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: Le Petit Village – French Restaurant in West Village

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

New York: Le Petit Village – French Restaurant in West Village — *Disclaimer: I was invited to dine at Le Petit Village, but as always, this post reflects my own experience and honest opinion.*

Le Petit Village is a cozy French restaurant tucked away in a charming old building in West Village. You’ll find outdoor tables lining the sidewalk, perfect for a summer evening, but when Steve and I visited, it was so hot we quickly retreated indoors and honestly, I’m glad we did. The inside has that quiet, classic bistro vibe that makes you want to order a bottle of wine and stay for hours.

The menu has all the French favorites such as French onion soup and Moules Marinières, but also a few more modern, creative dishes. We started with the onion soup, which happens to be one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. I basically lived on it when we were in Paris earlier this year, and the version at Le Petit Village really held its ground. Plenty of sweet, caramelized onions and a deep, flavorful broth. We cleaned the bowl completely.

Next came the beet salad, beautifully presented with the colorful root vegetables layered over whipped goat cheese. It tasted as fresh as it looked, with just the right balance of sweet and tangy.

We also had Wagyu Steak Tartare, which turned out to be another highlight of the evening. I’m a big tartare fans, and this one was right up my alley. Instead of loading it up with cornichons, capers and mustard, they kept it super simple: just really good beef, a quail egg yolk, and a touch of salt and pepper. The meat was tender and flavorful enough to carry the dish all on its own. We loved it.

For the main course, we had the Pappardelle with mushroom sauce. I always forget how rich and umami-packed mushrooms can be until I have a dish like this. The pasta dish was hearty and comforting without being too heavy, and the sauce had that deep, delicious flavor that makes you want to lick the plate.

We had originally planned to share the baked camembert or the crème brûlée for dessert, but we were too full to even think about sweets. So instead, we wandered through the streets of the Village and talked about how good everything had been. I already know I’ll be back, and next time, I’m saving room for dessert.

My guide to French restaurants in New York City >>

Le Petit Village, 173 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014, United States

July 7, 2025

New York City: Soufflé Pancakes at Fluffy Fluffy

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

The first time I tried soufflé pancakes was in Tokyo back in 2017. It was the hot new thing at the time, and I was convinced those jiggly clouds of pancake joy were about to take over both the US and Europe. But even though they’re still hugely popular in Asia, soufflé pancakes remain surprisingly under-the-radar in the rest of the world, which is a bit of a mystery considering how incredibly good they are.

Soufflé pancakes aren’t just a fancy version of American pancakes. Thanks to whipped egg whites, the texture is soft, airy, and almost foam-like—think edible clouds, but make it brunch. And yes, they taste just as good as they look.

So when I saw that Fluffy Fluffy had opened in New York last month, I was obviously very excited. Fluffy Fluffy is a chain that specializes in Japanese-style soufflé pancakes, just like the ones in Tokyo, and they’re doing a great job.

We asked the staff for their favorites, and there was general consensus that the Tiramisu Pancakes and the Blueberry Cheese Pancakes were the top picks. We ordered both, but quickly agreed that the Blueberry Cheese Pancakes were the clear winner. The blueberry sauce together with the cold ice cream, and those fluffy pancakes? Such a great combo, and yes, they taste exactly as good as they look in the photos.

Steve had a hazelnut espresso, which had a nice nutty flavor without being too sweet. I went for the Strawberry Latte, which honestly tasted more like a strawberry milkshake than a coffee drink (I’m not even sure it had any coffee in it), but it actually paired really well with the pancakes.

If you’re curious about soufflé pancakes and want to try the real deal in New York, Fluffy Fluffy is definitely worth a visit.

Fluffy Fluffy, 153 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

July 2, 2025

SAS: Upgraded – Good morning from seat 2F

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

My flight from Stavanger left at 6:25am, and since I had checked baggage, I needed to be at the airport at least an hour before departure. The hotel breakfast didn’t open until 5, so there was only time for a soft-boiled egg and a tiny smoothie before I had to rush out the door.

I had my hopes up for breakfast in the lounge, but I’d completely forgotten that the SAS lounge in Stavanger is for international flights only, and I was just flying to Oslo. So no lounge, no croissants, and no extra coffee for me that morning, or so I thought.

Then it happened. I got upgraded! And as a little extra treat, they handed out breakfast boxes on board. Nothing fancy, but exactly what I needed: a salami and brie sandwich, yogurt with granola, and another little smoothie.

So even though the day started way too early and with a touch of hanger, it actually turned into a really nice beginning to both the day and the trip.

