Ama (Lou) - AMA

I’m a fan of artists who sit in-between genres, though it makes their music more difficult to market. I’d invent a genre to put Ama into and call it SSR&B (singer-songwriter R&B). Why use text to describe something you’re supposed to hear? Just listen to it!

RIP was the most jaw-dropping for me, but if you’re not ready for it, I recommend the nostalgic “Be For Real” and “Different High.”

The endless churn of content might make you think otherwise, but music has no expiration date! Some of my favorite albums of 2026 were released in 2025. Maybe I’m just behind, but I’m still bopping to…

Lily Allen - WEST END GIRL

I was listening for the first time to this while cleaning, which meant I kept having to rewind when I missed part of the narrative. I love it when a song has me on the edge of my seat the way a great film or TV show does. In this case, it seems this story isn’t fiction, which is unfortunate. But the songs are great. Art is weird; terrible happenings sometimes make great songs.

I stumbled on a post about how our lyrics are manifestations, so musicians should be wary of writing things like: I think I’ll die alone (I am musicians). I have mixed feelings about this. I definitely don’t believe in romanticizing suffering for the sake of art. On the other hand, I think you should use art to express your feelings, whether they are pleasant or not.

Anywho, West End Girl is a White woman’s Lemonade. English Breakfast Tea, if you will. Five stars.

Rosalia - LUX

I’ve heard the criticisms, which are mostly of Rosalia and not the album per se. I don’t know what I think. I just know this album gives me chills. The music videos, the interviews, the visuals, the music, all of it moves me. So too does the amount of effort; singing in 14 languages, recording with the London Symphony Orchestra, the poetic metaphors in La Perla that I imagine are even more poignant in Spanish.

What’s the difference between appropriation and appreciation? Is it whether something moves us or not? Is it based on the amount of effort put in, or the perceived sincerity of the accused? Are we ready to admit that the difference is often personal, and not based on the scientific method? Why else do we all have different exceptions, different rules about whom can be invited to the cookout?

I was moved by this album, and for that I am grateful. I suspect I’ll be finding hidden gems with each listen. It’s a musical version of what I think Tenet was supposed to be?

JADE - THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!

I was not expecting the music that Jade, of British pop woman-band Little Mix, has made as a solo artist. It’s not easy to categorize, and it feels risky. It’s a project full of bold choices. And, there’s cohesion between the sound, the visuals (how cool is the album cover?!), lyrical content, and music videos. “Self saboteur” is my favorite song off the album. But the “Angel of My Dreams“ music video is killer. She is my Madonna.

Hayley Williams - EGO DEATH AT A BACHELORETTE PARTY

We may all have different rules about the guest list to the cookout, but I think there’s near universal consensus about Queen Hayley Williams. The production of songs like “Simmer” and “Sudden Desire” from her first solo album are aspirational.

She’s a great songwriter and a great singer, who could do any genre she wanted. “Good Ol’ Days” reminds me of SZA somehow, which may just be part of the circle of inspiration between the two.

“No,” he responds.

“No?” You question.

“No,” he confirms, “It’s minimum two people.”

This is the Belgrade experience that still baffles me: deciding to try out a restaurant that only serves one dish, because I like that one dish (chicken), and because reviewers said it was the best chicken they’d ever had. I was intrigued.

Instead, I was told I couldn’t dine there alone (beware solo travelers, singles, and lonely people).

“How big is the dish?”

“It’s very big,“ he shows me with his hands, a sizeable plate, but nothing I can’t conquer. “Even me [a big man] can’t finish it.”

Oh, I was tempted to prove this guy wrong, but this wasn’t the hill I wanted to die on.

“Can’t I just take my leftovers home?” I asked.

“No, we don’t have takeout containers.”

I consider for a second; the place I’m staying in isn’t far. I could go grab a container. This is not complicated. Instead, I wake up.

Whatever the reason, this guy doesn’t want me as a customer. The reason is none of my business. But why try harder to make it work?

After a perplexed pause to process the absurdity of it all, I say thank you and leave to find a more welcoming place to dine.

