The Manna Cafe was a great and definitely unexpected find in Flushing. The restaurant’s decor was lively and upbeat and the service was superb (I lost track of how many times they refilled our tea). I also appreciated how the waiter did not rush us to decide our order- There was no annoying hovering over the table and even when we finished our meal, we were not immediately given our check, i.e. a “subtle” suggestion to leave. But the most appealing aspect of Manna was of course the delicious and relatively cheap food. My friends and I ordered an entire seafood dinner, which we usually can’t afford. The pan-fried lobster (above) and dungense crab (right) were simply delicious. Also, while I’m not a big fan of cheese, I thought the seafood pasta dish was an elegant blend of eastern and western flavors, even though our addition of white rice to the pasta was a bit odd- If you go, opt for the spaghetti choice. Overall, Manna gets high marks for both atmosphere and food. I would definitely go back to try their drinks (the bar looks really cool) and some other specialty dishes (the sushi and deserts looked especially fantastic).

Rating: 9.0/10.0

Price: $

General Info:

135-05 40th Rd. Flushing NY 11354

A Frozen Memory

This photo really caught my eye. I love the way it relies on various contrasts- not only using light and dark, but also setting the fluid motions of the dress against the harsh contours of the background. Another thing that definitely worked for me was the touch of graffiti on the wall behind her, which makes the purity of the white gown stand out even more without taking over the image. I also think that the expression on the model’s face works beautifully with this setting- her eyes are troubled, but at the same time there is an almost angelic glow about her.

Pure II

The second photo on the left is another one of my favorites from this artist’s collection. I like the way the colors work in the image and I was definitely drawn to her eyes first (the overall makeup choice was great). Again, I admire how this photo captures the softness of the model’s posture and the folds of her dress, contrasting it with the stone steps in the background.

Anyway… the artist is xxchange from deviantArt and if you have time, you should definitely check out her gallery- it’s filled with a great collection of photos, many of which I couldn’t discuss here. (Also, it wouldn’t hurt if you show your support by leaving comments or buying a print or two).

Regardless, I definitely think that this Koryodong is worth visiting- I just love their raspberry chai tea, which is simply delicious and a must try for all other tea fanatics. On a side note, Jenn ordered the chocolate creme brulee and although it looked delicious it didn’t taste very much like creme brulee- I actually never tried any of their deserts so I can’t really comment on the quality (I mostly go for the tea). But anyway, all said and done this Koryodong is one of my favorite cafes in the city so check it out if you’re ever by Ktown.

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Price: $$$

General Info:

Koryodong

31 West 32nd St New York, NY 10001

156. On an airplane you are talking pleasantly to a stranger of average appearance. Unexpectedly, the person offers you $10,000 for one night of sex. Knowing that there is no danger and that payment is certain, would you accept the offer?

No because it is ridiculously insulting for him to presume that he can buy me just because he is passably good looking and has a lot of cash. No amount of money is worth being objectified and treated as somebody’s play thing…

At the Dolphin Bay

To be totally honest, one of the reasons why I got into the drama was definitely because of Wallace Huo- great eye candy even though he plays an arrogant jerk for at least half of the drama. But on a better note, I also love Angela Zhang’s voice and for a while I was completely obsessed with her song “Journey.” Check it out on youtube if you get the chance.

Overally, I surprisingly did not find the drama too draggy and other than a few poor choices in terms of plot development it was a really fun drama to watch- at least it got me addicted for a while…

Rating: 4.0/5.0

But after starting to use Twitter myself, I have to admit that I really like the simplicity. Rather than bogging myself down with excess information I get to know about what all of my friends are up to in one or two short phrases. Also, one of the features that really roped me in is how Twitter allows you to follow the NY Times and other major news programs- I am always too lazy to visit the NYTimes‘ website so Twitter makes it really easy to stay “current” by keeping me updated on important news topics, allowing me to pick and choose the articles I want to read.

Overall, I have to say that Twitter is an awesome creation- simple, fast and fun… I’ve totally been converted from Facebook (not that I was ever much of a facebook user anyway), but I definitely recommend getting a Twitter account- it’s the new way to stay connected and despite fears about potential stalkers, it offers a convenient blocking tool to prevent any unnecessary attention, so no worries.

Last Friday I went with some friends to Sushi Koi, and although my wallet is considerably lighter this week, it was definitely worth it. The sushi was amazingly fresh and very artistically arranged- We all had different plates and the overall effect was really great.

The only thing I would recommend against is going to the restaurant completely famished (which we unfortunately did) because sushi doesn’t offer the most filling meal. So if you’re really hungry- expect to go a little crazy (and eventually regretting it when the bill comes). Other than that, I would say that Sushi Koi is a must try especially for all those sushi lovers out there.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Price: $$$$

General Info:

Sushi Koi

11637 Queens Blvd Flushing, NY 11375

“I dream of you..
Even if you’re still something confused, someone I haven’t met yet.
I only know that one day I’ll be yours and you will be mine, and all of this won’t be only a dream.”

These words may be a bit mushy, but to me they’re better than the sayings in Hallmark cards. The picture below is another great example of this artist’s work and I’m putting it here mostly because it reminded me of the situation of a close friend. Long distance relationships are hard, but that doesn’t mean you should give up especially if you have feelings for each other…

.You and I.

“When you’re away I keep you in my actions all the same, in my thoughts.. in my heart.
I make breakfast for two.
I wait [for] your call, but I want to call you myself so bad.
I listen to songs that could be our soundtrack. Everyone is good for some daydreaming.
I write a journal to make you know how my day is gone. It’s my love letter for you.

Most of the time I think that my life revolves around only one person.
Most of the time I think I’m really pathetic.”

The artist is Nonneta from deviantArt and if you have time, you should definitely check out her gallery- it’s filled with so many adorable drawings and a collection of great photos that I couldn’t talk about here. (Also, it wouldn’t hurt if you show your support by leaving comments or buying a print or two).

The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock

43. When were you last in a fight? What caused it and who won?

I really had to think long and hard about this one. I’m not a confrontational person so I don’t get into fights often, and with the exception of one a really long time ago, they have never been physical. The first thing that came to mind was the fight I had with my mom maybe two weeks ago. It was over some small insignificant thing, mostly because she was worried about the economy and wanted me and Sharon to get a job (even though we’re already so busy with classes, etc.) Also, since we usually let our fights blow over, I’m not sure if there was a winner or loser… I know- not the most interesting answer, but hey, it’s the truth.

Menkui Ramen

Men Kui Tei is definitely the best place for ramen that I have ever been to in the City, so all noodle-lovers should stop by- the portions are huge and very filling. But of course, the restaurant also has a nice selection of rice dishes and yummy Japanese appetizers (My personal favorite is the kurry katsu which is simply delicious). Unfortunately, the only downside is that there are very few vegetarian dishes so if you’re in the mood for veggies Men Kui Tei might not be the best choice.

Overall the restaurant gets props for its reasonable prices and great ambience- unlike many other Japanese restaurants, the seating arrangements are actually quite spacious so big groups are welcome =D

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Price: $$$

General Info:

Men Kui Tei

63 Cooper Sq New York, NY 10003