Las Vegas – Where to stay?

Pilots + Cabin Crew on January 17, 2022

Where to stay in Las Vegas?

Where to stay in Las Vegas? That’s one question we get a lot, so here are our recommendations:

If you are only in Vegas for a couple of days and you want to be close to where everything is happening, make sure you book a hotel on The Strip. The Strip is the long stretch of road also known as Las Vegas Blvd. South, and this is where you find the large majority of the giant casino resorts and shopping malls.

On The Strip, we suggest that you stay somewhere between Wynn/Encore to the north and Mandalay Bay to the south. Further south and further north will be too far from all the action.
During the summer, Las Vegas is hot (literally speaking) so walking any longer distances is out of the question.

Taxis, Uber and Lyft are only allowed to pick up passengers at the designated taxi/ride share stands in front of the casinos, so even though it is not a problem to book a ride, it might still include a lot of walking inside and outside the casinos. Picking a hotel, which is not too far from the places you are planning to visit, can save you both time and money.

Regarding room rates, the best deals are usually on stays during the week (unless there is a big convention in town). On Friday-Sunday and on holidays the prices go up significantly.

If you like pool parties:

..and you are in Las Vegas during the summer months, make sure to pick one of the hotels with a dayclub. Dayclubs are like giant pool parties, and some of them have regular guest performances by celebrated DJs and artists from around the world. Some of the resorts with popular dayclubs include MGM (Wet Republic), Marquee (Marquee Dayclub) and Encore (Encore Beach Club). If you don’t want to dress up to go to the pool, but prefer to tan in peace and quiet, while reading a book or knitting a sweater, choose Palazzo, Venetian, Caesar’s Palace or Bellagio, which all got beautiful pool areas without the unga-bunga ambience.

If you love shopping:

Most of the casino hotels have some kind of retail area, but if you are looking for shopping that goes beyond souvenir shops and luxury boutiques, consider Planet Hollywood (Miracle Mile Shops), The Palazzo/The Venetian (Grand Canal Shoppes) and Caesars Palace (Forum Shops).
The Palazzo, The Venetian, Wynn and Encore are all located just opposite Fashion Show Mall, which is the biggest mall in Las Vegas. From these hotels, you are also just a short bus trip from the big Ross store north of The Strip and the outlet shopping mall Las Vegas Premium Outlets North.

If you’re into clubbing:

Some of Las Vegas’ hottest clubs right now are Marquee at Cosmopolitan, Hakkasan at MGM, Omnia at Caesars Palace and XS at Wynn/Encore. If you are looking to party all night long, it makes good sense to stay close to your favorite club. Being able to walk right up in bed, while the other partygoers are queuing in the taxi line is priceless. If you are not sure which clubs you will be visiting, stay at Caesars Palace or one of the other hotel on that part of The Strip. Then you will be within walking distance (of course depending on what kind of shoes you are wearing) to most of the popular clubs. The southern part of the Strip (from New York New York and further south), does not really have a lot of options when it comes to fancy clubbing, but the dining opportunities are fabulous and the room rates usually a tad lower than the rest of the Strip.

If you’d rather spend your money on something else than hotel rooms:

One of our favorite budget hotels in Las Vegas is The Linq, which is located just opposite of Caesars Palace, right at the heart of The Strip. The location of budget friendly Excalibur and Luxor is also ok. Spend a little more, or look out for special offers, and you might be able to land a nicer room at New York New York, Planet Hollywood or MGM.

4 Parks You Should Visit in New York City

Pilots + Cabin Crew on January 16, 2022

Parks You Should Visit in New York City

New York City is not just about skyscrapers and busy streets. The city has a wonderful selection of parks in all shapes and sizes, and even in Manhattan, you are rarely more than a couple of blocks away from a green spot. Here are some of the most popular parks in the city:

Central Park

Central Park is a green oasis in the middle of Manhattan’s concrete jungle, and it is a wonderful place to visit. It often gets crowded around the southern entrances to the park, but just a few blocks further north, it is easy to find your own, secluded spot.

When the weather is nice, this is also the place to have a picnic in the city. Or why not go for a jog around Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, which is the big lake in the northern part of the park?

The park is huge, so if you want to see more than just a tiny corner, renting a bike or hiring a pedicab is strongly recommended.

