Sips, Bites, and Heart Talks:
- Izzie
- Feb 4
- 4 min read
The Magic of Friendship over Ube Lattes & Crepes
There’s nothing quite like spending a day at a cozy café with good friends. Heartfelt conversations over creamy ube lattes and buttery French crepes make life feel so much sweeter. It’s not about grand plans or fancy moments—it’s about sharing laughs, dreams, and a little magic in the everyday.
But life doesn’t always feel this light. Last year, my family faced one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make—placing my husband of 40 years, the father of our children, in a nursing home due to advancing FTD (frontotemporal lobe dementia) and Parkinson’s disease. It came after three years of confusion, heartbreaking diagnoses, and the weight of decisions that no family is ever truly prepared for. I’ve been so grateful for the support of our two sons, who have not only watched their father change but have also seen their mother navigate a transformation of her own—becoming a senior, a former wife, and stepping into a new, unknown chapter as a single woman.
How does one start anew? How do you cope with watching 40 years of marriage, parenting, and shared memories slowly fade? Witnessing a loved one lose the ability to care for themselves, to communicate, to remember—it’s a painfully long goodbye that leaves you feeling alone and uncertain.
But here’s what I’ve learned: moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting. It doesn’t mean skipping grief or silencing the ache of loss. It means giving yourself permission to feel everything—anger, exhaustion, sadness—while also making space for hope, courage, and new beginnings. It means surrounding yourself with good friends who remind you to laugh, with family who holds space for your pain, and with new experiences that gently remind you that life is still beautiful.
Even when life feels isolating, give yourself the grace to cry one minute, then get dressed up and step out into the world the next. Seek beauty in everyday interactions. Trust that new friendships, experiences, and joy are still possible. Because they are. And when you find yourself in a warm café, sipping something sweet, laughing with an old friend or a new one, you’ll realize—you are still here, and there is still so much life left to savor.
Now, let’s dive into the unique flavors we experienced at Lova Café, where you can enjoy these treats while making unforgettable memories with friends!
What is Ube?
Ube, the super food is a purple yam, is one of my favorite foods from Southeast Asia and has recently gained popularity in America. You might find it in a local dessert shop as a pastry, ice cream, boba tea, or an Ube latte! It's delectable, mildly sweet, earthy, with a nutty finish. I'll share more about this treat during my upcoming trip to Korea as we search for Halo Halo!
For the textured pallette
For a next-level French crepe experience, go for a savory option! While sweet crepes get all the love, this well-made savory handcrafted crepe delight with tender chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, creamy sauce, and Parmesan cheese is the perfect balance of flavors - salty, creamy, and a hint of sweet. Plus, if you're a texture lover, ask for your crepe extra crispy to get that golden, buttery crunch on the edges!
Naturally, we couldn't choose between crepes or the Chef's special, so we ordered both! The Traditional Syrniki. These Syrniki are fluffy pancakes filled with a sweet cottage cheese custard and served with fresh berries and cream.
Syrniki are traditional dish in the Russian, Ukrainian and popular in Europe - Cultural Yours
There’s something truly special about sitting in a cozy café with good friends—savoring delicious food, laughing about life, sharing sorrows, and dreaming of a promising future. It’s the kind of moment that feels even better than a K-drama! I’ve always believed that the best conversations happen over good food and a warm café table. Maybe it comes from my love of hosting my Airbnb guests, the joy of discovering the perfect bite, or the countless gatherings with my six siblings.
That’s why moments like these mean so much. My dear friend surprised me with the most thoughtful gift—a beautiful art piece with Korean calligraphy, elegantly displaying a scripture passage (1 Corinthians 13). It wasn’t just a piece of art; it was a reflection of the deep conversations we’ve shared, our mutual love for Korean culture, and the journey I’m about to take.
Holding that gift in my hands, I couldn’t help but think of my upcoming trip to South Korea. This adventure isn’t just about visiting new places—it’s about stepping into a new chapter of life, embracing meaningful experiences, and opening my heart to new connections. Just like this café moment reminded me of the beauty in everyday interactions, I know that somewhere in Seoul, there’s a quiet café waiting for me—where I’ll sip, reflect, and continue writing this next chapter.
Ultimately, whether I'm at a famous café with a longtime friend or discovering a secret cultural gem across the world, the core of each experience remains the same—wonderful company, meaningful conversations, and flavors that bring us together. Here's to more shared moments, unexpected pleasures, and the profound yet simple joy of bonding over the perfect culinary experience. And who knows? Maybe planning the perfect visit to a charming café in Seoul will mark the beginning of a whole new story waiting to be told.
Here's to endless adventures!
~Izzie
Lifestyle Design Blogger
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