Mitzie Mee - Food & Travel Blog

Breakfast at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael

Last month we went to a wedding in San Rafael, which is a charming little town about 30 minutes north of San Francisco. We stayed at the AC Hotel, which is right in the middle of town within easy walking distance of most places. After a good night’s sleep, we set out on Saturday morning to find breakfast. The plan was to try TuTu Lounge, which had excellent reviews online, but just around the corner from the hotel was a Mexican restaurant called Taqueria Bahia, tempting us with Mexican breakfast dishes. We ended up eating there instead.

We ordered chilaquiles with pork and frijoles refritos. Chilaquiles is a classic Mexican breakfast dish made with crispy tortilla chips tossed in either red or green salsa, often topped with eggs, cheese, and sometimes meat. It’s one of those hearty, tasty dishes that keep you full and happy for hours. Frijoles refritos literally means fried beans, but that doesn’t quite capture how good they are. Traditionally, pinto (or sometimes black) beans are cooked, mashed, and then slowly fried in fat until thick and creamy. They’re often made with pork lard (manteca), though many places today use oil or butter instead. The result is a rich, flavorful bean purée that’s perfect alongside tacos or, as in our case, chilaquiles.

We also shared two tacos: one with lengua (beef tongue) and one with grilled chicken. Lengua tacos are usually my favorite, but at Taqueria Bahia, I liked the chicken taco better. By the counter there was a small bar with different kinds of salsa and toppings, so we helped ourselves to a red one and a green one, both excellent. A solid spot for a Mexican-style breakfast and some great tacos.

Taqueria Bahia, 1013 B St #2905, San Rafael, CA 94901

October 9, 2025 0 comments

Review: BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask – Lavender

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

When April visited me in Norway, she brought a small gift, a Steam Eye Mask. She told me she always uses them when she travels because they help her relax and fall asleep. I had never tried one before, but I was immediately intrigued. April is from Korea, and she’s amazing at spotting new beauty trends coming out of Asia.

I have to admit, my first thought was that the mask looked like a sanitary pad. The shape, the material, even the packaging. It all seemed like something meant for a completely different section of the toiletry bag. But once I put it on, I was pleasantly surprised. It started to warm up slowly, and after a couple of minutes it felt like having a soft, warm towel over my eyes. The version I tried was lavender-scented, and the fragrance was just right. Mild and soothing without being overly perfumed. The heat lasted about 20-25 minutes, and I could feel my face relax and my body sink into the bed. It was genuinely a nice feeling, and I completely understand why April loves these masks so much.

Apparently, the steam eye mask trend started in Japan in the early 2010s when the brand MegRhythm launched their original Steam Eye Mask. It quickly became popular among commuters and office workers who used it to unwind during breaks or on their way home. MegRhythm is still considered the best-known and most highly rated brand in the category, and their success is what really made the concept take off worldwide.

The mask April gave me was from BeHoomi. At first, I thought BeeHoomi was a Korean brand, but April said it was American. After looking closer, it turned out it was neither. The masks are sold through American webshops, but they’re actually made in China. That said, the quality is perfectly fine. The material feels nice against the skin, with no sharp edges or unpleasant plastic smell, which can sometimes be an issue with cheaper products.

The BeeHoomi mask is designed for single use. Inside, there’s a thin layer of powder that heats up when it comes into contact with oxygen. So once you open the package, the mask warms up on its own, no microwave or electricity needed. The temperature reaches around 104–113°F (40–45°C), and the gentle warmth combined with light steam feels like a mini spa treatment for your eyes. Most people use them to relieve tired or dry eyes, or simply to relax after a long day of screen time.

I’ve used it several times since then, especially after long days in front of my laptop, and it really makes a difference. Nothing dramatic, but enough that my eyes feel less tired and I relax faster. I especially like using it at night, right before bed. The warmth helps me relax and get ready for a good night’s sleep, and the lavender scent tells my body it’s time to wind down.

There are, of course, a few downsides. The mask can only be used once, and once it cools down, it’s done. It feels a bit wasteful packaging-wise, but on the other hand, it’s super convenient when traveling or when you just want a quick dose of comfort without having to do anything. I do wish the heat would last a little longer though, because 25 minutes goes by quickly once you’re fully relaxed.

All in all, I think the BeeHoomi Steam Eye Mask is a really nice product. It might look a little funny, but it works. If you have trouble unwinding at night or want to bring a bit of spa-like comfort on your next trip, it’s definitely worth trying.

BeHoomi 20 Packs Steam Eye Mask - Lavender

$13.99

If you’re looking for a way to unwind after a long day or ease tired eyes after hours in front of a screen, the BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask is a small luxury that makes a big difference. These self-heating masks warm up on their own as soon as you open the package, no microwave or electricity needed. The gentle warmth (about 104-113°F) feels soothing, like a soft towel over your eyes, while the lavender scent helps you relax and fall asleep faster. Each mask lasts around 20-30 minutes, making it perfect for travel, bedtime, or whenever your eyes need a quick spa moment.