A picnic in Central Park (Mitzie Mee Blog>>

Central Park in a pedicab (Mitzie Mee Blog) >>

Parks You Should Visit in New York City

The High Line

This 1.45-mile-long park runs through Chelsea along an elevated railroad track, providing a unique escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. During the summer months, food and drinks can be purchased from vendors in the area between 15th & 17th street, and a variety of activities take place in the park during the week.

The High Line Park attracts a lot of visitors, and it can get crowded at times, especially on weekends, so go there in the morning or be prepared to share the park with the rest of New York.

The high Line on a cold December day (Mitzie Mee Blog) >>

Sockerbit and The High Line (Mitzie Mee Blog) >>

Parks You Should Visit in New York City

Bryant Park

Compared to Central Park and The High Line, Bryant Park may seem somewhat less interesting, but the park is very popular among New Yorkers. In the summer, you can hang around on the big lawn, and in the winter, there is a free ice skating rink on the park premises.

There are plenty of public café tables lining the park, so grab something to go from one of the nearby outlets, and sit down at one of the cafe tables provided. Lady M is just across the street, and their milles crêpe cakes are to die for. Bryant Park is sometimes used for movie screenings, tai chi lessons and other events, so keep an eye on the calendar at the Bryant Park website.

Bryant Park Café – Summer in the city (Mitzie Mee Blog)>>

Parks You Should Visit in New York City

Madison Square Park

Madison Square Park is cozy, but it isn’t really a place, where you hang out. I’ve added Madison Square Park to this list anyway, and that’s because the park is also home to the original location of Shake Shack. If you haven’t tried a Shake Shack burger yet, then this is your reason to visit Madison Square Park.

Shake Shack in Madison Square Park (Mitzie Mee Blog) >>

Where to stay in Dubai?

Pilots + Cabin Crew on November 19, 2021

Where to stay in Dubai? Dubai Guide

Where to stay in Dubai? The answer to that question depends largely on what your plans are for your visit. Shopping? Sun bathing? Partying all night long? Rest assured there is a neighborhood for all preferences and budgets.

Most hotels in Dubai have a pool, but if you are planning on spending most of the time on the beach, it might be worth considering booking one of the beachfront resorts. They are more expensive than hotels further away from the beach, but they come with facilities such as sun beds, beach towels, and shower facilities, which you would have to pay extra for, if you are visiting a beach club or a public beach.

Some hotels offer free shuttle buses to the beach, so if you are on a budget and don’t want to miss out on Dubai’s beaches, a hotel at a cheaper location but with a free beach shuttle might be a good option.

Another way to save on transportation costs is to stay at a hotel close to a metro station. The metro is an affordable and convenient way to get around, and there are metro stops close to many of the city’s major attractions.

Here is a list of some of the most popular areas to stay in Dubai:

JBR & Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is located in the southern part of Dubai. It is a beautiful area with a resort atmosphere and an abundancy of entertainment and dining options.

JBR is on the beach-facing side of the marina. The JBR Beach is the largest public beach in Dubai, and there are sun beds, shower facilities, water sports and changing rooms available for a fee. The area around Dubai Marina and JBR is one of the most tourist-friendly places in Dubai. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, ranging from casual spots to more upscale venues, but there are only a few, smaller nightclubs, so if you are looking for some serious clubbing, the Downtown area is probably a better choice.

This part of Dubai is one of the few areas in the city, where you don’t need a car to get around. In the heart of Dubai Marina, you find Dubai Marina Mall, which is a cozy mall with a limited, but nice selection of shops, and a handful of popular cafes facing the promenade. On JBR, the outdoor mall The Beach JBR, features plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops. There is also a movie theatre, and on weekends, there is a night market.

The tram connects all parts of Dubai Marina and JBR. It also connects with the metro, making it easy to get around, no matter where in the area you are staying. The beach resorts in the Marina/JBR area are among the most expensive in Dubai, but the hotels without direct access to the beach are more affordable.

Keywords: Close to the beach, Relaxed atmosphere, touristy, pricey.