I know some of you are probably wondering how to score an upgrade, and while there are plenty of tips floating around—from dressing nicely to casually trying to bribe the gate agent—my experience is that it all comes down to one thing: your frequent flyer status.

I’ve been KLM Gold for a little over a year, and now that SAS is part of SkyTeam, it means my loyalty points with KLM also carry some weight when it comes to SAS upgrades.

July 1, 2025

Norway: An Evening in Farsund – Scallops and White Wine

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

The other evening, AC and Kristian had me over for scallops and white wine. They live right down by the fjord, so Kristian just threw on his wetsuit and picked the scallops straight out of the water. He had also caught a small turbot with his bare hands (!), so dinner that night was pasta with scallops, turbot, and shrimp.

I watched as he cleaned the fish and shucked the scallops, and I don’t think more than 20 minutes passed from sea to skillet. Kristian had made a savory sabayon, which he poured over the pasta before topping it with the seafood. It tasted so fresh and delicious. We had a glass of Sancerre on the side, which paired perfectly with the dish. Such an amazing dinner. It still blows my mind that they have access to all that incredible seafood, right outside their front door. Just a quick dive and dinner’s sorted.

My mom collects seashells, so the first thing she said when she saw the photos I sent her was to bring some shells home.I washed and cleaned 6 shells and left them to dry on the terrace. Forgot to take them home the following day, so I guess I have to visit soon again:)

June 21, 2025

Paris: Bistrot d’Henri – Classic French Bistro Vibes and a Really Good Chocolate Mousse

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

We had just arrived in Paris, and after checking in at the hotel and taking a quick shower, we headed out to find dinner. No reservations, no plan—just a vague idea that Saint-Germain usually delivers when it comes to cozy spots and solid French food.

Bistrot d’Henri was packed when we got there, but we managed to snag one of the last tables. It’s the kind of place where you’re basically elbow-to-elbow with your neighbors, but that’s all part of the charm. Within five minutes, we were chatting with the couple next to us—Americans, visiting their son who was studying in Paris, and fresh off a side trip to Scandinavia (of course).

The staff was genuinely friendly, the kind of relaxed-yet-efficient service that makes you feel like they’re actually happy you came. The menu was filled with French bistro classics, and there was also a chalkboard with the day’s specials, handwritten and tempting.

Steve was jet-lagged and I wasn’t that hungry, so we figured we’d just share a couple of starters. But then the food started arriving at the neighboring tables, and all good intentions went out the window. Here’s what we ended up ordering:

Salade de Chèvre Chaud au Miel – Warm goat cheese on toasted baguette with honey, served on a simple green salad. Four slices of cheesy, toasty goodness. Perfect to share, and one of those dishes that never disappoints.

Tartare de Boeuf with Pommes Sautées – My main. It was delicious, but also a pretty serious portion. Would love a smaller version to order as a starter, but no regrets. The tartare was well-seasoned, and came with golden sautéed potatoes.

Entrecôte with Pepper Sauce and Gratin Dauphinois – Steve’s pick. Let’s be honest, he mainly ordered it for the gratin Dauphinois, but the steak was also spot-on. Juicy, flavorful, and of a generous size. I was happy to help him finish it:)

Mousse au Chocolat – We were full, but when the waiter asked if we wanted to see the dessert menu, we couldn’t say no. One spoonful in and I was so glad we did. The mousse was rich, thick, and unapologetically old-school. No fancy garnishes, just pure chocolate bliss. Exactly how chocolate mousse should be. We had it with a glass of Calvados, which turned out to be a perfect pairing.

Bistrot d’Henri isn’t one of those “hidden gem” places you stumble upon and gatekeep forever. It’s well known, and it’s popular for a reason. Classic setting, kind staff, and really good French bistro food. If you’re in the area and in the mood for a casual but delicious French dinner in cozy surroundings, I’d definitely recommend it.

Bistrot d’Henri, 16 Rue Princesse, 75006 Paris, France

May 1, 2025

Las Vegas: Ramen and Recovery – Lunch at Momofuku

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

After a night out in Vegas, some people crave fast food, but for me, ramen is the ultimate hangover fix. That’s how Tina and I ended up at Momofuku inside The Cosmopolitan around noon on a Friday. Most of the guests looked like they had already had a full night’s sleep and a green juice, while we were just hoping a good meal would set us straight again.

