This place has undergone an awesome transformation in the past year. It now includes a great section for East European fare, with delicious cheeses, meats and bakery selections. Yum! (And such good bread, too!)
They've cleaned everything up and organized the aisles to include a lot more, especially in the dry goods, than they had a couple of years ago. I've always loved this place, but now, it's WOW!
They rearranged the area that had a lot of household goods; it has less furniture now, so there's more room in the store for other items. You can still get bamboo floor mats, and those great low tables that are perfect for eating while watching TV, but they got rid of the stone beds (haven't had them for awhile, actually) and the fancy toilets that squirt hot water up your bum. Those were cool, I loved them when I was in Japan, but come on, who wants to buy that with a package of shabu-shabu beef and a few bitter melons?
The expanded section for prepared Korean foods rocks, except for the bulgogi. Don't get it! It had a lot of chewy connective tissue in it when I tried it--yuck! But the jeyuk (barbecued pork) was good, and the fried mixed dishes were delish. The sushi and sashimi were good too, and reasonably priced. Not Tokyo fare, but a good deal if you want a quick fix.
What most impressed me is how much cleaner the produce and fish sections are than previously. I would actually get seafood here now, but even when I go in mid-morning there's usually a wait so I don't. But if I ever get there and there's no wait, I'm getting a bunch of stuff to try it. The staff in this section seem very friendly and efficient.
The prices were always good here, but now, with the really great upgrade, this place is such a bargain. This was really money well spent by the owners. I think this is a big reason that both 99 Ranch AND the market in Plaza Fiesta closed! Who would go there when you can get everything, and more here? The only thing I miss is the fresh duck and pork from the spot in 99 Ranch, but as near as I know you can still get them at Hoa Binh a little closer to town, and at the Super H-mart in Duluth.
One advisory: it gets VERY crowded on weekends, so try weekdays. I go on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and have no problem with low levels of produce or other items, although I've noticed the section in produce with the noodles and pre-fried tofu products is more well-stocked on weekends. This is about the only place I know to get pre-fried slabs and cubes of tofu, so I make the effort when I really want them. They freeze well, so if you like them too, just stock up on a Saturday AM and enjoy at your leisure .
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