Yes, another post about the Japanese dollar store. And possibly my last one. About the store, that is. See, during my last visit there a few days ago, when I was standing in a quiet corner taking photos, a voice rang out with, “You can’t take pictures in here!”

Oh boy, not this again. I knew I needed to work on my ninja photo-taking skills. Or lack thereof.

But I’m not bitter about no longer being able to take photos there. Except when I think about it.

Anyhoo, I went to the store in search of stocking stuffers of the non-food variety and found some things I wanted to stuff my stocking with.

Like this, which totally brings me back to being a child of the ’80s. Whatcha think—is a 20-something too old to rock this heart bracelet?

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So, I’ve realized that this Web site has become known to some people as one about Asian snacks. And I’m okay with that. Featuring all of those snacks has given me a list of things that I think would make great stocking stuffers/gift bag goodies.

The first item on the list will come as little surprise to many.  (I got all of the following things at local Asian markets, but some are also available on Amazon.com. I’ll include a link to the original post, as well as an Amazon.com one if I was able to find the item on the site.)

Chocolate Pocky, Strawberry Pocky on Asian Aisle.

Chocolate Pocky on Amazon.com.

Strawberry Pocky on Amazon.com.

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One thing I look forward to the most about visiting another city is experiencing things that are unavailable in my own. In Portland, food carts spanning some city blocks was one of those things.

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We made it to Ken’s Artisan Bakery in the Alphabet District at 11 AM on a Sunday, and found it packed. Not a single table inside the bakery was available.

Understandable, when it has these kinds of offerings.

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Okay, so I was already impressed with the friendly and efficient service we received from Kenny & Zuke’s staff during our lunch. But to receive this response—within an hour—from Nick, one of the owners, in regard to my emailed questions about their bottled Coke’s origin and whether it contains cane sugar, makes me love this restaurant even more. Nick not only answered my questions and confirmed reader Corey’s statement about their bottled Dr Pepper, he also told me which sandwiches are as big as your head.