Mitzie Mee

NYC: Dookki – A new Tteokkbokki spot in Koreatown

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne
New York: Dookki - Tteokkbokki i Koreatown
Disclaimer: My meal at Dookki was complimentary, but as always, the opinions are my own.

I love tteokbokki, so when I was invited to check out Dookki’s new spot in Koreatown, of course I said yes. Dookki is a Korean chain specializing in tteokbokki, those wonderfully chewy rice cakes served in a glossy, spicy red sauce.

In Korea, the Dookki restaurants are run as AYCE. You get a pot of broth at your table and then help yourself from a long lineup of toppings: different kinds of tteok, noodles, fish cakes, vegetables, even tempura. At Dookki in New York City, the setup is more like fast food. You either pick from preset combinations or build your own by checking off the toppings you want on the order sheet.

I went for the build-your-own and chose fish balls, fish cake, mushrooms, bok choy, rice cakes, egg, noodles…well, everything! There was so much going on in the bowl that the tteok (rice cakes) were almost hidden underneath it all. I chose the original Dookki spicy sauce, which turned out milder than I expected, so next time I’ll probably try Tteokmo, their extra spicy version.

Tteokbokki is true comfort food to me. I just love those chewy rice cakes, and I never get tired of them. I can eat them year-round, no matter the mood. While I still prefer eating tteokbokki from a tiny tent restaurant in Seoul, Dookki is a solid option when the craving hits in the middle of Manhattan. The portions are big, and one order is easily enough for two or even three people to share, which makes it a really cheap meal if you’re with friends.

You’ll find Dookki inside Food Gallery 32, which has quickly become one of my favorite Koreatown food spots. The food hall is always bustling, and has a great selection of stalls serving all kinds of Korean fast food and desserts.

By the way, “Dookki” means “two meals” in Korean. The name comes from the original concept in Korea, where you’d start with tteokbokki and then, when just a little sauce was left in the pot, add rice to make bokkeumbap (fried rice) to finish the meal. Maybe not the luckiest brand name in English, but I guess Dookki so well-known in Korea that they kept it, even for the New York City branch:)

My Guide to Korean Restaurants in New York City

Dookki, Food Gallery 32, 11 W 32nd St fl 2, New York, NY 10001, United States

Dookki

New York: Dookki - Tteokkbokki i Koreatown
New York: Dookki - Tteokkbokki i Koreatown
New York City: Dookki - Tteokkbokki in Koreatown
New York: Dookki - Tteokkbokki i Koreatown
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New York City: The Bar at Loews Regency

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne
NYC: The Bar at Loews Regency New York
My visit to Loews Regency was by invitation, but all opinions and Citrus Fizz enthusiasm are entirely my own

A couple of weeks ago, Steve and I stopped by the bar at Loews Regency on Park Avenue. I had been invited to try their non-alcoholic cocktails, but due to a misunderstanding, we ended up with the version that contained alcohol. No complaints though, I’ve since tried both, and they’re equally good.

The bar is tucked into the lobby of the elegant hotel, which has been an Upper East Side fixture for more than 60 years. In the summer, things are a little quieter than usual. The bartender told us that many of the regulars spend the season in the Hamptons, but for the rest of the year, especially on weekday evenings, it’s much livelier with people dropping in for a drink after work.

We were served a Citrus Fizz, which also comes in a non-alcoholic version. Ours, as mentioned, was the boozy take, with St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, chamomile tea, and fresh lemon juice. It was bright, refreshing, and perfect for a warm summer night.

At The Regency Bar & Grill, the Citrus Fizz is part of Fizz by Loews Hotels, the brand’s new soda-forward program. It’s a playful, modern take on the classic hotel bar experience, with house-made sodas and spritzes that fit right in with today’s shift toward mindful, flavorful drinking.

If you’re in New York City I highly recommend stopping by Loews for a Citrus Fizz and soaking up the classy surroundings. And if you can’t make it in person, here’s the recipe so you can mix one up at home.

Recipe: The Citrus Fizz at Loews Regency New York

Loews Regency, 540 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States

Loews Regency
Loews Regency New York

If you’re looking for a place to stay on the Upper East Side, Loews Regency New York is one of those hotels that gets it just right. It’s classy without being over the top, with an understated kind of luxury that feels both elegant and welcoming. A great choice if you want to be close to Central Park and Madison Avenue while staying in a place that feels truly New York.

Loews Regency New York
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NYC: The Bar at Loews Regency New York
NYC: The Bar at Loews Regency New York
NYC: The Bar at Loews Regency New York
NYC: The Bar at Loews Regency New York
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NYC Guide – How to get around in New York City

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne
NYC Guide - How to get around

Getting around New York City can feel overwhelming at first. The city is huge, the pace is fast, and the traffic can be painfully slow. Choosing the right way to get from A to B can save you both time and money, and taking the subway is almost always the right answer. It’s quick, convenient, and inexpensive. Taxis, Uber, or Lyft are good when you have luggage or if the subway isn’t cooperating, and the ferries comes with a beautiful view of the city.

