Who doesn't want to be at the shiny and new place? It's only been open a week, but Meet Fresh in Irvine isn't hurting for business. In fact, I stood in line for at least 20 minutes opening night before placing an order (and that was a Tuesday) at this Taiwanese chain open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
A co-worker told me she had friends come from as far as San Diego, even San Francisco, to check out the first spot in the United States. You could say they have a following. Although the same co-worker also mentioned that this company was starting to close some of their other outlets.
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The menu created by Sister and Brother Fu is a sweet one, with desserts, desserts and more desserts. Pictured above you'll see red bean soup with sesame balls ($6) and their signature Q mochi snack ($5). Hot and cold melon teas, crushed ice desserts, plus taro ball and herbal jelly bowls in soupy combinations round out the selections displayed on montiors that double as a subliminal Vizio advertisement.
I hoped the “cash only” issue would've been remedied by now, but that is not the case. That's what happens when an international brand tries to apply for card swipe machines outside of their comfort zone. And for all you complainers about the price: Did you SEE where they are located? I can only imagine the Irvine rent on that space. Find a sugar daddy/mama to stand in line and pay if it bothers you so much.
Meet Fresh is located at 2710 Alton Pkwy, Ste 105, Irvine, (949) 955-9236; www.meetfresh.us.com.
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A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.