It’s been difficult finding time to blog because I’ve been traveling, working, and trying to get back into my routine study schedule. On top of that, my dad recently came into town, so my family’s been out + about trying to get in some quality time. Nevertheless, I’ve finally finished!
Traveled to NYC this past weekend to visit my best friend. YES, this is my third or fourth time this year, but can you really blame me? I love it every single time. Everything and everyone there is new and exciting! The city has never failed to amaze me. The city is so rich and integrated with culture. I’m always finding new little hole-in-the-walls and meeting people from all over.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Our flight got in around noon, which was nice cause we skipped out on rush hour, cutting our commute time down to 30 minutes from the Airport. Our Uber driver insisted I guess his nationality, which I’m always nervous about doing. Turns out, he’s a Pakistani guy who dated a South Korean girl from France. He wanted to move to NYC but she wanted to stay in France, thus ending their relationship. He was very kind, giving us a mini tour of the city along the way. I’m always grateful to get outgoing or funny Uber drivers who can tell me more about the city.
When we got there, Catherine made us a home-cooked + delicious korean stew. I’ve only had the stew spicy, but it tasted so much better without the spiciness. Have my tastes changed?
After lunch we headed on over to Bryant Park.
Bryant park isn’t exactly a “park” but it was close by. It’s a cute little place with vendors + an ice skating rink. We sat in the park eating some waffles at “Waffles + Dinges.” For a second, I might have felt like a real local new yorker.
Next stop was Royce Chocolate.
Okay, so I’m no expert on chocolate but the chocolate here is AMAZING! I only got to try a sample of their green tea flavor (they are pretty strict about sampling) but the chocolate melts in your mouth. I just had to buy one! I brought it home for my family and needless to say, it was gone within the day.
After Royce, we headed over to this cute Japanese bookstore. I don’t remember the name of this place, or if it even had a name…but these kinds of places are one of the reasons why I love NYC so much. You can’t find a store like this in Atlanta, and I envy that. I could’ve spent hours here, reading through little books or shifting through their trinkets.
We tried a new fusion place,Take 31, for dinner. Take 31 is a fusion Korean restaurant but it’s a must-try! (yes I bolded and italicized) If I had to pick my favorite spot from the weekend, Take 31 would be a definite winner. We got the kimchi cream soup and the pork belly wrapped in rice paper (pictured below). We also ordered lychee soju on the side to celebrate us being reunited!
We ordered this porkbelly dish topped with 미숫가루 and wrapped in thick rice cake
The second dish we ordered was a spicy kimchi cream soup. It was freezing outside and this was the perfect meal for the weather. The flavors were so rich, and it was more flavorful than spicy.
I wish I could try everything on their menu. All their food items are unique. The great part is that they are open until 4am! THEY NEED THIS IN ATLANTA. It would be the go-to after hour food place. Anyone looking to open a new restaurant??
Friday, March 11, 2016
Of course, I was somehow awake bright and early at 7 in the morning….I grabbed a banana and some juice to start the morning. My attempt at getting in some nutrients before we stuffed our faces later on that day.
We went to Max Brenners for lunch/dessert. The place does not look anything like how I imagined a chocolate factory to be. I guess I was picturing something more…willy wonka like? Anyway, I’m sure it was the hype that let me down because the food was mediocre. Although, my friends are huge dessert fans and apparently the milkshakes there are to-die-for.
Dinner was at a Vietnamese Restaurant called OBAO. The lights, ambiance, environment, everything was so pretty! I felt like I was shooting a movie. As we walked up the stairs, all the servers bowed and said hi. On top of that we were led to the part of the restaurant facing facing the city with a huge chandelier in front. (pictured below). In terms of the actual dishes, I could probably find better Vietnamese cuisines but the ambiance makes it all worthwhile. I got a flank steak panang curry dish [pictured below].
After dinner, we headed back to get ready for the night. We stopped by Bibble + Sip to try their Matcha Cream Puffs. Sadly, I didn’t get a picture, but my friend got an awesome picture. Yes, it tastes just as good as it looks.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Saturday morning we started off with Afternoon Tea at Bergdorf Goodmans.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BClc8xlj7uS/?taken-by=celineeep
We couldn’t resist the urge to shop, so we headed over to a couple of our favorite stores on fifth. At this point, I was beyond tired. I made it a point to get in a few hours of nap time to brace myself for our last night in the city.
Dinner was at The Bao. One of my favorite spots from when I visited last October. My first time trying this place was also my first time trying soup dumplings! I didn’t even know soup dumplings existed. I fell in loveeeeee. I’ve yet to find a place just as good in Atlanta. We also got the eggplant dish here. I know, when I first heard the word eggplant I wasn’t so sure, but they literally melt in your mouth.
Right under the restaurant is another popular dessert bar called The Spot Dessert Bar. I’ve seen this place on instagram, and have been wanting to try the “flower pot dessert thing.” (Obviously didn’t know the name). The wait was pretty long, people were waiting outside. Luckily, we were eating right upstairs, so we were seated as soon as we finished dinner. The place has a really cool concept, and tasted amazing. I think it’s the concept based desserts that are lacking in the south. We have amazing cupcakes, cakes, and conventional desserts, but it’s difficult trying to find any unique creations.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCsq3_pD7p0/?taken-by=celineeep
Overall, I had an amazing trip. I’m already missing the city already. (Did I already say already?) I’m sad cause I won’t be able to make another trip till summertime. Although, that may be a good thing, since the weather will be warmer. (It was snowing one of the days we were there…in March!) I got the chance to meet some really nice people. Super thankful, as always, to my bestie for hosting us for the weekend!!
Completely Celine 