Mitzie Mee

Breakfast at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne
Breakfast at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael

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

Taqueria Bahia

Breakfast at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael
Breakfast at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael
Breakfast at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael
Breakfast at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael
Breakfast at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael
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Review: BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask – Lavender

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne
Review: BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask

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
$14.99

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
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12/08/2025 10:00 am GMT

Review: BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask
Review: BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask
Review: BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask
Review: BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask
Review: BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask
Review: BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask

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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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Recipe: Oven Roasted Turkey – Wet Brined and Stuffed

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne
Recipe: Oven Roasted Turkey - Wet Brined and Stuffed

The turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table, and every family seems to have a different way of preparing it. From deep fried to dry brined to fully buttered under the skin, the options are endless. This recipe is for a classic, oven roasted turkey with stuffing inside, cooked the traditional way and full of all the flavors that make Thanksgiving feel like Thanksgiving, even for those of us who didn’t grow up with the holiday.

Notes

For this recipe I am cooking a really small turkey, at least by American standards. A 9 lbs bird is perfect if you are only a few people, plus it’s easier to wet brine. A good brine makes a big difference, and so does a proper meat thermometer. It is the only way to make sure both the turkey and the stuffing reach the right temperature without overcooking the breast. Use a meat thermometer.

The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh and the center of the stuffing reaches 165 F (74 C).

Wet brining is simple once you know the ratio. A classic brine uses about 1 tablespoon (35g) of kosher salt and 2 teaspoons (25g) of sugar per pound of turkey. Cooking time is usually 13 to 15 minutes per pound at 325 F, but stuffed turkeys take longer.

I am using Pepperidge Farm stuffing (the blue bag, herb seasoned classic stuffing, affiliate link), but you can use any brand of stuffing you want, or even make your own if you wish.

After adding the stuffing, you can tie the legs together with kitchen twine. As you can see in the photos for this recipe I forgot that. While it’s not essential for the cooking itself, and the turkey will turn out fine even if you skip it, tying the legs does help the bird keep a neater shape and makes it look a little prettier on the table.

All my Thanksgiving Recipes

Holiday Recipes from Scandinavia and the US

Recipe: Oven Roasted Turkey - Wet Brined and Stuffed
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Recipe: Oven Roasted Turkey – Wet Brined and Stuffed

Serves

4

people with plenty of leftovers
Cook Mode

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Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey, about 9 pounds (4 kilos)

  • 1 gallon plus 3 cups cold water (4 liters)

  • ¾ cup kosher salt (150 g)

  • ½ cup sugar (100 g)

  • 2 onions, quartered

  • 2 lemons, quartered

  • 1 garlic bulb, halved horizontally

  • Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary and sage

  • 4 tablespoons softened butter (50 g)

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (50 ml)

  • 1¾ cups chicken stock (400 ml)

  • 1 bag stuffing, prepared according to the package

  • Black pepper

Directions

  • How to wet brine the turkey
  • Heat 2 cups of the water (500 ml) until warm.
  • Add the salt and sugar and stir until dissolved.
  • Pour the mixture into a large container and add the remaining cold water. The brine must be completely cold.
  • Add one halved garlic bulb, one onion, one lemon and a handful of herbs.
  • Remove the giblets and submerge the turkey.
  • Refrigerate and brine for 12 to 24 hours, making sure the turkey is fully covered.
  • Prepare the turkey
  • Remove the turkey from the brine and discard the brine.
  • Rinse the turkey briefly under cold water and pat it completely dry.
  • Let it sit at room temperature for one hour. In the meantime, prepare the stuffing of your choice according to the package instructions. Let the stuffing cool for 10 to 15 minutes before adding it to the turkey. Do not add extra salt.
  • Loosely spoon stuffing into the cavity. Do not pack it tightly. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
    Place extra stuffing in a separate baking dish.
  • Rub the outside lightly with pepper. It doesn’t need salt.
  • Mix the softened butter and olive oil and rub all over the turkey, including under the breast skin.
  • Add one lemon in quarters, one onion in quarters, and a few sprigs of herbs to the roasting pan.
  • Roast the turkey
  • Heat the oven to 325 F (165 C).
  • Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
  • Pour the chicken stock into the bottom of the pan.
  • If you have the neck and heart, add them to the pan for extra flavor.
  • Roast for 13 to 15 minutes per pound, but because the turkey is stuffed, expect:
    2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours and 15 minutes total. I would strongly recommend that you use a meat thermometer. Baste every 45 minutes. If the breast or wing tips brown too quickly, tent them loosely with foil.
  • Let the turkey rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. This keeps the meat juicy and allows the stuffing to settle.
Deiss PRO Digital Meat Thermometer Ultra Fast Digital Cooking Thermometer
$14.98