Onto the places I actually ate!

Thyme - StreetFood & Breakfast

The waiter recommended a burger filled with beef cheek served on a brioche bun. Definitely an upsell (it’s almost twice the price of the smash burger). But it was pretty good, so I didn’t mind. While it wasn’t as well done as I wanted, the meat was well seasoned and the jalapenos added a nice kick.

Burger, truffle fries, sparkling water + tip = about $29 USD

Angry Monk

A friendly host, cozy booths, and a rainshower bathroom sink. I had a small feast for one while watching Caught Stealing via my Netflix downloads. My favorite was the (not pictured) Dynamite Shrimp.

The bathroom had an unconventional sink situation, which to me is free entertainment.

@amlife365Imagine getting out of the womans bathroom stall area and you go out to the next room and while you are washing your hands it looks like the opposite sex is in there with you walking out but they arent. So it takes you a min to realize half of the mirrors are not there and they are actually in a room directly across from you Strangest funniest situation i have ever had in a piblic restroom Like what?!?!? #strange #twilightzone #coed #confused #goingout #dallas #dfw #texas #dinner #girlsnight #oddlysatisfying

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Goga Burek

Family owned, they were still making burek when I got there. I wouldn’t say this is “breakfast” to me, because it’s a bit heavy, but great to pick up early and have as a snack later. They had an apple cinnamon burek and I enjoyed trying a sweet burek. They also had cheese, beef, etc. Based on the reviews, it seems they switch it up. My favorites were the beef and the apple cinnamon.

Studio Shawarma

They left a little note when I ordered a shawarma for my Flixbus trip back to Deutschland. You won’t get that at McDonalds! Also, it was delicious and filling.

Ispeci Pa Reci

The cookies satisfied my sweet tooth, and it’s a very cute shop! My impression was that cookies aren’t neccessarily a popular dessert in Belgrade, and it’s what I was craving. They were actively baking more cookies when I came in. It was like a professional bake sale operation.

Delfi

Bookstore and café. Wifi wasn’t the best, but it was cozy in there. Not super crowded, and they had these homemade Ferrero rocher balls that were pretty good. Nice place to take a break.

Sava Perfumerie

Got my sister a perfume here. The prices are reasonable, it’s a cute place and they still use a typewriter. They don’t make you a perfume on the spot, the guy said that’s not really plausible, but still an interesting experience.

From what I’ve seen, workshops where you get to make your own perfume cost a lot more. Twenty euros for a 15 ml bottle and a generous free spritz before you depart, all while supporting a small local business? Good enough for me!

Lastly, I’d reccommend checking out one of Curry Souls’ locations. The vibes are immaculate, and the Sri Lankan street food was delicious. The best part was being able to see into the kitchen. Everyone working there seemed to be having fun. I even made a friend there.

Perhaps I should have asked if she was interested in going to a restaurant that only serves one dish…

Eska

Prague, Czech Republic

I recall really wanting to go to this place, and my sister making fun of the menu because it featured “potatoes in ash” and other funny word jargon. They can describe their food however they want because the ashy potatoes were delicious! Eska is a spacious 2-floor restaurant including a bakery, herb fridge/garden, and a selection of artisanal goods on sale.

The yogurt was also delicious, and I’m not a yogurt fan per se.

Vigo

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Best ice cream I’ve ever had! This is saying a lot because I am usually a chocolate person, and I ordered a seasonal flavor that was something along the lines of mascarpone, candied oranges, and hazelnuts.

Chimney Cakes

Budapest, Hungary

Chimney cakes are found in many different countries, but I think the best (and cheapest) ones are in Hungary. They originate from Hungary (by way of Transylvania), so it makes sense the best ones can be found there!

Poffertjes 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

I struggle to spell and pronounce this fave. Its invention is attributed to Catholic monks, and they were traditionally made with buckwheat flour. A recipe for poffertjes appears in a Dutch cookbook in 1746. So, these little pancakes are older than the United States.

Interestingly, they are also related to the Indonesian pinch cake by way of colonialization. In Germany, I’ve only seen them at Christmas markets and Carnivals, so I order them whenever I see an opportunity. Normally, you can get them with Nutella, powdered sugar, and a host of other toppings.

