If you are into craft beer––and even if you’re not––don’t sidestep the Blind Tiger. Nestled among the shops and restaurants lining New York City's Bleeker Street, its humble presence lets its impressive ever-changing gallery of craft beers take center stage. Once you walk into the wood-framed doors, you enter somewhat of an enclave––a place in which the chalkboard-scribed list of beers sets the tone of the conversations filling up the quaint pub. After 13 years in business, Blind Tiger is anything but stale. Like the craft beer industry itself, the ale house keeps its selections intriguing and constantly evolving. Each beer chalked on the list offers something different––some favor hops, some malt, while others marry the two. Brews like the Midnight Sun Panty Peeler, Oscar Blues Mama’s Little Yella, and the Rogue Vintage Old Crusty seem to possess a story of their own, encouraging chatter between beer-loving strangers gathered around the bar. At Blind Tiger, you’ll find an assortment of browns, IPAs, ESBs and stouts just as diverse as the beer-inspired fare being cooked up in its acclaimed kitchen. Think pilsner-brined chicken wings and beer-braised pulled pork on rosemary focaccia. So be sure to stop in and order a pint the next time you're in Manhattan––I promise, you’ll be tasting something new.

Honmura An in Roppongi is famous for its housemade soba [chewy buckwheat noodles]. Owner Koichi Kobari uses a sobabocho [soba knife] to cut the noodles each day. I always get the soba with tororo, which is grated mountain yam, and a cold beer. —David Myers Photo by Christinab/Flickr. This appeared in the May 2013 issue.

Be sure to check out their website for the lovely story as to how the original Farley's location began. Know that this is the perfect place in Potrero Hill for coffee, tea, community and most definitely, your favorite magazines. If you're waiting on a table at Plow or looking for a great spot in the sun at the new parklet, Farley's is your place.

Welcome to my new favorite, neighborhood cafe near the intersection of University and San Pablo Ave. in Berkeley. The space is inviting (both inside and out), the communal tables and cozy chairs plentiful and the Four Barrel coffee delicious with all that organic breakfast fare. The hours are 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 7 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The owners value the works of rotating artists and the result is always such a treat. When you're in Berkeley, make a trip to Local 123 for friendly service, delicious coffee, some sun on the back patio and a few delicious nibbles.

This lovely coffee shop in the mostly-residential area of Balham in South London is really more than just a coffee shop. From poached eggs on top of corn bread with marscapone, to fresh soups of the day and fruit-flavored waters that are free of charge, this corner spot with floor-to-ceiling windows is a neighborhood gem. Come for a quickie pick-me-up or stay all day with your laptop and hook into their free WiFi. Oh and try to resist having a piece of their carrot cake with coconut cream cheese frosting. I dare you.

Stacked between an internet café and a grocer stands this little gem of a book shop and café. I came here after a windy day at the beach, had a cup of tea and perused the endless lists, not to mentioned brilliant layout, of their book collection. More photo shoots should be taken in places like this.

Is it a restaurant? An art gallery? A book store? Try all of the above. This vaulted-ceiling space, way over in Wapping just south of Whitechapel, features an array of feasts for all senses: Dine on small-portion fancy food in the main area of the former hydraulic power station, then head downstairs beneath it all to see whatever art exhibit is on at the moment. If you just want a cuppa, order one from the counter and pop over to the bookshop for a quiet, relaxing read.

Looking for a relaxing way to spend a day in Istanbul? Then here are 5 steps to enjoy a day out by the Black Sea. 1. Jump on-board a Sehir Hatlari ferry at Eminonu Port and cruise the waters of the breezy Bosphorus to the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi. 2. For lunch, relax in a village cafe by the Bosphorus and dine on a crispy garden salad, freshly baked bread and 'today's catch of the day' from the Black Sea. 3. Work off the lunchtime calories by climbing the nearby hillside and conquer a medieval castle, known as Yoros Castle. 4. Photograph the panoramic views from the castle where the Bosphorus greets the Black Sea. 5. As the sun sets behind the minaret skyline, cruise back to Old Istanbul with a cup of Turkish cay in hand, satisfied you've had a relaxing day out. Sehir Hatlari run daily ferry services to Anadolu Kavagi. Check their website for the timetable and tariffs.

Last September, Union Market opened as a year-round indoor food hall in Northeast Washington, D.C. The market showcases more than 40 local vendors including Neopol Smokery, Peregrine Espresso, and Righteous Cheese. Photo courtesy of Union Market. This appeared in the March/April 2013 issue.

This shop on the Tokyo Ramen Street, a set of ramen shops in the basement of Tokyo Station, is one of the best in the stretch, and the short lines outside make it a great stop before you catch a train. Shichisai serves a clean delicious shoyu, or clear, soy-based soup, made with organic ingredients and topped with some of the best chashu, or pork, in Tokyo. Photo by Darin Dines/Flickr. Tokyo Ichiban-gai B1, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku

I was nervous to head to Yangon, Myanmar this past winter for a week of solo travel. Once I arrived, I found an incredible city with even more fascinating and friendly people. Shut off from the rest of the world for quite some time, Burma is reawakening. There's charm in everything - from the grand, gorgeous and crumbling architecture to the small moments ... like this rusted can of of milk serving as a peanut container.

Exposed brick, bright windows, fresh flowers and cushy seating set the scene for this French bistro– cozy, classy and fragrant. The food is fresh and French, so it is inherently delicious. Everything is prepared from scratch, using seasonal quality ingredients– many of which come directly from their upstate farm. Perfect portions with a price to match. Did I mention the husband and wife team (Zeze and Peggy O'Dea) also own a flower shop, which explains the fabulous arrangements wich they call "A labor of love".