Aug 19
2008

More "Marketing"

in Uncategorized

We’re on a roll here in the Fuji household. As a family activity last night we went to the other market on my list of Japanese markets. This time we went to Marukai in Costa Mesa. There are Marukai stores all around Southern California, one of which has a 98¢ store (like a hyaku en shop in Japan) next door, also owned by Marukai.

Next door to the Costa Mesa store is a Bookoff, a Japanese used bookstore, but unfortunately we didn’t have time to stop in and take a look (too bad, I love Bookoff!).
Marukai is smaller than Mitsuwa, but still had just about everything you could want. The store was also not as well kept as Mitsuwa. Another downside to Marukai is the $10 annual membership fee (no membership fee at Mitsuwa). At the Gardena, West Covina, and Costa Mesa locations you can pay a $1 fee for a day pass.
There is also a food court which is quite small, but still fun. I was excited to see that they have a Beard Papa’s (an absolutely fabulous Japanese chain that makes mouthwatering cream puffs) but it was just closing, so we didn’t get to have any (next time!).
We stopped at SuperUdon in the food court and grabbed some food to go.
Mr. Fuji and I each got a noodle set. He got a bowl of tempura curry udon and a side of tempura rice.
I got a bowl of soba with thinly sliced beef and veggies in it and a side of tororo rice (rice topped with grated mountain yam and thinly sliced green onions).
The set came with a ton of food (I put half of mine in the fridge to eat later) and was very good. Squirrel enjoyed both noodle dishes immensely!

Marukai
2975 Harbor Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714)751-8433

Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-9pm/Sun 9:30am-8:30pm (effective 8/1)
*Members only ($10 annual membership fee), with $1 day passes available for purchase at the cashier when you check out.

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

Contamination August 20, 2008 at 8:03 am

Looks like a Mini-Japan there.

Book Off with Beard Papa’s? Wow!

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kawaii crafter August 21, 2008 at 5:06 pm

We have a Mitsuwa out here as well, looks like your finding all the food you’re missing

did you find the kinako?

The seasonal pumpkin cream puffs from Beard Papas are my favorite!

Reply

jturningpin August 22, 2008 at 7:23 am

Man alive. Quite a bit gets lots in the translation, no? Everything looks sort wedgy and forced into styrofoam. Wouldn’t find that back in the old country. Not trying to critical or anything; it’s just interesting the changes that get made.

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