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of cooking, a good digital thermometer is a must. The Deiss PRO Digital Meat Thermometer is one of my favorites. It’s fast, accurate, and easy to use, whether you’re roasting a chicken, checking a steak, or making caramel. The backlit display is great for dim kitchens or outdoor grilling, and it gives you an instant reading in just a couple of seconds. It’s waterproof (so you can rinse it under the tap), folds neatly for storage, and even has a magnet so you can keep it right on the fridge. A small tool that makes a big difference in getting your food cooked just right every single time.

Deiss PRO Digital Meat Thermometer Ultra Fast Digital Cooking Thermometer
Buy Now
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12/08/2025 08:00 pm GMT
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Recipe: Cranberry Relish

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne
Recipe: Cranberry Relish

Steve’s mom has made this cranberry relish for Thanksgiving for as long as he can remember, and now it has become one of my favorite holiday side dishes too. It is based on the recipe on the Ocean Spray bag, but she cuts the sugar way down. The original is very sweet, while this version is fresh and bright with a little bitterness from the whole orange.

It takes only a few minutes to make, and it tastes even better the next day, so I always prepare it in advance. The cranberries soften, the flavors develop, and the texture turns juicier. It has also become a hit with my family in Denmark, partly because it is not as heavy as a typical cooked cranberry sauce.

Notes

The orange is used with the peel on, so choose an organic one if possible.

This version is intentionally slightly tart, the original recipe on the Ocean Spray bag is much sweeter.
If you want it slightly sweeter, add sugar a teaspoon at a time until it tastes right to you.

All my Thanksgiving Recipes

Holiday Recipes from Scandinavia and the US

Recipe: Cranberry Relish
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Recipe: Cranberry Relish

Yields

1

small bowl
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 bag fresh cranberries, 12 oz (about 340 g)

  • 1 whole orange, unpeeled (preferably organic, wash well)

  • 2-3 tablespoons sugar

Directions

  • Rinse the cranberries and drain well.
  • Cut the orange into big chunks and remove any seeds. Keep the peel on.
  • Place cranberries and orange in a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped, but not pureed.
  • Transfer to a bowl and stir in the sugar.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least several hours. The flavor deepens and the relish becomes more juicy as it sits.

Recipe: Cranberry Relish

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NYC: My Guide to Shopping in Koreatown

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne
NYC: My Guide to Shopping in Koreatown

Koreatown in New York is small, but there is a lot happening on those few blocks around West 32nd Street. Most people come for the food, but the area is also great for shopping, especially if you’re into K-beauty, Korean snacks, and the kind of quirky little things you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Everything is packed into the stretch of 32nd Street between Broadway and Fifth Avenue, so you don’t have to walk far to see it all.

K-Beauty

Koreatown is one of the best places in New York if you want to shop K-beauty. There are several small stores filled with everything from sheet masks and cleansing balms to popular essences and ampoules. The selection is usually wider and more up to date than what you’ll find in the big chains. This is also where you’ll spot the more niche brands that haven’t made it to Sephora yet. My current favorite for K-beauty is Kosette.

Snacks and Supermarkets

The Korean supermarkets in the area are perfect if you want instant noodles, Korean makeup, kimchi, drinks like banana milk, or just some fun candy. The shelves are packed with things that are great to bring home, and you almost always end up buying more than you planned. H Mart is a large Korean supermarket chain, and the Koreatown location has everything you could want in terms of snacks, noodles, and sauces. You’ll also find banchan and other small dishes in the refrigerated section, ready to take home.

K-pop Merch

If you, or someone you know, is into K-pop, Koreatown is a great place to look for albums, posters, and collectibles. There are a few shops with surprisingly big selections, and they update their stock regularly. The shop next to Kosette is probably the best known.

Culture and Small Shops

You’ll also find bookstores, gift shops, and places selling Korean ceramics, paper crafts, and stationery. They’re cozy stores to browse, especially if you’re looking for something that feels a little more unique than what you usually find in Midtown.

All in all, shopping in Koreatown is a fun little detour in the middle of the city. It’s not a huge shopping district, but it’s one of those areas where you can wander around and discover things you didn’t even know you were looking for. If you’re already in the neighborhood for a meal, set aside a little extra time to explore. It’s worth it.

More curious about Korea? Read my Korea Blog

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