Mitzie Mee Blog

Welcome to my personal blog, where I share notes from my everyday life. It’s about food and travel, but also about everything else I’m up to along the way. Small moments and big experiences, everyday snapshots and the occasional adventure. Here you can follow what’s happening behind the scenes, with new posts every day. A more personal space, updated daily, and shared while the moments are still fresh.

Breakfast at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Last month we went to a wedding in San Rafael, which is a charming little town about 30 minutes north of San Francisco. We stayed at the AC Hotel, which is right in the middle of town within easy walking distance of most places. After a good night’s sleep, we set out on Saturday morning to find breakfast. The plan was to try TuTu Lounge, which had excellent reviews online, but just around the corner from the hotel was a Mexican restaurant called Taqueria Bahia, tempting us with Mexican breakfast dishes. We ended up eating there instead.

We ordered chilaquiles with pork and frijoles refritos. Chilaquiles is a classic Mexican breakfast dish made with crispy tortilla chips tossed in either red or green salsa, often topped with eggs, cheese, and sometimes meat. It’s one of those hearty, tasty dishes that keep you full and happy for hours. Frijoles refritos literally means fried beans, but that doesn’t quite capture how good they are. Traditionally, pinto (or sometimes black) beans are cooked, mashed, and then slowly fried in fat until thick and creamy. They’re often made with pork lard (manteca), though many places today use oil or butter instead. The result is a rich, flavorful bean purée that’s perfect alongside tacos or, as in our case, chilaquiles.

We also shared two tacos: one with lengua (beef tongue) and one with grilled chicken. Lengua tacos are usually my favorite, but at Taqueria Bahia, I liked the chicken taco better. By the counter there was a small bar with different kinds of salsa and toppings, so we helped ourselves to a red one and a green one, both excellent. A solid spot for a Mexican-style breakfast and some great tacos.

Taqueria Bahia, 1013 B St #2905, San Rafael, CA 94901

October 9, 2025

Review: BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask – Lavender

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

When April visited me in Norway, she brought a small gift, a Steam Eye Mask. She told me she always uses them when she travels because they help her relax and fall asleep. I had never tried one before, but I was immediately intrigued. April is from Korea, and she’s amazing at spotting new beauty trends coming out of Asia.

I have to admit, my first thought was that the mask looked like a sanitary pad. The shape, the material, even the packaging. It all seemed like something meant for a completely different section of the toiletry bag. But once I put it on, I was pleasantly surprised. It started to warm up slowly, and after a couple of minutes it felt like having a soft, warm towel over my eyes. The version I tried was lavender-scented, and the fragrance was just right. Mild and soothing without being overly perfumed. The heat lasted about 20-25 minutes, and I could feel my face relax and my body sink into the bed. It was genuinely a nice feeling, and I completely understand why April loves these masks so much.

Apparently, the steam eye mask trend started in Japan in the early 2010s when the brand MegRhythm launched their original Steam Eye Mask. It quickly became popular among commuters and office workers who used it to unwind during breaks or on their way home. MegRhythm is still considered the best-known and most highly rated brand in the category, and their success is what really made the concept take off worldwide.

The mask April gave me was from BeHoomi. At first, I thought BeeHoomi was a Korean brand, but April said it was American. After looking closer, it turned out it was neither. The masks are sold through American webshops, but they’re actually made in China. That said, the quality is perfectly fine. The material feels nice against the skin, with no sharp edges or unpleasant plastic smell, which can sometimes be an issue with cheaper products.

The BeeHoomi mask is designed for single use. Inside, there’s a thin layer of powder that heats up when it comes into contact with oxygen. So once you open the package, the mask warms up on its own, no microwave or electricity needed. The temperature reaches around 104–113°F (40–45°C), and the gentle warmth combined with light steam feels like a mini spa treatment for your eyes. Most people use them to relieve tired or dry eyes, or simply to relax after a long day of screen time.

I’ve used it several times since then, especially after long days in front of my laptop, and it really makes a difference. Nothing dramatic, but enough that my eyes feel less tired and I relax faster. I especially like using it at night, right before bed. The warmth helps me relax and get ready for a good night’s sleep, and the lavender scent tells my body it’s time to wind down.

