mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, is being written by Cathy while Kirk and His Missus are vacationing.
Kirk wrote his first post about Hogetsu almost 19 years ago. His most recent post was in 2021. This Chula Vista storefront at the back of a strip mall has not changed in all this time.
Mr. and Mrs. Takeda, who opened Hogetsu in 1983, have retired and passed along their knowledge to a younger couple. The name, Hogetsu, was given by permission of the prefecture when the store opened. The name now must be retired. 
What's that in the top left corner?
They've added a neon sign! Modern times are coming…
Step inside: the display case is the same. Traditional flavors, shapes, fillings. Made with short grain, glutinous rice, pounded into a paste, the tea cakes here are the freshest you can find; I won't even purchase any mochi in grocery stores if I know I will soon be in Chula Vista.
There is always a good variety to choose from when I stop in, and everything is always fresh.
I have purchased the frozen Komochi so I can have a savory snack at home. The container is about one pound. The texture is similar to the suwama (chewy mochi).
Here are a few of my recent purchases. Yes, one day I was able to walk in and only order one coffee and one green tea-each were gentle flavored at first bite and ended up so flavorful at the end.
The new owners have been experimenting with the name change and did tell me that they have settled on Thank You Very Mochi and will be ordering signage soon. The Takeda tradition will continue.
Thank You Very Mochi 1210 Third Avenue Chula Vista 91911 (619) 422-6677 Open Wed-Sat 10a.m.-5 p.m.
