Hidden Treasures - Bassanova Ramen

Bassanova Ramen

76 Mot Street 

New York NY 10013

(212)334-2100

http://bassanovanyc.com/

This hidden gem is located in Chinatown, one unexpected location for a ramen spot. Lucky for those who know of this joint, you are in for some goodies. Personally, not being a big ramen fan, the dishes that Bassanova Ramen really do hit the spot. Bassanova Ramen incorporates a handful of flavors that would not be considered the "standard" for ramen. That is definitely what sets them apart from the rest.

Bassanova Ramen features a handful of fun foods for the big kid inside. Every dish is filled with a unique flavor that will have your taste buds kicking! Potstickers are not the traditional style of dumplings that are pan fried, but a flat, long strip of dough filled with meat and vegetables served on a hot grill to keep the appetizer warm. Although the style is a more fun eat, the potstickers at Bassanova Ramen are barely stuffed.

The ramen on the other hand, are each uniquely infused with its signature ingredient. With a strong flavor, be sure to pick an ingredient that is fits your desires. The Tondaku Green Curry Ramen is one that I suggest, but it can be a little on the salty side. Every bite is infused with so much flavor that the dish is one to be savored from the get-go. 

Bassanova Ramen features an open kitchen with a friendly staff so you can see every dish being made. It can take a while to get certain dishes with a high influx of guests so being patient is key here, but at the very minimum, they have a great rotation and style to whip up food (from observance), Another thing to make note of is Bassanova Ramen only accepts cash, just like many Japanese restaurants and Chinatown restaurants as well.  Ramen dishes are on average $11, with appetizers that are less than $10. Don't let this be a reason to stay away from this hidden treasure though!

Catering to the tastes of guests, Bassanova Ramen tweaked their menus and are now offering rice noodles for those who are on a specific diet. Gluten free dishes can be found in some of their ramen as well so be sure to ask!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - InDessert

InDessert1 E Broadway, New York, NY 10038(212) 528-3188

With the transition of infusion foods from everyday meals, desserts are of course, soon to come. Taking traditional Chinese desserts and bringing the new touch to the generation of food, InDessert is one place that maintains the taste of traditional goods with a more decorative and upbeat environment. The central touch of Hong Kong dessert is contrary to the French sweet pastries and such, evolving around soup bases, traditional Chinese desserts are much less sweeter, but full of flavor. 

InDessert specializes in all of the Chinese traditions with dessert soups, shaved ice, dessert drinks, but it doesn't stop there. Finding new ways to incorporate traditional eats, InDessert features a menu that has more Americanized desserts as well. With green tea waffles on the menu that is topped with ice cream and fresh fruits, it is one thing that is worth visiting for. A wide selection of cakes are available as well, catering to taste buds of all kinds. With soup desserts, customers are able to make their own creations to fulfill your every desire.

The menu is constantly changing, bringing new dessert goodies to the customers. With seasonal flavors and free cupcakes for customers, it is the one place you want to visit for all sorts of desserts. InDessert is built around bright lights and fun displays that keeps your stomach going. It is the perfect place to hang out and even enjoy a date setting. 

All desserts are made fresh when ordered which ensures the freshest ingredients possible. Opened almost twelve hours a day, anytime is the perfect time to visit InDessert. Opening at 12PM daily, be sure to get your dessert fix or a  not-so-simple drink to perk up your day. Be sure to also be on the lookout for any freebie cupcakes that may be on display at InDessert at your next visit!

Restaurant Review - Umami Burger

Umami Burger

432 Ave of the Americas

(212)677-8626

http://www.umami.com/umami-burger/

The signature stamp of the Umami Burger is well known to all around the world. This trademark burger has made its way into the bellies of many, including myself. The tender burger meat is cooked to perfection, topped with the perfect bun. Their "secret" ingredient brings teh burgers to life with the right touch. Juices flow from the burger right down with every bite. Each and every burger has something to rave about, but the fries are also a must-have addition to your meal. Sweet potato fries provide your meal with the right finish paired with a handful of different dipping condiments, including the well-known Umami ketchup. 