Ginza 41

This is the best sushi I’ve ever had. I’m not usually a fan of mango or fruit in my sushi, but this was a tempura situation where the full makimono pieces were fried in the lightest tempura. It was heavenly.

The Maki 41 is “mango in tempura, salmon tartare, mayo with yuzu and pop rocks.” It was not Pop Rocks as in the candy I’m familiar with, but whatever it was, the sensation was part of what made eating this dish such a fun experience.

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Elhadj is pretty open to going along with my itinerary, and I love that about him (I have yet to convince him of the Korean Spa, but I will persevere).

All Time

The cinnamon rolls!! They’re the biggest reason All Time is famous amongst Elhadj and my little sister Sonia. A niche but impassioned group. It helps that the owners are very kind. Tyler delivered a personal apology after Elhadj tried to order two cinnamon rolls and learned that they were already out for the day. He treated Elhadj’s disappointment with the utmost seriousness lol.

Los Feliz is my favorite neighborhood in Los Angeles, and where I lived the longest. I had the pleasure of having this treasure in walking distance. For a short while, it even felt like my little secret. Still, as its popularity grew, it was fun to see celebrity neighbors there every once in a while. I could be wrong, but I’ve always gotten the impression that the staff enjoys working here. A far too rare phenomenon!

Joy

Highland Park was not a neighborhood I knew much about when I first got to LA. I’ll be honest, it was learning that Billie Eilish grew up there that made me curious about it. It turns out, it’s a lovely neighborhood. A queer Black couple paid for my treats at Donut Friend a few minutes after I stepped off the bus. I got a handwoven purse that I love from a bogeda there, and also, there’s Joy.

The shrimp wontons are generously stuffed with shrimp (who would have thought?). The Dan Dan noodles are flavorful, hearty, and comforting. The Jidori chicken and rice is also delicious. The vibe of this Taiwanese restaurant is casual, the menu is very straightforward, and there is a lot of care put into the food. Fun fact, they bake Mexican wedding cookies and donate the proceeds from sales to local nonprofits in honor of the previous occupant of the space, Elsa’s Bakery.

Bludso’s BBQ

One of the hosts of the Netflix show, BBQ Showdown, is the owner of Bludso’s BBQ. This is one of those shows I got really into during the quarantine. People on this show are making BBQ in filling cabinets, washing machines, and a number of other contraptions that they are not using as advised.

Bludso’s has possibly the best barbecue (smoked?) chicken I’ve ever had. The beef brisket is also delicious. They even have BBQ jackfruit!

Their menu includes cornbread and Mac n’ Cheese, which automatically makes it one of the best places for Southern food in LA. When Europeans think of American food, I wish they thought more of these kinds of Southern delights.

Singapore’s Banana Leaf

My favorite place to eat at The Grove, which is full of overpriced and lackluster food (except Cheesecake Factory, I love you). Cash-only and over two decades old, Singapore’s Banana Leaf offers a number of rice and noodle dishes, all served on banana leaves. From parathas and egg rolls to Thai tea, the menu is varied, and the prices are amongst the cheapest in the area.

Urth Café

Urth Cafe is ideal for people who read the ingredient labels on everything. When I got food poisoning at a friend’s wedding rehearsal, this was the only place I felt okay eating from. It was the perfect place for Elhadj to try his first acai bowl…

Ever been to Los Angeles? What was the best food you ate there?

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I occasionally do product reviews, and it turns out, I enjoy giving recommendations. I am nosy and like getting inspiration from other people’s homes about the best room orientation, the best garlic peeler worth investing in, the most aesthetic way to display family photos. And so on…

Here’s a random list of product recommendations based on my findings:

For Socks - Darn Tough

When it comes to things I’m not particular about, I like to find a good brand and stick with it. The longer the product lasts the better, and Darn Tough has a lifetime guarantee. Imagine never having to buy socks again!

