We've been by more than a few times to pick up a quick, tasty lunch at the Tokyo Fish Market. And every time, we've walked out and stared at the "Yes, we're open" sign hanging on the gift shop entrance facing the market's exit, but for some bizarre reason we've never gone in. For shame, for shame, we tell you. Hidden inside this little brick building is a treasure trove of ceramics, kitchen goodies, cookbooks and so much more.

We left with a new scrub brush that's much too pretty to use. In fact, it's sitting on our window sill as we write this and quietly convincing us that a glass cannister would look rather clever filled with a gang of these scrubby friends.

Yes, you can venture over to the vast Japan Center in San Francisco, but wouldn't you rather stop in this quiet and friendly Mom-and-Pop store where one of the owners gives you a wink and teases that he wasn't ignoring you while he was gabbing with a worker about bento boxes? That's a quick and resolute "yes" from us. We'll be back to swoop up some tea mugs and dish towels next go round (and possibly another 10 scrubbies...).

-shayna

Tokyo Fish Market & Gift Shop

1220 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, USA

510.524.7243

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