JLT

JLT is located on the other side of SZR (Sheikh Zayed Road), just opposite Dubai Marina. Hotels in JLT are generally less expensive than in the Marina area, and it is a very nice area with a good selection of affordable, independent restaurants and cafes. There are also a few bars in JLT, but compared to the Marina JLT is a lot more quiet at night. There are two walkways connecting JLT with the metro station and Dubai Marina, but while JLT is popular among expats in Dubai, you rarely run into tourists on that side of SZR.

Keywords: Budget friendly, good for foodies, relatively close to the beach.

Palm Jumeirah

If sun and sand in luxury settings are what you are looking for, Palm Jumeirah is the place to stay. Most resorts have several restaurants, bars and private beach, eliminating the need to venture beyond the resort gates during your stay. The Palm is rather far from most attractions, and transportation (including the tram that runs up and down the trunk of the Palm) is rather expensive. There are some pedestrian areas on The Palm, such as Al Ittihad Park, which provides a quiet oasis below the tram line on the upper part of the trunk of the Palm, and The Pointe, which is the new waterfront complex with restaurants, shops, and fountain shows, but getting from one part of the Palm to another would in most cases require a taxi/car ride.

Keywords: Luxury resort life, private beach, peace & quiet

Al Barsha

The area around Mall of the Emirates has several budget friendly hotels and restaurants, but bars and nightlife options are very limited. The shopping is excellent (MoE is the second largest mall in Dubai), and there is also a good selection of cheap beauty salons in the area. If you are staying close to a metro station, you are only a short metro ride from JBR Beach.

Keywords: Budget friendly, good shopping (Mall of the Emirates)

Downtown/Business Bay/ DIFC

The three neighborhoods have almost melted into one big area, and this is where you find some of the city’s fanciest restaurants and most upscale nightclubs. This is where to stay if you want to be in the center of it all, close to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and get your full dose of dynamic Dubai vibe. DIFC Gate Village consists of 10 towers joined by a walkway, and this is one of the main upscale dining and nightlife hubs in Dubai these days. Business Bay is very popular among expats, and somewhat more quiet and less expensive than Downtown and DIFC. All areas are quite far from the beach, but many hotels offer beach shuttles several times a day.

Keywords: Glitz & glamour, big city vibe, fancy bars and restaurants.

Old Dubai – Deira & Bur Dubai

Deira and Bur Dubai is located around Dubai Creek. The areas are also known as old Dubai, and this is the place to stay, if you want a more authentic experience of the city, away from all the glitz and glamour. Many people in Bur Dubai and Deira are expats and guest workers from Northern Africa, the Middle East and South Asian countries, which is reflected in the cuisine at the restaurants and small eateries, making this part of the city a goldmine for adventurous foodies.

Overall, hotels are generally very cheap in Deira and Bur Dubai, but the standard is oftentimes lower than in other parts of the city, and many of the hotels are rather old. Traffic is heavy, and it can be a bit tricky to get around. The area is not suited for pedestrians either, except for the part right by the creek including the bustling souks on each side of the water. The area is definitely worth a visit, but if the aforementioned glitz & glamour is what you came for, there are better areas for you.

Al Garhoud

The area close to the airport is a good place to stay for those on a short visit to Dubai. Though if you want to splash in a nice pool, you might want to stay somewhere else, as only a few of the more upscale resorts and hotels have nice pool areas, and an Uber/Careem to the beach is expensive. There is a good selection of restaurants at the hotels in the area and also several casual bars including the bar/restaurant streets in Irish Village and Century Village. Good deals on hotels are often available, but you are far from the beach and most attractions, so if you are staying for more than a couple of days, you might want to consider staying in another area.

Bangkok Shopping Guide – What to buy?

Pilots + Cabin Crew on October 12, 2021

Bangkok Shopping Guide - What to buy

Bangkok is a great shopping destination, and almost everything is cheaper than back home, that is, if home is Europe or the US. Just steer clear of international brands and look for locally made instead. Get ready to shop ‘til you drop!  Here are some of the things you should bring back from Thailand:

Remember to check the import regulations for your home country. Some countries have very strict regulations for imports, and certain items mentioned below might not be allowed for import.

Dehydrated fruit

If you like dehydrated fruit, Bangkok is your lucky city. Edible souvenirs are the best, so bring home some long-lasting versions of tasty, exotic fruit. Try to buy the fruit at the supermarkets in the city, as it is cheaper than buying at the airport shops.