There are, of course, a few downsides. The mask can only be used once, and once it cools down, it’s done. It feels a bit wasteful packaging-wise, but on the other hand, it’s super convenient when traveling or when you just want a quick dose of comfort without having to do anything. I do wish the heat would last a little longer though, because 25 minutes goes by quickly once you’re fully relaxed.

All in all, I think the BeeHoomi Steam Eye Mask is a really nice product. It might look a little funny, but it works. If you have trouble unwinding at night or want to bring a bit of spa-like comfort on your next trip, it’s definitely worth trying.

BeHoomi 20 Packs Steam Eye Mask - Lavender

$17.99

If you’re looking for a way to unwind after a long day or ease tired eyes after hours in front of a screen, the BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask is a small luxury that makes a big difference. These self-heating masks warm up on their own as soon as you open the package, no microwave or electricity needed. The gentle warmth (about 104-113°F) feels soothing, like a soft towel over your eyes, while the lavender scent helps you relax and fall asleep faster. Each mask lasts around 20-30 minutes, making it perfect for travel, bedtime, or whenever your eyes need a quick spa moment.

BeHoomi 20 Packs Steam Eye Mask - Lavender

Buy it here

Affiliate link: I might earn a commission if you make a booking, at no additional cost to you.

12/23/2025 10:00 pm GMT

October 9, 2025

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

August 20, 2025

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

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

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

August 14, 2025

New York City: Cod Roe Soondubu at DubuHaus

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Steve and I had originally planned to have dinner at Hangawi, but it was restaurant week, and we hadn’t made a reservation. The staff told us the wait would be about 45 minutes which was too long on empty stomachs, so we decided to try DubuHaus, which is right next door. DubuHaus is known for soondubu (or soondobu/soontofu) jjigae, a Korean stew with silky tofu in a steaming hot, spicy broth. When I’m craving soondubu, I usually go straight to BCD Tofu House. I love their soondubu and I’ve never felt the need to try anywhere else. But BCD always has a line, and we were hungry, so that wasn’t an option either, and thus we ended up at DubuHaus.

Before our food arrived, they served a small glass of tofu drink on the house. Steve wasn’t a fan, but I found it ok tasty. I ordered the Cod Roe Soondubu, which arrived to the table piping hot. The roe still had the membrane around it, which wasn’t the most appetizing look, but it tasted great. Steve went for the Dubu Vegetable Bibimbap, which was served as a salad with rice on the side, so you could decide on the rice-to-veggie ratio yourself.

I had upgraded my rice to the Nutritious Kettle Pot Rice with ginkgo, edamame, and shiitake. That was a very good call and something I’d definitely recommend.

After the meal, we got another surprise: a small cup of tofu soft serve. Smooth, creamy, and with a subtle hint of tofu, almost as good as regular soft serve, and a perfect cold treat if you’re lactose intolerant.

I’m really glad we gave DubuHaus a try. The space is sleek and stylish, the service is friendly and efficient, their banchan is good, and to be honest, their soondubu is every bit as good as BCD’s.

My Guide to Korean Restaurants in New York City

DubuHaus, 6 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016

August 9, 2025

NYC: Plantshed East Village – Matcha, Portraits, and a Green Escape

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

NYC: Plantshed - Matcha, Portraits and a Green Escape

It had been way too long since I last saw Ehsan, so I sent him a quick message on WhatsApp to see how he was doing. He replied that he was on his way to meet some friends at PlantShed and asked if Steve and I wanted to swing by. Of course we did, so we headed over to East Village.

PlantShed started out as a flower shop back in the 1950s. The café side of the business is a relatively new addition, but it works brilliantly, and today, there are several PlantShed locations across the city that combine plants and coffee in the best possible way. The space is filled with lush greenery and fresh flowers, so stepping inside feels like walking into a greenhouse right in the middle of all the noise and chaos of the city. A quiet little jungle in Manhattan.

I think their matcha is better than their coffee, and this summer they have seasonal drink called Dragonfly that I really like. It’s made with ceremonial grade matcha, raspberry purée and milk, and it’s honestly so good, so that’s what I had, along with an almond croissant. The croissant was fine, though I wouldn’t have minded a little more almond paste filling.

One of Ehsan’s friends, Dana Nehdaran, is a well known artist, especially for his portraits. His work has been exhibited in the US and internationally. At some point, he looked up and asked if he could do a quick sketch of me. Of course I said yes. There’s something fascinating about seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes, especially when that someone is an artist like Dana.