I purchased socks from this brand almost two years ago and they are still holding up well. Their socks are thick and comfortable. They’re made of Merino wool, Nylon, Lycra, and Spandex. Darn Tough’s socks are popular among hikers and sporty people, so they can certainly withstand my brisk walks.

For Underwear - Parade

First of all; great customer service! When I had to return a bra, I found the return process really smooth. I don’t remember the details, I just remember being pleasantly surprised. Their underwear is comfortable, they have lots of cute patterns, and I’ve found it to be reasonably durable. I haven’t had issues with elastic wearing away quickly or things poking me. They also have a wide range of sizes. I think that’s pretty much my main criteria for underwear, so I’m a happy customer.

They also gave me a free scarf with one of my orders! It’s still one of my favorites and in great condition. I love when you get nice stuff for free.

For a Vegetable Peeler - Kuhn Rikon Peeler

It’s not that I’m passionate about potato peelers, it’s quite the opposite! That’s why I want to buy a good one and not have to keep replacing crappy ones with dull blades, or parts that separate after a few uses.

Kuhn Rikon is a Swiss brand that sells a wide range of cookware. Their most basic peeler, which is about 4 euros, is the best peeler I’ve ever used. The blade is very sharp, and it makes peeling potatoes kinda fun. If you want to spend less time thinking about potato peelers, I recommend trying them out.

For Stiring the Pot - GIR Spatulas

Many spatulas have handles you can separate. The idea is that it makes them easier to wash, but in actuality, mold can gather on the inside of the silicon part. If you have spatulas where the handle is made of a different material than the silicon part, then you may have accidentally burned the handle before (or maybe that’s just me).

With that said, I like that the GIR spatulas are “unibody.” These spatulas can stand very high temperatures, they’re BPA free, and then come in a range of cute colors.

For Garlic - Sur La Table Garlic Press

Never thought I’d spend $50 on a garlic press, but this is not on the list of 1,000 things I regret spending money on. I love garlic and really dislike chopping it. This press is well-built; the parts don’t separate even if you overfill it. I find it much faster than hand-chopping, and I sometimes use it to make garlic paste that I store in the fridge. I believe this press can easily last decades, and I feel fancy using it.

For a Facewash - Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser

Skincare is very trendy these days. I went through a phase of keeping up with the craze; lathering my face with oily moisturizers, using people extractor kits, trying out activated charcoal face washes, etc. The latter dried out my skin. I sought to find a cleanser that was gentler, and was intrigued by this brand because I’d never seen a creamy cleanser before.

I have since turned my younger sister into a fan too. This cleanser doesn’t make my face feel dry or ashy or like it’s been stripped of something after I’ve used it (a feeling I used to misguidedly associate with “clean”).

For Lotion - Hanahana Beauty

This product is a bit pricey. But if you’re not quite to the level of granola where you’re making your own lotion, then it’s a great option. Their shea is sourced directly from Tamale, Ghana and their founder is Ghanaian-American . They work with a women-led co-op and pay twice the fair trade price for shea butter (hence the pricey-ness).

Their ingredients list is simple and accessible on their website. Of course, the product is also great. The shea butter is good quality and they are mixed with pleasant essential oil-based scents. They have a very aesthetic Instagram and website, and my previous orders came with a cue postcard.

Recommendations:

Souvenirs: Coletta Moda

• I got a silk scarf (Made in Italy) from the lovely owner

Entertainment: Cinema Rouge et Noir

• Saw Anora here!

A Snack: Antonella Street Food - Specialita Arancine

• For two euros you can get a snack from this kind vendor that will give carry you over to dinner time. Arancini is a big deal in Sicily so be sure to give it a try.

Lunch: Moltivolti

• Restaurant, cowering space and community with a diverse team and menu. They are passionate about immigrant rights, and the menu includes dishes from all over the world. The Iraqi-style Tawa Kebab was delicioso and the Senegalese Mafe is one of their most popular dishes.

Culture: No Mafia Museum

• This museum is free. Many photos are donated and the whole thing is run by volunteers. It’s clear that Mafia violence was very impactful in this region, and there are a lot of people passionate about sharing the real history, and preventing the romanticization of it. The exhibit is in Italian and English.

