![]() ![]() The multicultural center has become so popular that visitors from across the globe say whenever they mention Irvine, friends ask if they want to meet up at Diamond Jamboree. It’s now solidly on the map for communities of Asians to venture to because it’s set up to offer them everything.”Īnd, he adds, “people come back to a place that fills their longing, and it’s a longing of what they’ve experienced, what they used to have, or what they once treasured where they came from.” “This is that for Irvine, which has transformed in ways that are similar to how San Gabriel Valley transformed. ![]() “A city needs a gathering spot,” says James Zarsadiaz, an assistant professor of history at the University of San Francisco whose research involves ethnic enclaves. She walks around the center weekly, taking photos of areas that could use touch-ups and sending them to her staff. In Irvine, boasting a population of more than 262,000, with 45% Asians, Hsu doesn’t worry about future sales. Folks head upstairs for laser skin treatments while downstairs, every manner of service from Asian banks to jewelers to wig and hair restoration is on offer.Īnchoring the center is H Mart, a Korean grocer that’s home to fresh ingredients needed for beef seaweed soup, along with favorites such as dragon fruit, Thai desserts and Japanese green tea cake. Hsu, who also owns Diamond Plaza in Rowland Heights, bought the 12-acre Jamboree property in 2003, opening it in 2009 with tenants who now sell tempting bites from taro balls and gogi sliders to amberjack and bluefin toru. And since Irvine has changed to be so much like Asia, we’re meeting the need, but we never knew it would be so crowded.” “We exist to give the consumer a taste of Asia. “We’re so lucky people come back again and again,” says Diamond Jamboree owner Alethea Hsu. Countless families at the Irvine hotspot say they’re regulars, even if on many weekends, every parking space - all 747 - are full.ĭiamond Jamboree spokeswoman Suzie Won says customers constantly ask her: “ ‘What time of day is best to visit for best parking?’ ”Īs for business owners, they clamor to hear about restaurant vacancies. “This is one of those places that you come to every chance you get.” “It’s my favorite,” said the newly minted UC Irvine graduate, a psychology major. For Kayla Chai, fresh from posing with her college diploma, there’s only one spot to rush to for a treat - Diamond Jamboree.Īt the bustling shopping and dining destination, she entered 85☌ Bakery Cafe one Friday and, grabbing a tray and tongs, moved through the display to satisfy her cravings with garlic and cheese bread, washed it down with pick-me-up sea salt coffee. ![]()
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