NYC: My Guide to the Restaurants from SATC – Where to Eat Like Carrie and the Girls

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

If you’re a Sex and the City fan like me, you know that New York City is just as central to the story as Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha.The city is always there in the background, and so many scenes take place at restaurants and bars around town. A lot of those places still exist today, so if you feel like following in Carrie’s Manolos for a little SATC-inspired foodie tour, here’s where to go.

Magnolia Bakery

Season 3, episode 5 – “No Ifs, Ands or Butts”
Carrie and Miranda are outside the Bleecker Street location, eating cupcakes and Carrie declared that “Big wasn’t a crush, he was a crash”. It’s just a quick scene, but it was enough to turn Magnolia into a global cupcake phenomenon. The cupcakes are cute, but people come for the nostalgia.

My blog post about Magnolia Bakery >>

The Modern

Sex and the City: The Movie (2008)
The Modern is restaurant where Carrie tells the girls that she’s getting married. The Modern is inside MoMA and still one of the most elegant places in the city for a special occasion. The dining room overlooks the sculpture garden, and everything feels polished and quietly fancy. The Modern has two Michelin stars (2025) so a dinner there doesn’t come cheap, but it’s an amazing restaurant and definitely worth a visit.

My blog post about The Modern (2010) >>

My blog post about The Modern (2012) >>

Pastis

Season 6, episode 17 – “The Cold War”
Carrie and Petrovsky are having brunch, sitting at one of the best tables in the room. The scene is intimate and very New York City, with oysters, champagne and that unmistakable Pastis buzz in the background. The original restaurant closed in 2014 but made a comeback in 2019, reopening just around the corner from the original spot with the same white tiles, mirrored walls and French bistro charm.

My blog post about Pastis >>

Buddakan

Sex and the City: The Movie
This is where Carrie and Big have their rehearsal dinner. The place is huge and dramatic with moody lighting and long tables, perfect for scenes where things are about to happen. Buddakan is in Chelsea and serves upscale Asian fusion, and while the vibe is more nightlife than fine dining, it totally works.

Onieal’s Grand Street

Seasons 3 and 4
In the show, it’s called Scout and owned by Aidan and Steve. In real life, it’s Onieal’s and the interior still looks like it did back then. It’s dark wood, a long bar and low lighting. A proper bar you’d actually want to hang out in, even without the SATC reference.

The Loeb Boathouse, Central Park

Season 3, episode 18 – “Cock a Doodle Do!”
Carrie and Big are in the middle of yet another dramatic conversation when they both tumble into the lake. The Boathouse is right in the heart of Central Park. You’ve got rowboats, brunch, and a bunch of old-school charm. No need to fall in to get the full experience.

Il Cantinori

Season 4, episode 1 – “The Agony and the ‘Ex’-tacy”
This is where Carrie’s 35th birthday dinner goes completely off the rails—none of her friends show up, and she ends up alone at the table with a birthday candle and a very awkward moment. Il Cantinori is still open and still charming, with white tablecloths, candlelight and that classic Italian menu. It’s in Greenwich Village, not the East Village, and it’s exactly the kind of place you’d book for a quiet night out or a romantic dinner with someone who actually shows up.

Russian Samovar

Season 6, episode 12 – “One”
Carrie and Petrovsky go here on their first real date, and it’s all very Russian; vodka, piano music, and late-night conversation. The restaurant is on 52nd Street and still has the same moody charm, with red velvet, live performances, and an old-school vibe that hasn’t changed much. The food is classic Russian, with borscht, pelmeni, and enough infused vodka options to keep things interesting. A little over the top, a little theatrical, but in the best possible way.

Da Marino

Sex and the City: The Movie

Season 2, episode 8 – “The Man, the Myth, the Viagra”
This is where Big calls Carrie his girlfriend for the first time, then gets up and sings “It Was a Very Good Year”. Da Marino is still open in the Theater District.

July 23, 2025 0 comments

Korea: Patbingsu at Cafe Dal in Jeonju Hanok Village

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Patbingsu – Korean shaved ice with sweet red beans

When Ella and I visited Jeonju Hanok Village, we came across a small café right in the middle of the village. It was one of those blazing hot summer days, so we ordered patbingsu to cool down.

Bingsu is a Korean shaved ice dessert that comes in different flavors and has the most delightful, fluffy texture. The traditional version, known as Patbingsu, has a base of finely shaved ice, which is then topped with sweetened red beans. This dessert has been enjoyed in Korea for centuries, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, and it is still a very popular dessert. Bingsu was originally made with natural ice, but nowadays, the ice is typically mixed with condensed milk.

So, what does bingsu actually taste like? Well, imagine the fluffiest snowflake you’ve ever caught on your tongue, mixed with the sweetness of the beans and a touch of creaminess from the condensed milk. Today, bingsu machines are super high-tech, and the shaved ice used for bingsu is very finely grated and you won’t find any hard crystals in the fluffy bingsu “snow”.

