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.

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

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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.

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July 9, 2025

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

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