YouTube This Week - Behind the Booth with Cloris Creates
Are you a proud pet parent who loves flaunting your furry friend's adorable face everywhere you go? If so, we have some delightful news to share! Our newest video spotlights an incredible vendor who has captured the essence of over 1000 different pets in unique keychains and stickers. Prepare to be amazed as we explore the world of adorable and customizable pet memorabilia that is sure to melt your heart.
In our newest installment of Behind the Booth, we get to meet Cloris, the artist and owner of Cloris Creates. Her inspiration for creating so many different exotic pet keychains and stickers comes from her passion of wanting to be able to represent all types of pets. Being an owner of a White Husky she struggled to find White Husky merchandise to show off her love of her furry companion. Her goal is to represent as many pets as she can, especially the more exotic pets because they don’t get a lot of representation. Now, she has keychains representing over one thousand different pets!
Cloris hints at the struggles beginning her small business during the pandemic. It is inspiring to see so much growth and success from her through the journey she embarked on during uncertain times! We are proud to be a platform that supports many creators and entrepreneurs with their dreams and are always looking forward to hearing more success stories like Cloris’.
Visit Cloris Creates and many more of our amazing vendors this upcoming weekend July 28-30, 2023 in Pleasanton, CA for our last Bay Area 626 Night Market! Click HERE to register for tickets.
The Milk Tea Company Opens First Location in 626
The Milk Tea Company started out as a vendor at our 626 Night Market events in Arcadia and Costa Mesa. After coming back for multiple seasons, they have finally opened a storefront in 626! They just opened in February 2021 in Rosemead, CA.
The Milk Tea Company started out as a vendor at our 626 Night Market events in Arcadia and Costa Mesa. After coming back for multiple seasons, they have finally opened a storefront in 626! They just opened in February 2021 in Rosemead, CA (9711 Valley Blvd, Ste A, Rosemead, CA 91770).
The Milk Tea Company’s booth at 626 Night Market | Image by @themilkteaco
At their new location, they have included their popular Hong Kong Style Milk Tea and Royal Milk Tea on their menu. Besides teas, they also have a selection of coffee and milk-based drinks. Have you ever had curry flavored popcorn chicken? What about 13 spice? You can try those flavors and more at The Milk Tea Company since they also offer popcorn chicken to snack on!
Royal Milk Tea and 13 Spice Popcorn Chicken | Image by @akinnaeats
Rosemead storefront | Image by @themilkteaco
Find their whole menu here and pay them a visit soon! Do not forget to tag @themilkteaco and @626nightmarket in your pictures, we want to see what you try!
We Love Holiday Food!
In our last post we featured some holiday meals and holiday themed boxes but we have even more vendors offering some holiday flavors on their menus! They won’t be staying long, so make sure to stop by soon. Make sure to give them a follow to be notified of future offerings!
In our last post we featured some holiday meals and holiday themed boxes but we have even more vendors offering some holiday flavors on their menus! They won’t be staying long, so make sure to stop by soon. Make sure to give them a follow to be notified of future offerings!
SCOOPS ON TAP
Scoops On Tap makes premium ice cream using only the best local ingredients. They create their own unique flavors that rotate occasionally. To find their current flavors you can visit their Instagram or website. Right now their holiday flavors are Candy Cane Lane, Hearthside Eggnog, and Cranberry Compliments (plant based). You can order them by the pint for pickup in Montclair, CA or on Saturdays at the Pasadena Farmers Market or Downtown Upland Farmers Market. They also deliver within 45 miles of their Montclair location. Hurry and order a pint before their holiday flavors sell out!
NANA BEAR'S MINI DONUTS
You can find Nana Bear’s Mini Donuts in NorCal selling their mini donuts. They are made fresh everyday and can be bought in different quantities by the box. For the holidays, they currently have holiday flavors and DIY kits available. If you are close to them around the Lathrop, Manteca, or Tracy areas, contact them for ordering and delivery options! You can find their email on Instagram.
LABOBATORY
Labobatory is located in the 626. They are known for their creative flavors and also have a DIY Boba Kit available to be shipped nationwide! Their holiday drinks this year are Chocolate Peppermint Milk Tea and White Chocolate Strawberry Milk Tea. They are available for a limited time so stay updated by checking their Instagram or website.
DRUNKEN CAKE POPS
Drunken Cake Pops is based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and makes liquor infused cake pops. For the holidays they have Liquor Infused Holiday Cake Pops with flavors like Santa’s Eggnog to Tipsy Gingerbread to everyone’s favorite Drunken Abuela! Some of their original flavors include German Chocolate Whiskey, Lemon Drop Martini, Monique’s Pink Champagne, and more. If you’re looking for virgin options, they have that too! Go to their website for more flavors and yes, they ship as well! They also had Hot Chocolate Bombs and Sugar Cookies at their store. Follow their Instagram for the latest news.
WOW WOW HAWAIIAN LEMONADE
You can find Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade in Hawaii, Arizona and California! They have a location in Livermore, CA and one coming soon in El Dorado Hills, CA. They make craft lemonades, acai bowls, smoothies and other healthy bites. For the holidays, they have holiday inspired Cold Brews, Smoothies, and Toasts. They’re leaving soon, so go get a Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread Spice, or Peppermint Cacao Cold Brew or Smoothie and a Pumpkin Spice Nut Butter Toast or Gingerbread Nut Butter Toast while you still can!
