Ralph’s coffee

The latest addition to Beijing’s coffee scene is Ralph’s Coffee by fashion mogul Ralph Lauren. Located in the heart of Taikoo Li Sanlitun shopping village inside the Ralph Lauren retail store, this café serves coffee, teas, hot chocolate, and desserts. The establishment is relatively small, with six tables inside and four tables outside.

The chic retro green and white color scheme interior with marbled countertops and jazz music playing in the background reminisce of a cafe in New York. I love the relaxing vibe and smartly dressed baristas and waiters.

Coffee beans are available for purchase,along with merchandise such as mugs, tote bags, and t-shirts.

The dessert menu is small, but the cakes and cookies are generous in size. Your cake options are carrot cake, chocolate cake, brownies, New York cheesecake, and honey cranberry loaf cake. For cookies, you have chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter and jelly cookies, red velvet sandwich cookies, and oatmeal raisin cookies.

I ordered a chocolate cake (RMB 65) and an 85% dark chocolate drink (RMB 48), and my friend got a carrot cake (RMB 58) and a Uji matcha latte (RMB 42).

The hot chocolate wasn’t as good as I hoped it would be. I like mine thick and creamy, and this was the opposite. However, the chocolate cake is the chocolate cake I have been waiting for; it is decadent, moist, and with the right balance of sweetness. In my opinion, it is the best chocolate cake in town. This is now my go-to place if I have a hankering for chocolate cake.

The carrot cake had a good balance of sweetness and spice with a velvety cream cheese frosting. The Uji matcha latte was bold and creamy. My friend is a matcha fan, and she absolutely loved it.

I will definitely be making another visit to try their coffee and cookies.

Ralph’s cafe

Website: https://www.facebook.com/RalphsCoffeeSanlitun/

Telephone: +86 10-64155600

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily

Address: Unit S6-10a on First Floor, Taikoo Li Sanlitun South, No.19 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District 100027 Beijing

Four Seasons Hotel

The five-day Labor Day holiday was just around the corner, and I thought, what better way to spend it than a staycation at the Four Seasons Hotel.

The Four Seasons Hotel is located in the embassy district, with restaurants and a shopping mall within walking distance.

As one of the more expensive hotels in Beijing, I had high expectations for it.

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When I entered the lobby, the first thing I noticed was its size—it was smaller than most hotels. A beautiful display of various flower arrangements adorns the entrance. The check-in procedure was quick and smooth. The receptionist was friendly and spoke proficient English. I was upgraded to a premier room on the 21st floor.

All rooms overlook a 20-story inner atrium with a wall decorated with 400 stainless-steel butterflies designed by Australian artist Jayne Dyer.

The hotel boasts two 1 Michelin star restaurants; Cai Xi Yuan, an upscale Cantonese restaurant, and Mio, a contemporary Italian restaurant.

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The room is spacious and has standard five-star hotel amenities such as a Nespresso machine and a minibar. The bed is firm but comfortable, and the armchair and ottoman next to it are the perfect place to wind down and watch TV. However, the TV is somewhat small and has limited channels.

The cleanliness of the room could be improved; there was dust on the countertops and a handprint on the window. Most hotels I have been to equip the rooms with a Bose Bluetooth speaker; the rooms had a Panasonic iPod dock with poor sound quality.

The tub is one of the highlights for me. It has a great view and is spacious and comfortable, allowing you to have a nice deep soak. A bath pillow is provided, too. The toiletries are by Atelier Cologne. Unfortunately, the hotel does not provide toothbrushes and shavers in the room due to COVID, but they are available at the guest’s request.

There is a turndown service and a variety of pillow options to choose from based on your preference. You can also have your newspaper of choice delivered to you at a specified time in the morning.

I did not want to leave the room, so I ordered room service for the whole duration of my stay. For dinner, I ordered a nasi goreng (fried rice) with chicken satay (RMB 178 / $27) accompanied by a mango sago pudding (RMB 78/ $12). I got the french toast (RMB 118 / $12) and a cappuccino (RMB 68/ $10) for breakfast.

