Maum, the Korean-inspired Michelin one-star, tried take-out meals for about three weeks during shelter-in-place, then discontinued when the model proved unsustainable. Maum rebooted as a retail operation selling meal kits and food products from other local artisans such as Soba Ichi in July 2020.
My chance to pick-up an advance order was August 7, 2020. Except that I got delayed in the City and had to ask a local friend to retrieve my order for me.
Shortly after, the husband and wife culinary team, Co-chefs Meichih and Michael Kim, announced that they were closing the book on this chapter and had separated from Maum. Then two weeks later, Maum’s owners announced that it would close until further notice.
It took me this long before I could take possession of my order from my friend’s house. These were now relics, the final offer from terminated chefs of a now-closed restaurant.
Maum Napa Cabbage Kimchi (16oz), $14.00
Maum Jeon Mix (24oz), $10.00
Alishan Oolong Dark Chocolate Truffles, $10.00
Buckwheat Coffee Cake with Farm Honeyed Walnuts, $6.00
Though I had told her to keep the coffee cake to enjoy while fresh, she saved most of it for me in the refrigerator. It kept remarkably well, and I’ll be seeking out more of Chef Meichih’s baked goods. The truffles were lovely though I could not really detect any particular Alishan oolong character. Finally, it’s a good thing I am fond of aged kimchi, as the jeon (pancake) kit is still in my fridge waiting for my attention.
As a postscript, the Kims have opened Bao Bei in the State Street Market, the new food hall in Los Altos. Bao Bei serves up “Korean and Taiwanese Cuisine with a California Flair”. It's on my list of post-chowhound places to try.
https://www.statestreetmarket.com/baobei
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