We managed to snag THE one LAST spot in the back and as we walked towards H-Mart, we heard the loud rhythmic pounding of Taiko drums...
(photo taken when the drummers were on break)
Apparently, there was a new Daiso Japan store opening that very same day and out of curiosity, we went to go check out the hubbub...
The store didn't look too crazy crowded, as I heard it was earlier that morning. There was a crowd of folks watching the Taiko drummers and young workers passing out raffle tickets as you entered the store. You had to be present the next day at 10 am (which we skipped out on) to hear your number to win (I forgot what the prizes were).
Unless marked, practically everything in the store in $1.50, even these cool tabi socks which are "split" and traditionally worn with "geta" slippers.
TC got the one that looked like red slipper straps. Not bad for $1.50!
I didn't take too many photos in here, but man, there were so many interesting gadgets like this "cream squeezer" (uh, yeah). It had differed shaped tips so you could make different designs for baking. Cool, but I would probably never use it.
TC and I saw the fake boobs box first. Then she looked up and said, "Ohhhh, no.....". When I saw what she was referring to, I blanched in horror. It was an inflatable goosehead thing that you place over your crotch!
I guess if you're looking for some gag gifts....hmmmm.
We picked up a few items and then stood in what I thought was a long line. I later found out from Kirbie (who had passed by earlier that morning) that lines were OUT THE DOOR, so I guess this wasn' so bad after all. What kind of sucked was that there was one line only. You had to be directed to the registers by an employee at the front of the line.
Isn't this cute?
Yes, I will use these for work, or as book markers! Only $1.50!
So with our cute Japanese merchandise in hand, we walked over to H-Mart, specifically for Paris Baguette.
Interesting signs found near the store entrance.
What is it with Korean male celebrities hawking makeup?
They sell these interestingly named cookies at the Japanese stores too, Coque d'Asse!
It's been awhile since I last weknt to Paris Baguette. It seems more cramped here because it's out in the open instead of in an alcove like at Zion. Same products, same layout.
Everything looked so good, especially the sponge cakes and the cream buns...
More fresh out of the oven pastries...
I think it's safe to say that the "cronut craze" has died down, as evidenced by their little sign below.
As much as I wanted one of these, I ended up getting something else Bert and I would both enjoy.
Our selections. Can you guess which one was TC's?
Almond cream cake (for me and Bert), chocolate cream bun for Bert and, yes, the hot dog bread for TC (her favorite).
Daiso Japan
9420 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126
FB page
Here are the recent reviews from yes, that site, complete with pix from the grand opening this past weekend.
Last visit to Paris Baguette:
December 2012
Today is another warm weekend. According to our thermometer, it's 89F outside and 78 IN our house! Wut! Keep cool and don't forget to wear green tomorrow for St. Patrick's!
7 comments:
The Mister stopped at HMart last week after visiting a client and Paris had items marked down to half price. We had sponge cakes for days. I live Daiso and always can find something there. The only green shirt I own has the words "Soylent Green is people" on the front. Hmmm
That parking lot will be even more of a horror show now!
Hi cathy - omg, that shirt sounds hilarious. didn't know about the half off, but this place is too far for me to want to seek out the deal. good to know though!
hi kirk - yes, even more so!!!!!!! we were lucky to even get that one crappy spot in the back.
I was just at this strip mall over the weekend for a bday dinner. I've been to Daiso in LA - they have quite a bit of stuff but the quality of the stuff is pretty bad.
I'm not sure if you've seen Paris' sandwiches? They look pretty good and are 30% off after a certain time in the evening. I saw their cronut sign too - they make it seem so 'amazing' that you can buy as many of these things as you want now. My very first cronut was from Paris' Baguette actually.
hi faye - yeah, the quality isn't the greatest for many of the stuff there.
as for the sandwiches at Paris, I didn't know about the 30% off after a certain time. good to know!
I love that I live around the corner from here. I went after work yesterday (about 4pm) and parking was easy breezy. You will never find me here on the weekend, ugh. I still remember when it was a sleepy Ralph's parking lot. Daiso has so much cute stuff! I got the cutest "hedgehog" duster for my car.
mary - it's good it wasn't busy when you went. those drivers are $#@% crazy! they would cut a beeyotch just to get a parking space.ugh, never again on a weekend. oh, cute - a hedgehog!
Post a Comment