K-Beauty/A-Beauty

Asian beauty products are really big all over the world, and most of the biggest brands have branches in Bangkok. The Thai beauty chain Beauty Buffet makes nice products at very affordable prices, and if you like Korean skin care, Etude House and The Face Shop have several stores throughout the city.

Orchids

At the airport, many shops are selling beautiful orchids, packed, and ready for a long flight. They are pricey but oh so beautiful, so I usually buy them anyway, and if you take good care of them, they will last 2 weeks or more.

Shoes

Platinum Mall has a great shoes department, and a pair of flats are typically 300THB or less. Terminal 21 also has a good selection of stylish, affordable shoe stores, though most of them are more expensive than the ones in Platinum Mall. The shoes from brands Made in Thailand tend to be of a better quality and a nicer design than the ones from China.

Thai silk

This beautiful fabric is very affordable but watch out and use your common sense. Many market vendors are also selling cheaper polyester scarves from China, so if in doubt, ask if it’s really Thai silk. Most of the vendors will be honest enough to tell you if it’s not the real deal. Real Thai silk scarves of a good size and quality will typically be around 1000THB and up.

Tiger balm

This world famous menthol balm is said to help relieve muscle ache and all sorts of other sufferings. You will find it at most pharmacies and in the airport.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is the cure for anything from mosquito bites to sun burns. You can also smother a thick layer on your face and use it as a facial mask. In Thailand, aloe vera gel is available everywhere, but the pharmacies tend to have somewhat better products.

Soap, diffusers and room fragrances

If you just can’t get enough of the smell of lime and lemongrass, make sure to buy diffusers, soap and essential oils. Look for organic, natural products. They are more expensive, but also much nicer to use.

Regarding counterfeit goods

Yes, they are everywhere, but unless you want to support an industry known for child labor and slave labor, run by criminal organizations, don’t buy counterfeit products. Fakes are tacky, end of discussion.

Dubai: Nice vegan and vegetarian restaurants

Pilots + Cabin Crew on August 15, 2021

Dubai has truly embraced the plant-based trend, and nowadays, you’ll find that most restaurants in Dubai offer several vegan or vegetarian dishes on the menu, making the city a great dining destination even for non-carnivores. Dubai also has a large Indian community, and many Indians are vegetarians for religious reasons, so there are plenty of Indian vegetarian restaurants in the city. Here are some of our favorite vegan/vegetarian restaurants and cafes in Dubai:

None of the restaurants serve alcohol.

Seva Table

$$

Seva is a yoga/art/meditation/healing space located in a lush garden in Jumeirah, and Seva Table is the cute little café on the premises. During the cool season, you’d want to sit outside in the garden, but in the warmer months, the bright and cozy indoor space is your best choice. They only have a small kitchen, so service can be a bit slow.

Best for: Breakfast and lunch

What to order? The vegan omelet is really good. Also make sure you try their homemade kombucha.

oul Sante Dubai Marina

Soul Sante

$$

This all-vegan café is serving healthy and delicious food in Dubai Marina. The menu is international and very Instagram friendly, for those who care about that:)

What to order? The eggless omelet and the jackfruit tacos are delicious. If you go there for breakfast, the coconut pancakes are amazing.

Best for: Breakfast and lunch

Little Erth, Dubai vegan restaurants

Little Erth

$$

Cute restaurant in JLT with an impressive selection of cold pressed juices and a good selection of international vegan dishes on the menu. The indoor and the outdoor seating areas are both really nice, making the restaurant a good choice for any meal throughout the day.

What to order: The summer papaya rolls and the vegan cheese. The vegan meatballs are also very good.

Best for: Lunch and dinner

Wild & The Moon, Dubai vegan restaurants

Wild & The Moon

$$

Stylish vegan cafe at Al Serkal Avenue in Dubai’s new art district. The cafe has a good selection of bowls with all the vegan ingredients that are trending right now.