Write For Free

I started off writing for free. I had many of my own blogs, rosesarecool, EatSleepReheat, and TheProcessSeries. I took on blog positions for indie blogs and magazines, typically ones created by someone pursuing a passion project. They did not have the resources to pay. Because I began taking on these roles in college, I didn’t need to make a living out of these positions.

Write For A Measly Amount of Money

Years later, I started making a measly amount of money writing. I remember going to a trendy new coffee shop in my Silverlake neighborhood called “Breadblok.” It was overpriced because it was gluten-free. I am not gluten-free. I got paid $32 to write a music review of a German jazz musician and spent about $50 at the coffee shop over the two days it took me to write the article. Nevermind the 30 minute walk in the hot sun because I lived in Los Angeles without a car. But let’s dwell on that later.

I took on lot of blogging assignments that made no sense from a financial perspective. I normally wrote on weekends, when I had time away from my money-making job. During the brief time I had office jobs, I would work on writing assignments when things at the office were slow. People have asked me how someone juggles four or five jobs. I used to wonder the same thing. Now I have an answer. You take on jobs you can do while doing other jobs. Who would have thought the answer would be so simple?

Be Flexible

Some people recommend specializing in something really specific and establishing yourself as an expert in that niche. For example, being an expert blogger on Bitcoin. I personally did the opposite. I have worked as a blogger and blog editor. A screenwriter and a script consultant. A beta reader, developmental editor, line / copy editor, and proofreader. I have blogged about what to pack when you’re traveling, the world’s coolest caves, my favorite spatula brand, what music publishers do, and how to know when it’s time to end a friendship. I also write songs, though I have yet to be paid for that.

I think the best way to make money as a writer is to be able to pivot. There are way more blogging opportunities than screenwriting ones. There are more people seeking an editor for their own work than looking to hire new writers. Although there are types of writing and editing I prefer over others, I enjoy not doing the same thing every day.

Don’t Bother Getting a Degree or Certificate

My degree is not in English, despite many people thinking that. If you’ve already finished school, don’t spend too much money on an English degree or any certificate programs, unless you enjoy that sort of thing and feel you need the training. In my experience, it won’t help you get jobs. People will want to see what you’ve done, not if and where you got a diploma.

I’m quite curious about queer stories told be Senegalese people, especially when they are not part of the diaspora. Discovering this movie existed was a big deal for me. Directed by Joseph Gai Ramaka, and released in 2001, this film is inspired the the opera Carmen.

Io Capitano

I’ve been wanting to see this movie for a while and it was worth the wait! It’s not an easy watch but an important one. I saw a movie that tackled the same subject (flight of migrants traveling via traumatic boat journey) called The Swimmers based off of a true story, and I highly recommend both. It’s strange to think how such a traumatic experience is shared by so many people around the world. I would normally be skeptical of a story about Senegalese immigrants told by an Italian director and Italian screenwriters. But in my opinion, this film felt “authentic.”

Issa Rae’s Episode of “No Taste Like Home”

This is an interesting episode that explores popular Senegalese dishes like Soupe Kanja while also tracking some of Issa Rae’s family lineage. Similar to shows like “Taste the Nation,” other episodes of the show also feature famous faces and explore food traditions from other parts of the world.

As far as I know, this is the only Filipino restaurant in Bonn. With a wide range of options, friendly service, and patient workers willing to explain what everything is, my only qualm with this place is that it is not more centrally located. Note that their hours are a bit strange, their food options are not available every day (they sometimes serve as more cafe than restaurant), and they are cash only. I recommend the beef Kare-kare and the chicken adobo both of which, interestingly, remind me of Senegalese dishes.

Hanedan

There’s a reason Hanedan is always packed. Delicious food, generous platters, perfectly cooked meat. Seriously, I want to know their secret to keeping lamb so juicy even as it’s fully cooked. This place is a carnivore’s dream. But to be fair, they have many delicious vegetarian dips, and probably a bunch more delicious vegetarian options that I haven’t explored. If you come with a group, don’t miss out on the meat platter.