For those of you who are unaware of, there is definitely a secret menu from Umami that many rave about, but it could be a hit or a miss. Some of the popular ones are the Truffle Fries, Cheesy Tator Tots, and Spicy Bird. You'll also find the White Beer, Kalbi Burger, Truffle Poutine Burger, Umami Supreme, Brunch Burger, Duck Burger, and so much more! This is definitely one place that will have a line, no matter the hour of the day so be prepared for that!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Butter Lane Cupcakes

Butter Lane Cupcakes are one of the local favorites that originated in Park Slope, Brooklyn. With a second location in the East Village, the store is filled with all goodies that include their signature cupcakes, pies, pastries, and breakfast goods. Butter Lane Cupcakes are

The cake bottoms from Butter Lane Cupcakes are made with a thicker batter, with a less airy cake. Cupcakes are topped with a thick, heavy flavored creme frosting which does not quite compliment my personal taste for cupcakes, but is an extremely filling snack that becomes a meal in itself for anyone who is interested in trying!

The one thing I would recommend is to check out the baking classes that Butter Lane Cupcakes offer. It is a great date setting as well as a little girl's day out. You can learn the basics and incorporate your own after to make your perfect cupcake!

My Current Obsession - YSL Rogue

This signature gold stick of eye-popping color is the YSL Rogue Volupte by Yves Saint Laurent that is extremely gentle on the lips and full of color. This stick is just everything a woman needs for every occasion out. YSL Rogue has a line of shine that is a shimmer that is moisture with every glide onto the lips. For a price of $35 that is well worth it at Sephora, the YSL Rogue Volupte lipstick has a wide selection of colors that should be a collection piece!

Restaurant Review - Cutting Board

Cutting Board
53 Bayard Street
New York, NY 10013
(212)528-0188
http://www.cuttingboardnyc.com/

Located in Chinatown, New York, the Cutting Board restaurant is a new American, infused with Japanese and Italian dishes. With their own twist on every traditional dish that they serve, the Cutting Board is popular among the younger groups and families looking to crowd over some flavorful food. 

With two separate dining areas in the Cutting Board, as well as private rooms, the wait varies from time to time. The more popular eats are their small snacks of fried fitters and a variety of fusion entrees, including their chicken risotto. 

One of the perks in the restaurant is the option of making reservations for parties of 6 and more. Having this luxury is one of the perks that cannot be found elsewhere in Chinatown, which makes this restaurant one of the more popular places to eat, in addition to the flood of young crowds already.

Expect service and popularity of the restaurant to be standard in Chinatown, extremely busy and sometime difficult to call down someone to take your order. On the flip side, at the very minimum, any waiter can assist in taking orders and food is a tastier twist! With large portions and cheaper prices, the Cutting Board restaurant is one to try out.

Street Food Yum - Mini Pancakes

It's been a while that I've had these mini pancakes as I've cried about them when living abroad in Korea, having the Korean version of the chesnut poppers. These cheap mini pancakes are of course, the childhood goodies that every ABC (American Born Chinese) child loves. Just for a measly dollar, who's price still stands, it is the perfect eat for anyone who is cruising around touring Chinatown or going food shopping. This perfect snack is cooked to a crisp within minutes, which makes it the perfect cheap snack, fun eat, everything you practically want in one! Be sure to ask them to make it a little more crispier so you get a perfect mini size cake. The best time to have it, of course, is right when it's removed from the pan on a Fall or Winter day! For anyone who is familiar with this childhood favorite, you'll know of the cart that is right in between Baxter and Mulberry, right at the break of Walker and Canal Street! 

Beauty Review - Black Paint Chamomile

This rare find was something that I picked up back when I was in Kyoto, strolling along one of the more cultural places in the area. Arashiyama is filled with a ton of good eats, temples in a large area as well as the recognizable Bamboo Forest. Arashiyama has a ton of great small eats that is the perfect to pick up and go as you stroll through the temples or on a Ninja wagon ride. 

Finishing up with a lot of the cultural explorations always include some kind of shopping. Located along the famous shopping district in Aarashiyama, one store that definitely stood out from the rest is the Black Paint store. With a ton of black paint on the outside to sample, being lured in with the great products was one thing that I could not hold back from.

Black paint is known to help the pores and promote clear skin for many. This organic black paint was originated in Kyoto made from a charcoal that works magic into the skin, whether it is the body or face. Made from different plants and essential oils, it is one of the well-recognized products in Japan, making it's way world-wide. 

