ado, here is Dimanche:

The morning after Bennett Spring, my boyfriend and I stopped at Elm Street Eatery to get one of their famous cinnamon rolls. It did not disappoint. Elm Street’s cinnamon roll is a veritable volcano with tons of icing dripping down all sides. We split it and surprisingly, I felt okay afterward. Check it out if you’re ever at the restaurant in Lebanon, MO. 

I enjoyed this story about British culture and the traditional hot crossed bun. In the article, the writer makes the point that although the standard bun is becoming less common, new buns from different countries and cultures are making an appearance. British national identity if being reforged, so what is considered a “normal” bun has to change with it. Read more in Taste.

Apparently, a cat filter can get you into a lot of trouble. I had a good laugh at this story about a Pakistani politician live streaming a conference on social media with a cat filter after a staffer left it on. If only this would happen in America. Check out the story on CNN.

I love a good grilled cheese, and I had one of the best of my life a week ago at Druff’s in Springfield, MO. The restaurant specializes in out-of-the-box grilled cheese sandwiches and soups. I’d highly recommend the “Uncle Tatey” with goat cheese, pulled pork, and strawberries.

The Washington Post launched a new travel product and I’m very into it. “By The Way” includes city guides by locals, so you’re getting the most insider tips. I appreciate this because all too often, travel guides feel impersonal. Check out the product on the Washington Post‘s website.

This article saying that quesadillas are the best bar food is spot. on. When I lived in DC, I used to order a quesadilla every time I went to the dive bar down the street from my office. It was warm, crunchy, soft with melted cheese, and satisfying. Few other bar foods live up to this standard. Check out this Eater piece for more on why quesadillas are the best.

I turned the big 3-1 this past week and I celebrated by going to dinner at Bulrush. For those of you who don’t know, Bulrush is a foraging-forward restaurant that just opened in St. Louis. It celebrates traditional Ozark recipes and cooking traditions. Every course was better than the next. I left feeling completely satisfied, and more knowledgeable about Missouri culinary traditions. Visit Bulrush if you’re ever in town. 

New Jersey is launching an official food trail in honor of Anthony Bourdain. The late TV host’s home state’s food trail includes 10 eateries that Bourdain visited on a 2015 episode of his series, “Parts Unknown.” Read more about it in this AFAR story.

Speaking of Anthony Bourdain… Bourdain’s friends, chefs Eric Ripert and Jose Andrés, are starting a scholarship in his honor that allows culinary students to study abroad. Get more details in this Eater article.

Last but certainly not least, an entire New York subway car started singing a Backstreet Boys song together recently. It’s the kind of story that gives you more faith in humanity. Read more about it and watch the video here.

Enjoy your week! Here’s a song to get you started.