Welcome to the Cafe

We’re so glad you’re here.

The Literary Cafe is a humble consortium of writers and friends and generations who love travel, books, food and have a natural curiosity about the world. Our content is meant to share at gatherings, books clubs or over coffee with a friend or inspire you to discover something new.

Lori Theisen 6/6/25 Lori Theisen 6/6/25

Due to Circumstances Beyond Our Control

Sometimes a book, though it’s of another era, brings the present into sharp relief. Due to Circumstances Beyond Our Control by Fred W. Friendly was a journalism text of mine in college. The book explores the dawn of television news. Friendly was president of CBS News from 1964 to 1966.

Moroccan Magic

Morocco is a wondrous place. People, sites, history, sounds and culture create a feast for senses and soul. Friends and I spent about 10 days anchored in Marrakech. We went to the desert via the Atlas Mountains for a three night adventure. And then a day trip to Essaouira on the coast. Our itinerary is here. Resources are here. Friends to follow are here.

Gruner Veltliner

As the token “wine friend”, I’m often asked for advice - sent frantic photos of wine lists at restaurants, consulted on a special bottle to gift, or perhaps most frequently, asked “what should I bring to a party?”. And my answer is always the same, gruner veltliner.