Mitzie Mee - Food & Travel Blog

NYC: Brunch at Electric Lemon – Equinox Hotel

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Last weekend, Ana and I went for brunch at Electric Lemon, which is a sleek new restaurant at Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards. It was my first time visiting, but Ana had been there before on several occasions and she only had good things to say about the place.

As soon as we stepped out of the elevator, we were struck by the stunning view. The restaurant is located on the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer all the skyscraper porn you could possible wish for. We were seated at a table by the window, with front row views of the city, and even though Ana is always teasing me about my oh-so-touristy behavior, I couldn’t help myself from pulling out my phone to capture the view.

Now, let’s talk about the food. I decided to go for the Beauty Bowl, which is a pink bowl made with beetroot. I loved everything about it, from the stunning pink color to the crunch from the honey crisp apple and the bee pollen sprinkled on top. I think the Beauty Bowl is meant as a side or a dessert, but I wish they would make a larger version and offer it as a main. Had to order a back-up bagel afterwards, as I was still hungry.

Ana insisted that we also ordered Polenta Fries, which according to her is a must-order at Electric Lemon. They were crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, and they came with a delicious, tomato-based romesco dipping sauce, yum, yum, yum! While we were eating the fries I started wondering how to recreate them at home, which is only something I do, when I eat something I really like and can’t bear the thought of not having it again soon. Polenta fries, definitely something you don’t want to miss, if you are brunching at Electric Lemon!

Regarding price, brunch at Electric Lemon is in the same bracket as most of the fancier brunch places in the city, with mains in the 20-somethings, and then you get the view included in the price. It’s a very nice place for brunch, and Ana mentioned that it’s also a great place to go for dinner og drinks in the evening. There’s also a rooftop terrace, but it was closed, when we were there, but I can only imagine how beautiful the view is out there.

The easiest way to get to Equinox Hotel and Electric Lemon is to take the subway to Hudson Yards. Make sure to stop by the Vessel on your way.

Electric Lemon, Equinox Hotel, 33 Hudson Yards 24th Floor, New York

March 13, 2023 0 comments

Korean Skincare: Double Cleansing – Everything you need to know

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

One of the ways in which Korean skincare differs significantly from skincare in the US is in the cleansing of the skin. In the US, we often use just one cleansing product, but in Korea it is most common to do the cleansing in two steps, using both an oil-based, and a water-based cleanser.

During the first step, an oil-based cleanser such as a cleansing oil or a cleansing balm, is used to remove makeup and dissolve dirt that has accumulated on the skin’s surface throughout the day. This step is essential as it does most of the heavy lifting, preparing the skin for the second step of the cleansing.

During the second step, a water-based cleanser such as a cleansing gel or a foaming cleanser is used to remove any remaining dirt and makeup. Water-based cleansers typically create a lather when massaged into the skin and provide deeper cleansing, leaving the skin fresh, clean, and hydrated.

One of the main reasons why double cleansing is so popular in Korea is that the two-step process is considered an effective and gentle way to clean the skin. If the skin is covered in dirt and makeup, it is harder for serums and creams to penetrate the surface. Proper cleansing ensures that all of the nourishing and nurturing ingredients can be properly absorbed by the skin and thus really come to use.

Skincare tip

Oil-based cleansers are typically the most effective when it comes to removing makeup, while water-based products are better suited for cleansing and refreshing the skin. The skin’s pH is slightly lower than neutral, and the most gentle cleansing products often have a slightly lower pH that does not disturb the skin’s natural pH balance.

March 13, 2023 0 comments

Beef Bourguignon at Les Marches – Cozy bistro in Paris

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Ever since I landed in Paris, I had been craving delicious French bistro food, but due to various logistical challenges, it took a few days before I finally got around to make it happen.

It was a cold and gray day, and I had been at a fashion show all morning, not really eating anything other than my handbag emergency stash of raisins and nuts, so I was starving, when I stepped inside at Les Marches.

It was around lunchtime, and the restaurant was completely full, so I didn’t have high hopes when I asked the staff if, perhaps, maybe they had a table for one? There wasn’t one right away, but if I could wait 5-10 minutes, they would figure something out? Of course, I could.

I love French bistro food, and I often find it difficult to choose what to order, as I usually want everything on the menu. Though on this cold day, it was the Beef Bourguignon that tempted me the most, so that’s what I ended up having. Beef Bourguignon is a French stew made with beef braised in plenty of red wine and typically served with potatoes.

The bread at Les Marches was really good, and there was plenty of it, and as you probably know, I’ve always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with good bread. While there’s nothing better than starting a meal with a nice piece of bread and butter, if the bread is too good, I can’t help but eating it all, and then I’m already full when the food arrives.

