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.

New York City: Breakfast at Barney Greengrass – Caviar and Latkes

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

NYC: Breakfast at Bareny Greengrass - Caviar and Latkes

Breakfast at Barney Greengrass is a true classic. The place has been on the Upper West Side for almost 100 years, and everything from the atmosphere to the menu is as old school New York as it gets. I’ve been there many times, and I usually stick to a bagel with whitefish salad or Nova and cream cheese. But when Steve and I were there a few weeks ago, he suggested that we order caviar. At first it sounded a little too fancy for breakfast, but he didn’t have to work very hard to convince me. The staff asked if we wanted latkes with it, and of course we did. Latkes are a kind of potato pancakes, and they’re perfect with caviar.

It was a generous serving, so we went all in on latkes and caviar and enjoyed every bite. It was one of those breakfasts I know I’ll remember for a long time. Honestly, I can’t think of a single thing that would have made it better. If you’re in the mood for a little weekend luxury in casual settings, head to Barney Greengrass. Now.

Before the latkes hijacked our breakfast plans, we had already ordered a bagel with whitefish salad and Nova with scrambled eggs. It was way too much food, so the bagel came home with us in a takeaway box and was eaten for breakfast the next day. Not the worst way to start a morning.

Barney Greengrass, 541 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, United States

MARKY'S Essential Caviar Tasting Gift Set

$209.90

If you want to taste caviar the way it’s meant to be tasted, this set does the job properly. MARKY’S Essential Caviar Tasting Gift Set includes four different caviars so you can try them side by side and actually notice the differences, from the clean, buttery Kaluga Royal Amber to Osetra Royal and the more robust Hackleback and Paddlefish. A proper serving set is included so you don’t end up ruining good caviar with the wrong tools. It’s a solid choice for a special dinner, a gift for someone who cares about food, or a quiet night at home where the caviar is the main event.

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

01/14/2026 12:00 am GMT

December 8, 2025

Denmark: Oyster Safari at the Wadden Sea

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

One November morning, my mom and I set off for the Wadden Sea. We had signed up for an oyster safari with Marksture, a local operator that really knows the area. Everything out there runs on the tide, because if the water doesn’t recede enough, you simply can’t reach the oyster reefs. Our original meeting point was on Rømø, but it was moved to Hjerpsted shortly before we left home, since the tidal conditions were better there.

We were a small group of about twelve people, and once the practicalities were handled, including the handout of rubber boots, oyster knives, and buckets, we walked along the coast toward the spot our guide, Jan, said would be perfect that day. The native Danish oysters disappeared from the Wadden Sea decades ago. Today the population is almost entirely Pacific oysters, which are an invasive species with no natural predators here. You don’t have to worry about taking too many, because collecting them actually helps keep the population in check and supports the balance of the ecosystem.

The seabed was a mix of sand and mud, and if you didn’t keep a quick pace, you would sink right in with your boots. Jan showed us how to take short, fast steps to avoid getting stuck. He also assured us that you wouldn’t sink deeper than about eight inches before you hit firmer ground again.

It was incredible how many oysters there were out there, so it was just a matter of filling your bucket with as many as you could carry. We had a few breaks along the way, so Jan could share little stories and demonstrate how to open oysters. He had brought snaps (Danish aquavit) and hot sauce, so anyone who wanted to taste the fresh catch could do so. The oysters were amazing out there under the open sky with the sea breeze in our faces. And if you got too enthusiastic and had too many from your bucket, it was easy to gather more before heading back.

Marksture also offers an oyster barbecue on land, but my mom does not eat oysters, so we skipped that part. Instead, we drove home with two big buckets full of fresh oysters from the Wadden Sea. A beautiful experience in a stunning setting and plenty of delicious oysters to bring home.

Thinking About Going on an Oyster Safari? Here’s What to Know

We went with Marskture.dk, but several other operators offer tours, and they all run things differently, so check the details with the one you choose and see what’s included.

With Marksture you could rent rubber boots, buy gloves, and borrow oyster knives and buckets for free. There were only a limited number of buckets available, so I recommend bringing your own.

Bring good gloves. Waterproof is ideal, but thick gardening gloves also work. Oyster shells are sharp and you can cut yourself easily.

Dress warmly. I wore a regular jacket and jeans, which turned out to be too cold. I recommend a windproof jacket and some waterproof pants at the very least, but make sure you can move comfortably. Also bring a change of clothes in the car. When your boots get stuck in the mud it’s easy to lose balance, and it’s nice to have something dry waiting for you when you get back on land.

The oysters in the Wadden Sea are of the long, slender kind, and many of them grow together in clusters or attach themselves to other mussels. Try to avoid the ones that are too fused together, because they can be very hard to open.

Marskture's Motel

If you are planning a trip to the Wadden Sea area, Marskture’s Motel is a really charming place to stay. The old tobacco drying house in Højer has been turned into a small, family friendly bed & breakfast with eight rooms, all with a private bathroom. Marskture's Motel is run by the same family that runs the Marskture excursions, and some of their oyster tours end here with a cozy oyster barbecue. If you want a comfortable and practical base close to the Wadden Sea, this is a really good pick.