FANCY FLAVORS
Fancy Flavors doesn’t have a storefront yet, but they are based in San Jose, CA and ship nationwide! Their Macarons are so beautiful and they can make custom orders too. This year they made Macaron Advent Calendars and a Mixed Holiday Assortment Box. Unfortunately, the advent calendars have been sold out for a while now and the holiday box is nearing its end as well. If you want to make sure you can get some macarons before they sell out next time, follow their Instagram or check their website!
These holiday creations are leaving soon. Will you be stopping by? Make sure to tag us in your photos so we can see your orders!
Still Looking for Holiday Meals or Treats?
Is food the way to your heart? Our vendors are cooking up some holiday specials this year! If you don’t have time to cook or haven’t had time to figure out gifts for your foodie friends yet, keep reading to see if something catches your eye. We’ve compiled a list with some holiday meals and holiday themed gift boxes!
Is food the way to your heart? Our vendors are cooking up some holiday specials this year! If you don’t have time to cook or haven’t had time to figure out gifts for your foodie friends yet, keep reading to see if something catches your eye. We’ve compiled a list with some holiday meals and holiday themed gift boxes!
MEALS
ARIA CAFE
Aria Cafe in Long Beach, CA launched their Holiday Menu with plenty of options to pick from. Their menu is a la carte style, so you just pick the dishes you want. Pick up dates are December 24th - 26th, but make sure to get your order in by Thursday, December 17th! If you try to order after the 17th, they might not be able to accommodate your order. Check their Instagram for more details. You can also message them to place your order.
CALI-FLOWER FOODS
Cali-Flower Foods is a vegan pop-up that does events and catering. They are mainly located in the Inland Empire and created a Holiday Feast this year! It feeds 4 to 7 people and includes a full size stuffed foturkey, gravey, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and cranberry sauce. Last day to order is Tuesday, December 22nd! Message them on Instagram for more details and to order.
HOLIDAY BOXES
BUNSO BREADS
Bunso Breads is a Filipino Bakery in Pleasanton, CA known for their Ensaymada Balls, a traditional Filipino sweet brioche. Besides their selection of Filipino treats like Ube Flan Cupcakes and Pork Adobo Rolls, they currently have Holiday Boxes available. The options are the savory Ham & Quezo de Bola Ensaymada Balls, the eye-catching Holiday Ube Cake Box, the all-inclusive 12 Days of Christmas Variety Box, or the delicious Christmas Wreath Ensaymada Balls. Place your orders as soon as possible on their website! They are available for pickup on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and only the Holiday Ube Cake Box is available for shipping.
THE CORNER STOOP
The Corner Stoop draws from different inspirations in life, including growing up in a Filipino-American family. Their usual menu includes pies, cookies, breads, and more. Based in Los Angeles County, they also are available to cater events. For the holidays this year they have a Cookie Holiday Box, Mini Loaf Holiday Bag, and Holiday Gift Box. All their items are available to be shipped nationwide, so order on their website as soon as possible!
TUCHELADA
Usually at different events throughout the year, you can currently pick up from TuChelada in Pasadena, CA or order any of their items online (they ship worldwide)! For the holidays, they have a Christmas Michelada Ready Box and a Christmas Chili-Gummy Box. You can make your own Micheladas at home or snack on some yummy Chili-Gummies! They also have other michelada supplies, chili-gummies, chili-candies, and accessories available.
MACARONS BY NATALIE
Macarons by Natalie is based in Oakland, CA and can create anything from custom character macarons to Japanese Souffle Cheesecakes. They have over 49 flavors and are perfect for any event! They haven’t announced their Holiday Box yet, but when they do it will be on their Instagram. In the meantime, you can pickup some goodies in Oakland or get them delivered anywhere in the Bay Area.
Will you be ordering anything from this list? Let us know! Make sure to tag us in your photos so we can see all the delicious food you get.
No Yeast? No Problem!
Can’t find any yeast at the grocery store? All you need is flour, water, and a container to start making your own yeast at home! Although you are technically making sourdough starter (yeast mainly used for sourdough), you can still use it in other recipes to make them rise and add a unique (that sourdough-like) taste!
Photo from @gfjules.
Can’t find any yeast at the grocery store?
All you need is flour, water, and a container to start making your own yeast at home! Although you are technically making sourdough starter (yeast mainly used for sourdough), you can still use it in other recipes to make them rise and add a unique (sourdough-like) taste! I would say that is still better than dense bread or pastries with no yeast at all.
Here’s a simple guide on how to create your own starter!
Materials
Flour (unbleached)
Water (filtered or distilled)
Glass or plastic container (mason jar)
Instructions
1. Add flour and water
Take your container and add in equal parts flour and water by weight. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, that’s roughly 3 parts flour to 2 parts water. Don’t forget to use filtered or distilled water since the chlorine in tap water can prevent the yeast from growing. Any sort of flour will work as long as it is unbleached. If this is your first time, all-purpose flour is usually the easiest to use.
2. Mix it together until smooth. Cover loosely with a lid and let it sit.
Depending on the temperature of your home, you may need to create a warmer environment for your yeast. You can either place it in a warm spot of your home (for me it’s on the windowsill when it’s daylight but not in direct sunlight) or in the oven with just the light on.
3. Mix
Within the first 24 hours mix 2 to 3 times.
4. Feed
After 24 hours, it is time to add more! Every time you feed your starter, you are helping it grow and create more activity (a.k.a. the bubbles you see in yeast). You will need to discard half of your current mixture before you add more. If you don’t do this at each feeding you will eventually find yourself with way too much starter. Don’t worry! There are plenty of recipes online to use your discard. Add in the same amount you added in step 1, equal amounts of flour and water by weight or roughly 3 parts flour and 2 parts water. Give it a good mix, cover it loosely, and let it sit in a warm spot again.