The patbingsu we had at Dal was also topped with injeolmi (Korean mochi), which I really like. As for the red beans, I haven’t always been a fan of sweetened red beans, which is a very popular ingredient in desserts in Korea and Japan, but it is something that I’ve learned to like, and today, I really enjoy the sweet, slightly nutty flavor, and the marzipan-like texture.

The bingsu was served in metal bowls, which Ella explained had the function of keeping the bingsu cool for longer. The owner at the place was really friendly and came over to talk, and when he heard I was from Denmark, there was no way around it, of course we needed to take a selfie:)

Cafe Dal, South Korea, Jeonbuk State, Jeonju-si, Wansan-gu, Pungnam-dong 3(sam)-ga, KR 47=3 카페달

July 22, 2025 0 comments

My Guide to Barbecue in Kansas City

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss in Kansas City, it’s barbecue. Kansas City barbecue stands out from the rest of the country, both in flavor and in how it’s prepared. The meat is slow smoked over wood, usually hickory, until it’s fall apart tender. You’ll find everything from ribs and brisket to pulled pork, turkey, and sausages on the menu. And then, of course, there are the burnt ends, a true Kansas City specialty.

Burnt ends are the caramelized, smoky tips of brisket. Once considered scraps, they’ve become one of the city’s most iconic dishes. The crispy edges and juicy center are barbecue magic, often served with sauce and a couple of classic sides. They sell out early at a lot of places, which makes sense because they’re absolutely delicious.

The sauce is a big part of the barbecue experience here. In Kansas City, it’s thick, sweet, and tomato based, often with brown sugar, vinegar, and a little kick from chili or black pepper. Unlike in Texas, where the meat is usually served without sauce, Kansas City barbecue comes with sauce on top, on the side, and sometimes even in the dish, like in a pulled pork sandwich.

Barbecue in Kansas City isn’t something you try once and forget. It sticks with you in the best way. It’s sticky fingers, smoky clothes, and sauce on your chin, and it just tastes better here than anywhere else. Whether you’re into classic ribs, juicy burnt ends, or just looking for a good excuse to eat mac and cheese for lunch, don’t leave the city without tasting the real thing.

Here are a few great places to try barbecue in Kansas City:

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Joe’s is a Kansas City classic, and yes, it’s in a former gas station. The meat is tender and perfectly smoked, and the Z-Man sandwich with brisket, provolone, and onion rings is something you’ll come back for. Their burnt ends are also excellent, if they haven’t sold out.

Q39
A more modern take on barbecue, but with all the right flavors. The dishes are nicely presented without losing the soul of traditional barbecue. Their ribs and burnt ends are among the best in town.

Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque
This is about as authentic as it gets. Arthur Bryant’s has been part of Kansas City’s food scene for decades. The interior is worn, but the flavor is still going strong. Their sauce is more vinegar forward than most, which not everyone loves, but I think it works really well with the rich meat.

Slap’s BBQ
A local favorite that does everything from scratch. It tastes homemade in the best possible way, and their ribs and baked beans are seriously good. It’s the kind of place that makes you plan your next visit while you’re still wiping your hands.

July 21, 2025 0 comments

From New York City to Fort Lee: The Bus Over George Washington Bridge

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

When I go to Fort Lee to meet up with Ale, I almost always take the little bus from the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal. Ale calls it The Mexican Bus—and apparently, so does everyone else. She’s from Mexico herself, but even she doesn’t know why it’s called that. That’s just what people call it.

The bus leaves from the very back of the terminal—far left if you’re coming up the escalator. It doesn’t look like a regular bus, and there’s no visible schedule or official signage. You just get in line and pay cash directly to the driver. Bring exact change if you can, unless you want to get the eye-roll treatment. Officially, the ride costs $3 (as of 2025), but I’ve paid $2 a couple of times, so who knows. It’s a mystery.

The terminal is at 179th Street and Fort Washington Avenue in Washington Heights. I usually take the subway from Columbus Circle to 175th Street—easy ride, and just a short walk from there to the terminal. Once you hop on the bus, it heads straight over the George Washington Bridge. The first stop on the New Jersey side is in Fort Lee, which is where I usually get off. Ale picks me up there, but if you’re not getting picked up and want to go further in, just stay on. The bus continues through Fort Lee with several stops, all the way to downtown near Main Street, where you’ll find cafés, restaurants, and shops.

The ride itself is quick. The drive across the bridge only takes a few minutes, and if you’re coming from Midtown Manhattan, this is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get to Fort Lee. NJ Transit also has buses that run to Fort Lee, but they’re more expensive and don’t necessarily run more often. The Mexican Bus runs all day, and during the daytime, there’s usually one every 10–15 minutes. You just wait in line and hop on the next one.