Book now

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November 13, 2025

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Creamer – My latest PSL Crush

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

I’d actually taken a break from Pumpkin Spice Lattes for a while. The standard Starbucks version had just become way too sweet for me, and these days, I prefer my coffee without sugar or syrup. But a few weeks ago, I spotted Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Creamer at ACME and decided to give it a try, mostly out of curiosity and a bit of nostalgia. Turns out, it’s really really good, and yikes, now I’m hooked.

It has that same warm, spiced flavor as the classic PSL, but since you can adjust how much you add, the sweetness is entirely up to you. I make mine on the Nespresso with Starbucks Blonde capsules and 2% milk. The milk goes in the frother with a teaspoon of the creamer, and the result is so delicious. Honestly, I think it tastes even better than the original PSL.

The Pumpkin Spice Creamer is a seasonal product, and I found mine at ACME, so if you see it in stores, grab it while it’s available. You can also make your own version with pumpkin spice syrup, just add a few drops to your latte. If you go that route, I’d recommend using whole milk to get that same creamy, café-style texture.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

$14.99

This Monin Pumpkin Spice Syrup captures that perfect blend of cinnamon and nutmeg for cozy, fall-inspired drinks. It’s great in lattes, mochas, teas, or even dessert cocktails, and you only need a little to get that warm, spiced flavor. Made with natural ingredients, non-GMO, and gluten-free, it’s an easy way to bring café-style flavor home.

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

01/13/2026 02:01 pm GMT

November 11, 2025

Cambodia: Fresh lotus seeds – A tasty snack from the market

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

One day, Linda brought a bag of fresh lotus seeds from the market. She showed me how to peel off the thin, rubbery skin to reveal the firm, white core inside. In the middle sits a small green sprout, which tastes bitter, so you remove it, but it’s actually used to make lotus tea. The rest of the seed has a mild, mealy flavor, a bit like a mix between a nut, a pea, and a chestnut.

In much of Southeast Asia, fresh lotus seeds are a seasonal snack that shows up at markets when the seed pods are ripe. You’ll find them in Cambodia and Vietnam, but also in Thailand and China. In Cambodia, people often buy the entire seed pod to take home, then sit and pop the seeds out of the little holes, one by one.

Lotus seeds come from Nelumbo nucifera, the sacred lotus, which grows in shallow, still water. You can eat the seeds fresh straight from the plant, boil them lightly, or dry them for later use. Dried lotus seeds are often used to make lotus paste, which is a smooth, sweet filling for pastries such as mooncakes and steamed buns. The seeds are boiled until soft, blended into a purée, and slowly cooked with sugar and oil until they turn glossy and thick. The flavor is mild and slightly nutty, and when done right, the texture becomes luxuriously creamy.

Whenever I’m in Cambodia I always make sure to visit Linda and her family at Meas Family Homestay. It’s such a wonderful, peaceful place.

Read my blog post about Meas Family Homestay

October 14, 2025

NYC: Hay Hay Roasted in Chinatown

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Hay Hay Roasted in Chinatown, New York City

On one of our food adventures in Chinatown, we passed by Hay Hay Roasted. It looked so good that even though we were already full, we decided to go in. In the window, there were all kinds of grilled meats hanging. Pork, chicken, and whole ducks, and outside stood a giant golden plastic duck, a clear hint that roast duck is what Hay Hay is famous for.

They serve both traditional roast duck and what’s called pipa or “guitar” duck. Pipa duck is a special way of preparing and presenting roast duck that’s common at Chinese barbecue restaurants like Hay Hay Roasted. The name comes from the pipa, a traditional Chinese string instrument shaped like a pear, similar to a mandolin or guitar. To make pipa duck, the bird is split down the back so it can lie flat, almost like a butterfly, and shaped to resemble the silhouette of a pipa. This allows the entire surface of the skin to crisp up evenly under the heat, giving it that perfect golden crackle.

We ordered the regular roast duck and some roast pork, which came neatly packed in a plastic box with rice and a few different sauces on the side. Behind the counter, a guy was chopping the meat with a massive cleaver, a traditional Chinese chef’s knife. It was fascinating to watch how precise and fast he worked, turning those glossy, crispy pieces of meat into perfect slices and cubes.

Hay Hay is a classic Chinese barbecue spot, mainly focused on takeout. When we arrived, there was already a small line at the counter, and while we waited to order, the line kept growing. By the time we left, it stretched all the way to the golden duck outside.

At home, we couldn’t resist trying a few bites before putting the rest in the fridge for the next day’s lunch. The meat was juicy and flavorful, with that perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness that makes Chinese barbecue so irresistibly good.

Hay Hay Roasted, 81 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Hotels in New York City

There’s nothing like starting your day in New York City, with endless adventures waiting just outside your door. To get the best rates and the widest selection of hotels, I recommend booking well in advance of your stay.

Find the perfect place to call home while you're here:

Book your stay

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October 11, 2025

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

$14.24

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.

01/13/2026 02:02 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 silken 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

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