5. Repeat
Keep discarding and feeding your yeast once a day until you finally see bubbles forming. But even when you see the first signs of bubbles, your starter is most likely not strong enough to use yet. I would recommend giving it a couple more days to create a stronger starter. This whole process should take about a week.
USAGE
It is best to use your starter when it is at its peak. Its peak would be after you feed it and it starts expanding and creating bubbles. Use it before the activity slows and it starts deflating again. When you use it in recipes other than sourdough, you will usually substitute 1 cup of starter for 1 packet of yeast. Sometimes it varies depending on your recipe, but through trial and error you will get more familiar with your yeast and know how much to use in recipes. You will also need to subtract some water and flour from the original recipe since your starter itself contains water and flour. How much you need to subtract depends on how much starter you are using in the recipe.
Tip: Use a rubber band to mark how much your starter has risen!
Time to feed it!
Rising
At its peak!
Time to feed it!
More bubbles = more activity
Storage
You can keep feeding and using it every day if you are a frequent baker. If you do not bake as much, you can keep it in the refrigerator and only need to feed it once a week. All you have to do is feed it, close the lid, and put it in the fridge. When you want to use it, take it out, stir it, and place it in a warm spot for it to start up again. Depending on how many days it was in the fridge, you will most likely need to feed it once or a couple times when it gets back to room temperature and wait for it to bubble before using it.
conclusion
Congratulations! You have created a starter that you can use when you bake! It is ok if you do not want to make sourdough. I have used it to make normal bread and cookies myself. But you know how sourdough is kind of sour? Your baked goods might have that slight sourness too. For some recipes I could taste the “sourness” but for some recipes it did not affect the taste. You can keep using this starter again and again, replenishing it each time you feed it. If you want to know more about yeast and sourdough starter, there is plenty of information online!
Top 6 Vendors Offering Takeout or Delivery in 626 and LA
Looking for some delicious takeout or delivery options? We’ve done the research and put together some of our favorites so you don’t have to! Here are a few of our picks for those in 626 and LA:
Looking for some delicious takeout or delivery options? We’ve done the research and put together some of our favorites so you don’t have to! Here are a few of our picks for those in 626 and LA:
LOBSTERDAMUS
Images via @justinquebral.
If you haven’t had Lobsterdamus at the 626 Night Market, did you really go? If you have ever walked past their booth at our events you know how crazy their line gets! Lucky for you, they’re open for curbside pick-up every Thursday to Sunday. You can order some mouth-watering Lobster with just a few clicks and then wait in the comfort of your car! Besides Lobster, they’ve got their Garlic Noodz, Lobster Truffle Fries, and some new Filipino additions as well. Don’t forget to pre-order!
Follow them on Instagram for updates and find their full menu on their website.
PARAISO JUICE BAR & GRILL
Images via @paraisojuicebar.
Mexican Food with a Twist. You can’t go wrong with Paraiso! Besides offering Burritos, Tacos, Quesadillas, Nachos, and more…they have a section of their menu devoted to Hot Cheetos! If you are a Hot Cheetos fan, you have to try their Hot Cheeto Burrito, Taco, Mulita, or Fries. They also have a wide range of drinks, from Aguas Frescas to Raspados, to accompany your meal. Call in your order or walk-in for takeout! They also have free delivery within a 5 mile radius of their store in La Mirada.
Follow their Instagram for updates and go to their website for the menu.
ENSAYMADA PROJECT
Images via @ensaymadaproject.
Ensaymadas are a traditional Filipino sweet brioche. They are handcrafted by hand and use an artisanal recipe. Ensaymada Project’s mission is to bring the traditional Filipino Ensaymada to people worldwide while also creating new flavors. People easily buy these by the dozen! The Classic Cheese and Ube flavors are some of their most popular flavors, but honestly they’re all a hit and will be devoured in no time! They are currently available for pick up or shipping within USA and Canada!
Follow their Instagram and check their website for rotating flavors.
MAIN CHICK
Images via @eatmainchick and @lafoodiegirl.
Main Chick Hot Chicken serves Nashville style fried chicken with spices ranging from mild to some of the hottest peppers in the world. You can chose from their different combos that feature their sandwiches, tenders, fries, and house sauce. They are currently in West LA and plan to open a brick and mortar in Pasadena in the future. You can order online for pick up or delivery now!
Follow their Instagram and visit their website to view hours and ordering options.
BELLY BOMBZ
Images via @bellybombz.
Belly Bombz has been voted “Best Wing Restaurant” at the Santa Anita Craft Beer and Wing Festival and “Best Burger Restaurant” at the Burger & Brewfest in the past. What more can I say? This gourmet food truck has delicious wings, burgers, and fries to satisfy any craving! They are currently taking orders in Whittier and Artesia and selling gift cards too.
Visit their Instagram and website for the menu and ordering options.
CHICK N' SKIN
Images via @unlokt_la and @chicknskin.
First launched at the 626 Night Market in 2017, Chick N’ Skin sells tasty fried chicken skins. They deep fry and then season them with one of their six flavors: Original, Thai Chili Lime, Salt & Vinegar, Buffalo Wing, Chinese Salt & Pepper, and BBQ Bacon. You can eat them straight out of the bag or make your own creation. They taste great in burritos, nachos, and even salads! Better yet, Chicken N’ Skin ships anywhere in the US!