It turned into a really cozy couple of hours, surrounded by plants, good matcha, and interesting company. If you’re in New York and need a break, or just want to drink matcha surrounded by greenery, stop by PlantShed. They have several cafés around the city.

PlantShed East Village, 193 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States

July 31, 2025

New York City: Back at Atoboy – Still Good, Just Not as Great as It Used to Be

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Steve and I stopped by Atoboy, which has been one of my longtime NYC favorites, though it had been quite some time since my last visit. Back then, it felt like a steal: three dishes and rice for just $42. It almost seemed too good to be true—and it was. Prices climbed quickly after that.

When we went back in April this year, the menu was $75 for four dishes and rice. Still decent value, especially now that tip is included—but here’s the catch: they don’t really make that clear. Our server casually mentioned that the included tip only covered the kitchen staff, and there was still a tip line on the receipt, which of course left us wondering. I ended up emailing the restaurant afterward and got confirmation that the tip covers all staff. So no, you don’t need to add anything extra, even if the setup makes you second-guess.

The food? Just as tasty as I remembered. The menu and format haven’t changed much, which can be both a good and a not-so-good thing. Good, because everything still tastes great. But also a little underwhelming, because it doesn’t feel like there’s been much progress or evolution since last time.

The first dish has always been something with uni and egg, as far as I recall. Not sure if it’s the exact same one each time, but it looks pretty similar in my old photos. Either way, it’s delicious, so I’m not complaining.

We had bluefin tuna and fluke, followed by squid and sweet shrimp, and then oxtail sooyuk and cod. Nicely prepared, well balanced, but the portions are small, more like elevated bites than full-on dishes.

And then there’s the chicken. Atoboy is NYC-famous for its fried chicken, and for good reason. It’s crispy, juicy, and pretty much perfect. I honestly can’t think of a single way it could be better. It’s a $28 add-on to the menu, but it’s a generous portion and definitely shareable. To me, it’s not really an add-on, it’s the main event. Skip it, and you’re missing the best thing on the menu. You might also leave a little hungry if you don’t order the chicken.

Expect to spend $100+ per person, including chicken and drinks. Still reasonable for a New York City dinner out, but it’s not the crazy bargain it once was.

My guide to Korean restaurants in New York City

Atoboy, 43 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016, United States

July 29, 2025

New York City: Luka’s Joy – New Slider Shop in Koreatown

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Right in the heart of Koreatown, inside the bustling Food Gallery 32, you’ll find Luka’s Joy, a brand-new slider shop with big plans. Food Gallery 32 is a lively Korean food court packed with bubble tea, tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken, barbecue, you name it. It’s a go-to for anyone who loves Korean fast food, and it’s usually pretty crowded.

The company behind Luka’s Joy is Armored Fresh, a Korean company known for dairy free cheese. At Luka’s Joy, all the sliders are made with Armored Fresh dairy free cheese, and before you ask: yes, it actually tastes like real cheese. If I hadn’t known it was dairy-free, I never would have guessed.

I went for the Signature Set with three different sliders: Cheesy, Kimchi, and BBQ. They were all delicious, but the Kimchi slider was my favorite. A little spicy, plenty of kimchi, and melted cheese to tie it all together. It was so good. I also ordered the kimchi fries, and they were another hit. The topping worked really well, and the dairy free kimchi parmesan sprinkled on top was very tasty.

The staff also suggested I try their new Buldak Cheesy Joy slider. It’s seriously spicy, like mouth-on-fire spicy, and to be honest, a bit too spicy for me, but if you can handle the heat, this one is for you.

The sliders are served on soft potato buns with a layer of griddled onions (unless you ask otherwise), and the patties are pressed directly on the griddle, smash-burger style

One of the staff members told me the dream is to turn Luka’s Joy into a global chain, a Korean-style McDonald’s built around sliders with a Korean touch and dairy free cheese. Makes sense, especially with so many people being lactose-intolerant. The dairy-free cheese definitely feels like the future. If you’re in Koreatown and craving something quick and tasty, go check out Luka’s Joy inside Food Gallery 32. It’s a fun little spot with great potential. I’m rooting for them.

Fun fact: Luka’s Joy is named after the founder’s son.

