I awakened to the startle of my alarm – an 8:30 AM timer that I had forgot to pause from the morning prior. Only a mere six hours has passed since the previous evening’s extraordinary happenings, yet I felt well-rested and ready to take advantage of my final day in LA.
With a red-eye flight scheduled to depart around 10 PM PST, I anticipated just enough time to breeze through Koreatown once more and grab a bite before checking out. My early awakening had actually been beneficial to the voyaging process, as it allowed freedom for unplanned detours and room for potential commuting mishaps (not that they happened).
With a red-eye flight scheduled to depart around 10 PM PST, I anticipated just enough time to breeze through Koreatown once more and grab a bite before checking out. My early awakening had actually been beneficial to the voyaging process, as it allowed freedom for unplanned detours and room for potential commuting mishaps (not that they happened).
A plain croissant and Cold Brew later, I was on my way to 7th Street/Metro Centre.
Office workers dressed in freshly-ironed slacks and tall red heels flooded into the Financial District. It was only then that I came to the realization of time: it was Monday morning after all. The scene was similar to weekdays in Toronto’s downtown core, though the vibe I perceived from the West Coast was primmer and slightly more intimidating.
My second time on the Metro platform was met with a mother of two, all clearly tourists like myself, inquiring about whether the train pulling in traversed on the Red Line.
“This is the Purple Line.” I confidently replied with a smile. The first car of the train had displayed so, as did the LCD display hovering above. It was odd to think that someone who had barely explored the city had been asked for directions on her day of departure.
Office workers dressed in freshly-ironed slacks and tall red heels flooded into the Financial District. It was only then that I came to the realization of time: it was Monday morning after all. The scene was similar to weekdays in Toronto’s downtown core, though the vibe I perceived from the West Coast was primmer and slightly more intimidating.
My second time on the Metro platform was met with a mother of two, all clearly tourists like myself, inquiring about whether the train pulling in traversed on the Red Line.
“This is the Purple Line.” I confidently replied with a smile. The first car of the train had displayed so, as did the LCD display hovering above. It was odd to think that someone who had barely explored the city had been asked for directions on her day of departure.
Arriving at Wilshire/Western station, I made Madang Plaza my first stop. During evening hours, traffic flows were heavy and shop details had become faint. Daylight allowed for a better view of the shopping centre and its enclosed retail points; it also provided me with sufficient time to locate (and explore) H Mart – a spot I hadn’t had enough patience to hunt down on my day of arrival.
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The top level consisted of a theatre, several eateries, a bookstore of substantial size and product range. Across a turquoise-hued bridge was Book Monster, an establishment that retailed anything from Korean novels to manhwa to select K-Pop merchandise.
Majority of the GOT7 Just Right USBs could be found, with the exception of Jinyoung (and JB I believe?). Kakao colouring books and exam prep guides were also available.
Majority of the GOT7 Just Right USBs could be found, with the exception of Jinyoung (and JB I believe?). Kakao colouring books and exam prep guides were also available.
Half of the second level had been allocated to a fitness centre; the remaining space was consumed by Sul & Beans, SomiSomi, and Bento Bae.
Retreating to the first floor (ground level), I circulated the area again in search of the pedestrian entrance to H Mart. None could be found, so I took to asking one of the taiyaki soft serve shop owners for directions.
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As it turned out, one needed to descend the escalator to the basement level to find the “No. 1 Asian-American Supermarket in U.S.A.”.
Quite frankly, this location was smaller than most that I’ve visited in the GTA. While it contained fresh produce, raw meats, a cooked food section, and aisles upon aisles of packaged snacks and instant ramyeon, stock was quite limited. Snacks were found to be extremely pricey, especially taking into consideration the Canadian equivalent after the exchange rate was applied.
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I skimped on non-perishable souvenirs for friends – since who can afford $3 USD Pocky?! – and settled for snapping photos of Jinyoung’s tea and an adorable cloth monkey instead.
Having already stopped by Daiso and possessing no desires for beard papa’s or Paris Baguette before noon, I decided to stroll aimlessly in the vicinity for something of interest.
Bumsan’s bubble gum pink exterior came into view. The location of the Organic Milk Bar was random: squarely in the middle of a parking lot, causing colour shock to its dull, drab surroundings.
While I was intrigued, the wacky little shop hadn’t yet opened for the day. It was also nearing lunchtime.
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Within a minute of continuing north, I came across California Marketplace. Its exterior, as well as product layout, was reminiscent of grocery franchises such as T&T on No. 3.
The east entrance of the supermarket led directly into a covered parking lot. With no visible method of exiting onto the street, I climbed the escalator to the second floor.
Awaiting me were two Korean beauty shops, a plethora of empty, unoccupied spaces for rent, and home décor/café/beauty shop hybrid
Awaiting me were two Korean beauty shops, a plethora of empty, unoccupied spaces for rent, and home décor/café/beauty shop hybrid
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Behold: purchases and samples from ARITAUM.