Momofuku has a lot of tempting dishes on the menu, but when you’re tired and a little worn out, noodles are the way to go. I ordered the Shoyu Pork Ramen, and it was exactly what I needed. The broth was richer and a bit cloudier than the usual clear shoyu broth, packed with deep, savory flavors and plenty of umami. The noodles had that nice springy bite, and the pork was tender and flavorful without feeling too heavy.

Tina chose the Ginger Scallion Noodles, which is a dry noodle bowl (no broth) topped with pickled shiitake mushrooms, wakame, and cucumber. A little lighter than the ramen, but still full of flavor, with a fresh kick from the scallions and ginger.

I know I’ve already said it, but the noodles at Momofuku really are worth it. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or rolling in after a long night on the Strip, you can’t go wrong with one of their noodle dishes.

Momofuku Soy & Scallion Ramen Noodles by David Chang, 5 Count (Pack of 1) Air-Dried Vegan Instant Noodles with Sauce

$12.79

Bring a taste of Momofuku into your own kitchen with these easy-to-make, restaurant-grade noodles. Each pack comes with premium noodles and a flavorful sauce, so you’re just minutes away from an incredible meal. I love dressing mine up with a fried egg, some bok choy, and a spoonful of chili crisp for an effortless, delicious lunch or dinner.

Momofuku Soy & Scallion Ramen Noodles by David Chang, 5 Count (Pack of 1) Air-Dried Vegan Instant Noodles with Sauce

Buy Now

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

12/23/2025 06:00 pm GMT

Momofuku Las Vegas, The Cosmopolitan, Level 2, Boulevard Tower, Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas

April 28, 2025

NYC: Bagel Picnic in Central Park

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Last weekend, the weather was absolutely amazing in New York City, so we ended up going for a picnic in Central Park both Friday and Saturday. When you’re planning a picnic in Central Park, Sheep Meadow is usually where you’ll want to set up. From a distance, the big lawn can look like a giant piece of flypaper, but once you get closer, there’s always plenty of space for setting up camp.

Friday: On our way to Central Park, we stopped by PopUp Bagels, which has gotten really popular over the last couple of years. When Steve and I first tried them back in 2023, we waited almost an hour in line, but now they’ve opened more shops, and the lines have gotten a lot shorter.

We picked up some ramp butter and whitefish salad to go with our bagels, which were still warm from the oven. Unfortunately, they forgot our Everything Bagel, so we ended up with two Plain ones instead, which was a bit of a bummer. The Plains are good, but rather…plain..while the Everything ones are the best if you ask me. The bagels at PopUp Bagel are crispy on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside. They’re smaller than your typical New York bagel, which I like, because the regular ones are often so big they’re impossible to finish. We grabbed our coffee from a little French café, Bilboquet, just on the way to the park. Such a cute, cozy spot in the middle of the city, would love to come by for a sit down coffee on a rainy day.

Saturday: Saturday was super hot for April, with clear skies and temperatures around 80°F. It felt more like summer than spring, and Sheep Meadow was packed. We had originally planned to share a sandwich from All’Antico Vinaio, but the line was crazy, so instead, we went back to Bilboquet again and picked up baguettes, French pastries, and iced lattes for our picnic. April came and met up with us, and it was so good to see her again. It’s been almost a year since we last caught up, so we had plenty to talk about, and before we knew it, we had spent over three hours sitting in the grass, ending the day a little sunburned but very happy. The cherry blossoms are already long gone in New York City, but right now the magnolia trees are in full bloom. All around the park, people were lounging on blankets under the trees with their picnic baskets, and plenty of selfies were being snapped with the beautiful pink flowers in the background. It was one of those perfect New York afternoons that you just don’t want to end.

April 27, 2025

The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

I’ve always suffered from dry lips, especially during the winter months and on long-haul flights, and I’ve been working my way through a small pharmacy of lip products over the years. Some of them helped a little. Most didn’t. But then I found the one: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.

The mask comes in a cute little jar and has a nice, fruity scent (there are several flavors, but I always end up going back to the original Berry). The texture is thick and creamy—rich enough to stay on through the night, but not so sticky that it ends up all over your pillowcase. You swipe it on before bed and wake up to lips that actually feel soft and hydrated, not just superficially glossy.

Even though it’s marketed as an overnight treatment, I use it during the day too, especially when I’m traveling. It works just as well as a regular lip balm and gives your lips a subtle, healthy-looking sheen—like your lips, but smoother. I often wear it under lipstick or just on its own when I want that fresh-faced, minimal-makeup look.