What to order? Any of the bowls are a good choice

Best for: Breakfast and lunch

Saarangaa Bhojan Shala

Saarangaa Bhojan Shala

$

This Indian vegetarian restaurant feels like a hidden vegetarian gem in Dubai Marina. Very clean place and nice staff, who are happy to answer any question you have about the food. The restaurant is particularly known for dosa (thin Indian crepes), but the different set menus are also really good value. End the meal with a cup of Indian coffee and enjoy watching how it is served at your table.

What to order? Dosa or one of the set menus

Best for: Lunch and dinner

Fun things to do in Tokyo

Pilots + Cabin Crew on August 8, 2021

Fun things to do in Tokyo - Tokyo Guide

It is almost impossible to get bored in Tokyo as there are so many things to do and places to see. Here are some of my suggestions to some really nice experiences in Tokyo:

Arcades – Go gaming!

Tokyo has some really big, really cool arcades, and stepping inside is like entering a parallel universe. Several floors of the arcades are typically dedicated to pachinko, which is a Japanese arcade game, that I have yet to understand, but which has managed to keep its position as one of the favorite pastimes for male Japanese office workers through decades. I usually head to the floors with skiing or race car games instead.

Club SEGA is probably the most well-known arcade chain, but Joypolis is another popular place. Most arcades also have a purikura section with photo booths. After taking your photos, you proceed to the screen outside the booth to decorate your photos. That was what people did before Instagram and Snapchat filters and stickers:)

One of my favorite arcades in Tokyo is the retro arcade 1-Chome Playland at Decks. It is such a fun place to visit and I can spend hours checking out the old arcade games.

If you are looking to buy your own retro gaming console, Super Potato is the place to visit. The multi-floor shop in Akihabara sells pre-owned consoles and games, and they also have a small retro-gaming room, where you can buy Japanese snacks to keep the energy level up while you are playing. I bought a SNES and a bunch of games the last time I was there, and it was really cheap. Though if you buy an old console, make sure to head over to Yodobashi Akiba afterwards and get the right cables so you can connect it to your TV at home.

Onsen in Tokyo

Spend a day at an onsen

An onsen is a traditional Japanese communal bath, but some of them have evolved to be more like spas with big recreational areas, restaurants and spa services. One of them is Oedo Onsen Monogatari. The onsen have several different baths and a beautiful outdoor garden. There is also a good selection of restaurants and a relaxation area, where you can nap for several hours if you want. It is an excellent way to kill jetlag and get a great start on your Tokyo visit.

Odaiba Beach in Tokyo

Chill out at the beach

It takes less than an hour to get from central Tokyo to the pearly white beach at the man-made Odaiba island. Swimming is not allowed, but the beach is a popular place for sunbathing and beach sports. Odaiba also has several shopping malls including Decks, which is where you find Joypolis and 1-Chome Playland that I mentioned above.

Don’t miss: Taking a photo of the giant Gundam statue at DiverCity.

View from above Tokyo

See the city from above – Visit Tokyo Skytree

It is only when you see Tokyo from above that you really understand what a gigantic city it is, and from Tokyo Skytree, you have some of the best views. No matter where you look, the built-up areas just continue and continue all the way to the horizon. At the base of the tower, a myriad of shops and restaurants occupy the first couple of floors and outside the tower, there is a popular beer garden which is open during the summer months.

Watch out: When the sky is clear, you can see Mt. Fuji from the tower.

Senso-ji temple in Tokyo

Immerse yourself in Japanese history and culture at Sensō-ji

The big red Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa is like an oasis of old culture and traditions in the middle of high-tech Tokyo. Along the alley that leads up to the temple, you can buy souvenirs and snacks from some of the many vendors, and down the small streets surrounding the temple area, there is a great selection of shops selling traditional Japanese ceramics, knives and kitchenware. 

Tip: Remember to try the paper fortune at the temple and get to know what the future brings for you.

Robot Restaurant in Tokyo

Visit a themed restaurant for lots of only-in-Japan fun

When it comes to themed restaurants there is no place like Tokyo. From cat cafes to ninja bars, you name it, Tokyo got it. If you do not mind zombie attacks in the middle of dinner, then get a table at The Lockup for one of the scariest dinner experiences in the city. 

Karaoke-kan in Tokyo

Sing Karaoke!

