Momo, Musubi and a Short Movie

Spam-O-Rama 2018 has come and gone, but thanks to local videographer (and contestant!) Justin Inahara we have a terrific video to remember the delightful day. Check out his moving montage of Hai! Japantown for glimpses of some of our favorite Momo neighborhood people and places. Sugoi, neh!

Tax-free Tax Day

April 15th is traditionally the deadline for filing income tax. It may not be your favorite day of the year, but Momo has an offer that makes it a little more pleasant: guilt-free retail therapy. This Sunday, we’re Sales Tax Free for cash purchases over $25. Come down to Momo and enjoy a brief respite from paying tax. Remember to visit an ATM beforehand — Cash is King for the discount!

Ramen Time

For some, the word “ramen” conjures images of poor college students slurping additive-laden noodles in their dorm rooms, but ramen is so much more than that. Ramen has a long and storied history. Believed to be Chinese in origin, it became a popular noodle dish in Japan in the early 1900s. Disruptions to food supplies during WWII created an underground “black market” ramen business – you could be arrested if you were caught selling ramen without specific permission! The omnipresent instant ramen was not invented until 1958 and was considered something of a luxury food until the ’70s (later, in the US).

In celebration of this perfect comfort food, we are featuring an array of ramen-themed delights one might find here at Momo.

Colorful ramen bowls by Danica are large enough
for even the most decadent bowl of noodles. 

Wonderfully talented local designer Stasia Burrington’s
“Ramen Girl” pins are beyond adorable. 

100% cotton kitchen towels feature
12 different doodles of delectable ramen bowls.

The eternally popular Ramen Shark tee from SumoFish.

Wear your ramen on something other than your shirt!
Ramen tabbisocks to keep your tootsies warm.

No blog post about food would be complete without some dining suggestions! Here are some of our favorite places you can find ramen right here in the International District:

•As much as we refrain from cluing people in to our secret den of deliciousness, we can't help ourselves. Tsukushinbo serves ramen as their lunch special on Fridays. Their broth simmers for days before being deemed worthy.
•Fu Lin’s China-meets-Japan offering is affordable and hearty! Definitely add a side of gyoza.
•Next door neighbor Kaname specializes in two types of ramen: shio and miso tonkatsu. Pair with a cocktail made by Momo's very own Leland for a terrific dinner.
•Samurai Noodles is a neighborhood go-to. Added bonus: there are a variety of add-ons you can request for your soup.

An Accidental Exhibitor

For nearly seven years, we’ve curated an eclectic collection of clothing, accessories and other finds, including omiyage, the perfectly presented gift. But never did we aspire to be an art space. Yet lucky us, we’ve become an accidental exhibitor, thanks to the largess of a few local artists. Please visit and enjoy!

‘Japan’ by Roger Shimomura, 2012

Last Friday, we were floored and flattered when Greg Kucera and assistant Guy, walked over Roger Shimomura’s kawaii — and impressively large painting, ‘Japan’. How did we come to be so endowed? One day Roger strolled into Momo and noticed our Hello Kitty affinity, then suggested that he loan us his painting (it can be yours for $25,000). Look carefully and you’ll see Roger himself in the midst of the fun.

The work of Bryan Yeck

We’re also fortunate to display the art of Bryan Yeck, proprietor of Zeitgeist Coffee. Bryan, who helped design/build Momo thought one of his paintings would hang nicely at Momo. He was so right. And Bryan’s received more than a few inquiries but so far, hasn’t bitten — thank goodness.

Fowl play from Shelli Markee

The third artist to grace our shop is Shelli Markee, silversmithy, hair and makeup artist, and mother of two boys. Long before her birds landed, we sold her hand-hammered jewelry, so when she offered to install her flock, we said of course! Her wire sculptures are lighter than air — each fastened with a single brad. Admirers have taken home a bird of their own for $120 a pop.

  
Before opening Momo, Lala has always believed that form must have function. And after experiencing the uplifting energy that art lends to our atmosphere, she now appreciates that inspiration, in itself, is a worthy purpose. Thank you, Roger, Bryan and Shelli, for making Momo truly a happy • lucky • life.