The food did not justify the price. It was good but average. I could get better food from the restaurants across the street.

Overall, I am not impressed; it was not a memorable stay for me. However, there were aspects that I liked, such as the tub, the views, and the friendly staff.

Four Season Hotel

Website: https://www.fourseasons.com/beijing/

Telephone: 86-10-5695-8888

Address: 48 Liang Ma Qiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100125

Noryangjin Fish Market

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Noryangjin Fish Market is one of Korea’s largest seafood markets. If you are a seafood lover, this is the place to be. There is an old and new building. The new building is relatively clean and organized. The floors tend to be wet, so I recommend wearing closed-toe shoes. There is also a live fish auction at 3:00 a.m. every day.

A delicacy at the market other than sashimi is san-nakji – chopped-up live octopus. If you are an adventurous eater, do give it a go.

Many vendors have a restaurant or are connected with restaurants on the second floor. So, if you want your seafood prepared in the restaurant, just talk to the vendor you’re buying from, and they will arrange for someone to escort you to the restaurant.

Tip: Bargain, bargain, bargain! Most vendors speak little to no English but are quite resourceful with the calculator and hand gestures. There are a few Chinese vendors; if you speak Mandarin, you can look out for them.

I bought a king crab, sole, and mussels, which cost me 200,000 won (around 184 USD). There were five of us, so I got a big king crab, which cost over 100,000 won. We decided to have our seafood cooked at a restaurant.

The mussels were cooked in a mild broth, while the fish was accompanied by a sweet-spicy sauce. I loved the sauce; it wasn’t too spicy, with a hint of garlic, not overpowering the fish’s natural flavors.

Most shellfish are either steamed or grilled. Our king crab was steamed. It was my first time having king crab, and the meat was delicious! It was naturally sweet and did not require any dipping sauce.

The restaurant bill came to around 48,000 won.

In the city where I live, we don’t get much fresh seafood, so this was a real treat!

Noryangjin Fish Market

Website: https://www.susansijang.co.kr/nsis/miw/en/intro

Opening hours: Daily 1:30 a.m – 22:00 p.m.

Address: 13-6, Noryangjin 1-Dong, Dongzak-gu, Seoul

Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort

The Outrigger Beach Resort is located in the Northeast of the island. It’s secluded and a little far out from the center, but this is a good option if you are looking for a peaceful resort. There are free daily shuttle buses to Chaweng Beach and Fisherman’s Village. The rooms are styled with tropical decor with a modern twist. There is one all-day dining restaurant on the property.

This is one of the cheaper resorts, if not the cheapest 5-star resort, for a villa with a private pool.

Room service

The Thai green curry had an overpowering amount of coconut milk, so I could barely taste it. The salad’s vinaigrette ratio was not balanced; there was too much oil, so there was not much flavor.

Dining at Edgewater

The Pad Thai was decent. It was a little too sweet for my palate.

The fish and chips were dry, and the fish was over-fried. The chicken satay tasted bland.

My overall impression of the food was average. However, I loved the villa with the pool and the spa services.

Outrigger Koh Samui beach resort

Website: https://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/thailand/koh-samui/outrigger-koh-samui-beach-resort

Telephone: +66 0 77 914 700

Address: 63/182 Moo 5 T. Bophut, Hanuman Bay, Koh Samui
Suratthani 84320

Lusso lab, Jeongdong

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Lusso Lab is located in the quiet historical area of Jeongdong, not far from Deoksugung Palace. The quaint neighborhood is beautiful for a stroll after a meal. The interior is spacious with industrial-style decor. There is an enticing display of cakes by the counter. The staff was friendly but spoke minimal English.

The menu offers Western food such as French toast, American breakfast, eggs benedicts, and more. Brunch sets are also available.

