Magnum Pop-up in NYC

AHHHH this was one of my favorite things ever! Magnum did a pop up store in New York where you can customize your own ice cream popsicle. It was so fun and the store was so cute. You get to pick your base, chocolate coating, and toppings.

The entire store is decorated so cutely and they also have little boxes with backgrounds where you can take insta-worthy photos of your creation... genius.

Sadly it's closed now but I believe they will be having one again soon!

Momofuku Noodle Bar

Momofuku is one of the most famous restaurant empires in New York but it took me almost 3 years until I actually tried the noodle bar (I've been to Ssam Bar multiple times for the heavenly BO SSAM OH YEAH). The noodle bar has some traditional noodle soups along with some surprises.

Shrimp – Spicy Mayo, Pickled Red Onion, Iceberg
The shrimp patty was fresh and bouncy with a nice golden exterior. The bao was also thin but fluffy (I had excessive buns). I think the cabbage was a little soggy but overall this was great! 

Look at that patty to bun ratio! 

Chilled Spicy Noodles – Sichuan Sausage, Thai Basil, Cashews
I was a little taken aback when I first saw the green noodles smothered with nuts but one bite and I knew I would love this. The noodles were nice and chewy and the nuts added a great sweet crunchiness. It was also quite spicy with a very unique herby flavor from the thai basil. The little nuggets of sichuan sausage was also super fatty and indulgent. This is one of the most interesting flavor combinations I've had in ramen and I really enjoyed it! 

It's a great spot for a quick lunch and I really appreciated the interesting noodle combos.

Momofuku Noodle Bar

171 1st Avenue

New York

NY 10003

Round Swamp Farm

The Hamptons for me was love at first sight. I absolutely loved going there over the summer to enjoy the great restaurants, vineyard, and poolside/BBQ fun. I went again with my Soul fam and L introduced me to the most amazing farm stand/gourmet food shop ever (Thanks L!). But beware because Round Swamp is notorious for not having a price tag on any items and you are sure to ring up a huge total sum in the end! It truly is a joy to go there though and everything was delicious!

Round Swamp Farm

184 Three Mile Harbor Road

East Hampton

NY 11931

Kura revisited

I have heard such great things about Kura and was so sad that I did not have a stellar experience when I first went. I am happy to announce that my second visit was amazing and now I know what everyone is talking about. The fish was incredibly fresh and each piece was a delight. This is the same team behind my favorite Raku (BOMB ASS UDON) so I recommend you give both place a visit (or many!).

Kura 

130 St  Marks Pl

New York

NY 10003

Mimi Cheng's Dumplings

I am going to be posting some backlogged New York restaurants so Hong Kong friends please don't kill me when you get excited and then realize it's thousand of miles away!

I love love love dumplings and Mimi Cheng's is a must visit! I love how they use their mother's recipes and how they also keep things creative by partnering up with other popular restaurants for special monthly dumpling collaborations. Mimi Cheng's is started by two sisters and the shop is super cute and serves awesome food. I love how they named the restaurant after their mom and each dumpling has a adorable little background story. Apart from their regular menu, they have incredible monthly specials where they collaborate with a popular restaurant (I see that they now collaborate with businesses that aren't only restaurants now also!) in New York to create the special dumpling. I was lucky to try two great monthly specials, the Blacktap and Sunday Sauce dumpling. Apart from dumplings, they also serve other yummy dishes such as noodles and veggies.

Slather this on! It's delicioussss

Spicy Dan Dan Noodles - Soba Noodles, Housemade Chili Garlic Oil, Tahini, Baby Bok Choy
I love sesame sauce so this noodle was right up my alley. I loved how it really packed a flavor punch but also used very simple and health ingredients. The bok choy added a much needed crunch and the chili oil was fragrant and spicy. This is something I definitely want to try recreating myself at home. 

Reinvented Classic Dumplings - Pasture Raised Pork, Baby Bok Choy, and Cabbage
These dumplings were awesome! The skin was the perfect thickness and each dumpling was nice and crispy. The filling was well flavored and you can tell that the ingredients are fresh. The meat was not overly fatty but still very juicy. These dumplings are also large! They will definitely fill you up. 

Look at this beauty! 

Monthly Special Sunday Summer Dumplings - Pasture-raised Beef and Pork, Fresh Basil, Parsley, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Meatballs in Marinara Sauce 
These dumplings are definitely more on the heavy/hearty side! The marinara could be slightly more tart to offset the meaty dumplings but they were still very tasty. I usually would prefer a little more veggie in my dumplings though. 

Monthly Special Black Tap Burger Dumplings - Dry-aged Pasture-raised Beef, Caramelized Onions, Blue Cheese, Summer Tomatoes, Arugula, and Dill Buttermilk Sauce 
OMG these dumplings were BOMB. The tomato and arugula was the perfect freshness to the indulgent beef and onion. The dill sauce was also quite tart and creamy and was perfect with the dumplings. These dumplings are some of the best I've ever had and also super unique! I was so sad when they were no longer available. 

I love Mimi Cheng's and am so sad that I am no longer able to enjoy their great dumplings! The food is awesome and I also love the story behind the restaurant. I would definitely recommend going!

Mimi Cheng's Dumplings

179 Second Ave. 

East Village 

New York

NY 10003

Maharlika

I have always been curious about Filipino food and so was keen when J recommended we try out Maharlika in the East Village.

Balut - Fertilized Duck Egg
I am a super adventurous eater but this was one thing that I thought I would never try. Balut is a Southeast Asian delicacy and is a half developed bird/egg. I was definitely a little grossed out but was also very curious. J said that he's had it multiple times and enjoyed it. You crack open the shell and see random blobs of stuff and little feathers.... definitely not for the faint of heart. I had the parts that were more egg-like and must admit I quite enjoyed it. It had a incredibly rich eggy flavor. I did not eat the half developed feathery/meat bits as much and was ready to move onto the next dish. 

Lumpia - Spring Rolls 
These were fried nicely and flavorful, but nothing special.

Arroz Caldo - Filipino Style Congee
I really enjoyed this congee. It was smooth and the chili/garlic oil on top was very nice. 

Braised Eggplant
This was tasty but much too oily. 

Sprite Marinaded Pork with Garlic Fried Rice
Ugh the pork was like sandpaper! It was so dry and overcooked. The only thing that was nice was the garlic rice. 

Overall I thought the food was sub-par. I have seen many posts regarding their dinner and brunch that looks much better but I do not think I would recommend this place.

Maharlika 

111 1st Avenue 

New York

NY 10003