Mitzie Mee Blog

NYC: Budae Jjigae for lunch at Her Name is Han

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

The other day, I met with April for lunch at Her Name is Han, which is one of April’s favorite places for authentic Korean food in the city. For lunch, many of the dishes from the dinner menu are available, but at a much cheaper price, so if you’re ok with waiting in line (there’s always a wait for lunch unless you manage to get a reservation in advance), this is a great place to go for lunch in Koreatown.

Last month, April and I had ordered Budae Jjigae as take-out from Her Name is Han, and it was delicious, so when I saw that they had a smaller version on the menu for lunch, I knew what I was having. Compared to many (or all) of the other dishes on the menu at Her Name is Han, Budae Jjigae is among the most unhealthy items, but if you’re in the mood, it’s oh so good. They call the lunch version Mini Budae Hot Pot in the menu, but it’s a decent-sized bowl, and more than enough for one hungry Sanne.

Budae Jjigae (or army stew, as it’s also called) is actually more of a winter dish. Post-Korean War, when food was scarce, locals got crafty by mixing leftover processed foods from the U.S. military bases, like spam, sausages, cheese, and canned beans, with traditional Korean ingredients like kimchi, tofu, and gochujang (red chili paste). This fusion gave birth to Budae Jjigae, which translates to “army stew.” It’s an eclectic fusion of two worlds with a pinch of a time long gone, resulting in a highly unique, and surprisingly delicious dish.

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

Her Name is Han, 17 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016

August 16, 2023 0 comments

NYC: Nonna Dora’s – Great pasta place in Kips Bay

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

I had been to Nonna Dora’s before for drinks (their Negronis are legen-…wait for it…dary!), but it was the first time for me to try the food. My friend Alex knows the staff, and now, when the scaffolding in front of the building is finally gone, and a bunch of nice reviews from some very reputable publications have ensured quite a hype, Alex decided that it was time to introduce the rest of the gang to Nonna Dora’s too.

We started out with a bit of cheese and charcuterie + a couple of other light dishes including the pulpo salad (a must-try if you like octopus) and calamari (cut lengthwise, so they looked like fries).

When it comes to ordering food, I suffer from some serious FOMO, and I prefer to be the last person to place my order, just in case anyone orders something that sounds better than what I had in mind. Though when my truffle & mushroom tagliatelle arrived, the food FOMO disappeared, because there was no doubt I had picked the showstopper on the menu that night. There’s something utterly satisfying about watching the truffle flakes land accompanied by the oooh-ing and aaah-ing from my friends around the table.

As for desserts, well, let’s just say we did a bit of overindulging. At Nonna Dora’s, opting out of desserts is simply not an option, and oh man, they were all scrumptious! Choosing a favorite would be like picking a favorite star in the sky, but if forced to choose one favorite, it would probably be the panna cotta.

Nonna Dora’s, 606 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016

July 31, 2023 0 comments

NYC: Serendipity 3 and the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Serendipity is an iconic restaurant located on the Upper East Side, and yes, it’s the restaurant from the Serendipity movie. The restaurant is known for its eclectic decor and whimsical atmosphere, and it has been a popular destination for both locals and tourists since its opening in 1954. The extensive menu features a variety of savory dishes, desserts, and the signature Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.

I was curious about the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate and wanted to find out what the decades long hype was all about, so that’s what I ordered. Frozen hot chocolate? Isn’t that just chocolate milkshake? While there are similarities, I would say that they’re still two different animals. What I really liked about the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate is that it wasn’t too sweet, but very hot chocolate-ish. It was served with plenty of whipped cream on the top, of the kind my grandma would make, that is, no sugar, and rather heavy, as compared to the fluffy, watery stuff from a can you’d sometimes get at other dessert places. It’s more a dessert than a drink, and the serving is huge, so I had to abandon my original plan about a main course later. The Frrrozen Hot Chocolate is $19.95 but considering that it’s so filling, it’s a meal in itself I guess the price is somewhat justified. Furthermore, it’s quite an experience to have visited a place that has been around for so long and has such an amazing history and clientele, because that’s where the real attraction of Serendipity lies.

There’s an $18.95 minimum spend per person (July 2023).

Serendipity 3, 225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022