Fortunately, my food arrived quickly, before I had the time to go through the entire bread basket, and after the beef bourguignon made its entrance, it got my full, undivided attention. A wonderful dish that only got better along with a glass of generously poured red wine.

Les Marches is located in the 16th arrondissement down by the Seine, with the Eiffel Tower on the other side, so you would probably expect Les Marches to be both touristy and pricey, but it’s not. I was the only non-French-speaking guest when I was there, and the price level wasn’t significantly higher than at most other bistros I’ve been to in Paris. Furthermore, the staff was really nice and attentive, and even though the restaurant was busy, they had time to talk to the guests, many of whom seemed to be regulars.

Les Marches, 5 Rue de la Manutention, Paris

March 12, 2023 0 comments

Phnom Penh: Wau – Malaysian Halal Restaurant

by Chic Critiques

If you’re looking for a Malaysian halal restaurant in central Phnom Penh, you gotta check out Wau! This tiny Malaysian restaurant is tucked away on a quiet street just off Norodom Boulevard, but trust us, it’s worth the search. The staff is super friendly, and the food is absolutely delicious.

Although you can sit inside, we recommend snagging an outdoor table for a cozier vibe, especially in the evening. The crew at Wau are all from Malaysia, and the menu has all the classic dishes you’d expect from a casual Malaysian joint. Bonus: They even offer a buffet option that’s a great value for your money. Main courses are priced around $5, so you can enjoy an amazing meal without breaking the bank.

Keep in mind that Wau doesn’t serve alcohol, but they do have some awesome Malaysian tea and Milo, which is a chocolate-malt drink that is very popular in Malaysia. If you’re feeling brave, you should try the durian cream candy. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re a fan of durian, you’ll love it!

Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, dinner, or even breakfast, Wau has got you covered. We recommend heading over in the early morning, around 7-8 am, for a quiet start to your day. Grab yourself some super tasty roti canai (flatbread) with curry and you won’t be disappointed.

If you want to learn more about Wau, check out Chic Critiques’ video review below. Happy eating!

Wau, House #3, Street 208, Phnom Penh, Tel: 099322512

March 7, 2023 0 comments

Paris: Little Seoul – Cozy Korean Restaurant in Passage de Choiseul

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Little Seoul - Cozy Korean Restaurant in Passage de Choiseul, Paris Blog

On my first day in Paris, my original plan was to have some delicious French bistro food for dinner, but the places I had in mind didn’t open until 7 pm, and I was hungry as a wolf. So, I ended up having an early dinner at a cozy Korean restaurant, Little Seoul, which I found inside Passage de Choiseul.

The restaurant was about to close, but I think the Korean woman working there could see, how much I was craving a bowl of hot kimchi-jjigae, because she gestured for me to come in and sit down. Kimchi-jjigae is a typical Korean stew made with kimchi, tofu, and pork. It’s a delicious and filling dish, especially on colder days, and it was exactly what I was in the mood for. It didn’t take long before the sizzling hot bowl arrived on my table, along with a bowl of rice and three small side dishes, and I was so hungry that I finished it all.

Even though I arrived just before closing time, there were several other guests in the restaurant, and people kept coming by to pick up take-out orders. It’s a really cozy little place to enjoy authentic Korean food during daytime, and a great place for lunch or early dinner, if you are in that part of town.

March 6, 2023 0 comments

Paris: Champs Elysées etc.

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Louis Vuitton flagship store, Champs Elysées, Paris

I am in Paris for about a week to represent the Korean skincare brand, Schwanen Garten, at some of the fashion shows during Paris Fashion Week. However, I also have some free time to explore the city, and on my first day, right after dropping off my bags at the hotel, I went for a stroll down Champs Elysées.

Along Champs Elysées, you’ll find the flagship stores of many French and international luxury brands, and right now, the storefronts of Dior and Louis Vuitton really stand out. The two brands’ flagship stores are located right next to each other on Champs Elysées, and it seems like they have some kind of battle going on, regarding who can make the most impressive storefront.

The Dior store looks like a fashion fairytale castle (a very stylish one), while the LV store is decorated with a eye-catching, giant figure of the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, drawing her colorful polka dots, which is part of the 2023 collaboration between Louis Vuitton and the artist. There is usually a long queue outside Louis Vuitton, but I noticed that coffee was served, when people were about halfway through, which I think is a nice gesture.

I have been to Paris so many times that I have already seen most of the city’s major attractions, so now I can finally just stroll around and experience the city without any specific plans or schedule to follow. It gives you a different kind of freedom, when all the sightseeing is done, and you can just enjoy the city at your own pace, and I think that’s why I am finally beginning to appreciate how amazing Paris really is. Don’t get me wrong, I have always liked Paris, but there is a difference between liking a city and feeling that it’s really getting under your skin. It’s only recently that I’m starting to feel that way for Paris, and I am looking forward to exploring more of the city.