Subway

The subway runs 24/7, and with over 470 stations, it will take you just about anywhere you want to go. A single ride is $2.90, and you can tap your credit card or phone (Apple Pay/Google Pay) at the turnstile. It’s the same price as using a MetroCard, but without the hassle of buying and topping up a card. If you ride a lot in a week, there’s a fare cap so you won’t pay more than $34 for seven days, no matter how much you travel. The subway with all the different lines, local trains and express trains might seem confusing at first, but once you get the hang of the system, it’s fast and efficient, especially during rush hour, when street traffic barely moves.

Buses

Buses use the same payment system as the subway, so you can tap your card or pay with your phone when boarding. The fare is $2.90, and you can transfer for free between bus and subway within two hours. To be honest, I’ve never been much of a bus rider in New York, but I guess they can be handy in areas the subway doesn’t reach or if you want to avoid all the stairs up and down from the subway. Just keep in mind that buses are usually slower than the subway, particularly in rush hour.

Uber and Lyft

Both apps work well in New York City. Prices vary depending on time and demand, and they can spike quickly during rush hour or bad weather. Still, it’s often more comfortable than the subway, especially with luggage or if you’re traveling outside Manhattan. Tipping in Uber and Lyft isn’t as set in stone as with taxis. Some people tip like they would in a cab, others will argue that tips should be included in the often higher-price-than-a-taxi-ride charge.

Taxis

The iconic yellow cabs are everywhere. To hail one, stand by the curb and raise your arm. The starting fare is about $3, and the total depends on distance, time, and any surcharges. All taxis take cards, and tipping is expected.

Ferries

NYC Ferry is an underrated way to get around, particularly between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. A single ride is $4, and you can buy tickets in the app or at the terminal. The skyline and harbor views are included in the price, so it’s basically sightseeing on a budget.

Read my blog post about Rockaway Beach

Staten Island Ferry

Running between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island, this ferry is completely free. The trip takes about 25 minutes each way and offers great views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan. It’s not the fastest way to get anywhere, but for a no-cost boat ride with classic New York views, it’s hard to beat.

Read my blog post about the Staten Island ferry

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NYC: Tha Phraya – Really good Thai restaurant on the Upper East Side

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne
NYC: Tha Phraya - Really good Thai restaurant on the Upper East Side

It’s Restaurant Week in New York City again, which reminded me that I never got around to writing about my visit to Tha Phraya during last summer’s Restaurant Week.

Tha Phraya is on the Upper East Side and serves excellent, authentic Thai food. We started with Miang Kham, one of my favorite dishes from Thailand. You get small leaves (often betel leaves) that you fill with toasted coconut flakes, peanuts, dried shrimp, lime, and chili, then fold up and eat in one bite. The mix of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy is irresistible, like the essence of how Thailand tastes in one bite, if you ask me.

We also had Tod Mun Goong, crispy shrimp cakes with plum sauce for dipping, and Yum Som O, a refreshing pomelo salad with a great, slightly sweet, flavor. For the main course, we ordered a curry with shrimp. Not the prettiest dish, but the flavor was spot-on. The highlight of the evening, though, was the Pae Sa Pla Tod, a whole fried fish in a fantastic sauce. Having it on the Restaurant Week menu felt almost too good to be true, though I checked, and sadly it’s not on the menu this year.

The photos from that night aren’t much to brag about. I’m not sure what went wrong, but fortunately, the food tasted far better than the pictures suggest.

Tha Phraya, 1553 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Tha Phraya
NYC: Tha Phraya - Really good Thai restaurant on the Upper East Side
NYC: Tha Phraya - Really good Thai restaurant on the Upper East Side
NYC: Tha Phraya - Really good Thai restaurant on the Upper East Side
NYC: Tha Phraya - Really good Thai restaurant on the Upper East Side
NYC: Tha Phraya - Really good Thai restaurant on the Upper East Side
NYC: Tha Phraya - Really good Thai restaurant on the Upper East Side
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Seattle Guide – How to get around

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne
Seattle Guide: How to get around

Seattle is a city of steep hills, long distances, and plenty of water, so how you get around can really shape your trip. This isn’t the kind of place where you just stroll from one attraction to the next, and while there’s public transportation, it’s not always the fastest option. If you’re staying for more than a couple of days, renting a car can make a lot of sense. Distances are often farther than they look on the map, and rideshares can get expensive quickly. Having a car also makes day trips easier, whether you’re heading to Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park.