For those with sensitive skin like myself, going for the true black paint from Kyoto may not be the best product. With my very minimal Japanese knowledge and the representative's little knowledge of English, we definitely were able to make it work by knowing that the product recommended was the Chamomile face wash for the skin. With a great fragrance and light touch to the skin, it is definitely one of the better face washes I've had. The product does not bubble as much as other face washes, so it might not feel like a complete clean. Nonetheless, it is something that is recommended to try, especially for anyone who can tolerate the true black paint face wash.

The Black Paint company also carries other products to promote good health, including water that is monitored for the minerals that is extremely refreshing. This is one store that everyone who looks for great, natural products should look into.

Cheap Eats - Otafuku

Otafuku

236 East 9 Street

New York, NY 10003

212.353.8503

http://otafukunyc.com/

This little gem is something that many people were devastated about when they found out the initial location closed. Best thing is, it just moved a few doors down. Located on East 9th in St Marks, Otafuku brings to you the popular Japanese eats, takoyaki and okonomiyaki, along with a handful of other small eats. Freshly prepared as you order, each and every bite size serving that has your taste buds knocking!

Otafuku's menu is affordable in all aspects with their most expensive dishes being the combos that are priced under $10! This is definitely not a sit down restaurant, but a quick bite with a bench on the outside and a few standing areas to consume these Japanese goodies. Otafuku opens at noon and into the later hours of the night. It is definitely the perfect snack to fill you up as you enjoy the rest of St Marks whether that be waiting in line for a seat or after a few drinks!

A New Twist on Tradition - Ngam

Ngam 

99 Third Avenue

New York NY 10003

212.777.8424

http://www.ngamnyc.com/

Ngam serves up a new touch on Thai goods with a slight infusion twist, labeling it as the "Modern Thai Comfort Food." Taking traditional Thai food to the next level, Ngam is a place that will have you on your feet as to what culinary twist to expect. The best sellers include the Old School Pad Thai, a more traditional style of Thai dishes, as well as the Dark Knight, a bed of black squid ink noodles topped with fried calamari to it's perfection. Every dish at Ngam is infused with an immense amount of flavor, giving the right balance for your palette. The one thing that did not work for me was the Thai Taco, a stir-fry bunch of meat and vegetables topped on a pan fried roti wrap; there definitely could have been more to this.

With the variety of Thai goods, expect nothing less than a packed madhouse when visiting Ngam. Be sure to make reservations well ahead of time to dodge the long lines. Although you may be waiting a while for your food, the customer service is at the top at Ngam, which may be hard to come across now-a-days. Staff is ready to tackle your every craving, minus the number of dishes that were ordered before you.

Story of My Life - Traveler's Perception

As I narrow down my choices and figure out where I what I want to do in life and where I want to live, the pros and cons isn't as easy to balance out as I thought. If only I could live life traveling from country to country every few months. Not saying that airplane would be my main source of transportation, especially because I have been tired of seeing so many different airports this month alone. Finding the right place to settle down isn't as easy as it seems. 

New York has still been the same. A division between money and happiness is what we have here. Why is it that we associate money with happiness? Do we all need money to be happy? This is something many of us fail to acknowledge and just continue to become submissive to the New York culture. I have, again, done such a thing and forgot what happiness was for just a second. Now that I take a step back, I should rethink where I would like to spend the rest of my life. 

With the perks come disadvantages in life which include every country I've previously visited: 

