❤️ Hello/Goodbye

“Endings are the saddest part,
So just give me a happy middle
And a very happy start.” 

                                                                             ― Shel Silverstein, Every Thing on It

Over 13 years ago, when I worked at a little store and dreamed of owning a shop, I bought myself a very special necklace engraved in microscopic script, “Whatever you would do, begin it. Boldness has courage, genius and magic in it.” When opportunity finally came along, I wore the talisman every day while Tom and I created Momo, from musing about the would-be mission, to painting the 17’ walls with a borrowed scaffold. After all, opening a boutique was an intrepid move for two folks with little retail experience — I needed as much pluck, brilliance and miracle making that I could muster.

 
Now I must once again don my silver touchstone, as the time has come to move on from Momo.
 
There are so many reasons beyond the challenges of this current climate. Originally, the plan was 10 years. We surpassed that mark successfully and I charged ahead, with Tom by my side, but not without his kvetching. And my folks, who a few of you have met, are growing very old and my heart yearns to sit with them in their backyard watching the birds while talking story.
 
We did what we set out to do. And it was more fulfilling than we could ever imagine. Opening a shop seems to be about designing an environment and buying cool stuff. But really, it’s about the people who support us, over and over again. And that comes from all sides — from the best landlord, to loyal staff, to talented, reliable vendors, to a community that’s got your back, to appreciative customers who become friends.
 
As for our timeframe, just like so much these days, we’re taking it as it comes, with the aim of closing completely by end of September. I’m not sure of what’s in the cards for me … I might metamorphosize as Mini Momo, you never know. If you have any insights, share them! And you’ll find Tom in our garden, working on the house, and loving retirement.

What’s regrettable is that our paths may not cross again. Oh, how we’ve enjoyed hearing of your worlds outside of Momo! We wish you long and contented lives, and that the children we’ve met grow up to be smart, healthy and joyful, and that all your wishes come true.
 
So, thank you — you made Momo the happy • lucky place it’s been for the last 13 years. Here’s to the final few Aloha Fridays, and life’s next adventure.

xo Lala & Tom
ps: Thanks to Thomas Barwick for the photo, click on it for a fun farewell song.

Japantown is Open! (sort of)

 

Irasshaimasu!

Ever so slowly, Seattle’s Japantown businesses are peeking out from behind plywood to welcome you for whatever you need. So where can a visitor explore the historic neighborhood these days? Here’s the short list, with more doors cautiously opening every week. Come on down — and arigato for wearing a mask!

SHOP

 

Daiso

Seven days a week, 10:00 - 7:00

$1.50 shop

710 6th Avenue South

daisojapan.com

206.623.3312

 

International Model Toys

Seven days a week, 11:30 - 7:30

For the hobbyist and collector

524 South King Street

206.682.8534

 

Kinokuniya Bookstore

Seven days a week, 10:00 - 6:00

Books, CDs, stationery galore

525 South Weller Street

kinokuniya.com

206.587.2477

Momo

Friday and Saturday, 

Noon - 5:00

Or by appointment (lala@momoseattle.com)

Happy ‘hapa’ shop for men and women

600 South Jackson Street

momoseattle.com

206.329.4736

Pink Gorilla Games

Seven days a week, 11:00 - 7:00

Video games, anime toys

601 South King Street

pinkgorillagames.com

206.264.24.34

 

Savvy Cosmetics

Seven days a week, 11:00 - 5:00

Japanese beauty treatment, skincare and cosmetics

Located inside Uwajimaya

600 5th Avenue South

206.223.1866

 

Trichome

Monday, Wednesday - Saturday, Noon - 6:00

Sunday, 12:00 - 5:00

Lifestyle shop for the cannabis culture

618 South Jackson Street

trichomeseattle.com

206.905.9884

 

Uwajimaya

Seven days a week, 8:00 - 8:00

Asian persuasion gift/grocery store

4601 6th Avenue South

uwajimaya.com

206.624.3215

 

EAT & DRINK

 

Fuji Bakery

Take out only

Monday - Saturday, 7:30 - 5:00

Sunday, 7:30 - 4:00

French-Japanese pastry café

526 South King Street

fujibakeryinc.com

206.623.4050

 

Fuji Sushi

Dine in and take out

Tuesday - Sunday, 11:00 - 9:30

Sushi and bento in a contemporary setting

520 South Main Street

fujisushiseattle.com

206.624.1201

 

Fort St. George

Dine in: Monday - Saturday, 5:00 - 10:00

Take out: Friday and Saturday, 11:30 - 2:00, Sunday, 11:00 - 8:00

Casual fusion of Japanese/American

601 South King Street

fortstgeorgeseattle.com

206.382.0662

Maneki

Take out only

Tuesday - Sunday, 4:30 - 8:30

Mom-style cooking

304 6th Avenue South

manekiseattle.com

206.622.2631

Momosan Ramen & Sake

Take out only

Seven days a week, 11:30 - 8:00

Noodle shop of a famous Iron Chef

504 5th Avenue South

Momosanramen.com

 

Musashi’s

Dine in and take out

Lunch: Monday - Saturday, 11:00 - 2:30

Dinner: Monday - Saturday, 4:30 - 9:00

Japanese favorites done quickly

512 South King Street

206.829.0277

 

Panama Hotel Tea and Coffee

Sip in and take out

Seven days a week, 9:00 - 3:00

Historic hotel offering tea, coffee and cocktails

605-1/2 South Main Street

panamahotelseattle.com

206.223.9242

 

Samurai Noodle

Take out only

Monday - Thursday, 11:00 - 8:00

Friday - Sunday, 11:00 - 8:30

Authentic ramen and gyoza

606 5th Avenue South

samurainoodle.com

206.624.9321

 

Tsukushinbo

Dine in dinner only: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5:00 - 10:00

Friday and Saturday, 5:00 - 11:00, Sunday, 5:00 - 9:00

Take out: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Noon - 10:00

Friday and Saturday, Noon - 11:00, Sunday, Noon - 9:00

Take out mini lunch special: Wednesday - Sunday, Noon - 2:00

Secret restaurant and sushi bar

515 South Main Street

206.467.4004

 

EXPLORE

 

Danny Woo Garden

Open during daylight hours

An active community garden

Visit the Kobe stone lantern at the top

Across from the Panama Hotel

 

Nihonmachi Alley

Open 24/7

A tribute to historic Japantown featuring murals and more

On South Jackson between Sixth and Maynard

 

Pioneer Barber Company

Monday, Wednesday - Friday, 10:00 - 6:00

Saturday, 10:00 - 5:00

Modern barbershop within an historic space

314 6th Avenue South

pioneerbarbercompany.com

206.623.3056

 

ETC

 

Artform

Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30 - 5:00

Custom quality framing services

527 South Main Street

206.467.7074

  

FRIENDS OF JAPANTOWN

 

Susu Dessert Bar

Take out only

Friday - Sunday, 11:00 - 3:00

Epicurean Eurasian pastries

665 South King Street

sususeattle.com

New Star Seafood

Take out only

Seven days a week, 11:00 - 10:30

Cantonese and Hong Kong-style classic cuisine

516 South Jackson Street

newstarseafood.com

206.622.8801

 

World Pizza

Take out only

Tuesday - Saturday, 3:00 - 7:00

Vegetarian slices and pies, salads and sweets

672 South King Street

worldpizzaseattle.com

206.682.4161