Is it a little pricey for a lip product? Yes. But one tiny jar lasts forever (I’m talking months, even with daily use), and once you realize you no longer need a handful of half-used lip balms rolling around in your purse, it almost feels like a budget-friendly decision.

There’s a reason why this product has a cult following, and I’m very much on board. Whether your lips are battling sub-zero temperatures, airplane cabin air, or just the usual dehydrated chaos of daily life, this mask is like eight hours of sleep and a big glass of water—for your mouth.

Shop LANEIGE

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask, Berry

$24.00

I’ve always suffered from dry lips, especially during the winter months, and on long-haul flights, and I’ve been going through a number of different products before I finally found Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.

The mask comes in a cute little jar and has a nice, fruity scent. The texture is thick and creamy, but not too sticky, and it feels incredibly nourishing on the lips. You apply the mask on your lips before you go to bed and wake up in the morning to soft, hydrated lips.

It’s a great overnight treatment, but the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask also works really well as a regular lip balm. It provides a subtle sheen to the lips and keeps them hydrated for hours. The mask is a bit to the pricey side, but a little goes a long way, and the little jar last longer than you would expect.

Buy Now

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

12/22/2025 09:00 pm GMT

March 28, 2025

Danish birthday cake – Kagekone and Kagemand

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Yesterday was my birthday, and my family surprised me with a kagekone from the local bakery. It’s one of those very Danish traditions that feels completely normal when you grow up with it, but slightly absurd the moment you try to explain it to someone else.

In Denmark, kagekone and kagemand (cake woman and cake man) are classic birthday cakes, especially at children’s birthday parties. The cake is shaped like a person and decorated with sugar icing and lots of candy. The icing forms the face with eyes, nose, mouth, and hair, while the body is usually covered in colorful sweets. Licorice, gummies, chocolate, and small wrapped candies are all fair game. The head almost always has the most candy, which also makes it the most popular part. Very often, the cake is also decorated with small Danish flags, either stuck directly into the icing or placed around the cake.

The Danish flag shows up at birthdays for a reason. We love our flag, and unlike in many other countries, it’s not reserved for official occasions. The flag comes out for celebrations big and small, including birthdays, family gatherings, graduations, and pretty much any happy excuse you can think of. A birthday table without flags would feel strangely incomplete.

There’s also a little ritual involved. Traditionally, the cake is decapitated first. When the knife cuts through the neck, everyone at the party is supposed to scream as loudly as possible. It’s completely theatrical and meant to be funny. As kids, we loved it. I remember the screaming as one of the highlights of my own birthday parties. Looking back now, it sounds pretty bizarre, but in the moment it’s just part of the fun. Paper flags on the table, excited kids, sugar highs, and exaggerated fake horror.

There aren’t any strict rules. Some families always start with the head, others cut the cake like any normal cake, and some skip the screaming altogether. But the dramatic first cut is something most Danes instantly recognize.

As for the cake itself, there’s no single correct version. Kagekone and kagemand are often made from vandbakkelse, a type of choux pastry similar to what’s used for cream puffs. That was also the case with mine. Inside, it’s usually filled with whipped cream, sometimes mixed with custard or jam. Other versions are made with sponge cake or sweet yeast dough. The most important thing isn’t the base, but the decorations. As long as there’s icing and candy on top, it counts.

December 20, 2020

A Little Ghost Story – Only Slightly Creepy

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

I spent the week in Gothenburg staying with Rikke, who has a beautiful apartment in one of the nicer parts of town. We’ve known each other for more than ten years, so whenever we hang out, it’s like slipping into an old pair of shoes — comfortable and familiar, like a (slightly dysfunctional) married couple.

I’m not superstitious. Not really. But two things happened during my stay that made me pause.

Rikke’s apartment is a duplex, with the kitchen and dining area upstairs and the bedroom and living room downstairs. I was sleeping on a mattress by the stairs, and one of the first nights, I heard a loud bump from the kitchen. Fridge? Dishwasher? Snowman? I didn’t bother checking — just pulled the blanket over my head and went back to sleep.

The next morning, we were going to cut some grapefruit for breakfast and opened the drawer where Rikke keeps her knives. All of them were turned blade-side up. Rikke always stores them blade-down, so she looked confused and told me it had happened before — more than once.

We started checking the drawer every night before going to bed. And sure enough, a couple of nights later: a bump around midnight. Next morning? Blades up again.

Rikke is convinced it’s a male ghost. We’ve named him Elvis and told him he’s welcome to help himself to the gingerbread, as long as he leaves the knives alone.

December 14, 2013

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