Midweek Meandering - Coffee Culture replacing Hola Paris, Isa.Bella Closes, and an update on the Karaage from Tokyo Central

So, last week "FOY" Junichi was kind enough to let me know that Hola Paris had closed in the comments of one of my posts. Ever the thorough investigator, he even mentioned their Instagram site. Which states their last day of business was November 10th.

So, this past weekend, on the way back from my errands, I decided to drop by.

Coffee Culture replacing Hola Paris:

And it looks like a coffee stand named Coffee Culture is replacing Hola Paris.

Sad to see Hola go. It seems that the Urban Market can't sustain businesses.

2548 Congress St.
San Diego, CA 92110

Funny how random conversations can provide interesting info. I saw Nate the owner of Poseidon Project while getting my caffeine fix at Bay Park Coffee. He mentioned that isa.bella, the pizza place that used to be in the old  Boll Weevil location on Avanti, off Morena (you can find my post here), then moved to the food court at Clairemont Town Square had closed. 

A few days later, I was over at TJ Maxx doing a bit of shopping and decided to hop on over.

Isa.Bella Closes:

And yes, the sign is gone.

So, it looks like the they are closed. Though our friend "Google" says "Temporarily Closed".

And their website says they are looking for a "new home".

On my last visit to Main Chick, I had made a mental note to check them out....but I guess that note never got filed? 

So, we'll see.....

4705-A Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA 92117

Update on the Karaage from Tokyo Central:

 A few months back, I noted how happy I was to have found a replacement for the "new and improved" chicken karaage at Nijiya, which I thought was pretty bad. At that time Tokyo Central was touting their chicken karaage, which turned out well when heated in our Air Fryer.

Well, on recent visits, I had noticed that the chicken karaage, at least the one's in the warmer looked terrible.

I tried this twice and was not a fan.

And then I noticed that the "original chicken karaage" in the warmer looked different.

Hmmm......

And then I went in and found both versions in the bento case. Both are called "Original Chicken Karaage" but look vastly different.

The one with the "Wagura" label costs $5.49. The other is sold by weight.

The one sold be weight is the one I get. It's much better when heated in the Air Fryer.

Like we needed more confusion?

Tokyo Central
8125 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111

Comments

[Junichi]

I had no idea Isa.Bella moved to the Square. Went to the original location back when they opened up.

[Kirk]

Yeah, they moved there from Bay Ho Junichi! Meant to revisit, but never got the chance. Thanks again for the heads up on Hola Paris closing.

[Mar]

Bummer about Hola Paris. What is going on with the Urban Market? When it first opened and the news came out that Tuetano and Flor Franco were setting up shop there, I thought the space would attract more locals to Old Town, giving us a new reason to return to the neighborhood. Most weekends when I've visited, it was busy. But businesses don't seem to last there. Before Tuetano moved, the michelada shop and other vendors vacated also. Not sure if it's location, not enough foot traffic, parking, or if rents are too high, I'm genuinely curious.

[Kirk]

If I recall, Tuetano vacated because of the rent increases and not being able to renegotiate the lease Mar. It's sad because places like Tuetano did make Old Town more attractive to us.

[jack]

I've heard the rent for the restaurants at around Isa.Bella have been increased tremendously so I'm not surprised they closed. We go to Butcher N Cheese every so often so hope everyone survives.

[Kirk]

I also heard that the movie theatres are going to close as well Jack!