Yeah right! This Covid pandemic is still raging out of control in the United States. Most other countries don’t even want us. Even our own states are banning each other as federal guidance and education is offensively lacking or downright inaccurate. These days, I maybe leave the house once a week. Whatever I can do online, I really try to so I can avoid human contact as much as possible. But then that starts to take a toll on one's mental health. So when I do go out, I try to make it a bit more fun than just a quick errand. One of my favorite “essential” businesses that stayed open throughout the constant health code adjustments is Daiso. Daiso, in short, is a Japanese Dollar Tree. It was started in Japan in the 70’s and grew up and out to different countries and currently is found in 6 of our 50 United States, with the majority here in California. The idea of the 100 yen store ($1.50) makes one think of cheap, imported garbage. Well, that’s only mostly true. About 40% is imported from China, Korea, and Japan and items range from (no joke here) a blank white 100 piece puzzle and inflatable boobs for kids, to the opposite end of the spectrum with gorgeous dishware and fun home gadgets. As of 2004, Daiso started adding additional price points but I haven’t seen anything cost more than ten bucks. The large and varied selection is great for repeat customers and people looking to explore something different from their own backyard.
I find myself at Daiso pretty often. Things that bring me in can be something simple like stationary or stickers to send to pen pals or a more specific Disney item I’d seen on Instagram. On a recent trip, I noticed a new collection of coffees I had to check out so I figured I do a little coffee product review. Of the new coffees, I grabbed 2 of the 3 available (skipped trying the decaf), and 2 coffee flavored treats.
For the first review, the coffee: I absolutely loved the ingenuity on these single serve coffee packets. Each package has 5 single serve cups of coffee which, according to the picture, looks like it makes between a 6 to 10 ounce cup. How much water that should be used was not specified but that was the household consensus.
The coffee, itself, was pretty disappointing. Yup, after all the fun of assembling the coffee, it was a big let down. My cup of Special Blend tasted like diner coffee. That is fine for the $1.50 each for 5 cups price point, but I was hoping for something a bit more... special. Further miscarry was the husband tried the Mocha Blend and it tasted EXACTLY THE SAME as my blend. Not even the slightest hint of chocolate or sweetness at all. Out of an arbitrary scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 5. It's not undrinkable and can make a perfect solution to a work environment with hot water but no bulky coffee maker or toss it in when you take a camping trip but be prepared for a basic cup of joe.
As for the sweet treats I picked up, I ended up sharing with some friends before the second Los Angeles shutdown so I was able to get some outsider opinions that we all seemed to agree on. Starting off is a soft candy called Sukoka that came individually wrapped in a bag and closely resembled Werther's Original with about the same mouth feel. The coffee flavor was subtle but would surely leave you with coffee breath (so bonus points for people who like that kinda thing) and it doesn't stick to your teeth. 7 1/2 out of 10 on the rating scale that means nothing in the scheme of things.
My favorite item on this short review list has to be the Pejoy biscuit sticks. The wafer/unsweetened cookie/dry biscuit is the perfect opposite, though complimentary, taste to the super sweet, caramel macchiato flavored cream center. This simple confection matched the flavor of a McDonald's caramel frappe to a t. That said, I could have about 3 before having to put it down and needing a glass of water. Without a doubt, Pejoy sticks hit 11 out of 10 because my nonsense rating system needed a nonsense, over the top review. I could recommend them for stirring afternoon coffee or if you know someone who has left their emergency glucose tablets at home and is feeling faint.
Humor aside, it was nice to be able to try some new coffee and coffee snacks while the restaurants are still doing pick up only and I am unable to travel anywhere new for the time being. One can not make a blog on average home brewed coffee alone. Japan is on my bucket list and I will get there some day. Due to the recent events, I think it will make me appreciate traveling even more when I feel safe to get out my suitcase again. Oh, that reminds me... If you need a cat shaped luggage tag or a 100 pack of instant toilet paper tablets for $1.50, I know a place you should check out.
As for the sweet treats I picked up, I ended up sharing with some friends before the second Los Angeles shutdown so I was able to get some outsider opinions that we all seemed to agree on. Starting off is a soft candy called Sukoka that came individually wrapped in a bag and closely resembled Werther's Original with about the same mouth feel. The coffee flavor was subtle but would surely leave you with coffee breath (so bonus points for people who like that kinda thing) and it doesn't stick to your teeth. 7 1/2 out of 10 on the rating scale that means nothing in the scheme of things. 
