New York City Summer 2026 Travel Log: Day 3 — Country Sausage Benedict at EJ's Luncheonette

For our final meal in NYC, we went for brunch at the iconic diner, EJ's Luncheonette:

Country Sausage Benedict: Poached eggs and breakfast sausage on buttermilk biscuits, topped with sausage gravy and served with home fries

I went for the Country Sausage Benedict — a Southern twist on a New York classic. I've never actually been to the Southern US or, like, Cracker Barrel, so this is pretty much as close as I'm gonna get to Southern food. (Actually, this Benedict originally comes with grits on the side, but I didn't feel like I was ready for that step yet...) This is one of those dishes that tastes like it'll clog your arteries, so it's tasty AF and I'm now sort of obsessed with sausage gravy. A truly delightful ending to this year's decadently delicious NYC trip.

EJ's Luncheonette

1271 3rd Ave. 

New York, NY 10021

(212) 472-0600

New York City Summer 2026 Travel Log: Day 2 — A Feast of "Bites" at NR

We went for an early dinner (like, really early, as in happy hour early, because our schedule revolves around the babies' nap times) to a gorgeous Japanese fusion eatery called NR, where we had a feast of appetizers (or "bites," as they call them):

Spicy Tuna: Tuna, anchovies, truffle, shallot, porcini mushroom, spicy mayo, and lime zest in filo cups

Deviled Egg + Egg + Egg: Sea urchin, caviar, tosa vinegar jelly, dashi, wasabi, Japanese mustard, mayo, and shiso on quail eggs

Seafood Tower (Bottom): Fresh oysters

Seafood Tower (Middle): Uni + salmon red caviar jelly, hamachi sashimi, tuna with cucumber foam

Seafood Tower (Top): Fried shrimp and fries

Pork Buns: Pork belly with lettuce, scallion, teriyaki, and tartar 

Miso Glazed Eggplant: Deep fried eggplant, miso, pomegranate, mint, and dill

Incredible flavours and ingredient combinations — this was honestly one of the most interesting meals I've had in a long time, and there is no shortage of Asian fusion restaurants back home. We were unfortunately too full after the apps, but I'm really hoping we get to come back for the ramen, which is actually what NR is known for. I mean, there is a $42 USD wagyu and bone marrow ramen on the menu that is just too indulgent to not try once in my lifetime...

(Oh, and in case you're wondering, we managed to do just over 11,000 steps today. So, yes, we feasted, but at least we felt slightly less guilty about it!)

NR

339 E 75th St.

New York, NY 10021

(646) 226-4874

New York City Summer 2026 Travel Log: Day 2 — Matcha Latte and Assorted Italian Cookies at Sant Ambroeus

What to do when it's raining outside but the kids are napping so you have just over an hour to entertain your family visiting you from Canada?

Matcha latte with pistachio milk

Assorted Italian cookies

Well, my brother takes us to fancy Italian cafes for lattes, cookies, and family gossip. Indeed, a great way to spend an afternoon!

Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar

1334 York Ave.

New York, NY 10021

(212) 606-7070

New York City Summer 2026 Travel Log: Day 2 — Prime Steak Tartare, Poulpe Grillé, Moules Frites Marinières, and Croque Madame at Match 65 Brasserie

Met up with my brother and his family at Match 65 Brasserie this morning for a most délicieux brunch:

Prime steak tartare: Black Angus sirloin, quail egg, cornichons, and toasted baguette

Poulpe grillé: Grilled octopus, olive oil, lemon, herbs, and capers

Moules frites marinières: Mussels, white wine, shallots, roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and toasted baguette served with fries

Croque madame with fries

Yep, that's a lot of calories and fat grams to consume before noon... And that's not even including the leftover piece of brioche French toast from my nephew's plate that I shared with my mom for "dessert"... So we'll have to walk a lot today, rain be damned. (Good thing I wore my new Hokas.) But it was TOTALLY WORTH IT. 