Follow them on Instagram and order from their website.
Check out the full list of 626 Night Market vendors still operating here.
People Are Creating Night Markets In Animal Crossing
With the postponement of events, many people are missing the food, fun and excitement of attending a night market. Some created their own night markets in the popular Nintendo game Animal Crossing. Here are some of our favorites!
626 Night Market in Animal Crossing by Melanie @caramelaniee.
With the postponement of events and people staying indoors, many are missing the food, fun and excitement of attending a night market. Some created their own night markets in the popular Nintendo game Animal Crossing. Here are some of our favorites!
Kary Ko @karyeats
“Coronavirus ain’t stopping me to enjoy my summer! 😎 🙆🏻♀️ I got my own night market, PNE, gym, studio and even Playdium! 💁🏻♀️”
The starry sky lit up by hot air balloons in this night market is just stunning. We like the Japanese-inspired hanami picnic set up under the cherry tree and lanterns that are common in Japan during cherry blossom season. The bento box, matcha and sushi are making us hungry and the dango stands are nice touches as well!
Bryan Xu from UCSB’s TASA (Taiwanese American Student Association)
“Our Taiwanese American student organization's annual night market got cancelled, so I decided to host it on Animal Crossing.”
“Common questions: 1) Dim sum table is called ‘imperial table’ (comes with food on it, worth 73k). 2) To get the lights, you need to catalog/trade from someone else who has a different light color! 3) For the letters, I found them online from Reddit (look up alphabet on r/AnimalCrossing).”
We hope TASA will be able to resume their night market events at UCSB once it is deemed safe to do so!
Andrea Lee @andiejlee
“My Spirited Away-themed night market”
The 626 team is a huge fan of anything and everything Ghibli, so we really enjoyed finding little Easter eggs related to the films! This night market particularly features some outfits such as Chihiro’s bathhouse uniform from Spirited Away and Howl’s diamond-patterned coat from Howl’s Moving Castle. Don’t eat the food here or you might never be able to return to the human world!
Tiffany Wang @eldoradotiff
“Missing Taiwan and 鼎泰豐本店 Din Tai Fung Restaurant, so here’s my tribute”
You know you’re Asian when you think that “DTF” means “Din Tai Fung.” We’re missing those delicious soup dumplings too! Her creator code is MA-8251-1636-8016 if you would like to add her custom steamed bun design to your own night market. You can also follow her personal handles @thewanginator for Twitter and @therealwanginator for Insta!
Michael Nguyen @mikeeatsout
“Can you really play AC without making a night market?”
The dishes are hats at this night market! How creative! Fingers crossed that these may one day be a real thing. Also your outfit is baller, Michael!
Abraham Cheng @awrcheng
“I made a night market in Animal Crossing”
This night market focuses on the best part: food! We spy giant fried squid, cotton candy and even drinks from Taiwanese bubble tea drink franchise CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice. What other night market foods do you recognize? Use Abraham’s creator code MA-8930-4003-7528 to check out more of his designs!
Jeff @ihatemaplestory
“Hi I made the 626 Night Market on my island in Animal Crossing”
“I edited that part of my island to poke fun of Cali Asians in a lighthearted way, hence the ‘Bay Area Asian fit.’”
Thanks for the regionally accurate outfit we see a lot at our San Francisco Bay Area venue up at Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, Jeff! We also like how you added our Main Stage and your impromptu solo performance.
Tin Vo
“Haven’t had bubble tea in so long so i decided to make it in animal crossing 😔💔💔🙏🏻”
Tin created booths for two very iconic bubble tea brands. Check out his creator code MA-0354-2783-6941 to satisfy your bubble tea cravings with his designs!
Melanie @caramelaniee
Bonus! Melanie works as a 626 Night Market vendor at RECHARGEITUP and included our other vendor Kinda Fit Kinda Fat in her night market. We also like the inclusion of the restroom sign, trash can and cooking area complete with a cooler, stove and sink for the food vendors. Such a realistic touch!
Goozee Pins @goozeepins
Another bonus! 626 Night Market vendor Goozee Pins submitted another Animal Crossing night market complete with their enamel pins merchandise set up. This version expanded upon our event with arcade games, carnival rides and even a rock climbing wall! Goozee Pins’ friends at Frozen Meets Rollin' (FMR) created this island with them in it.
The Bonks Lab @thebonkslab
Yet another 626 Night Market vendor, Bonks of the Bonks Lab, showed us her night market. She sells Filipino drinks in large Capri Sun pouches at our events. You can see the same mad scientist laboratory display in Animal Crossing from her real-life night market booth.
Bonks’ Animal Crossing neighbors are fellow vendors Ensaymada Project and Seoul Street!
If you create our event or any night market in Animal Crossing, tag us on our social media @626nightmarket or use #626nightmarket to let us know. We’d love to take a look and share!
Written by Holly Nguyen (@tableflipemoji), PR & Marketing Manager at 626 Night Market.
Top 6 Vendors Offering Takeout or Delivery in the Bay Area
Craving some food from your favorite 626 Night Market vendors? Don’t worry, we gotchu! Check our website to see which vendors are open for takeout or delivery. Here are a few of our picks for those in the Bay Area:
Craving some food from your favorite 626 Night Market vendors? Don’t worry, we gotchu! Check our website to see which vendors are open for takeout or delivery. Here are a few of our picks for those in the Bay Area:
BOMBZIES BBQ
Images via Bombzies BBQ.