Karaoke Kan is the biggest karaoke chain in Japan and this is the one I always recommend my friends, when they ask where to go for karaoke in Tokyo. The karaoke-machines at Karaoke-Kan are really intuitive to use and they have a huge selection of Japanese and international hits. The Shibuya branch is the busiest one, both due to the location but also due to the fact that it was featured in Lost in Translation. If you want to rent the rooms (601 and 602) in which the movie was shot, it is essential to make a booking in advance.

Tip: Go for one of the plans with all-you-can-drink, if you want a cost-efficient way to start (or end) a night out.

Dubai: Guide to Lebanese Restaurants

Pilots + Cabin Crew on July 11, 2021

Guide to Lebanese restaurants in Dubai

Lebanese food is among the most popular in Dubai, among both expats and locals, and some of the most prominent Lebanese restaurants are often mistaken to be Emirati restaurants by tourists, because of the large number of Emirati diners. The grilled dishes are often a safe bet, but make sure you try some of the delicious mezze too (and that’s not just hummus). Lebanese national, hardcore foodie, and long term Dubai resident Jijjo shares her favorite Lebanese restaurants in Dubai:

Ibn AlBahr

This is the place to go for Lebanese-style grilled fish and seafood. For appetizers, order the clams, the hummus and the fattoush (salad), and for a main course, I would order grilled fish. My favorite is the sea bream, but the red snapper and the hamour are also good choices. You can choose from a range of different cooking methods, but I like the Chargrilled butterfly style the best.

Ibn AlBahr is licensed (serves alcohol)

Ibn AlBahr, Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Tel: +971 54 469 0075

Al Safadi

There are 4 Al Safadi restaurants in Dubai, and the one at Sheikh Zayed Road is probably the most well-known. Many Emiratis go here for family dinners and the restaurant is always busy. Al Safadi is known for its big selection of hot and cold mezze, and I recommend that you order a bunch of different ones for the table to share. In addition to hummus, moutabel and fattoush, try and the fatteh with meat (chickpeas, fried bread, meat, topped with yogurt), the sujouk (fried spicy sausage), the hendbeh (cooked dandelion leaves) and the raw kebbe (raw, seasoned minced meat) for the adventurous souls.

Al Safadi do not serve alcohol

Al Safadi, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Al Beiruti

Al Beiruti is a new restaurant that I really like. Ras Asfour is a dish with small pieces of meat, and Al Beiruti does a version with mustard, which is delicious. Their fatteh with grilled or fried eggplant topped with yogurt, pine nuts and pomegranate is also tasty, and you might also want to try the stuffed vine leaves, which are very nice too. Al Beiruti has these special fries which are served topped with yogurt, like patatas bravas, but with yogurt, and it is also a must-order. They do no serve alcohol, but you can enjoy a shisha instead.  

Al Beiruti, Exit 41, Sheikh Zayed Road, Umm Al Sheif, Dubai

Wafi Gourmet

Wafi Gourmet is located inside Wafi Mall close to the airport. They opened back in 2001, so this is a real classic, when it comes to Lebanese food in Dubai. The original location is inside Wafi Mall, but they also have a branch in Dubai Mall. A good place to go for authentic Lebanese food, especially if you are staying in the airport area.

Wafi Gourmet (inside Wafi Mall), Oud Metha Road, Dubai

Jijjo, Local Expert Dubai

Jijjo – Dubai Local Expert

Lebanese national and Dubai expat Jijjo guides us through the dining and drinking scene in Dubai. Jijjo has been living in Dubai for the past 8 years, first in Business Bay and now in Dubai Marina. Jijjo has high standards when it comes to food and drinks, so if she gives a place thumbs up, you can be sure that it is good.

Follow Jijjo on Instagram >>

Oslo Nightlife: Nice bars in Oslo

Pilots + Cabin Crew on July 10, 2021

Bars & Nightlife - Oslo Guide

Considering the fact that Oslo is not exactly the cheapest place to go out, the city has a surprisingly good selection of bars, ranging from upscale rooftop venues to speakeasy-style, hard-to-find places. A night out in Oslo would typically start with dinner at a restaurant around 8pm (7pm on weekdays) followed by drinks at a bar until midnight. Expect to spend around 100 NOK on a beer/a glass of house wine, and 130 NOK and up on a cocktail.