• Korea   The things that I have learned has definitely changed me as a person, especially the dinners that I cook now, with a big portion being Korean food. There are so many cultural differences that are contrary to my beliefs in life that it makes it difficult to live in Korea for the rest of my life. Nonetheless, there are a ton of perks and advantages of living in Korea. A handful of which makes me want to stay and live in Korea forever. Unfortunately, raising children and having them learn under the stressful and competitive Korean tradition may not be the easiest thing. The things my strict parents hand me undergo as a child nearly doesn't compare to what my students go through daily. 
• Taiwan   It is by far still my favorite tourist location for the street food that they offer. For cheap price and great food, this is difficult to top. The people are extremely friendly in Taiwan and always willing to help. I have met a handful of wonderful people from Taiwan and it is one of the places on my list that I want to move to, but there is a price to pay with the compensation and amount of work one puts in. Because the low costs of life, there is no need for a high salary compensation, but you are expected to work hard.
• Hong Kong   The people are blunt and straight forward. They may not be the nicest people in the world but they do have quite the pride in who they are. I am proud to know the Cantonese language and take pride in my family background but never expected to see or hear some of the things I have experienced in Hong Kong. The food though, is another story. This is like taking Chinatown to the next level!
• Australia   The simple fact that there are a large number of killer species that live with you, Australia is definitely not the safest place. I'm definitely not fond of insects and that is mostly what I've been seeing here in addition to a few frightening reptiles along the way. Although the minimum wage is at the top of the mark worldwide, living in Australia can add up as well. If only a working holiday can be worked out where I won't spend too much money and just work hard to save through the year! That's pretty much impossible with the amazing food culture Melbourne has to offer, LOVEEEEE it there.
• Maldives    It is the best honeymoon spot honestly. The locals are amazing, but there are not a ton of foreigners living in the Maldives. I just can't wait to go back, especially for the fresh seafood and great friends. I honestly hope and pray that it can last through the decade and overcome global warming. This is an issue that has affected us all, but when will we act on it to save our own kind?
• China   For a country that has been growing at such an incline, with a goal to be the best at everything, China is definitely one that is great for anyone who is looking to get rich. It is a bit unfortunate that the health regulations and air just isn't the best in China. There has been a lot of sacrifices in terms of health concerns, which makes me take a step back, but I wish that just wasn't the problem.
• Vietnam   This is probably one of the most relaxing countries that I have been to, but it is unfortunate that I do not speak the language. The lifestyle is something new to get used to. A New Yorker just isn't made out for the slow pace, but the food is amazing. Having to justify between living in the North where my parents lived and the South where the cuisine is amazing is another story!

Moral of this: find happiness in some way, some sort. For me, I think it's by my stomach.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sweet Buttons Bakery

Sweet Buttons Bakery 

84 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002
(212)253-8484

A wide selection of amazing mini desserts can be found at Sweet Buttons Bakery in the Lower East Side from their "Just-For-Me Cupcakes" to the tarts and dessert cups. These little desserts are the perfect bite size treats that doesn't make you feel that guilty for a simple enjoyment. Opened into late hours of the day, Sweet Buttons Bakery is a popular spot for guests of all ages. They are the perfect treats to fill a quick sweet tooth or even to indulge in. Although the desserts are mini in size, they are still full of flavor. Each cupcake is still moist to perfection with the right amount of icing and topping that makes your mouth just water. The popular dessert cups are made of layers of creme and cake, piping it to the top. Unfortunately for me, creme is not my thing so skipping out on that just seemed like best choice.

The popular desserts at Sweet Buttons Bakery include the Nutella cup cake, Tiramisu dessert cup, and their salted caramel cups. With so much to choose from, finding the right one just might be difficult to do. At the very minimum, you can grab a handful to sample. Cupcakes are just a measly $1.50 and the most expensive are the dessert cups, priced at a low cost of $3. Sweet Buttons Bakery also offers a handful of freshly brewed drinks. With a busy crowd though, be ready to wait a little for a cup of latte art.

Fresh on the Market - Ramen and Co

Ramen and Co.

100 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038

With the hype of ramen burgers on the menu, Keizo Shimamoto just recently announced his newest store, Ramen and Co. located in the Financial District. With a soft opening that allowed the FiDi locals to consume his goods during lunch hours from 11 AM to 2 PM, it is official for the rest of the world to experience the ramen burger, hopefully with shorter lines. With a bun made of ramen and a patty made of extremely tender, juicy meat topped with a mouth-watering sauce, the ramen burger is something to try. Although I am personally not impressed with the ramen bun itself, it is definitely something that everyone should try for the simple ideology of FOMO.

Co-workers of mine rave about the ramen burger, but I personally preferred the juicy meat and freshly fried potato chips instead. The ramen could be a bit of a heavy touch for many, especially since it is composed of noodles. The unique presentation of the dumpling wrapping is something that makes you appreciate the little things that Ramen and Co. create, but going for a bowl of ramen here is definitely suggested. 

An average lunch will set you back about $10 which is honestly not bad at all. Going for a quick bowl of ramen on a cold winter day is probably recommended, but there's nothing wrong with a summer splurge. Although the address is written for 100 Maiden Lane, the actual restaurant is located at the cross section of Pearl Street, right around the corner of the Chipotle, next to Terri. 

