Island of bliss, a photo by js_hale on Flickr.
This place had me on the verge of tears, both coming and going; the decor, the layout, everything was so reminiscent of shops in Japan that I felt like I was IN Japan! I was in heaven, flitting between the displays, totally unable to pare down my ever-expanding wish list of sweet delicacies. Stepping back out onto Market Street was pure culture shock. I told Peter that we can't ever leave the bay area, because it would mean that I couldn't get my Japan fix. If I am to live stateside, it must be near SF. New York is too cold, and - no offense to my Angelino friends - but LA is LA. It's a NorCal / SoCal thing. Anyway, for anyone who craves Japanese sweets like I do, this place absolutely rocks it like nothing else. I got yuzu-flavored mochi with a kumquat inside that was to die for. And the ohagi....you have to understand that ohagi is one of my favorite, favorite delicacies of all time. Ohagi is basically glutinous rice covered in sweet bean paste. There are some variations, like course or smooth-textured beans, and some come dusted with kinako (toasted soy) flour, which I highly recommend, but it's a pretty simple concept. Ever since I learned that beans could be an enjoyable dessert, I have been in love with ohagi.
This place pictured below is "Gyokusenya," a tiny ohagi shop on Sennichimae Boulevard in Osaka. It's just around the corner from where I lived for a short while.
You can't find places like this in the States - places that are so small, and specialize in one particular type of food. But if you look up this place on Japanese food sites, there are tons of glowing reviews. This place encapsulates a lot of what I love so much about Japan, and it all comes back to me when I have really good ohagi. This is what happened to me the other day after visiting Minamoto Kitchoan. If you are in SF, take MUNI or BART to Montgomery Station, go to the north side of Market Street and go in. Do not be shocked by the prices - this ain't no Mrs. Fields. But the flavors, colors and textures will astound you. I recommend choosing something familiar - like a white chocolate - matcha cookie or something similar, and then something wildly exotic. I cannot promise that you will love it, but you might - and at the very least, this little oasis in downtown SF is like a very brief but cheap trip to Japan.