We have asked local expert Frank to share some of his favorite bars in Oslo:

Eff Eff

New oyster bar in Fredensborg with a good selection of oysters from Norway and abroad. You don’t have to eat oysters at Eff Eff, a lot of people just go for a glass of wine, and maybe some of the non-oyster snacks on the menu.

Eff Eff, Fredensborgveien 22A, Oslo

Summit Bar

Elegant bar on the 21st floor at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel on Holberg. Summit Bar underwent a refurbishment in 2016 by the renowned Norwegian architecture and design group Snøhetta, and the bar is probably the best place in Oslo to sip on fancy cocktails while taking in the stunning views of the city.

Summit Bar at Radisson Blu, Holbergs gate 30, Oslo

Himkok

Cocktail bar and craft distillery located in one of the oldest brick buildings in Oslo. Most of the spirits served in the bar comes from the in-house distillery, and a bottle of Himkok Gin or Himkok Aquavit would both make nice souvenirs of your visit to Oslo. Himkok does not look like much from the outside, and it is easy to walk by, even if you know, where you are going.

Himkok, Storgata 27, Oslo

Izakaya

Japanese-style izakaya (Japanese pub), located in a basement on St. Olavs Gate. Izakaya has a good selection of Japanese small plates, beer, and sake, and the place really feels like a little piece of Japan in the middle of Oslo.

Izakaya, St. Olavs Gate 7, Oslo

Free things to do in Las Vegas

Pilots + Cabin Crew on July 6, 2021

The Dancing Fountains at Bellagio, Las Vegas Guide

Las Vegas is a great place to have fun, and it is not just for high rollers. There are plenty of things you can experience for free in Las Vegas, and here are some of our favorites:

1. Watch the dancing fountains in front of Bellagio

The dancing fountains in front of Bellagio is a beautiful sight, especially after dark. It’s probably the most popular free thing to do in Las Vegas, and on weekends it gets really crowded in front of the Bellagio Lake. The fountains dance to a rotating musical repertoire spanning from Michael Jackson to The Beatles and at the end of the show, the water shoots far up in the air. You have the best view right in front of the fence, and if you want to take photos without too many heads and hands in your frame, this is where you want to be.

The Fountains of Bellagio, Las Vegas

The Conservatory at Bellagio, Las Vegas Guide

2. Admire the flower displays at The Conservatory

Take a break from the hustle and bustle on The Strip inside this peaceful corner at Bellagio. The flower displays at The Conservatory changes with season, so even though you’ve been to Vegas before, The Conservatory is always worth a visit. The Conservatory is open 24 hours, but especially in the afternoon, it sometimes gets crowded. The best time to go and visit is early in the morning.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, Las Vegas

Read the blog post about the Conservatory (Mitzie Mee) >>

The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, Las Vegas Guide

3.  Say hi to the flamingos at the Wildlife Habitat

Vegas is Vegas, so of course The Flamingo has its own Flamingo habitat. The beautiful pink birds are hanging out in a lush garden with natural fences, and they seem to be treated well. In addition to flamingos, there are also a number of exotic birds and fish species to admire.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, Las Vegas

Read the blog post about the Wildlife Habitat (Mitzie Mee) >>

The Volcano at The Mirage, Las Vegas Guide

4. See the volcano eruption in front of The Mirage

The volcano in front of The Mirage erupts every night to an infernal soundtrack composed by Mickey Hart from The Grateful Dead and Zakir Hussain. The free performance, which includes fireballs, flames and smoke, goes on for about 10 minutes, before the volcano calms down again.

The volcano is located right in front of The Mirage, so you’ll have a nice view from The Strip. On weekends, the eruptions attract a lot of people, but The Mirage is quite a bit north on The Strip, so it does not attract the same crowds as the dancing fountains in front of the Bellagio.

The Volcano at The Mirage, Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Sign, Las Vegas Guide

5. Visit the Las Vegas Sign

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is located at the southern end of the Strip, just south of Mandalay Bay. The sign looks best in the golden hours just around sunset and sunrise, so try to get there around that time. It gets busy out there, so prepare to wait if you want a selfie in front of the sign.

For the plane spotters: McCarran Airport is just across the street, so depending on which runway is in use, you can also get a really nice view of airplanes taking off or touching down.

Read the blog post about the Las Vegas Sign (Mitzie Mee) >>

NYC: Guide to Korean Restaurants

Pilots + Cabin Crew on July 2, 2021

Guide to Korean Restaurants in New York, NYC Guide

Korean food has been trending in NYC for quite a while, but which restaurants are the best? Local expert April shares her favorite Korean restaurants in the city:

Rib No. 7

Rib No. 7 is a new Korean BBQ restaurant known for excellent marinated beef. I usually prefer un-marinated meat for bbq, but the Dressed up Oodae Galbi (marinated prime aged rib) at Rib No. 7 is delicious. In Korea, we have fried rice after the barbecue, and at Rib. No. 7 you can order fried rice prepared at your table with the grease from the barbecue, so remember to save some appetite for that.

Rib No. 7, 32W 33rd Street (between Broadway and 5th Ave), Koreatown, New York

Yoon

The original branch is located in Busan in Korea, and it is highly popular and known throughout the country. My dad used to work in Busan, so I have been with him to Yoon on several occasions. I was therefore delighted to find out that the youngest of the 3 sons of the founder had decided to open a Yoon branch in New York City.

The signature dish at Yoon is the non-marinated galbi, which is divine. Another dish that I often order, and that you don’t find at many other Korean restaurants is the Octopus over rice, which is also very good.

Yoon, 8 West 36th Street, Midtown West, New York

Samwon Garden Korean BBQ

Koreatown is smack in the middle of Manhattan, so the area is easily accessible and very popular among tourists. Though the food in Koreatown is often westernized and not very authentic, but there are some exceptions. One of them is Samwon Garden Korean BBQ, which is a Korean restaurant from Seoul. It recently opened in NYC, and it is very popular among Koreans. In spite of the name, Samwon Garden Korean BBQ also serves regular Korean food, not just barbecue, and their lunch specials are very good too.

Samwon Garden Korean BBQ, 37 W 32nd St, Koreatown, New York

Her name is Han

The food at Her Name Is Han is very authentic Korean but the ambience is really cool and stylish, more like a typical NYC restaurant, and the food is really good.

Her name is Han, 17 E 31st St, Midtown, New York

Take 31

Take 31 is a Korean-style izakaya located right next to Her Name Is Han, and and the two spots have the same owner. Koreans like to eat something when they are drinking and Take 31 serves the kind of food you would want along with your beer/soju/makgeolli. And talking about makgeolli, Take 31is known for their fruit-flavored version of this traditional Korean rice wine.

Take 31, 15 E 31st St, Midtown, New York

Atoboy

This is Korean fusion food when it is best. Maybe it is just me, but I think they are just getting better and better over time? The prix fixe menu consists of 5 dishes for 75USD (July 2021) and includes gratuity. Atoboy also has a 2 Michelin star (2021) sister restaurant, Atomix. I haven’t been there yet, as it is impossible to get a table, but I’ve heard it is supposed to be very good.

Atoboy, 43 E 28th St, NoMad, New York

Oiji

Oiji is a modern Korean restaurant in East Village. It is extremely popular right now, so no matter when you go, it always seems to be jam-packed. Try their honey butter chips, this is the dessert everybody is talking about:)

Oiji, 119 1st Avenue, East Village, New York

Jua

This Korean fine dining restaurant opened during the pandemic, and it is such a nice place. The food is very different from the spiciness and heavy marinades that people usually associate with Korean food. The flavors are natural and somewhat light and subtle, with some fusion elements mixed into the modern Korean dishes.

The tasting menu consists of 7 courses and costs 120USD (July 2021).

Jua, 36E 22nd Street, Flatiron, New York

So I know this was supposed to be about Korean food in Manhattan, but I just want you to know that you find the most authentic Korean food out in Murray Hill in Flushing. It is difficult to visit the restaurants out there if you do not speak Korean, as most menus are Korean only and the staff only speaks very little English, but the food is very good and much cheaper than in Manhattan. 

April, Local expert New York City


April – NYC Local Expert

April is originally from Seoul in Korea, but she has been living in New York City for 19 years, so she is a real New Yorker now. Though she has not forgotten her love for Korean food, and if there is anyone who knows the Korean restaurant scene in NYC, it is April. 

Follow April on Instagram >>