BeHoomi 20 Packs Steam Eye Mask - Lavender

Buy it here

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

10/09/2025 10:47 am GMT

October 9, 2025 0 comments

California: Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Of all the wineries we visited in Sonoma, Gundlach Bundschu was by far my favorite. The winery was founded in 1858 by German immigrant Jacob Gundlach and has remained in the family for six generations, which makes Gundlach Bundschu one of the oldest family-owned wineries in California.

We bought a picnic basket at the bar along with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and a glass of Pinot Noir, and brought everything up to a small picnic area on a hill with views of the vineyards and a little lake. The basket came with cheese crackers, a honey stick, burrata, some really good olives, a few slices of salami, and a Purple Haze cheese from Cypress Grove. Purple Haze is a goat cheese with lavender that I had never tried before, but it turned out to be fresh, delicious, and just perfect for our little picnic. Sitting there in the sun with wine and good food was exactly the kind of experience I had hoped for in Sonoma.

You can also book more traditional tastings if you want to dive deeper into the wines. Gundlach Bundschu is known for producing elegant, well-balanced wines. Their portfolio covers both reds and whites, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. The ones we tried (2022 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast and 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Coast) were both really good and I regret a little that we didn’t get a bottle of each from the shop to take home.

In Sonoma, you usually get around by car, and while wine tasting and driving would be unthinkable for most people in Denmark, it’s perfectly normal in the US to get behind the wheel after a glass or two. Personally, I draw the line at one glass, which was also one of the reasons I didn’t join the tastings. Yes, I know you’re supposed to spit after sampling, but that also feels like such a waste of good wine. I’d rather save the tastings for another time, when I’ve booked an Uber or staying within walking distance to a winery.

Coravin Timeless Three Plus Wine Preservation System- Black

$279.00

If you love wine but don’t always want to finish the bottle, the Coravin Timeless Three Plus is a real game changer. This sleek system lets you pour wine without ever pulling the cork. A thin, medical-grade needle pierces the cork while Argon gas pressurizes the bottle, allowing the wine to flow out smoothly without letting oxygen in. The cork naturally reseals, so you can enjoy one glass tonight and save the rest for weeks, months, or even years.

Coravin Timeless Three Plus Wine Preservation System- Black

Buy it here

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

10/09/2025 11:01 am GMT

October 3, 2025 0 comments

Philadelphia: Roast Pork Sandwich at Geno’s Steaks in the Airport

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Philadelphia: Roast Pork Sandwich fra Geno’s Steaks

Before our flight to San Francisco, Steve and I shared a sandwich at the airport from Geno’s Steaks, the legendary cheesesteak spot in Philadelphia. Most people come for the cheesesteak, and many would argue that Geno’s makes some of the best in the country. Though Steve has had their cheesesteak several times before and he was curious to try the roast pork sandwich, so that’s what we ordered.

At Geno’s in the airport, you place your order at a kiosk, where you can customize your sandwich exactly the way you want it. We went with provolone cheese and roasted red peppers, plus a side of cheese fries. Not entirely sure how I feel about cheese fries. The yellow liquid cheese-like goo is a little questionable, yet strangely addictive in that unmistakably processed kind of way. It was a solid sandwich, perfect to share as a hearty pre-flight snack. I still haven’t tried their famous cheesesteak, but that will have to wait until our next trip to Philadelphia.

Ninja Indoor Grill and Air Fryer Foodi Smart XL

$189.99

If you’ve ever wished you could get that perfect grilled flavor without stepping outside, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill and Air Fryer is a game changer. It sears steaks, crisps fries, roasts veggies, and even bakes, all in one sleek countertop appliance. With a built-in smart thermometer and a smoke control system, it takes the guesswork (and the mess) out of indoor grilling. Perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you’re craving that char-grilled taste without firing up an outdoor grill.

Ninja Indoor Grill and Air Fryer Foodi Smart XL

Buy Now

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

10/08/2025 11:00 pm GMT

September 30, 2025 0 comments

London: A Wonderful Stay at St. Ermin’s Hotel

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

When Steve and I were in London earlier this year, we stayed at St. Ermin’s Hotel and had a wonderful time. The location is spot-on for sightseeing. It’s in Westminster, a few minutes’ walk from St. James’s Park and right by St. James’s Park Underground station, so getting around is easy on foot or by Tube.

Our room had all the little luxuries that make a stay feel special including fluffy bathrobes and bath products from The White Company. One afternoon a harpist played in the lounge, and the doormen always had a warm, polite comment when we headed out in the morning.

The breakfast was amazing. We were greeted by name and shown to a cozy table in a smaller room with a fireplace and a window facing the greenery outside. We told the staff how much we liked that table and, except for one day, they seated us there every morning. Small gestures like that make a big difference, and I was genuinely impressed with the service throughout our stay.

