San Francisco Restaurant Tips by cruisingbug

Imperial Tea Court: Fine Chinese Tea in the Ferry Building

After reading an article in the NY Times, we decided to have lunch at the Imperial Tea Court in the Ferry Building. The Ferry Building itself sets a relaxing tone, with its gourmet food shops and farmers' market atmosphere.

The original Imperial Tea Court is located on the edge of Chinatown, at 1411 Powell St.

Favorite Dish: We were the first to be seated for lunch, so didn't quite know what to expect. We both ordered white tea - I had Imperial Silver Tips and hubby had something with peonies.

The tea service was unique. Like a fine wine, the tea is presented first in its dry state, then slightly wetted for another aromatic whiff, then the water is poured onto the leaves in the cup. The server will show you how to use a lid to push the buds/leaves away from the edge so you can drink. The tea steeps right in the cup - no bag required.

We also had the dim sum sampler ($6.50) which was a great value as well as being very tasty. Once you identify the date-filled steamed bun, save it for dessert. :)

Address: Ferry Building, Embarcadero

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum

Website: http://www.imperialtea.com

House of Nanking: Definitely Different House of Nanking Review

Both someone from my and hubby's work recommended House of Nanking so we stopped in for an early dinner (no waiting in line).

I was able to order the mu shu shrimp (despite the reputation that first-timers are not "allowed" to order). Hubby wanted something with beef, and we also were presented with a fried prawn wonton with peanut sauce appetizer.

Favorite Dish: This was the most different Asian cuisine I've ever had, but not the best food I've had. My mu shu tasted like anise/licorice, which was very strange. Hubby's beef was fried, but with little batter, and came with a side of sliced fried sweet potatoes.

I did like the tea, which was served in a tall plastic cup. After the tea leaves settled to the bottom, it left some flowers and buds floating on top.

Service was fine, but be prepared for the "hole in a wall" atmosphere and groovy sign outside. The people sitting next to us, from somewhere north of SF, absolutely raved about the place and said they eat there everytime they come down.

Address: 919 Kearny St

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: (Broadway/Pacific) -near Columbus and Kearny

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum

Ghirardelli Square: Skip the Ice Cream - Go Straight for the Chocolate Ghirardelli Square Review

I thought this place would be a little more charming, but it was just a crowded, noisy ice cream parlor. Don't be fooled by the menu - flip it over to see more choices than the $6.50 sundaes.

You do get a free piece of chocolate when you enter the store area, which is either to the right of the ice cream parlor entrance or a separate shop upstairs if you're already in the parlor. There is, at least, some chocolate-making equipment at the back of the parlor for historical interest.

Favorite Dish: We got the Foghorn - chocolate ice cream with raspberry and (supposedly) hot fudge. The ice cream was only so-so - as you can see from our picture, we had high expectations. We also couldn't find our hot fudge anywhere in the sundae.

Address: 900 North Point Street

Comparison: about average

Directions: Ghirardelli Square, near Fisherman's Wharf

Phone: (415) 775-5500

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Ice Cream

Website: http://www.ghirardellisq.com