Match 65 Brasserie

29 E 65th St.

New York, NY 10065

(212) 737-4400

New York City Summer 2026 Travel Log: Day 1 — Market Vegetables and the Steak Sandwich at Westville

Greetings from NYC! We're back for our annual trip to visit my brother and his family — and finally meeting my 8-month-old niece, Amelia, for the first time! (She is, objectively, the most adorable baby I've ever seen with the smiliest face, squishiest rolls, and most perfect milky skin. No bias, of course.) We arrived late afternoon so, to see the kids before their bedtime, my brother suggested an early dinner at their favourite NYC chain, Westville. They're known for their fresh produce, with a menu featuring over 20 different vegetable sides. Outside of vegetarian/vegan restaurants, I don't think I've ever actually heard of any restaurant that specializes in vegetable dishes, but here are. So we ordered 6 veggie plates to share:

Beets with goat cheese and walnuts

Brussels sprouts with honey dijon

Yuca fries with chipotle mayo

Roasted mushrooms with fresh herbs

Esquite (Mexican roasted corn kernels with chipotle mayo and cojita cheese)

Roasted carrots with fresh herbs

Steak sandwich with caramelized onions and horseradish mayo on a club roll and a side of sweet potato fries

And I got the steak sandwich as my main because, you know, balance. All the vegetable sides were delicious — my favourites were the beets and yuca fries — but I'm happy to report that Westville does their other dishes equally well because my steak sandwich was excellent. The steak was tender and cooked perfectly medium rare, the bun had a good chew but didn't hurt the roof of my mouth, and the horseradish was just spicy enough to feel a clearing in the nasal passages but not enough to overwhelm. It was the perfect accompaniment to a vegetable feast.

I can see why Westville opened up so many locations in NYC. Honestly, it's a great concept — delicious but (mostly) healthy dishes that also promotes fresh produce and local farmers — and the prices are reasonable. I wish they would open one closer to home. I can see this doing really well in the Toronto area. Then again, it took Shake Shack two decades to come to Canada, so I'm not holding my breath. 

Westville

1359 1st Ave.

New York, NY 10021

(212) 257-2133

BTS EPISODE: American Music Awards 2026 Sketch

"When we enlisted, what scared me the most was that people might turn away from us. But you've given our album so much love and we're even able to go on tour again, so this feels like an incredibly moving and honourable moment."

BTS' comeback this year was honestly unprecedented for any musical artist. To be away from the limelight for so long and then breaking all those records they previously set is unheard of. ARMY is hundreds of millions strong. We're not going anywhere. If BTS is here, we are here. ARMY Forever, Bangtan Forever. 

BTS — "Merry Go Round" MV Behind the Scenes

"Merry Go Round" is by far the saddest song off of ARIRANG, and one of the saddest songs from BTS in general. It's similar to "Spring Day" in talking about the profound sadness in missing someone and, of course, using the merry go round as imagery, but whereas "Spring Day" ultimately offers hope, "Merry Go Round" is about pure desolation and melancholy, and both the song and the MV are beautiful but dark and haunting. They released the MV exclusively on Spotify, but I'm hoping they release it on YouTube later on. It's too beautiful to keep behind a pay wall.

BTS EPISODE: "Hooligan" and "2.0" Dance Practice Sketch

HOW DID I MISS THE SPARKLE HANDS?????

BTS FESTA 2026: 20130613 Congratulations BTS 🎉

(Image source: BTS Weverse)

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY, BTS!!! You're officially a teenager!

This is my 9th FESTA, and to celebrate, my friend Iris and I went to the theatre to watch the ARIRANG World Tour in Busan Live Viewing, which was AMAZING (they played "Dimple," "Ddaeng," AND "Magic Shop" for BTS Karaoke tonight!!!) except for girl sitting behind us who quite literally SCREECHED LIKE A BANSHEE every time Jungkook came on the screen. (I get that you're excited and I agree that Jungkook is a delicious specimen of a man, but please save your voice for an actual live concert, not a live viewing of a concert at a theatre because YOUR VOICE DOES NOT GET DROWNED OUT IN A THEATRE.) Oh, and Iris also got me a pack of the BTS x Oreo cookies, which taste exactly like brown sugar boba with a hint of maple and are delicious AF (and I have to limit myself to one per day because WOW THAT IS A LOT OF SUGAR). They're supposed to taste like hotteok, which is slightly nuttier and more cinnamon-based, but hey, close enough. 

HAPPY FESTA, EVERYONE!