Traditional Korean Eats - Tuna Buffet

One of the common Korean traditions is their take on buffets. In Korea, you will find the Tuna sashimi buffet in almost all areas of Seoul. This is definitely something that all sashimi lovers should go for, especially those tuna fish fans. With different sections of the tuna fish that is shared between you and a group or your restaurant buddy, you are getting different textures all on one plate, from one fish. The concept is simple, simple pick a price range of tuna fish that you would like, the higher the price, the better quality of the tuna of course. Because you are sharing between a group, it is required that all orders the same set of tuna to help keep track of the type of fish that each table is getting.

The endless amount of tuna sashimi that is served to you will continue to come without any questions until you order it to stop. This bed of tuna consists of different parts of the tuna fish which depends on the price level you order for. It can be consumed alone with wasabi and soy sauce like the Japanese, or with a slice of dried seaweed and topped with a few vegetables of your choice. Being that I am a bit on the "special" side when it comes to raw fish, I am extra excited for the service of free food that comes along with the meal which usually is a soup, a la carte fish, or even a hand roll. The good thing about the side service is the fact that it takes away from the number of raw fish that one can consume through their course of their meal. A slab of protein can only go so far, it's always best to have a more balanced meal which is what the extra dishes on the side offer.

The slices and services offered all differs from restaurant to restaurant, but it is definitely suggested to those who are big on raw fish, especially tuna fish. It is worth a $30-50 splurge for dinner here and there, especially when you consider the amount of money that you spend when going on a date night out to a Japanese restaurant anyway. You should reward yourself and enjoy the sea!

Life in Korea - Makeup Madness

The one thing I cannot stress enough of after living in Korea is the importance of beauty. I don't think many of the country understand how big of an issue beauty is in Korea. "In order" to be qualified for a job, many Koreans get plastic surgery and the most popular are the double eyelid and nose surgery. When applying for a job in Korea, a photo must be attached on the resume. That is how much they stress the importance of beauty. So where does that leave the rest of the world?

Many girls are always chasing the trend and always looking fashionable, wherever they go, no matter how cold it is outside. You can find girls in skirts, stockings, and heels on a cold winter snowy day. In addition to the dress code, makeup is a must. The concentrated area of makeup is the eyes and you can see that most Korean girls have eyelash extensions which is false individual lashes glued to your lash line to achieve a look of fuller and longer lashes. It definitely comes in handy when you are on a rush out of the door and saves on your daily makeup. 

In addition to having eyelash extensions, circle lenses is a big hit in Korea. Circle lenses are contact lenses which is an upgrade from color lenses from when I was in high school. Circle lenses are used by many Asian girls in order to have bigger, cuter, dolly eyes. In Korea, there are many different color, designs, and sizes for such contact lenses. I cannot deny the fact that I've been living in Korea so long that I've been using them daily as well. After moving back to America though, I have not thrown on a pair since I've landed. Still, it is something that is attractive every now and then for a night out, but it does put a bit of strain on the eyes. Although it is not recommended to be worn for more than six hours because of the size of the contact, many girls in Korea do it anyway. 

Makeup is also a big thing in Korea and there are hundreds of makeup stores in Korea. In fact, you can find two of the same store on one block. Makeup is that important in Korea! With so many choices and so many more stores that are still popping up, the makeup industry is continuing to grow. Cosmetics and beauty is not only important to women, but men in Korea as well. In fact, men sometimes spend more time getting ready than women. That explains their clear skin and why they are so fashionable here as well. 

Looking cute and fresh at all times is extremely important to Koreans. For this very reason, you will find mirrors everywhere in Korea. Train stations, elevators, hallways, and you will always find someone looking at themselves in the mirror. Guys usually fix their hair or check their outfit and girls are usually making sure their makeup is on point. When I say on point, I mean they will pull out a mirror in a coffee shop, restaurant, and on the train. It is not always a small pocket-sized mirror either. You will find girls with mirrors that they would use in the house. There is no shame in using a mirror that big or fixing your makeup in public.

For many, the extent of plastic surgery is considered necessary. In fact, with the Korean culture, many parents "gift" their daughters some kind of aesthetic purpose. I find it to be a shame when students as young as elementary schoolers are already talking the corrections that need to be done to their very own faces.

The culture does worry me from time to time, I know for sure since I have lived in Korea, there has been small changes that I have made to my daily makeup routine. My family has noticed the difference and labeled me as being "more Korean." There is no harm in that, but being aware and knowing how far it goes is extremely important for anyone living in Korea! Just be sure to look your best at all times because you will be judged. Luckily, Korea is a very fashionable place, accepting all sorts of styles which allows you to be as creative and unique as possible. 