Bombzies BBQ is a food truck that specializes in Asian BBQ Bowls. From Teriyaki BBQ to Korean BBQ and even Thai Coconut Curry BBQ, you will definitely find something to satisfy your cravings. But don’t forget about their sides! Just thinking about their Kimchi Queso Fries, Crab Rangoons, and Crispy Chicken Potstickers makes my mouth water. They even do catering, so don’t forget them when you’re planning your next event or meeting.
Follow them on Instagram to see their schedule and specials and find their full menu on their website.
U DESSERT STORY
Images via @udessertstory.
Everyone loves a good instagrammable dessert and U Dessert Story has that and more! Their Bingsoo sounds amazing as the weather starts to warm up while their Crepe Cake is just the perfect way to end any meal. They also have so many drink options to choose from, you will have trouble deciding! Depending on which location you are at, they even have brunch options. Are you in the mood for some Mochi Waffles? How about some Loco Moco or Benedict? With three locations in the Bay Area, find your closest one or send a gift card to your loved ones!
Follow their Instagram for updates and go to their website to see their locations and menus. Gift cards available for purchase as well.
BUNSO BREADS
Images via @bunsobreads.
Talk about ube heaven! Bunso Breads is a Filipino bakery in the Tri-Valley area known for their bestselling Ensaymada Balls, a traditional Filipino sweet brioche. But they are always baking up something new in their kitchens. From Ube Flan Cupcakes to Ube Mochi Balls, they even just launched their Ube Quezo Rolls! Their menu items get sold out quick, so follow their social media if you want to snag yourself some ube goodness!
Follow their Instagram to stay updated when the next online ordering starts and view the items currently available on their website.
FANCY FLAVORS
Images via @officialfancyflavors.
Fancy Flavors specializes in French Macarons. Their Macarons are so beautiful and come in a variety of flavors. Occasionally they will post some limited items such as Choux Buns, Fruit Tarts, or Chocolate Covered Strawberries and they also accept custom orders! They are perfect for any occasion and available for nationwide shipping.
Follow their Instagram to see their new flavors and visit their website to place a pre-order.
I LOVE BRULEE
Images via @ilovebrulee.
If you are a Crème Brûlée lover you have to try I Love Brulee! Their Crème Brûlées come in the perfect size for you to snack on without getting full, so you can try their other flavors. Order them by the dozen and mix and match your favorite flavors!
Email ilovebrulee12@gmail.com to place an order and follow their Instagram to stay updated on seasonal flavors.
GONG CHA
Images via @betweenballoons and @gongchausa.
Gong Cha is known for serving quality bubble tea and has locations all throughout California. They have so many drink options to choose from, you can try a new flavor every time you go! They even sell Mochi Waffles and they launched their Crème Brûlée Mochi Waffle last month. Make sure to contact your closest Gong Cha for their store hours before heading in.
Follow them on Instagram or visit their website for their menu and locations.
Check out the full list of 626 Night Market vendors still operating here.
Top 6 Vendors Offering Takeout or Delivery in Orange County
Missing our 626 Night Market events? The next time you hear your stomach growl with hunger while sheltering at home, you can order takeout or delivery from one of your favorite vendors! Here are a few of our picks for those in the OC:
Missing our 626 Night Market events? The next time you hear your stomach growl with hunger while sheltering at home, you can order takeout or delivery from one of your favorite vendors! Here are a few of our picks for those in the OC:
Bred's Nashville Hot Chicken
Images via Bred Hot Chicken on Facebook.
Nashville-style Hot Chicken was a huge trend in food last year and vendor Bred's Nashville Hot Chicken was an instant hit with attendees. This Southern fried chicken is finished with a spicy sauce made with a generous amount of cayenne. Batter up and order the Supreme Chicken sandwich with vinaigrette slaw, pickles and Comeback sauce on a brioche bun. Choose your heat level from Wimpy, Mild, Medium, Spicy Dare and Double Dare. Add an entree of Chick N Waffles or a side of Millionaire Mac N Cheese.
Follow them on Instagram to see their schedule in Cypress, Diamond Bar, Irvine and Anaheim and order online.
Cafe 949
Images via @mrkevinknows and @cafe949.
We’ve all drooled over the Instagram photos of whole grilled lobster on a bed of garlicky noodles or watched the crew over at Cafe 949 grill their lobsters while preparing orders at our events. You can still get their iconic Grilled Lobster Garlic Noodles and Vietnamese Coffee as well as live lobster.
Call or text order to (949) 264-3519. Free delivery within 10 miles of Anaheim.
MICOO
Images via MICOO.
MICOO is a new vendor who is set to debut at our events in 2020. Raised by immigrant parents (her mom from South Korea and her dad from India), the founder created a mochi ice cream brand that is a dichotomy of religion, culture, and cuisine. They offer artisanal ice cream flavors that are nostalgic and innovative such as Mexican Hot Chocolate, Strawberry Mascarpone, Mango Lassi, Matcha Rose (vegan) and Almond Orange Blossom (vegan).
Order pints online for contactless delivery in OC and LA every Monday.
Norigami Tacos
Images via @aleeexlovesfood and @norigamitacos.
The name is derived from “nori,” meaning “seaweed,” and “origami,” meaning “folding art.” Their sushi tacos are truly works of art, created one night as a drunken experiment when the chef dipped a sheet of nori into tempura batter and dropped it into the fryer. Sushi rice, krab mix, and sushi fillings were added and TA-DAH! Norigami Tacos was born! You can now eat their delicious and crunchy sushi tacos at home with the purchase of a Sushi Taco Kit. They also recently introduced new item Karekatsu: Japanese curry with crispy tonkatsu fried meat (or veggie). Musubis and Poke Bowls are also available.
