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I visited Taiwan Restaurant to specifically try their xiao long bao, or Shanghainese soup dumplings. Unfortunately their version was just awful! Cold, then heated up so that they became chewy and...
I visited Taiwan Restaurant to specifically try their xiao long bao, or Shanghainese soup dumplings. Unfortunately their version was just awful! Cold, then heated up so that they became chewy and hard within minutes and no soup to be found within the dumpling. Such a disappointment.
Other dishes fared much better: the special claypot chicken with ginger reminded me of the homestyle cooking that my grandma used to make. The handmade fried noodles were also delicious and well flavored.
I would definitely come back here to try other dishes on their list of traditional Taiwanese specialties, but avoid other dishes.
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Gold Mountain is probably one of the better restaurants for dim sum in San Francisco Chinatown. They serve up good versions all of the types of dim sum and the food isn't horribly greasy like at...
Gold Mountain is probably one of the better restaurants for dim sum in San Francisco Chinatown. They serve up good versions all of the types of dim sum and the food isn't horribly greasy like at other places. There is also a nice variety of menu items such as fried noodles, fried rice, and veggies. The waitstaff is good about circulating various items in carts, though the earlier you go, the better.
Be prepared to fight for a table on weekend mornings as the restaurant will be packed.
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My first experience at Tangerine was less than stellar- we showed up on a Sunday night and were turned away at the door since there wasn't a table available. The hostess absolutely refused to let...
My first experience at Tangerine was less than stellar- we showed up on a Sunday night and were turned away at the door since there wasn't a table available. The hostess absolutely refused to let us wait. odd. Still, since I'd heard rave reviews about the place, I tried again with better success.
Tangerine serves an array of Asian-fusion dishes that are both creative and tasty. Especially memorable was the appetizer of ahi tuna, sandwiched between fried wonton wrappers and seasoned with a wasabi aioli. I also loved their fresh bread with the array of dipping sauces. My boyfriend disliked the Asian Seafood Gumbo as the seafood didn't taste fresh. My entree of the coriander beef short ribs was delicious and is highly recommend.
Prices range from wonderfully low to mid-range, with the most expensive entree (steak) topping off at $21.
It's especially worth your money if you visit on a weeknight and take advantage of their specials.
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Ritual Roasters is worth the trek into the Mission if you're looking for high quality coffee. Baristas are well trained and friendly and make the best espresso and fresh brewed coffee using a...
Ritual Roasters is worth the trek into the Mission if you're looking for high quality coffee. Baristas are well trained and friendly and make the best espresso and fresh brewed coffee using a french press. Ritual also serves up some very nice chai, a few different teas, and great miniature cupcakes.
The cafe can be crowded and noisy, but still it's a fun place to spend the afternoon reading a book and visiting with friends. Free WIFI access too.
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I was given a birthday gift card to this place, and went there last week for a manicure/pedicure/eyebrow waxing. Prices are reasonable, at $43 for the above package.
Overall, I had a relaxing...
I was given a birthday gift card to this place, and went there last week for a manicure/pedicure/eyebrow waxing. Prices are reasonable, at $43 for the above package.
Overall, I had a relaxing and fun experience, and I am completely surprised that others have given negative reviews on service. Everyone from the receptionist to the women working on my hands and feet (both at the same time!) were exceptionally friendly and nice. I loved the hot foot soak in the pretty bowls filled with water scented with lemon grass and other herbs. I also enjoyed the arm/leg massage with the warmed lotion. There is a good selection of nail polishes, from Chanel and YSL to Opi.
Possibly the best part is the buffet of fruit, appetizers, and desserts at the front of the store. Make sure to go on a Saturday for this perk. This is a great place for a day of indulgence on a budget, or to spend some girly time with your friends.
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Similar to Bodega Bistro and on the same block, Mangosteen is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves up much more than just pho. The decor is modern and appealing. If only the food was too.
We...
Similar to Bodega Bistro and on the same block, Mangosteen is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves up much more than just pho. The decor is modern and appealing. If only the food was too.
We started with an appetizer of grilled quail, which the waitress made a show of bringing out to the table on a little rack with a even smaller flame underneath. The portion size was tiny. My boyfriend commented that even the quail in Vietnam aren't that bony. It came with a side of lime juice and a powdering substance that had an overwhelming taste of MSG. The garlic noodles tasted like plain boiled noodles, as if the chef had forgotton to add the garlic. One standout was the shaking beef- nice tasting and well seasoned. The whole fried tilipia fish wasn't anything spectacular, but decent.
Don't bother with their signature mangosteen berry juice. I love fresh mangosteen and was so excited about this but ended up with a $3 glass of cranberry juice.
Prices are a bit higher than what we expected for a Tenderloin Vietnamese restaurant. I'd prefer Bodega Bistro any day.
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Tonic
Category:
Bars
2360 Polk St
San Francisco, California 94109
(415) 771-5535
Tonic is a great little neighborhood bar- super chill people and atmosphere, plenty of seats on a Saturday night, and free flow of gummy bears all night long. I think it might be the latter that...
Tonic is a great little neighborhood bar- super chill people and atmosphere, plenty of seats on a Saturday night, and free flow of gummy bears all night long. I think it might be the latter that keeps drawing me back! I'm a sucker for a place with good drinks and a noise level that's not so loud that I can actually carry on a conversation. Tonic has both, and a cute bartender too.
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I've lived in Walnut Creek for years, but last month was my first introduction to nightlife in downtown Walnut Creek. Spoontonic is different from the rest of the pubs, clubs, and bars lining...
I've lived in Walnut Creek for years, but last month was my first introduction to nightlife in downtown Walnut Creek. Spoontonic is different from the rest of the pubs, clubs, and bars lining Locust Street- it's a bit hidden (behind Saroor on North Main), the crowd is more chill, the decor is less trendy and hip. This place actually reminded me of some of the bars in the Mission district of San Francisco, where you get a diverse mix of people, from hipsters to yuppie types. Quite unlike what I expected from the bars in Walnut Creek I try and avoid!
Spoontonic not too loud so you can carry on a conversation, the bartendenders are friendly, and there is plenty of seating room. Great jukebox and nice drinks as well.
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Most Chinese restaurants in San Francisco are Cantonese, which is not bad, but it can be worth it to search out those few restaurants that specialize in other regional specialties.
Such as...
Most Chinese restaurants in San Francisco are Cantonese, which is not bad, but it can be worth it to search out those few restaurants that specialize in other regional specialties.
Such as Spices II, which is szechuan, known for their prolific use of chili peppers. The best items on the menu are their szechuan dishes, which are easy to distinguish with descriptions such as "numbingly hot", "firecracker", etc. My favorites are the noodles topped with spicy ground meat, the dry braised green beans (not spicy but perfectly cooked), and the huge pile of sliced beef dripping in chili oil. The latter probably isn't the healthiest option, but it was truly delicious.
I haven't tried them yet, but their hotpots look great too.
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Bissap Baobab serves up Senegalese (in West Africa) food in the heart of the Mission district. Most entrees are well under $15 and there even plenty of options under $10. Try the seafood paella,...
Bissap Baobab serves up Senegalese (in West Africa) food in the heart of the Mission district. Most entrees are well under $15 and there even plenty of options under $10. Try the seafood paella, or the chicken Dibis- the latter is a full plate of food including fried plantains, pickled onions, salad, and couscous. Delicious. Their appetizers are great too.
There is also a full bar and their specialty mixed drinks are only $5, which has to be one of the best deals in town! They use fresh ginger, hibiscus and tamarind juice in their cocktails, and you can really taste the difference.
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