My Guide to Koreatown NYC

My Guide to Korean Restaurants in New York City

Luka’s Joy inside Food Gallery 31, 11 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001, United States

July 16, 2025

New York City: Lemongrass – Good Thai food in Brooklyn

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Earlier this week, I met up with April for dinner at Lemongrass. Right before we were supposed to meet, the skies opened up and it started pouring. I made the mistake of skipping both jacket and umbrella and ended up arriving soaked to the bone with hair as flat as a pancake. April was smart. She bought an umbrella on the way and showed up ten minutes later, dry and fabulous.

Lemongrass is the kind of neighborhood spot you wish you had right around the corner. The place was packed when we arrived, with a lively, laid-back vibe. Most tables were small groups or date nights. It felt busy without being loud.

We started with the Lychee Shrimp, big, crispy shrimp in a sweet and tangy lychee sauce that was surprisingly good. The bao with crispy duck was also a hit: pillowy soft buns and slices of tender duck.

After checking that we could handle heat, the staff recommended the Red Hot Chili Seafood. It was a fiery mix of crab, squid, mussels, and bamboo shoots in a spicy sauce that had real depth to it.

Khao Moo Dang wasn’t something I would’ve picked myself. The dish sounded a bit like the old school Danish mock turtle soup; brown gravy, egg, and pork. Though the staff spoke very warmly about it, so we ended up ordering the dish after all, and it turned out to be delicious. Slices of pork belly, with and without crispy skin, came on top of rice and a slightly sweet, slightly sticky brown sauce with egg, and cilantro on the side. It was Thai comfort food at its finest. The portion was huge, so we brought the leftovers home, and I can confirm it made an excellent lunch the next day.

For dessert, we shared the fried bananas with whipped cream. It was ok, but nothing to write home about. There are better versions out there.

April ordered a cocktail, well, two actually, since the first one wasn’t what she ordered, but they let her keep both. I had a mocktail that was lovely, though I can’t remember what it was called. Overall, a solid spot for great Thai food in Brooklyn with a party vibe and a warm, buzzy atmosphere.

My Guide to Thai Food & Restaurants in New York City

Lemongrass, 156 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

July 13, 2025

New York City: Fresh Oysters from Whole Foods

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Every Friday, Whole Foods has a special oyster deal, $12 for 12 oysters for Prime members. You can mix and match, try different kinds, and at most stores they’ll shuck them for you and pack everything on ice so you’re all set to take them home.

Last time I went, there was a long line at the seafood counter, so after placing my order, I was told to come back later to pick them up, which is pretty standard when it’s busy. The shucking tends to be a bit rushed, so I always go through the oysters before serving and remove any tiny bits of shell.

The special deal is only on for Fridays. If you go on any other day, or if you don’t have Prime, you’ll pay around $2 per oyster, which is more or less what you’d pay at happy hour specials at bars and restaurants around the city. Still a good deal, especially since you get to enjoy them at home with your choice of wine, music, and lighting.

I would usually serve the oysters with mignonette and a slice of lemon. Mignonette is one of those simple sauces that makes oysters taste even more like oysters, if that makes sense. The vinegar sharpens the flavor, the shallots add a little bite, and the pepper ties it all together. Here’s my recipe if you want to give it a try:

Recipe: Mignonette Sauce for Oysters

Maine Man Oyster Plate, Fine White Porcelain, 9-Inch

$21.99

This white porcelain oyster plate from Maine Man is such a beautiful piece. I love how the wells are shaped perfectly for six oysters on the half shell, with room in the middle for sauce or lemon wedges. It’s elegant enough to bring out when you’re serving oysters raw, but sturdy enough to handle baked or broiled versions too. The classic design works with any table setting, and since it’s porcelain, it’s both durable and easy to clean. A timeless serving piece for anyone who enjoys oysters or other small bites like shrimp, scallops, or even stuffed mushrooms.

Maine Man Oyster Plate, Fine White Porcelain, 9-Inch

Buy Now

Affiliate link: I might earn a commission if you make a booking, at no additional cost to you.

12/23/2025 08:00 am GMT

I use it all the time for everything from last-minute groceries to streaming shows (and yes, I’m definitely guilty of ordering something at 11pm and having it show up the next morning). If you’ve never tried Prime before, you can sign up for a free trial through the link below.

Get Prime

I earn a small commission if you sign up at no additional cost to you.

July 9, 2025

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