Traditional Korean Eat - Sam Gyeop Sal (BBQ Pork)

Sam Gyeop Sal or Sam Gup Sal is a popular Korean type of BBQ, BBQ pork. The name comes from the literal meaning of three layered flesh because the fatty slices of pork belly shows three different layers. Thick, whole pieces of bacon-like meat is served raw for you to place on grill to cook. The grill differs from restaurant to restaurant which is usually a charcoal BBQ grill or on a simple metal pan. One thing to look out for is a place to drain out the fat and oils from the pork meat. Each restaurant has their own way of marinating the meat, but after whole pieces of the pork belly is cooked up, it is then cut into smaller slices to consume.

Like other kinds of BBQ meat, simply take a piece of meat, dunk into the pepper paste and enjoy. Many Koreans like to wrap it in a piece of green leafy vegetable (lettuce and or perilla leaf), add a raw or cooked piece of garlic, some cooked kimchi, and other random vegetables that are offered. In addition to the pepper paste, there is also other options of soy bean paste, and sesame oil (usually with a hint of black pepper and salt).

Nonetheless, Sam Gyeop Sal is one popular type of BBQ among locals and foreigners, especially with a bottle of soju, the traditional Korean way. You can of course enjoy Sam Gyeop Sal without the alcohol, especially with all different restaurants offering different ways to consume this popular pork. For the more popular and unique versions of Sam Gyeop Sal, the Jeju Black Boar is one thing that many Koreans crave. It is different in taste and texture, sometimes still cooked with the hairs of the boar. Without actually having to go to Jeju for this boar, it has been imported all across Korea; it just has to make it's way to America.

Anyone who is conscious of their health and do not want a slab of fatty pork, there are restaurants that cook up this meat with a separate layer to drain out the fat. There is surely an immense amount of fat that goes into Sam Gyeop Sal, but nonetheless there are plenty of ways to enjoy this traditional Korean eat.

Restaurant Review - Lombardi's Pizza

New York, NY 10012

Lombardi's Pizza 

32 Spring Street

(212)941-7994

http://www.firstpizza.com/

Lombardi's is a signature location being that it is the first pizzeria to open in NYC. Opened by an Italian immigrant who started the tradition of staple foods around the world, the restaurant has over 100 years of tradition since it first opened back in 1905. Unfortunately for that matter, the hype is only behind the fact that it is the first pizza restaurant which ultimately leads it to be the one tourist destination in Little Italy of Nolita. 

Known for their pizzas, it is a must order for anyone who fancies to try out the signature pizza. Being that Italian food is circled around a family tradition, Lombardi's Pizza bakes up a fresh humongous pie that is to be shared. The pizza is ordered to your liking, selecting your desired toppings. It is recommended to share the pizzas between a group, leaving room for the extra things on the menu. Although it is a limited menu, calzones are one of the favorites at Lombardi's Pizza for a stuffed filling that is jammed with melted cheese. 

For anyone going in a bigger group that fancies alcoholic beverages, the fresh sangria pitcher is probably the kicker of the night. There isn't much on the menu for drinks, but we can't say no to a pitcher of sangria! 

All in all, Lombardi's Pizza is honestly just a F-O-M-O. It is one of those things that you may regret not trying when you visited NYC, but there's not much to rave about there. Therefore, get it checked off that bucket list, but don't wait on a long line to do so because you might regret that one as well!

Hidden Treasures - Aux Epices

Aux Epices
121 Baxter Street
New York, NY 10013
(212)274-8585
http://auxepicesnyc.com/
Hours: 11AM to 10PM Daily

This hidden treasure is definitely a golden catch for amazing food along with great service. Located south of Chinatown, is it the one place that I can honestly recommend to anyone looking for good food and a good vibe. This small cozy restaurant is Malaysian infused French taken to a whole different level level. With a decent sized menu offering you all the good stuff from appetizers to desserts, this is the place to be.

One of the must orders, my personal favorite for starters is the extremely tender ribs that actually slides right off the bones. For anyone who is a clean eater and hates ribs for obvious reasons, this will definitely change the game for you. You will definitely be able to enjoy a nice rack of ribs, knowing you do not have to use your hand to eat! 