BTS FESTA 2026: BTS Dinner Party 2.0

I can't believe it's already been 4 years. Their last FESTA dinner together was bittersweet and emotional and marked the end of an era. That having been said, I think they've been able to explore who they are outside the comfort of their group, and really grown up as independent people, artists, and musicians. And now that they're back together, BTS 2.0 is stronger than ever and taking over the world once again as if they'd never left. I am so glad I stayed on this roller coaster with them.

BTS FESTA 2026: Jungkook's NORMAL LOG

THE ORIGINAL MUSCLE PIG!

You know how people say, "Just watching you eat makes me full," and it's not true at all? Well, just watching them work out makes me fit.

BTS FESTA 2026: V's NORMAL LOG

This is why I could never be a celebrity. Or, at least, someone that has to look good. Or be fit. Or need stamina. 

BTS FESTA 2026: Jimin's NORMAL LOG

Further proof that packing is a universally hated task. I hate packing even for a weekend trip, so I can't even imagine having to pack for a world tour. Apparently it doesn't matter how rich and famous you are or how many assistants or managers you have. They won't help you pack, either. 

BTS FESTA 2026: Jin's NORMAL LOG

"People are supposed to get healthier when they rest, so why do we have to work out to get healthier?"

Ah, Jin always asking the important questions.

BTS FESTA 2026: SUGA's NORMAL LOG

I love how Yoongi has become such a pure guitar nerd. Like, you can tell he would just love to start a YouTube channel showcasing guitar gear. That's all to say that I can't wait for a BTS rock side project… (Oh, and hey, Red Hot Chili Peppers.) 

BTS FESTA 2026: J-Hope's NORMAL LOG

Okay, the headband he puts on before washing his face is such a throwback to my teenage years. Even the way he looks at himself and scoffs at how ridiculous his hair looks with it on is accurate… 

Also, I'm pretty sure his "casual" outfit costs, like, half my annual income.

BTS FESTA 2026: RM's NORMAL LOG

Yes, I really did just watch Kim Namjoon read a book for six minutes. On that note, I wonder why he hasn't gotten laser eye surgery. I also have really high eye prescriptions and if I had the money, I would absolutely be getting it. Not to mention, it's a third of the price in Korea than it is here. Maybe his cornea is a weird shape...

BTS FESTA 2026: BTS — "Hooligan" Official Performance Video

It quietly snuck up past "Fake Love" and "ON," but I can safely say that the "Hooligan" aesthetic is officially my favourite now — across all members. I mean, these fits? In leather and metal?! Fucking GOD-TIER. 11/10, A+++, and a hundred gold stars to whoever styled them for this.

God, I cannot fucking wait to see this performance live in person.

BTS FESTA 2026: Family Portraits

(Image source: BTS Weverse)
(Image source: BTS Weverse)
(Image source: BTS Weverse)
(Image source: BTS Weverse)
(Image source: BTS Weverse)
(Image source: BTS Weverse)

It's been 4 years since we got family portraits. 🥹🥹🥹

BTS FESTA 2026: 13th Anniversary Timeline

(Image source: BTS Official X)

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! 

FESTA this year seems much more curated and streamlined — no more unreleased dance practice videos from 10 years ago or having Muster/concert streaming marathons (a.k.a. BANGBANGCON)… Maybe because they just had their comeback and they're currently on tour and they're doing a global livestream of their Busan concert for FESTA (and yes, we already bought tickets for the Live Viewing — June 13 falls on a Saturday this year!). I do hope we'll get a song for FESTA, though (we got "Ddaeng" in 2018, Jin's "Tonight" in 2019, Jungkook's "Still With You" in 2020, RM's "Bicycle" in 2021, Jungkook's "My You" in 2022, "Take Two" in 2023, Jungkook's "Never Let Go" in 2024). They didn't release one last year, sadly, but it'd be nice to get one this year now that they're all back together.

But they're finally (!!!) releasing "Come Over," which is the exclusive bonus track that Suga produced for the vinyl versions of ARIRANG — and actually one of my Top 5 songs from the album. I bought the vinyl just to support it, but did I still have to convert a bootleg lyric video to MP3 just so I could listen to it on my iPhone? Yes, yes, I did. (Felt like I was back in the early 2010s again…) But I'm glad we'll finally be able to listen to it properly on streaming platforms! 

HAPPY FESTA-ING!