DM them via Instagram or Facebook to order for their pop-up delivery service to OC.
Seoul Street
Images via @eatwithkim and @crazyfoodiequeen.
Seoul Street is the OG Bulgogi Fries vendor. You’re missing out if you haven’t tried this popular Night Market item with fries, cheese, egg, their homemade Korean slaw, white garlic sauce and green onions. They also offer a wide variety of traditional and fusion Korean cuisine such as Kimchi Fried Rice, BBQ Bulgogi Burger, Bento Boxes and Bulgogi Tacos.
Call (949) 966-1449 for pickup in Irvine. Delivery available through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates and Grubhub.
The Donut Makers
Images via @capricorncow and @letsdodessert.
The Donut Makers came to fame when their Croncha, a hybrid French croissant and Mexican concha, made the news on Foodbeast. Soon after, photos of their colorful donuts and pastries were in every foodie’s Instagram feed and they were a vendor at last year’s OC Night Market event. See their full menu here.
Their Garden Grove store is still open from 6AM-12PM for pickup.
Check out the full list of 626 Night Market vendors still operating here.
Written by Holly Nguyen (@tableflipemoji), PR & Marketing Manager at 626 Night Market.
626 Night Market Top 8 Wish List of 2020
The 626 Night Market may have over 250 food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music, and entertainment attractions, but we’re always looking for more unique vendors to join us. As foodies ourselves, we narrowed our list down to 8 food items we found and can’t wait for someone to sell at our events!
The 626 Night Market may have over 250 food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music, and entertainment attractions, but we’re always looking for more unique vendors to join us. As foodies ourselves, we narrowed our list down to 8 food items we found and can’t wait for someone to sell at our events!
1. VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN FOOD
Everyone is trying to eat healthier nowadays and more people are switching over to a vegan or vegetarian diet. Finding more vegan and vegetarian vendors is on the top of our list! Our attendees are always asking us for vegan and vegetarian recommendations, but we’re looking for more to add to our directory. With companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, the possibilities are endless!
Just in the past year, KFC launched Beyond Fried Chicken and Carl’s Jr. launched the Beyond Famous Star with cheese.
More companies are joining in as they use Impossible meat in their burgers, tacos, and even dim sum! What can you create for our events? We’re excited to see the possibilities!
2. MOCHI DONUTS (or anything else mochi)
If you don’t know what mochi donuts are yet, are you even a foodie?! They’re cute, they’re chewy, and they’re oh so delicious! Think of an American donut combined with Japanese mochi, traditional rice cake made from sweet glutinous rice flour, add some glaze and toppings, and BAM you’ve got yourself an instagrammable treat!
Photo by @thedoughclub
Photo by @alimama.nyc
Besides mochi donuts, we’re also craving mochi bread and daifuku, mochi stuffed with sweet filling. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with mochi.
Photo by @iris.nihao
Photo by @travellinfoodie
3. PURPLE RICE YOGURT DRINKS
I don’t know if you’ve heard of it yet, but there’s a new trend growing! Shops selling purple rice yogurt drinks are popping up in Asia, New Zealand, and Australia, but it hasn’t caught on in the USA…yet. What are in these drinks you may ask? The signature drink consists of purple rice, yogurt, and milk. Stores like HEY! I AM YOGOST have lots of variations on their menu including Oats Cereal Yogurt, Straws and Berries, Rice Mango Romance, Mysterious Asian Red Date, and even Durian Delight! Can you believe there’s more combinations on their menu? Will you be the first one to brings these to the 626 Night Market?
4. YAKITORI
We’re looking for more than just beef and lamb skewers are our events. Yakitori, grilled chicken skewers cooked over charcoal, is simple and delicious! Each skewer is big enough for you to get a taste of the meat but small enough for you to taste everything else on the menu. Places like HATCH Yakitori + Bar have a wide selection to choose from including chicken breast, thigh, wing, gizzard, liver, and heart. Although traditionally just chicken, HATCH has expanded from just serving chicken yakitori and even have quail egg, shishito pepper, eggplant and miso, seared ahi belly, unagi, and more on their menu.
5. MALAYSIAN FOOD
If you haven’t been to Malaysia, you’re missing out! Malaysian cuisine is so unique (and delicious) because its food is a combination of different ethnic groups, mainly Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Some Malay dishes are also similar to food found in Indonesia and Singapore as well. Our mouths are drooling just thinking of nasi lemak which consists of coconut milk rice, sambal (a spicy sauce), ikan bilis (fried anchovies), cucumber slices, roasted peanuts, and a hard-boiled egg. It may also be served with an additional protein like chicken. Some other less known favorites are apam balik (a fluffy pancake usually with peanuts and cream corn filling, can be made crispy too), roti tisu (thin pan-fried dough drizzled with condensed milk and sugar on the inside and served in a cone shape, can be eaten by dipping pieces into curry), char kway teow (a stir-fried flat rice noodle dish), and many more!
6. BURMESE FOOD
Burmese food may not be the first thing you think about when you’re deciding what to eat for dinner, but it is a must-try! Have you ever tried laphet thoke (burmese pickled tea leaf salad) or mohinga (fish-based soup with rice noodles)? Don’t forget to try some Burmese curry with platha as well! Burmese cuisine comes from Myanmar and is inspired by surrounding countries such as China, India, and Thailand. The different regions in Myanmar also contribute to the rich taste that Burmese food has become.
