Up in the Catskills is the Phoenicia Diner, was built in 1962 and moved to the Catskills in the 1980s. The vibe is casual yet refined, and everything is on a first come first serve basis. No reservations.

Food, TravelYafen LiangJune 21, 2022food, new york, catskills, phoenicia, phoenicia diner, brunch, dinerComment

South Edison Beach in Montauk, New York

Think of the Hamptons and beaches might come to mind. South Edison beach no frills beach with seasonal restrooms and lifeguards that is worth a visit if you’re visiting the area.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangJune 7, 2022travel, nature, beach, montauk, hamptons, new york, sand, ocean Comment

Two Years Inward

Tell me a story about a traveler who cannot travel. I’ve heard so many sad sentiments about the inability to travel and I share those woes with my fellow travelers. Granted, I have to acknowledge the pandemic, the severity of this era, and its very real effects on citizens of the world, aside from our inability to travel. Working in healthcare, it’s been very real and hits too close to home. I mourn too for the lost lives and to do my part, I’ve grounded myself for over a year and a half.

MusingsYafen LiangJanuary 1, 2022musings, travel, inward, covid, new yorkComment

One World Trade Center in New York City, New York

The World Trade Center is in essence the hub of American capitalism, whether that is a good or bad thing. When there were the two Twin Towers, the New York skyline was a bit different and the World Trade Center was a bustling place. Thousands of people went to work each day in those buildings. I remember going as a child to the top and staring at the views of the Hudson River and the people like ants below me.

Soho in New York City, New York

Soho is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, an shortened version for South of Houston Street. This hip neighborhood is just above Chinatown and packed full of artists' galleries, tall expensive loft apartments, vibrant restaurants, and high end shopping.

Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City, New York

Dominique Ansel is a bustling little bakery on Spring Street in Soho. On the menu are both sweet and savory items. Mr. Ansel is a James Beard award winning pastry chef. From the overflowing baskets and plates of croissants, DKA (“Dominique’s Kouign Amann”) to the intricate pastries behind the chilled glass display, there's a dessert to delight everyone.

FoodYafen LiangJuly 26, 2017food, new york, new york city, dominique ansel, dominique, ansel, cronut, bakery, soho, dessert, pastry, pastriesComment

Taiyaki NYC in New York City, New York

In a little tiny shop between Chinatown and Soho, this little concoction claims to be an instagrammable dessert. Indeed. I opted for a swirl of matcha green tea and black sesame soft serve ice cream accompanies by rainbow mochi and a chocolate wafer.

City, FoodYafen LiangJuly 6, 2017city, food, taiyaki, taiyaki nyc, taiyakinyc, new york, new york city, ice cream, cone, green tea, black sesame, mochi, chinatown, soho, canal, canal street, japaneseComment

The High Line in New York City, New York

The High Line is a relatively recent addition to New York City. It opened partially in 2006 and opened completely in 2014. Once a functional train line used to carry goods, the above ground tracks are now repurposed as public space.

Travel, CityYafen LiangJune 17, 2017travel, city, high line, the high line, new york city, new york, subway, chelsea market, walking, parkComment

Storm King Art Center

Tucked away in the Lower Hudson Valley, Storm King Art Center, a renowned sculpture park, features some interesting and unique pieces. Situated on over 500 acres of rolling hills, green grass lawns, and woodlands, it is the perfect marriage of the natural and not so natural.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangMay 9, 2017travel, nature, storm king, storm king art center, sculpture, sculpture park, hill, hudson valley, new yorkComment