In theory, you get a great view from the bridge—but in practice, I’ve always ended up on the wrong side of the bus or blocked in by trucks and SUVs. Best case, you might catch a glimpse of Manhattan between the steel fencing and the traffic.

My guide to New York City

July 21, 2025 0 comments

New York City: The Original Nathan’s on Coney Island

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

New York: Nathan’s – The Original Hot Dog Spot on Coney Island

Steve and I were on a day trip to Coney Island, and on the way from the subway station down to the beach and the amusement park, we passed the original Nathan’s. It’s right on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenue, and of course we had to stop, even though we just had a nice soufflé pancake brunch in the city.

Nathan’s opened back in 1916 and through the years, the restaurant that started as a hot dog stand, has turned into quite a New York institution. They’re known for classic New York style hot dogs, and you’ll find Nathan’s hot dog stands all over the city. You’ve probably also heard about the famous hot dog eating contest at the Coney Island restaurant on the 4th of July, where contestants have ten minutes to eat as many hot dogs as they can. I think the record is 70-something, crazy!

When Steve and I were there, we shared one of the original hot dogs and it was really good. All beef, nice flavor, and a proper snap when you bite into it, just like the ones I’m used to back home in Denmark. Maybe it was the sunshine maybe it was the good company, but I think the hot dog tasted much better than the Nathan’s hot dogs I’ve had in the city.

You can grab ketchup, mustard, and other condiments from a table. I added a bit of ketchup on the side, but we ended up just adding mustard and sauerkraut to the hot dog, which is how a New York hot dog is supposed to be eaten. Mustard only. Never ketchup.

We were curious about the rest of the menu, so we ordered a portion of raw clams, served on the half shell with horseradish, cocktail sauce, lemon, and oyster crackers, those little round ones you get with chowder. And speaking of chowder, we also shared a bowl of red chowder, listed as Coney Island Chowder. I think it’s the same as Manhattan chowder, a tomato based chowder, which is a lot lighter than the creamy New England version. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Big portion, great flavor, and we finished the whole thing.

The menu was full of choices, some classic, some a little out there. Besides hot dogs, there are burgers, sandwiches, and even frog legs (!). We decided to skip the frog legs this time, but maybe something for our next visit?

There’s an outdoor seating area with tables and umbrellas where you can sit down and enjoy your food. It was boiling hot that day, so I was actually happy about the massive drink sizes in the US. That Coke Zero was much needed.

If you’re visiting Coney Island, make sure to stop by Nathan’s. It’s a classic, and the food is really good.

My guide to food and restaurants in New York City >>

Nathan’s Famous, 1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, United States

New York City: The Original Nathan’s on Coney Island

July 21, 2025 0 comments

Recipe: Affogato – When Vanilla Gelato Meets Espresso

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Affogato is one of those desserts that’s so simple, it almost doesn’t make sense how good it tastes. One scoop of Italian vanilla gelato and a shot of hot espresso. That’s it. But when it all comes together, it’s magic. Affogato is one of my favorite Italian desserts, and no matter how full I am, there’s always room for affogato.

The word affogato means “drowned” in Italian, referring to the scoop of gelato drowning in the hot espresso you pour over just before serving. You’ll often see it on the menu at Italian cafés and restaurants—sometimes under desserts, sometimes listed as a coffee drink. Which makes sense, because it’s kind of both.

A good affogato is all about balance. The espresso should be strong and intense, and the gelato should be creamy with a distinct vanilla flavor, and of course, high quality makes all the difference.

In Italy, affogato is usually served in a small glass or cup with a teaspoon on the side. Some places serve the espresso separately so you can pour it yourself. You typically eat the affogato with a spoon, at least in the beginning. Once the gelato starts to melt and mixes with the coffee at the bottom of the glass, some people just pick it up and drink the rest straight from the cup.

Want to make affogato at home?
All you need is a good scoop of vanilla gelato or regular vanilla ice cream and a hot shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a small cup of strong coffee will work too. Just make sure the coffee is hot and robust, and the gelato isn’t too soft. Of course, it won’t be exactly like sitting at a sidewalk café in Italy, but it’ll get you close enough to pretend.

Recipe: Affogato – When Vanilla Gelato Meets Espresso

Servings

glass

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

1 scoop good quality vanilla gelato or regular vanilla ice cream
1 shot espresso or strong brewed coffee

Directions

Place the gelato in a small glass or cup.
Pour the hot espresso over the gelato right before serving.
Enjoy immediately.

Stainless Steel Pitcher 6.8oz/200ml

$9.99

This cute little metal pitcher is one of those small things that just make everything look nicer. Great for serving milk for your latte, but it’s also the perfect size for holding a shot of espresso when making affogato. The design is simple and classic. It’s also really easy to clean and feels nice and sturdy. If you’re into coffee (or just into cute kitchen stuff), this one’s a great little find.