7. CARBS
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love carbs?! When we say carbs, we really mean two things, pastries and everything else!
Pastries might sound basic and generic, but there’s a whole lot going on that you may not know about in the pastry world. Think outside the box! We searched around and found some pastries we want to try like cream puffs (did you know you can get ube and boba in them now?!), knafeh (a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry, soaked in syrup, and layered with other ingredients), and egg tarts (pastry crust filled with egg custard). Can you believe no one has sold egg tarts at the 626 Night Market yet? You could be the first!
When someone says the word carbs, two things come to mind…Porto’s and dim sum! If you haven’t heard of Porto’s yet, they are a Cuban bakery and cafe founded by a Cuban family. They only have locations is SoCal so far, so make sure to try some on your next trip to SoCal! We love everything on their menu and so does everyone else, people literally leave Porto’s with multiple boxes of food!
Dim sum has been revolutionized by modern restaurants like Harumama and Yum Cha. What’s really changed the most are the buns. Whoever had the idea of making the buns into different colors and shapes must have been a foodie, they’re so cute and colorful now! Could you imagine going to the 626 Night Market and getting some dim sum? That’s a dream come true!
8. CHARCUTERIE BOARDS
Many foods are making a comeback and charcuterie boards are one of them. They are usually filled with cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, and more depending on how extravagant you want to get. Besides your traditional charcuterie board, we’ve also been seeing a new development…unconventional charcuterie boards! People have gotten so creative and just started laying a bunch of different foods on boards, thus creating the unconventional charcuterie board trend. There’s breakfast inspired boards, dessert inspired boards, and everything in between!
Well, we’ve laid down 8 different, but foodie-approved, ideas for you. If you’re up to the challenge and have a new food concept that hasn’t been seen before at the 626 Night Market, you’ve still got a couple months until our first event! That’s enough time to polish up your game plan for our 2020 season. Don’t forget to fill out the vendor inquiry form if you want to be a part of our events, the sooner the better! Will you be the next trend-setter at the 626 Night Market?
2020 Vendor Sign Ups Open!
New year, new you! Do you have an idea for the next big foodie trend? Have you always wanted to be your own boss and run your own business? Now’s your chance! Start off the year strong by applying to be a vendor at one of our events.
New year, new you! Do you have an idea for the next big foodie trend? Have you always wanted to be your own boss and run your own business? Now’s your chance! Start off the year strong by applying to be a vendor at one of our events. We are looking for a diverse range of food, merchandise, and crafts vendors to join us for our 2020 season.
Ever since our first events in 2012, the 626 Night Market has not only grown in size, but has also fostered a growing community of vendors and entrepreneurs supporting each other in their pursuits. Year after year, we see the launch of so many new foods and trends and the continued growth and popularity of returning vendors. We are proud to say that many people have used our events to kickstart their businesses, eventually turning their booths into brick and mortars or year round businesses.
From our 2019 season, we saw new vendor The Golden Marrow disrupt the foodie scene with their drool-worthy bone marrow creations. Founded by two couples passionate about food, they took a delicacy usually only available in restaurants and introduced it to the night market crowd. With an incredibly positive response, they expanded their menu to add more flavors and have been constantly gearing up for even bigger plans in 2020.
Garlic Lovers and Strawberry Shortcake from The Golden Marrow. | Photo by Mike Sevilla.
Elton Keung, owner of Labobatory, was a vendor in our earlier years and returned in 2019 with a booth called Subtle Asian Boba that boasted a menu with various asian-themed drinks. With a location in San Gabriel already, Labobatory opened up a second location in Pasadena in November 2019, which you can read more about here!
New Labobatory location in Pasadena. | Photo by @clayconcarne.
Drunken Cake Pops, another returning vendor, sells liquor infused cake pops. What started out as just an idea, turned into a small business. Also a women owned business, they recently announced the opening of their first brick and mortar set to open in March 2020!
Drunken Cake Pops. | Photo by @drunkencakepops.
Year after year we are constantly surprised by the creativity and passion of our vendors. Whether it be food, merchandise, or crafts, all ideas have a place to start and flourish at the 626 Night Market.
What are you waiting for? Join the Night Market Family and sign up here.
Updates For 626 Night Market
We’re going back to our roots! All our events will now be called 626 Night Market, including our OC Night Market and NorCal Night Market events. We’re moving forward with only the 626 Night Market name for all our locations.
We’re going back to our roots! All our events will now be called 626 Night Market, including our OC Night Market and NorCal Night Market events. We’re moving forward with only the 626 Night Market name for all our locations. The changes are as follows:
Websites wil redirect to to 626nightmarket.com.
Facebook updates will be on the 626 Night Market account @626nightmarket.
Twitter updates will be on the 626 Night Market account @626nightmarket.
Instagram handles will change from @ocnightmarket to @626nightmarket_oc for the OC Fair & Event Center location in Costa Mesa and @norcalnightmarket to @626nightmarket_bayarea for the Alameda County Fairgrounds location in Pleasanton. The @626nightmarket Instagram account will still be used for the Santa Anita Park location in Arcadia as well as general updates.
Thanks for being such great fans as we push forward with a stronger 626 Night Market brand. 2020 dates and vendor/performer/artist sign ups TBA!
Labobatory Opening Second Location In Pasadena
If anyone’s got milk tea flowing in their veins instead of blood, it’s Elton Keung, owner of Labobatory in San Gabriel, California by day and performing magician at exclusive club Magic Castle by night. Here’s what Keung has to say about boba, community and magic.