That said, Seattle does have a solid mix of buses, light rail, ferries, and other options if you’d rather not drive. Here’s a quick overview:

Link light rail

Seattle’s Link light rail runs both above and below ground. From the airport, you can take it straight into downtown. The ride to Westlake Station takes about 35 minutes and costs $3 for adults, no matter how far you go. Westlake is under Westlake Center in downtown, close to Pike Place Market, shopping, and hotels, making it a great starting point for exploring on foot.

Buses and streetcars

King County Metro operates the city’s bus network, which covers most of Seattle and the suburbs. The Seattle Streetcar connects certain neighborhoods, such as South Lake Union and First Hill, with downtown. Service is fairly frequent, but expect delays during rush hour.

Ferries

With water all around, ferries are part of everyday life here. Washington State Ferries connect Seattle to Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and other destinations across Puget Sound. You can walk on or bring a car, and the crossing comes with beautiful views, making the ride a trip in itself.

Uber, Lyft, and taxis

Uber and Lyft work well in Seattle, though prices can change depending on the time of day and demand. Taxis are less common than in many big US cities, and you’ll rarely find one to hail on the street, so it’s best to book ahead.

Bikes and scooters

On sunny days, you might consider biking or renting an electric scooter. Lime and Bird offer both, and you can book them through their apps. With Seattle’s hills, an e-bike is often a better choice than a regular bike if you’re going more than a short distance.

Paying for public transportation

Seattle uses the ORCA card (One Regional Card for All) for buses, streetcars, Link light rail, and ferries. You can buy and load it at station machines, select stores, or online. It’s worth getting if you plan to use transit more than a couple of times, and it works across most systems. Light rail rides are now a flat $3 for adults, including trips from the airport. Remember to tap in when you board, and on some lines, tap out when you get off to ensure you pay the correct fare.

If you’re only using public transportation occasionally, paying with a contactless credit card or your phone (Apple Pay or Google Pay) at station readers is often easier. There’s no setup and no extra card to carry—just tap and go.

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Seattle Guide: Where to stay in Seattle?

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Seattle isn’t a city you wrap up in a weekend, but picking the right neighborhood to stay in gets you halfway there. Public transportation works fine, and many areas are pedestrian friendly, but the city is more spread out than you might expect.

If you want to be close to everything, Belltown or Downtown are easy choices. For a more local vibe and great food, Capitol Hill and Fremont are hard to beat. If you’ve been to Seattle before, or you’re after something quieter, Ballard and Queen Anne are charming alternatives.

Here are my personal picks for where to stay if it’s your first time in Seattle:

Downtown – Practical and central

Downtown is the obvious choice if you want to be right in the middle of it all. You can take the Link light rail straight from the airport, and you’ll be close to shops, restaurants, and attractions. Most of the big chain hotels are here. It’s not an area where you linger at night, and it can feel busy and impersonal, but if location is your top priority, Downtown works well.

Capitol Hill – Food, music, and personality

Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods, with everything from vegan brunch spots and noodle bars to cocktail lounges and small clubs. Indie shops and a creative, slightly alternative vibe make it a fun area to explore. It can be noisy at night, but you’re in the middle of local life, with plenty of places to eat, drink coffee, and people-watch.

Fremont – Local and laid-back

On my recent trips to Seattle, I’ve stayed in Fremont, which has become my favorite part of Seattle. Calling itself the “Center of the Universe,” Fremont feels like a Seattle version of Brooklyn, with a lively local scene, great restaurants, good coffee, vintage shops, and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. It’s quite a bit north of downtown, but with easy bus or car access. If you want to see a more authentic side of Seattle, this is the place.

Ballard – Brunch, water, and harbor life

Ballard has a maritime feel and some of the city’s best brunch spots and seafood restaurants. Stroll along the canals, and if you’re here in summer, watch salmon make their way up the fish ladder at the Ballard Locks. Ballard has a large Scandinavian community so you’ll find several Nordic-inspired restaurants and cafes. Ballard feels like its own little world, perfect if you want to step away from downtown for a while.

Queen Anne – Beautiful houses and great views

Perched on a hill overlooking downtown and Elliott Bay, Queen Anne is peaceful and pretty, with old houses and tree-lined streets. There’s not a ton to do in the neighborhood itself, but you’re close to the Space Needle and Seattle Center. It’s ideal if you want a quiet base that’s still within reach of the city’s main sights.

Belltown – Close to everything

Just north of downtown, Belltown is within walking distance of Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the waterfront. It’s not the most charming area, but it’s practical. Hotels range from budget to upscale, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafés. If you want to be near the main tourist spots and don’t mind a slightly businesslike feel, Belltown is a solid choice.

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