Best of 2021

A return of my “best of” list, with some new categories:

Best of theatrically-released movies: Spider-Man: No Way Home

After not seeing movies in theaters for nearly 2 years, I ended up seeing several over a short period of time: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings; Dune; and Spider-Man, the winner of this category. Was this the best superhero movie? Certainly not, the story itself had many plot holes and the pacing was a bit off for me. I saw many areas where it could have been improved, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, if even just for nostalgia’s sake (iykyk). Either way, this one’s worth a watch, especially in HD with surround sound =p

Best of Netflix: Single’s Inferno

While I did not watch Squid Game like everyone ever, I did watch another Korean production, Single’s Inferno. It’s this reality dating show involving 12 contestants who all seem to have flawless beach bods, a deserted island, and several nights’ stay at a nearby luxury hotel (for some). Compared to American shows of the same energy, this one is not very trashy and does not have too much exaggerated drama for drama’s sake, which I really appreciated. Gone are the days when I would keep my eyes glued to the screen as Jake Pavelka handed out his roses (still cannot get over how cheesy that season’s title was: On the Wings of Love.. come on, are you kidding). They kept it short and sweet at only 8 episodes, would recommend this for a light-hearted foil to shows like “Love is Blind” or “The Bachelor.”

~Honorable mention: Upcoming Summer (Chinese movie)

A coming-of-age movie that really hits the spot, Upcoming Summer captures young love and the shift to adulthood in unexpected ways. Great acting from the main leads, and no clichés in this one. Plus, I thought about this movie for days after watching it, which is uncommon for me.

*Note: Aforementioned titles are available on US Netflix. Props to Netflix for bringing in so many Asian shows and movies!

Best of music: Snail Mail

I recently discovered this artist from NPR’s New Music Friday when I was in a music slump. She hits all the right notes for me. My favorite track from the album is “Headlock.”

Best of dessert recipes: Miso Caramel Bars

I’ve made these at least 3 times in 2021. They’re sooooooo good and completely addictive. I make the amount of miso caramel specified in the recipe but actually only use about half of it because I prefer less sweet sweets, and they come out perfect every time.

Best of dessert from a grocery store: Trader Joe’s Brooklyn Babka

Ugh okay, I know I have a sweet tooth problem. I’ve really been trying to cut back in the name of health, but sweets just speak to me. Or maybe whisper.. sweet nothings that always tempt me. So here’s a little side story: I’ve had this bad habit of collecting the wrong first impressions from people, experiences, and foods. This may be due to that I’m very sure of what I like and dislike. Here and there, my judgment based on a first impression is simply wrong. All this to say, I thought I wasn’t a big fan of babka after trying it once years ago, but boy was I wrong. This is certainly not the best babka out there, but it is really good! I may have gotten multiple loaves over a short period of time, and may or may not have shared much of it…

Best of dessert from a local shop: Baklava from M Bakery

Ha, you thought I couldn’t possibly say more about dessert, but I need to give a mention to these beautiful soaked triangles of walnut baklava found at M Bakery in Chicago. Despite being soaked in a sweet syrup, the baklava itself is not too sweet. Now, I know baklava is a subject of contention, as when I took my friend to try this, she was not a huge fan. She prefers the crispy kind, but I love it moist just like this.

In terms of purchases, I didn’t shop much in my effort to curb personal consumption, but I finally traded my deteriorating cotton bedding for some high-quality linens. Sometimes nice things are worth the money, especially if they’re long-lasting. Oh, I also got a fish spatula and it is great for flipping a variety of things, would definitely recommend.

One last thing, for all you kimchi lovers out there, I would strongly urge you to try making your own if you haven’t done so before. Like with any homemade vs. store-bought thing, you can tailor it to your own tastes.. I add grated apple and pear and lots of ginger to mine for that freshness. It also costs way less and is completely worth the effort, especially if you pool resources and do it with a few friends. Those Korean halmunis certainly know what’s up when they have kimchi making parties.

So that’s 2021, probably with too much sugar, but I guess I just like living the sweet life ;p