I settled for brunch set C, which consists of an American breakfast set, a Cobb salad, and two cups of coffee. We opted for a latte and cappuccino. Also, I ordered a Tiramisu, brioche bread with bechamel sauce, ham, cheese, egg, grilled asparagus, and Brioche French toast.

The brioche French toast came with homemade ricotta cheese, bacon, walnuts, blueberries, and maple syrup. The French toast was pillowy soft. The ricotta cheese was creamy and smooth with a hint of sweetness, and the bacon was not too salty – a good balance between sweet and savory. The tiramisu could be better. Some parts of the sponge cake were dry, and the coffee tasted weak.

Compared to the other dishes, I did not enjoy the American breakfast. It was a bit bland, and I would have preferred toasted bread. The brioche bread with bechamel sauce was good, and the creamy bechamel sauce paired with cheese and ham – was delicious!

Overall, it is an excellent spot for brunch!

Vanilla french toast 12,800 won.

Croque Madame 9,800 won

Brunch set C 25,800 won

Lusso Lab, Jeongdong branch

Website: https://www.lussolab.co.kr/main.do

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 20:00 p.m

Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 20:00 p.m.

Telephone: 02-772-9935

Address: 17 Jeongdong-gil, Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

Silavadee pool spa resort

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Silavadee Pool Spa Resort is nestled on a rocky beach between Chaweng and Lamai beaches, offering breathtaking sea views. The tropical-style rooms are cozy, comfortable, well-equipped, and clean. The complimentary fruit was a nice touch. The resort’s facilities include two infinity pools, a private beach, a spa, and a fitness center.

I stayed for two nights at the resort. I booked the deluxe room with an ocean view and a hot tub. The view from the room was picturesque. There is also a great view of the sea from the bathroom. I stayed in room 213, a corner room, and you can view the sunset from the balcony. Unfortunately, I had a noise disturbance at 1 am, 7 am, and 9 am. I called reception each time to report the noise. They dealt with it right away. The next day, they unexpectedly upgraded me to a pool villa with a partial sea view. The room was quiet and spacious. I was able to get a good night’s rest.

The staff there was friendly, courteous, and accommodating, one of the resort’s highlights.

In-room dining

Ceaser salad and spaghetti bolognese

Both were delicious.

Breakfast at Moon restaurant

The hotel offers a good breakfast spread of both Asian and Western cuisine. In addition, there are a variety of tropical fruit juices, smoothies, and local herbal teas. There is also a menu for made-to-order/ hot dishes such as eggs benedict, roti, steamed fish fillet, etc.

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This is a beautiful resort surrounded by lush greens, in balance and harmony with its surroundings. The attentive care of the staff is a testament to Thai hospitality. I left feeling energized and relaxed!

Silavadee Pool Spa Resort

Website:https://www.silavadeeresort.com/

Telephone: +66(0)77-960-555

Address: 208/66 Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand

STAR bar, Silavadee

I love this rooftop bar. The view is spectacular, with a panoramic view of the sea and mountains. It is the ideal place to grab a drink, relax, and watch the sunset. The atmosphere is laid-back yet romantic. Reservations are highly recommended if you prefer a specific seating area. I made a reservation and got a seat at one of the four sunken tables.

There is an excellent selection of cocktails and an international menu for those who want to order food. For couples, a special romantic dinner is available, which needs to be booked ahead of time. There is also a live saxophone performance and a seafood barbeque buffet every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m.

STAR bar

Website: https://www.silavadeeresort.com/silavadee-dining

Opening hours: Daily 17:00 p.m. – 23:00 p.m.

Telephone: +66 77 960 555

Address: 208/66 Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand

The Height, Silavadee

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The Height is a Thai restaurant atop the Silavadee Pool Spa Resort hillside. The uninterrupted panoramic sea view from the terrace is stunning. The extensive menu offers Northern and Southern Thai dishes, including Khantoke, served on a pedestal tray.

It was a beautiful night, with a clear view of the moon shining above the horizon—the perfect setting for a memorable dinner. The staff was friendly and helpful.