An exposed third floor could be reached by either climbing baby teal-coloured stairs or ascending another escalator. The scene that welcomed me was a sight to behold: patio umbrellas, shrubbery, and boxy wooden seating could be at all corners of the space. To one side was a café, and beside it a shiny new playground.
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Cafe Bora appeared a recent addition to Square Mixx, with congratulatory orchids were placed near the entrance and promotional banners situated throughout each level of the building in abundance.
Serene like Soohyang yet lively like The Cups, the atmosphere contained slight confusion within its calmness. A few older gentlemen were chatting away when I arrived; in front of the cashier were middle-aged ladies happily chirping amongst themselves while deciding on their orders. Two young men worked the cashier with sloth-like speed, while a female member of staff was spotted crafting desserts in the open preparation area. An ahjussi donning slicked hair and a fitted navy blazer was overseeing the operations occurring in his business (presumably) in their entirety.
Muted wooden elements were the primary source of furnishings, while bold blotches of warm violet attributed the setting its name. Seating ranged from booths with round cushions to benches akin to picnic tables. The afternoon sun was diffused by airy, beige curtains, transforming harsh UV rays to a soft orange glow in which customers could enjoy their iced treats in peace.
The menu was compact and revealed emphasis on mini tiramisu pots and purple yam shaved ice. Each of the dessert offerings was inclusive of intricate details and appealing presentation.
Admittedly, they were on the pricier side given its portion size. A solo traveller seldom has the option of splitting costs, so I decided to try a carbonated beverage to alleviate the warming effects of the California sun.
The menu was compact and revealed emphasis on mini tiramisu pots and purple yam shaved ice. Each of the dessert offerings was inclusive of intricate details and appealing presentation.
Admittedly, they were on the pricier side given its portion size. A solo traveller seldom has the option of splitting costs, so I decided to try a carbonated beverage to alleviate the warming effects of the California sun.
View the full album HERE !
The young man behind the cashier waited a few minutes before dragging himself over to serve me. I guess “POTENTIAL CUSTOMER” did not radiate from my somewhat disheveled appearance. He furrowed his brows at the menu when I requested a Green Apricot Sparkling Water – noting to himself that it was synonymous with 매실 (aka Sour Plum).
The young man behind the cashier waited a few minutes before dragging himself over to serve me. I guess “POTENTIAL CUSTOMER” did not radiate from my somewhat disheveled appearance. He furrowed his brows at the menu when I requested a Green Apricot Sparkling Water – noting to himself that it was synonymous with 매실 (aka Sour Plum).
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“We’ll call you when it’s ready…” he muttered as he trailed off in the direction of the other staff members.
“But how can you call me if you didn’t provide an order number nor take my name?” I wondered.
It was later discovered that his definition of “calling” involved peeking over the bar area, lifting my drink in the air, and flatly announcing, “Your drink.”
Suffice to say, I expected more amiable service and a higher degree of professionalism from an establishment of such exquisite décor. In the territory was not a single party that did not speak standard Korean, and as the odd one out, I truly felt the feelings of exclusion.
“But how can you call me if you didn’t provide an order number nor take my name?” I wondered.
It was later discovered that his definition of “calling” involved peeking over the bar area, lifting my drink in the air, and flatly announcing, “Your drink.”
Suffice to say, I expected more amiable service and a higher degree of professionalism from an establishment of such exquisite décor. In the territory was not a single party that did not speak standard Korean, and as the odd one out, I truly felt the feelings of exclusion.
Four dollars was an appropriate price tag to place on the drink – it was refreshing, carbonated, and just sweet enough for my liking.
A few sips in though, I realized it bore a strong resemblance to Yuzu and brought it to the attention of the front line staff.
They informed me that it was indeed Green Apricot (Sour Plum), to which I responded in surprise. As I was about to settle on the beverage and take my leave, the man of manager-like authority stepped in and asked it to be remade.
Honestly, I could feel the bitter glares in my direction already.
The re-made version was intensely sweet, but still very similar to the original in terms of taste. Towards the bottom of the beverage were crunchy blossom bits – something I had initially perceived to be slivers of yuzu peel.
A few sips in though, I realized it bore a strong resemblance to Yuzu and brought it to the attention of the front line staff.
They informed me that it was indeed Green Apricot (Sour Plum), to which I responded in surprise. As I was about to settle on the beverage and take my leave, the man of manager-like authority stepped in and asked it to be remade.
Honestly, I could feel the bitter glares in my direction already.
The re-made version was intensely sweet, but still very similar to the original in terms of taste. Towards the bottom of the beverage were crunchy blossom bits – something I had initially perceived to be slivers of yuzu peel.
I took a few moments to appreciate the soft plastic sleeve and its Space Violet-like tone before moving on to the next destination.
Continue reading Part 2 HERE !
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