In addition to the ribs, the A La Plancha is another customer favorite with an amazing sauce that is perfect for a bread dip. Fish is the one recommendation for entrees which includes my all time favorite Ikan Panggang and the Tumeric Salmon, but of course there are a ton of other tasty dishes as well. The staff is always on point with their recommendations and will even offer the special lunch of the day which just might be Aux Epices' next upcoming dish to put on the menu. 

The one suggestion to make is to save room for dessert and order it ahead of time. Because desserts are made fresh and when ordered, the kitchen staff at Aux Epices must have sufficient time to prepare for it. Nonetheless, pastries and cakes are extremely fresh and hits the mark with it's French influences. The best part is probably it being served fresh and hot with the right touch of sweetness.

For bigger groups, be sure to make reservations ahead of time. With seating designed for pairs, the restaurant is able to cater roughly 25 guests at one time. The staff is extremely friendly in accommodating your every needs alongside a wonderful owner who actually interacts and eats with his guests. Providing superb customer service, you can feel good about every meal at Aux Epices. Within a second visit, the staff recognized me and soon lead me to become a weekly regular with the rib cravings and addiction to genuine customer service.

With a menu that is constantly updated and fresh new items, it is definitely a place that keeps you going back. Promoting a cafe, all hours of the day is a perfect time to visit Aux Epices for the amazing complements of food. 

Offering an online and call in delivery service, Aux Epices is one recommendation I stand by. It is the perfect place for a date night, girls night out, and even just a bonding session. With dim lighting and cozy seating, the atmosphere is just perfect for conversation without overpowering the table next to you. The friendly vibe allows for you to feed off of the positive energy that the staff fills the restaurant with.

My Current Obsession - Innisfree Eco Science Wrinkle Spot Essence Pro

One product that is a must rave is the Innisfree Eco Science Wrinkle Spot Essence (Pro with a vibrating head) for problematic wrinkles that are difficult to target. It is perfect for the eye area with circular motion to prevent wrinkles as well as decrease fine lines. Innisfree incorporates anti-wrinkle products into their cream and tops it off with a head that allows for extra vibration signals to concentrate on those problem areas. It is the perfect compliment of product and the mechanics to enhance beauty attributes for women of all ages. It is a kick starter to prevent wrinkles, yet also helps to reduce the fine lines that have developed over time.

For anyone who is busy on the go and wish for something that helps to reduce the time spent on wrinkles and such, the gentle vibrations cut the amount of time spent on caring for your problem areas. The micro vibrations are gentle on the skin and the smooth metal surface helps to glide the cream onto the skin without tugging too hard to cause even more wrinkles. This can definitely happen with those who are pulling on the skin too hard which causes problems rather than fixing any. 

If you are on a budget and trying to get more bang for your buck, definitely go with the regular spot essence. It is the same exact solution minus the metal vibrating head. In order to maximize the use of the vibrating head for it's price which is priced the same as the regular eco science wrinkle spot essence in most places, you can simply refill the pro with the cream and extend the value of your dollar that much more. The smooth metal head is extremely gentle on the skin and will make you want to circle around the problem areas that much more. Be sure to use it on a clean face to reduce the number of bacteria build up. This is definitely one product that is to rave about and a genius idea for anyone who is just in need of time or is just that lazy!

Restaurant Review - Shanghai Heping Restaurant

Shanghai Heping Restaurant

104 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

(212) 925-1118

Shanghai food mainly consists of the ever so popular soup dumplings made of ground pork meat wrapped in a wonton-like tortilla that is steamed where each individual soup dumpling is filled with a delicious juice. The Shanghai Heping Restaurant is one of those restaurants that actually cook up a good soup dumpling in addition to the famous New York spot of Joe's Shanghai. In addition to the popular soup dumplings, the Shanghai Heping Restaurant offers a handful of other popular Chinese dishes that include the classic Chinese-American style dishes of fried rice, noodles, sweet and sour soup and so on and so forth.

What many people fail to realize is their specialty dishes as well. With their unique touch on traditional Chinese foods and even new creations which include their deep fried duck that is served over a bed of mushroom glaze. 

It is definitely suggested to visit the Shanghai Heping Restaurant with a group of friends to share a few dishes in order to maximize the number of dishes one can sample. Because Chinese dishes are usually served family style, it is always recommended to get a few main courses that can be shared between a group, specialty rice dishes included. Although the restaurant is on the higher end for foods in Chinatown, it is still worth the splurge to sample the variety of dishes they have to offer.