The prawn curry was creamy with a mild heat, and the prawns were fresh. The curry also included petai, also known as stink beans. Petai is widely used in Southeast Asia. It has a strong odor that lingers in your mouth. As a Malaysian, petai is not foreign to me. The curry helps reduce the strong taste of the petai.

The papaya salad was well seasoned, the fried chicken wings were crispy and juicy, and the fritters were delicious, with crunchy banana goodness.

The prices are pretty high, but the view is worth a trip!

Papaya salad – 331.35 baht

Curry prawns with bamboo – 416.31 baht

Deep-fried banana fritters – 212.40 baht

The Height

Website: https://www.silavadeeresort.com/silavadee-dining.php

Opening hours: Daily 17:00 p.m. – 22:30 p.m.

Telephone: +66 77 960 555

Address: 208/66 Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand

Paste – Michelin Star Thai restaurant

Paste is a Michelin-starred restaurant located on the 3rd floor of the Gaysorn Village. The head chef, Bee Satongun, is dedicated to restoring and preserving traditional Thai cuisine while adding a modern touch. The restaurant’s interior features contemporary Thai decor, with a large centerpiece of sinuous strips of silkworm cocoons. The high ceiling, airy dining space, and warm colors create a comfortable dining experience. The staff wore traditional Thai-inspired attire.

Spanner crab on a seaweed sesame cracker

The amuse-bouche was exquisite – rich umami flavor.

Old-style hot & sour soup of crisp pork leg, char-grilled shallots,
jackfruit seeds, and roasted tomatoes in a smoky chicken broth.

The soup was lovely and very appetizing. It was tangy and smokey with a reasonable amount of heat.

Loas-Vieng style sour orange curry, line-caught seabass
with roasted mung bean and drum stick flowers

The fish was very fresh and tender. However, the curry was a bit bland; I preferred a spicier, intense-flavored curry.

Complimentary orange sorbet

The sorbet was a sweet, refreshing ending to the meal.

Overall, the service was attentive, and the food was of excellent quality. However, I have mixed feelings about the restaurant. I was not blown away by the food; the dishes did not justify the price for me. I was expecting more from a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Still water 80 baht

Hot and sour pork leg soup 750 baht

Sour orange seabass curry 1300 baht

Riceberry 150 baht

Paste

Website: https://www.pastebangkok.com/

Opening hours:

Daily
Lunch 12:00 pm – 14:00 pm
Dinner 18:30 pm – 23:00 pm

Telephone: +66(0)2 656 1003

Address: 3rd Floor, Gaysorn, 999 Ploenchit Rd., Lumpini, Bangkok

Ibagu, traditional tea house

Tucked away in one of Insadong’s alleyways is a quaint traditional tea house – Ibagu. The tea house is housed in a traditional building. The soft lighting and background music added to the ambiance. Our server was friendly and spoke reasonably good English.

The menu consists of a variety of Korean teas, desserts, coffee, and Western teas. There are also four set menus of different dessert-drink combinations.

We ordered a set menu and a roasted 5-grain smoothie.

The set menu we ordered included a long white rice cake, sweet red bean porridge, and a coffee. The red bean porridge had a smooth consistency and was unexpectedly savory with a hint of sweetness. The rice cake was interesting. Before this, I have only had Tteokbokki (spicy rice cake). The warm rice cakes were covered in soybean powder with a syrup drizzle. If you like the Japanese Kinako mochi, you will like this.

The roasted 5-grain smoothie was the highlight! It was rich, creamy, sweet, and nutty. It was one of those drinks where you have to have another after the first sip. The drink resembles a peanut smoothie but is more fragrant; my most memorable drink here in Seoul.

The prices here are a bit high but worth a visit.

Set menu 3 ( 2 desserts and a beverage) 19,500 won

Roasted 5-grain smoothie 8,000 won

Ibagu

Opening hours: Daily 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Telephone: +82 2-730-2088

Address: 5 Insadong 6-gil, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea