O, Korean food. You sweet, spicy, and delicious bastard you. 

Two weeks ago, three of my best friends came to visit me in NYC as we squeezed in a tiny room that could barely fit my bed, dresser, and my desk. We basically slept on top of each other (we're REALLY good friends). OKAY. That's not the point of the story. The point is is that we went to a restaurant called Boka one night while trying to find places to drink in St. Marks.

For those who don't know what St. Mark's is: it's basically a cultural street in East Village, where you can basically go in any restaurant and have a delicious meal or awesome drinks. If you don't think your food is adventurous enough, you can also get a piercing or get inked in the many tattoo/piercing parlors in the neighboring buildings to get your pants wet from too much adventure.

Okay, back to the story. So walking around St. Mark's, we saw many appealing restaurants from the outside, but the lines were much too long. Remember, it was a Saturday night and everyone was already drunk at this point and people are trying to satisfy their drunk munchies. Then we stumbled upon Boka. I have to be honest, from the outside, it looked a bit sketchy. But once inside, it was actually large and comfortable (except for waiting room, which could only fit two parties at a time without being in the way of the people coming in and out of the restaurant. Seriously the waiting room was smaller than a Starbucks bathroom). The atmosphere offers a fusion of the modern Asian and your local hipster.

Crab and Avocado - $5.60                                  Salmon, Tuna - $5.85

We opened with Boka Rice Balls. I ordered the Salmon, Avocado Rice Ball and Josh ordered the  Crab and Avocado Rice Ball. This dish was pretty good. The rice was sweet and there was enough inside the ball to balance the rice to meat ratio. The rice balls reminded me of the lunches I'd buy from my Korean friends back in high school. O, don't you just love when you order appetizers with a side of childhood memories? No? Okay. Nevermind. Let's move on.

Combo Large (10 wings & 5 drumsticks) - $19.95

Look, let's be real together for once. I'm a simple man. I like TV, video games, and chicken wings. Okay, maybe Boka couldn't offer TV or video games, but it did a damn good job with the chicken wings. With two signature flavors of "soy garlic" and "spicy" (Yeah, it's just called spicy), the chicken wings were by far the best thing I've had here. Boka is also known for their wings/drumstick dish. I wish I had enough chicken wings in NYC to state that this is the best chicken wings around, but unfortunately I haven't. However, I would confidently say that this is the best chicken wings I've had in NYC so far. There's your statement right there.

The wings were crispy, as if it was triple battered. The flavors were both amazing and true to their name (holy moly the spicy one). I do prefer the spicy one though, since it was also sweet, adding an interesting twist to the chicken wing. I think the drumsticks were delicious as well, but I preferred eating wings because you lose a lot of the crispiness through having the bigger chicken with less skin.

Watermelon Soju - $29

But you know what they say, "you can't have wings without a drink". I don't know who exactly said that, I think it was Galileo or Martha Stuart or something, but I've heard it before. Maybe it was Rachel Ray or something, ANYWHO, we got drinks. 

OooooOooooohhhhh yessssss. Look at that beautiful thing known as the Watermelon Soju. Okay granted the alcohol to watermelon juice ratio favored alcohol, it wasn't too bad. One $30 watermelon holds up to 4 glasses, but if the drink isn't good, the watermelon holds up to 4 disappointing glasses. Yes, I said it, I didn't enjoy the watermelon soju. I'm no soju connoisseur, nor am I one for alcohol, but I didn't enjoy the taste of a bottle of soju mixed with New York's tasteless watermelons. I admit, I enjoyed the presentation and pouring the drink from the watermelon, but I don't think it deserves its title as a signature drink. I wouldn't have ordered this if it didn't come in a watermelon. I won't be ordering this the next time I come back.

On the bright side, at least we were able to get good instagram photos out of this disappointing $30 drink!

My last couple of weeks have been insane. I've been extremely busy with finals, packing, moving back home, and working at the SoHo International Film Festival. From days where I had to wake up at 9AM to begin work to nights that ended at 5AM to begin sleeping for the next class, my life has been hectic. Finally after finishing all my final papers, I found the time to rest and go out to spend my last real meal in New York City.

My roommates, Josh and Eli, and I went to Brother Jimmy's BBQ for an All-You-Can-Eat-Feast. The feast included unlimited Northern or Southern ribs for a maximum of two hours.

1485 2nd Ave, New York, NY, 10075

The place had an awesome atmosphere. There was a huge range of people eating here. From families to single people looking for a fun night at the bar. They had really interesting decors such as ski ball machines and pin ball machines.

Since we knew were were going to go to an all you can eat feast, we starved ourselves a bit. We were SO hungry!

So we had ordered the Brother Jimmy's BBQ (HUMONGOUS) Nachos. It had chips, BBQ beans, cheese, sour cream, salsa & guacamole served with pulled pork. It was the most amazing batch of nachos I've had in New York. The chips were perfectly baked and the mass amount of topics just somehow, weirdly enough blended so well together. From the picture, it looks medium sized, but when I saw it in person, I could tell why they labelled it HUMONGOUS.

Brother Jimmy's BBQ (HUMONGOUS) Nachos - $14.50

You can tell by the look on Eli's face that this was a very special moment.

Finally the All-You-Can-Eat Rib Feast arrived. You had the choice of two types of ribs: Northern and Southern. It comes with cornbread and 2 extra sides. It also comes with a special discount for drafts of bud or Bud Light for $2 each.

These ribs were so nicely charred in the grill and it tasted delicious. It was so well cooked. You know its cooked when the meat just slides off the bone like hot butter. Just writing about this post makes me hungry for more ribs.

The two sides I ordered were regular fries and mac and cheese. They weren't anything special, but the mac and cheese was actually pretty good.

After this first batch, we had one more batch and we had no choice but to call our defeat. It was just too much to handle. This entire plate was already too much for one person, but TWO plates? That's enough for a beast.

All-You-Can-Eat Rib Feast - $19.95

Overall, this place had amazing ribs and delicious side dishes. I would actually go back here to try some of their BBQ dishes like a pulled pork sandwich. This place is actually priced really well for the amount of food you're getting. Especially their daily specials.

I consider this to be my last supper in New York City. Eating here with my two best friends was the best way to finally say goodbye to this beautiful city. So long New York, I will miss you.

I can't wait to go back to Vancouver. It's been much too long.

"I have never let my schooling interfere with my barbecue"

-Mark Twain

My roommates, Josh, works at an apparently famous burger restaurant called Bare Burger (514 3rd Ave). They have amazing food here, especially (you guessed it) their burgers. Everything is free-range and organic. But what got my attention were the choices of unique meats for your burger.

You were able to choose from the regular burger patty to something exotic like bison, wild boar, or even ostrich! And for those who are vegetarian, they have a veggie menu. They even have quinoa burgers, which sounds amazing and healthy.

I went to the restaurant with my roommate, Eli and my friends Kim and Kendall to surprise our other friend Josh at work.

Eli and Kim started with a House Made Lemonade, which had a nice zest taste and was very refreshing.

House Made Lemonade - $2.95

I also really their decorations and table setting as well. It had a nice rustic feeling to it that gave the perfect atmosphere for the restaurant.

Kendall and I ordered a Bare Shake. She got a chocolate flavored one and I got peanut butter. Compared to Shake Shack's famous shakes, this peanut butter shake was a close competitor. It was sweet and delicious, but it wasn't as smooth as one from Shake Shack. This is still something I'd order again though.

12oz Bare Shake (Gluten Free) - $4.95

Finally, I ordered the Western. It was basically a multigrain bun with smoked mozzarella, country bacon, house-made Carolina slaw, and smokehouse sauce topped with crispy spicy pickle spear. I had it with bison meat. It was really delicious and extremely heavy to eat. I really like how they do the bacon here, it's not like a grocery bought bacon, but it had more of a ham-like consistency. The pickle spears were really tasty as well where it added a nice sour and crunchy flavor in the burger.

Along with the burger, I had a side of Bareburger Onion Rings, which were delicious as well. Its batter was well seasoned and it wasn't too salty, but salty enough to make you want more.

Western - $11.65 + Bareburger Onion Rings $4.95

Overall, this place is a great restaurant for EVERYONE. There is something for meat lovers and tree huggers and that something most definitely delicious. The burgers here are definitely more unique than those of Shake Shack or anywhere where I've been to so far and the amount of choices you have is what gives its appeal. For a place like this, I recommend that you step out of your comfort zone and just try something crazy. You never know, you might even like ostrich meat!

"I still eat a burger at a counter with ketchup dripping down my face"

-Scarlett Johansson

This weekend, after finally getting my Starbucks Goldcard, I wanted to splurge in Starbucks.

I bought a Chicken BLT Salad Sandwich. 

Finding it in the cold sandwiches area, I didn't expect to taste anything special. I was actually surprised of how decent this actually tasted. It was really stuffed and filling. I would actually go back to have another sandwich. It's not to kill for, but it's actually pretty good.

I also grabbed a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino.

This flavor of frappuccino was the best flavor I've ever had (except for a custom frapp a friend made me in Vancouver). This was really sweet and extremely caramel-y! The best part was the crunchy topping.

I'm not one to get frappuccinos in Starbucks, but never have I regret the decision to buy one!

"I've always thought legal addictions are a great way to create a business. Starbucks is a wonderful example."

-Nolan Bushnell

Yesterday afternoon, my Freshman BFA Acting class went on a pot luck in Central Park.

It was beautiful yesterday! It was hot and sunny.

Funny enough, this is the first time I've really hung out in Central Park. To think that having lived here for a good school year, I'd actually hang out in the famous Central Park more often than none.

I mean, look how beautiful it was! I'm still amazed.

After walking around for a good half hour, we found a great area to set up our picnic.

We set up our blankets and enjoyed the sun.

Then came the food! Kim brought empanadas from Empanada Mama, which were absolutely delicious! She got 10 chicken empanadas, 5 pernils (which were like shredded pork), and 5 cheese. Cassidy brough chips and starburst. Randi brought fancy sparkling juices and chips & guac/hummus. Emma brought popcorn. Josh made pasta with pesto sauce. Kendall bought adorable mini cupcakes. Finally, I made homemade Oreo Truffles.

Kendall's cupcakes were really good and fun to eat. It's bite-size cuteness made it pretty to look at.

These were my homemade Oreo truffles. The recipe is a secret as of now. Maybe I'll make a post about its recipe. Yum yum!

Unfortunately, the sun came in and out. Damn clouds!

After 3.5 hours of munching and talking, this mess was born.

At the end of the day, this day was a successful gathering. This was the first time the class had gathered together and the company was perfect. I definitely look forward to more events like this!

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

-Marcel Proust

I have an addiction. It's called large popcorn with extra butter.

Before I say anything else, I wanted to try something new. This segment is called "Movie Munchies" where I not only share my movie time snack, but also my experience watching the said film.

Last night, my roommates and I went to see the midnight release of The Amazing Spider-Man 2. As a honorary nerd and self-titled geek, I was more than excited to see the sequel to the first epic. I was interested to see how Jamie Foxx would pull off Electro and how Dane DeHaan would portray a different kind of Harry Osbon/Green Goblin. Without a doubt, I was extremely impressed with what I saw.

Hardcore Fanboying

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 had put A LOT of things in one movie. My roommates and I agreed that there was a lot that was going on. We say this in a good way, unlike Toby Maguire's Spider-Man 3 where all hell broke loose and ruined the franchise. What I was most impressed about the movie is how close they are portraying the movie to the actual comic books. Some things, which I don't want to spoil, are so spot on.

But what is a great Summer movie without some movie munchies?

Popcorn is my spirit animal

I absolutely love popcorn. Sadly enough, this is my main movie motivator. I cannot sit in a dark theatre without a bag full of buttered popcorn. Even though this is the most expensive part about going to the movies, this is the most necessary.

Although I didn't get a picture of it, I bought a box of Buncha Crunch, which for you Canadian who don't know, is a crunch bar in little ball forms. Sort of like Nerds candy but in chocolate form. I learned from my friend, Kim, that the best way to have it is when you put it in your popcorn and mix the sweet and salty flavors together. It's simply delicious!

Overall, Spider-Man 2 is a must see. If you're a nerd of any kind, or if you just love a romantic action film that will emotionally touch you and have you on the edge of your seat at the same time, then this is the movie for you!

Well, that wraps movie munchies for today! If you guys have any films to recommend to me whether it's in theaters or just Netflix, leave a comment and let me know!

"The best reason to go to the movies is to be with other people. Eating the popcorn, being with other people you don't know."

-Peter Weller

I had intense craving for quiche today. I don't know why, but I just had to get one. With a little help from Yelp, I found the closest places to get quiche.

After watching Marymount Manhattan's production of Beaux Stratagem with my friend, Kim, we went to Le Pain Quotidien. 

1270 1st Ave, New York, NY, 10065

I honestly didn't expect this place to look as good as it did. I was just expecting a little French café.

This place was really vegan and organic friendly (which seems to be my trend for this week). It wasn't just a sit down restaurant, but a bakery and a shop for gluten-free and vegan foods.

Look at those tarts! They're adorable!

The atmosphere was really nice and comfortable. Everything had a wooden feel to it and was just very home-y. 

Coffee - $3.95

Even Kim's coffee was served in a fancy tea set.

Mint Lemonade - $3.95

I ordered a Mint Lemonade. This was really good! It was refreshing and perfect for the warm weather. This is really sour though compared the the other lemonades I've had. The mint had a great after taste that complimented the sour flavor of the lemonade.

Spinach and Mushroom Quiche - $12.95

Finally, I satisfied my craving. I ordered the Spinach and Mushroom Quiche. It was a little hard and crunchy on the outside, which is unusual for me, but the inside was incredibly cheesy and delicious! The cheese was gooey and the inside of the quiche was really well seasoned.

Kale Caesar Salad - $12.95

From Kim's end of the table, she ordered the Kale Caesar Salad. It had kale, bread (that wasn't croutons, but something more chewy), bold parmesan cheese, and light caesar. I don't really know what it tasted like, but Kim said it was really good.

We seriously looked like hipster vegans.

They also really had interesting Belgian spreads. I tried the White Chocolate Belgian Spread and it was sooooooo good! Imagine Nutella, but in white chocolate. It tasted like heaven.

Mini Chocolate Tarts - $1.75/ea

Finally, I couldn't leave this place without Mini Chocolate Tarts. These little dark chocolate treats was a sweet way to end this yummy meal.

Overall, this place is expensive, but delicious. Most of the food is organic and gluten-free. The main sell point for me is the place itself. This is a great place to bring a group of friends for brunch. There will definitely be something for everyone in this restaurant.

"Save the planet, buy organic"

-Nancy Phillips 

Walking around East Village as a foodie is like walking around a candy store as a child. This area has the most interesting food in NYC that I've explored. From little unique cafes to hole in a wall restaurants, the food spots here are limitless.

Exploring the area, I found Otafuku. It's a cute, clean, and authentic Japanese owned restaurant. 

239 E 9th St, New York, NY, 10003

This place is quite small and orders are made quickly (at least for the Takoyaki)

I ordered the Takoyaki. 

For those who don't know, takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special takoyaki pan. It is typically filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled, ginger and onions. It is served with sauce that is similar to Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise. Sometimes it comes with katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) which are flakes of dried fish.  

It was really hard to get a clear picture of the takoyaki because of all the delicious bonito flakes all over it.

Takoyaki - $7

I was really excited to have takoyaki in New York because for some reason, it's apparently hard to find good takoyaki in the city. It tasted amazing! It melted in your mouth and the seasoning was perfect. All the ingredients just mix perfectly together with the seaweed flakes, the bonito flakes, the sauces, and the takoyaki itself! Yum!

Finally, I all the bonito flakes. Here's a clearer picture of what's underneath.

Overall, this place was a great discovery. I've only tried the takoyaki here, but I definitely want to come back for more and try all their different food. This place does authentic Japanese food well.

"I buy soy sauce and flavor it five different ways: with sake, mirin, sugar, kombu and bonito flakes. I use them on lots of dishes at home."

-Masahara Morimoto

Today, I found the best Mac & Cheese in the city (so far). My roommate, Josh, and I traveled around Manhattan. We literally walked from 7th St and 1st Ave to 55th and 3rd Ave. That's A REALLY LONG WALK.

During this walk, we found Beecher's Handmade Cheese. I've had this famous Mac & Cheese before in Seattle. There are only two of these restaurants in the world and as of today, I've been to both locations.

900 Broadway, New York, NY, 10003

One thing that is really unique about this place is that they have a factory-like area where you can see the cheese being made in right there and then!

The atmosphere in this place was both casual and formal.

Confusing? Let me explain:

The furniture is wooden and comfortable giving it a home-y sense. They have cut cheese that you can purchase as if it was like a farmer's market. But the people who go here are business men and women that have business meetings over cheese and crackers rather than a cup of coffee.

I also really like how they keep things organic and free of harmful additives. I also like how everything on their menu had their famous cheese as a major part of the dish.

World's Best Mac & Cheese -- $6.50

This Mac N' Cheese was so gooey and filling. It really melted in your mouth.

Overall, this would be a place to either have a meeting with someone or to go for delicious comfort food!

"Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese"

-Luis Bunuel