Mitzie Mee

Dinner at Broken – Stavanger’s New Seafood Gem

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne
Dinner at Broken - Stavanger’s New Seafood Gem

April was visiting Norway last weekend, and we had such a lovely time together with great weather and lots of good food. On Friday evening, we had dinner at Broken, a new seafood restaurant in Stavanger. It opened in November 2024 and is located on Langgata, right by Pedersgata, which has become the city’s hotspot for exciting new restaurants.

Behind Broken is Alan Kaye, who both owns and runs the place. Originally from England, he has worked at restaurants in Barcelona, Australia, and Denmark before settling down in Norway. Broken is a small restaurant with seating for about 25 guests, and with the open kitchen, the experience feels both personal and intimate. The night we visited, Alan was cooking himself, assisted only by a single waiter.

We ordered the four-course menu (1250 NOK), which began with snacks: tiny cones, paprika chips, and freshly baked sourdough bread with homemade butter. After that came:

Fresh Ceviche Scallops with fermented tomato “caviar” and lovage snow. A bright and tangy start that hit all the right notes.

Torched king fish tartare with salt-baked yellow beetroot, pickled plums, reduced cabernet sauvignon vinegar, and Jerusalem artichoke purée. An intense dish with a lot going on, yet everything came together beautifully.

For the main course, we had poached halibut with barigoule sauce, glazed Jerusalem artichoke, and fermented chanterelles. The fish was cooked to perfection, right on that fine line between raw and done. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had halibut this good.

Dessert was a pistachio soufflé with coconut and dark chocolate ganache, and it was so good that we both scraped our bowls clean to get every last bite.

April called the meal an explosion of flavors, and I couldn’t agree more. Broken is yet another example of how far modern Norwegian cuisine has come over the past decade. According to the restaurant, they have no plans of expanding, wanting to keep the intimate and relaxed atmosphere, but with the level of food they’re serving, it’s hard to imagine Broken will remain a hidden gem for long. The standard is impressively high, and it’s fascinating to see how a small restaurant in Stavanger can deliver food this refined. If you get the chance, I highly recommend trying Broken while you can still get a table.

Broken, Langgata 9, 4013 Stavanger

Broken
Dinner at Broken - Stavanger’s New Seafood Gem
Dinner at Broken - Stavanger’s New Seafood Gem
Dinner at Broken - Stavanger’s New Seafood Gem
Dinner at Broken - Stavanger’s New Seafood Gem
Dinner at Broken - Stavanger’s New Seafood Gem
Dinner at Broken - Stavanger’s New Seafood Gem
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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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