New Labobatory location in Pasadena. | Image by @clayconcarne.
If anyone’s got milk tea flowing in their veins instead of blood, it’s Elton Keung, owner of Labobatory in San Gabriel, California by day and performing magician at exclusive club Magic Castle by night. His obsession with boba is a love story that spans about 7 years from mixing alcoholic boba drinks, creating the world’s largest boba cup at 626 Night Market and being a fixture in the local Asian American community to opening a second science and boba-themed boba shop in Pasadena.
The drinks at Labobatory are “experiments,” with unique flavors such as the InstaMango, a colorful Mango Lemonade with Butterfly Flower Pea designed to look like the Instagram logo and the Wah! So Cookie!, a Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter Milk Tea, along with classics such as Roasted Oolong Milk Tea and the Melon Bar, a honeydew melon milk tea.
The Wah! So Cookie! (top left), InstaMango (top right), Melon Bar (bottom left) and Roasted Oolong Milk Tea (bottom right). | Image by @clayconcarne.
Here’s what Keung has to say about boba, community and magic:
Congrats on your new location in Pasadena! I visited your alcoholic boba shop called Boba 7 in Downtown LA (now closed) and your first Labobatory location in San Gabriel. What's your journey with boba been like from then until now?
It’s been quite a journey from a Kickstarter campaign all the way to now opening a second store. Alcoholic Boba went from being a brand new idea in the back of a Thai restaurant in DTLA inside the speakeasy Boba 7 back in 2012 to now a concept that’s worldwide. Lately, we have been doing alcoholic boba events as pop-ups inside bars around the LA area. From pop-ups in Austin to Boston in 2020, I’m starting to take the concept to new markets to expose more people to boba cocktails and what is possible.
As for Boba Beer specifically (per your question), lately I’ve been flirting with the idea of “Labobatory Brewing Company.” My newfound love for the craft beer scene has led to partnering with Ogopogo Brewery to do boba beer at the Dumpling Festival to hosting alcoholic boba events at craft beer specialty places such as 38 Degree Ale House in Alhambra (next event: 11/27). I do have dreams to open a location (cocktail bar/brewery) that features craft Boozy Boba in the future.
Tell us more about the new location. You have really cool murals on the walls based on the themes of boba and science to match your "science experiment" concept! What are the details of your grand opening?
The new location is in Pasadena (165 S De Lacey Ave. #1049, Pasadena, CA 91105) and was something we’ve been meaning to build. It’s a much bigger and cooler hangout spot for people - we can really host events, get people together, and build a community here. The Grand Opening of the Pasadena location is on Saturday, 11/23 from 11am to 11pm.
The mural artist Sandy Nguyen (@makingmirrors.ai) began working with us in October. Through countless days and nights working on a ladder, she drew an amazing mural that really brings this space to life. She also put a world map on the other side of the store for us to put our Labobatory around the world collection up.
Elton Keung mixing a boba drink at Labobatory Pasadena. | Image by @clayconcarne.
You're a huge community fixture at Asian American events. I've bumped into you at many events such as serving boba at TAP-LA (Taiwanese American Professionals in Los Angeles) and more recently as a speaker about entrepreneurship at the ACN (Asian Creative Network): Beyond Boba panel. How often do you attend events?
Growing up in Hong Kong during my adolescent years and then by Atlantic City, New Jersey for my preteen years, and finally San Marino, California for my teenage years, my Asian American experience is a huge part of my identity. I attend these Asian American events whenever my schedule permits. I’m always looking for the community to grow in whatever way possible. By showing up to provide boba catering, to perform magic, or just to socialize/have fun, I feel a sense of greater purpose. The community also contributes back so they can grow with us throughout - making the process, the journey more enjoyable.
Crafting a drink using real matcha with a mixing bowl and whisk at Labobatory Pasadena. | Image by @clayconcarne.
I remember Labobatory was a vendor at during one of the early years of 626 Night Market! Last summer you also had a booth called Subtle Asian Boba with various Asian-themed drinks like White Rabbit milk tea and performed at several events as a magician since you also perform magic at Magic Castle. How did that go?
Back in 2013, I won a contest called the “Walk the Talk” competition, which gave me an opportunity to sell boba drinks at 626 Night Market for the first time. That same summer, we collaborated with 626 Night Market to make the world’s largest boba cup. That summer selling boba at 626 Night Market was the most fun I’ve had running around the racetrack like a crazy person slinging boba.
Fast forward to 2019: in lieu of the popular Facebook meme-sharing group Subtle Asian Traits, we decided to do one weekend of “Subtle Asian Boba” just for fun selling White Rabbit Milk, Pei Pa Koa Green Tea, Sea Salt Ice Cream, etc. It was a blast from the past for me, being able to relive some of the craziness from the past but also comforting to see how far we’ve evolved since those days.
Elton Keung performing magic at 626 Night Market. | Image by @clayconcarne.
Any other future plans with Labobatory or magic?
As things stabilize in my boba career, my personal magic career (@elton) is also important to me. 626 Night Market gave me a spot to perform magic to people walking by which is quite exciting. It’s a safe environment to “work the streets” in a place that I have a long history with and comfortable in. With the second Labobatory store ongoing, it will be some time before I can refocus time and energy on the art of magic. Except we are already hosting the store’s first Magic Jam this Thursday, 11/21 at 8pm with magician and America’s Got Talent winner Shin Lim (@ShinLimMagic).
Written by Holly Nguyen (@tableflipemoji), PR & Marketing Manager at 626 Night Market.