Community support requested: Consider patronizing Nak’s Oriental Market
Editor’s note: One of the delights of publishing InMenlo is getting to know local merchants. We met Sam and Ikie Kurose, owner’s of Nak’s Oriental Market in downtown Menlo Park for 40 plus years, first in 2011 and revisited the store earlier this year to visit with son Ken, who had recently introduced exotic fruit to the market. Yesterday, we received an email from Chef Suzy (Suzy Farnworth), forwarding another email, written by Diane Jordan Wexler, that was threading its way through Menlo about the need for the community to support this long-standing, local merchant:
“I am writing to ask for support for two members of our extended community. Sam and Ikie Kurose have operated Nak’s Oriental Market (650-325-2046) at 1151 Chestnut Street in Menlo Park for 44 years. They are a couple in their seventies who have spent their lives serving [local residents]. Their warmth and hospitality have been part of my life for the ten years I have shopped there.
“Eight weeks ago Sam had a significant medical incident, still undiagnosed, that has left him less able to run his store. His son Ken staffs the store when his father is unable to be there. They have a lease until the end of 2014, and they would like to honor that commitment. Unfortunately, the rent has increased recently and it is difficult to
compete against large grocers.
“[Here are some] reasons to visit Nak’s:
- Fresh sushi grade fish on Wednesday and Friday
- Fresh tofu Monday through Friday. It is far better than the packaged tofu one buys elsewhere.
- If you have not tried Mangosteen, you must. It is an Asian fruit from the gods. It has only been imported to the US in the last two years and is still very difficult to find. The sweet, slightly tangy taste is a cross between a pear and a strawberry. They are in season right now at Nak’s.
“How can we help? Let’s visit Nak¹s and tell our friends in the area to support this special place. If we each visit the store and send e-mails to relevant list-serves, it will help this important part of our community’s fabric stay intact.
Photo by Sam Kurose (top) by Linda Hubbard; photo of Mangosteen by Irene Searles
