Stuff to do in San Francisco

True, it also depends on what you consider "authentic." First of all, many non-Chinese seem to be ignorant of the fact that there is no single Chinese cuisine, but rather several regional styles, including styles invented/popularized by overseas Chinese communities (Taiwan, Singapore, Chinatowns throughout the world, etc.). Better to ask where to get good Cantonese, Shanghainese, Dongbei, Shaanxi, etc., not good "Chinese", as it's extremely unlikely to find a restaurant that can pull off more than 1 style, & more lilkely only a few dishes/specialities within a regional style. Second, regional cuisines in China/overseas China have changed & will continue to change over time like food cultures everywhere. Rayt is correct that ingredients on the whole are of higher quality in North American restaurants, but there are also many "authentic" ingredients & styles that aren't usually exported outside of China/overseas China. In my experience, the best of both worlds can be found in affluent overseas Chinese places like Taipei, San Gabriel Valley in LA, et al.

As far as the SF area is concerned, the last I checked w/my friends & family, there were at least 2 other "Chinatowns" in addition to the original one, just in the city, not including 'burbs.

I happen to like the Mission Chinese Food in NYC (haven't been to the original) because I think they do an excellent job of channeling the spirit of Szechuan food, down to the free crap beer, in a hipster setting.

GaryLH said:
As an Chinese born and raised in Bay Area, I can relate to both sides of this... Which why I said, if u truly want authentic.. What to look for, but I also said it is a bit of careful what u wish for. There are things I grew up liking that would not sit well w/ the average person.. For example, I love salted fish over ground pork or clay pot tofu and salted fish. My wife is third generation and can't stand the sight of it, but she likes duck feet, which I dislike. There are plenty of dishes that u will only c in that type of restaurant, that u will not c in normal ones.

The Chinese in the Bay Area are spread out all over the place. Some of the best Chinese restaurants are not in the traditional San Francisco Chinatown any longer.. That is not to say we don't go there, but it is for very specific items that we that they still do the best for.

Anyway it is one of the reasons I referred to yelp.com, for the average tourist this may provide better insight.

Gary
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Do realize that going to Napa from SF takes time (on a week-end, going from down town, 2 hours at least). And I share your opinion on over-designed wines. Steve is right, south of San Francisco are some good wineries and lots to see as well. We get our table wine from a winery in Woodside that collects grapes from private growers along "Skyline".

Also note that our area not only has good Sushi and Chinese food, but some of the best "Western" kitchens in the world. If you do indeed go to Napa, I recommend to eat at the CIA/Greystone (http://www.ciachef.edu/california), and let them show your their cooking school if this is of interest to you.

Here is a suggestion out of the box: rent a Harley and go either north or south on Highway #1. There is nothing like it. Plus, the town is great for bikes, and no problem showing up in leather in a 3 star restaurant. People here are very tolerant when it comes to dress code :)

Roland.
 
We are set to arrive on Oct. 3rd, and will stay in the city for all but one day. We're leaning towards Saturday as the day of the wine country trip. I'll update when we get everything settled.

BTW, interesting comment on dress codes. I'm of two minds there. One, I like to dress relatively "nicely" (no jeans, tennis shoes, etc.) and two, I like to unwind in a pair of shorts and a tee shirt. Odd juxtaposition, I guess.
 
It's usually too cold for a t shirt in the city in October. But when you go to a good restaurant, remember: you could be the next Zuckerberg, for all they know :)
 
Bingley said:
(4) I am not that familiar with the wineries of the Santa Cruz mountains south of San Francisco, but if you don't want to do a lot of driving I strongly recommend going to Ridge, on Montebello Road in Cupertino. Spectucular location. Legendary wines.
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I'm one of those crazy people who bike up Montebello road from time to time, and if you're going to head up that road to Ridge, you should also stop by Picchetti winery, which is near the bottom of the hill. http://www.picchetti.com/
"Attached" to the winery is a really nice hiking area, should you be so inclined:
http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_picchetti.asp

And, of course, when you go to San Francisco, be sure to wear flowers in your hair...
 
jpa66 said:
BTW, interesting comment on dress codes. I'm of two minds there. One, I like to dress relatively "nicely" (no jeans, tennis shoes, etc.) and two, I like to unwind in a pair of shorts and a tee shirt. Odd juxtaposition, I guess.
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Even in the height of San Francisco summer- the week you will be in town- shorts and a t-shirt are a risky choice. Lots of microclimates, lots of moving from warm sunshine to cold sunshine to windy cold fog and into the warm shade, etc. Plan on layers and carrying a knapsack or bag for shedding same.

And restaurants in general are relaxed. I've eaten between a couple in evening wear and a couple in torn jeans. Wear what makes you comfortable for the scale of restaurant you are visiting. Some do have a dress code, but if you are eating at one of these you'll probably know it.
 
Actually late September/early October is our Indian Summer so it's usually the warmest time of the year. How else can the folks at Folsom Street Festival walk around in just their chaps or less - speaking of Folsom looks like you're going to miss it as it's the week before. :).
 
The wife and I are heading to Sonoma wine country on Friday, and will be in the city the remainder of the weekend. If you guys are meeting up for drinks on either Saturday or Sunday, let me know, and we'll do our best to drop by. We're staying in Telegraph Hill.

And again, thanks for all the great information.

Jan
 
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