LaRoc Espresso Bar Im Munster

You’ll be greeted by a sign that says no Wifi, so unfortunately not a great place for remote work. But the coffee here is great, and they have fresh pastries. There’s this European-sized dark chocolate cookie thing here I love. Great for a quiet 20 minutes with a book. It’s not usually busy and I’ve never seen any customers here my age.

Rosterei Kaffee Provokateur

Best service in Bonn! I would come here solely for the owner’s welcoming smile and kind energy. But it just so happens the coffee is amazing. You can tell it’s run by ‘real coffee people.’ As much as I drink coffee, I mostly only notice when it’s really good or really bad. I appreciate unique offerings like the coffee that came with coconut milk and chocolate shavings that I cannot remember the name of. The cakes are also delicious. I have had an Austrian hazelnut cake as well as a chocolate one there. Neither was too sweet for me, and both are worth returning for. No wifi unfortunately and a small place, sort of off the beaten path.

I believe it is run by a married couple, and the husband is the bean roaster, which is perhaps something that happens in the back as I haven’t seen him before. They have five-stars on Google reviews and it’s well deserved.

Thalia

This large bookstore has many hidden reading nooks. It used to be a theater, and some of the original seats are still there. It’s one of the places I like to sit and read or get my bearings before going somewhere else. The English language collection isn’t huge, but good for browsing. There’s a cute cafe inside that’s good for people watching, sadly the speed of the Wifi will make you feel like a time traveler.

Ivy’s Coffee

I love secret hangouts. The setup is cute. There are fashionable, mint green armchairs and a decent offering of coffee drinks and pastries, including Pasteis de Nata (a new favorite). It’s quiet but you’re in the center of the city, minutes away from the “hustle.”

Becher & Horchen

With the amount of time I’ve spent raving about this place, you’d think I was on the payroll. But the ice cream is truly special here. The mango REALLY tastes like mango. The chocolate REALLY tastes like chocolate. It’s a strange thing to say, but I think you’ll know what I mean. Strangely enough, my favorite flavor is the lemon cheesecake crunch. It’s not one of their regular flavors, so you have to get it while you can.

Also, the novelty of having an ice cream shop in walking distance, where you can get a scoop with the change you find in your laundry is something I enjoy. It reminds me of the back in the day times that older people insist was better; a hamburger was only 25 cents and you could buy a house for $2,000.

To Visit:

Haimi Sushi

Working from a coffee shop isn’t a thing in Bonn, and oh how I miss it. I’ve worked to compile a list of coffee shops that meet my remote work needs. From the essentials, like Wifi and indoor seating, to the luxuries (eggs, friendly service) here are my recommendations.

Miss Minz

This small shop can get quite busy. However, they have Wifi, outlets (one set), iced lattes, and a bunch of cute nicknacks on sale. You can find a nice selection of sweets, sandwiches, EGGS, and healthy breakfast options as well as coffee beans, greeting cards, and even pottery. The vibe is quaint and the workers friendly (+ don’t seem to mind speaking English). No bathroom, unfortunately.

Lighthouse Cafe

I think the coffee here is just okay, and it’s not the cheapest. However, this is one of the bigger cafes. They have smoothies and some sweet options. There is Wifi and outlets, and you likely won’t be the only one working on your laptop. Workers speak English and the seating is reasonably comfortable.

Elys Coffee

Newly opened, I think this will end up being one of my favorites! The owner is lovely and I really enjoyed the coffee. There are some unique Greek coffee specialties, hot and iced. Not too many food options, a small place (no bathroom), but there is Wifi. It has a five-star rating, so definitely work checking out.

Kaffeesaurus

Kaffeesaurus is one of the best options I’ve found in Bonn (they also have a location in Cologne). Wifi, friendly service, lots of space, clear rules about laptop warriors (designated seating areas), and good food! They have an extensive menu with many options I am curious to try (I enjoyed the breakfast burger). The dinosaur theme is cute, there are outlets, and the service is good. It’s one of the more expensive options (I think this comes with the territory in places that cater to “expats.")

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