The hotel has its own Bee Terrace with hives, and the honey makes its way into the hotel kitchen. There’s also a small rooftop garden with herbs and greens, a nice take on sustainability right in the middle of London.

St. Ermin’s is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, which is a group of distinctive hotels around the world. You still get Marriott Bonvoy benefits, but the property keeps its own personality. Nothing about St. Ermin’s feels like a big-chain hotel. It has plenty of character, from the Caxton Bar and Tea Lounge to the generous common areas that invite you to sit with a coffee and people-watch.

Overall, it’s a truly delightful hotel. The service is personal and thoughtful, the location doesn’t get much better, and lots of small touches make you feel at home and eager to return. If you love places with history and soul, and still want modern comfort, St. Ermin’s hits the mark.

St. Ermin’s Fascinating History

During our stay we also learned that St. Ermin’s has quite a story. The building stands where a chapel dedicated to St. Ermin once stood. Apartments were built in 1889 and converted into a hotel in 1899.

During World War II, the hotel became a hub for British intelligence. In 1940, Winston Churchill gathered a select group here for the meeting that led to the creation of the SOE (Special Operations Executive), often called Churchill’s “secret army” and a forerunner of the SAS. The SOE took over an entire floor, while MI6 worked two floors above. Churchill himself frequented the Caxton Bar for a glass of champagne, and the bar is also linked to double agent Guy Burgess, who is said to have met Russian contacts there.

You can still see traces of that past today in the lobby displays of wartime items, including a piece of original SOE silk printed with coded messages. Silk was used instead of paper because it’s light, durable, water-resistant, and silent when folded and easy to conceal in clothing or gear.

St. Ermin’s, 2 Caxton St, London SW1H 0QW, United Kingdom

Book your stay at St. Ermin's

St. Ermin’s is one of those rare London hotels that blends history with modern comfort. The location in Westminster is ideal, just a short walk from St. James’s Park and the Underground, so you’re close to everything yet tucked away in a quiet spot. Inside, the rooms are elegant with thoughtful details, the service is genuinely welcoming, and the breakfast is so good you’ll look forward to it each morning. With plenty of character throughout, from the Tea Lounge to the Caxton Bar, St. Ermin’s makes for a stay you won’t forget. You can check availability and book your stay at St. Ermin’s here.

Book your stay

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

September 22, 2025 0 comments

NYC: Soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai on Bowery

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Before Din Tai Fung came to town, Joe’s Shanghai was where you went when the soup dumpling craving hit. The original Chinatown location was on Pell Street, but in late 2019 they moved into a bigger space on Bowery. It is brighter and roomier now, yet the old spirit is still there. Tables are close, the room hums, and it is clear people come for the food.

The menu is extensive, but most of the draw is the xiao long bao. The soup dumplings at Joe’s are larger than the ones at Din Tai Fung. Where DTF serves 10 small dumplings for $22, Joe’s gives you 8 for $14.95, but they are so substantial that I actually find them more filling and thus a better deal. As at DTF, the crab and pork version is the best pick.

What I like about Joe’s is that they have not polished the experience beyond recognition. The new room is cleaner and easier on the eyes than the old spot, but it is still Chinatown with everything that comes with it (though I miss the big waving cat that they had at the old location).

I was probably one of the people most excited for DTF to open in NYC, so I never thought I would say this, but when it comes to xiao long bao in the city, I actually prefer Joe’s Shanghai. The soup dumplings taste great, and the unpretentious setting, without lounge music or a push to order a cocktail will keep me coming back when I want XLB in NYC.

Read my very old blog post about my first visit to Joe’s Shanghai back in 2014 >>

Joe’s Shanghai, 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013

Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets, 10-Inch

$19.95

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate restaurant-style dim sum dishes at home, a good bamboo steamer is crucial. It’s perfect for everything from delicate dumplings to crisp-tender vegetables and flaky fish, giving you that clean, flavorful result that steaming is known for. This two-tier version lets you cook several dishes or servings at once, and using it couldn’t be simpler. Just place it over a pan of simmering water and let it work its magic. Made from traditional bamboo, a renewable resource, it’s both eco-friendly and functional. At 10 inches wide, it’s the ideal size for most home kitchens.

Joyce Chen 2-Tier Bamboo Steamer Baskets, 10-Inch

Buy Now

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

10/09/2025 02:00 pm GMT

September 18, 2025 0 comments

Load more posts

Breakfast at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael

Review: BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask – Lavender

California: Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma

LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH!

Blog

Travel

New York City

Recipes

Philadelphia: Roast Pork Sandwich at Geno’s Steaks in the Airport

London: A Wonderful Stay at St. Ermin’s Hotel

St. Ermin’s Fascinating History

NYC: Soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai on Bowery

Travel Blog