Old and New Asian Delights in San Francisco
Go Beyond Chinatown to get the Asian Flavor in the City by the Bay
Chinatown—A Living, Breathing neighborhood
Approaching Chinatown through one of its main thoroughfares, Grant Ave., takes the visitor under the China Gates and into another world. Within this alcove, all things Asian abound. Purveyors stock everything from kitschy, plastic Asian fans to gorgeous antique ivory statues. Nestled in between are restaurants and bakeries beckoning tourists to experience the culture through its food. At 720 Grant Ave, stop in the San Francisco Eastern Bakery, the oldest bakery in Chinatown which purports to be the only bakery in the country visited by Former President Bill Clinton while on the 1996 campaign trail. (He apparently liked the mooncake). In addition to mooncakes, steamed vegetable buns, chocolate covered fortune cookies and other sweet and savory treats will tempt patrons. The best part is that prices start at a mere 65 cents!
Delving deeper into Chinatown continue on Grant to Washington Ave. Turn left and make another left onto Ross Alley. This tiny nook of a street is the oldest Alley in Chinatown and has a notorious history of gambling and brothels. Today it’s home to the well-known Chinese Fortune Cookie Company where a large bag of cookies is a mere $3.50 ($4.30 for the bag with strictly “adult” fortunes.”) Also tucked into the street is the Old Yee Barbershop where Clint Eastwood is known to have his locks shorn. And in an ironic homage to the alley’s history, the Chinese Catholic Missionary is located for those wanting to turn over a new leaf.
A Different Asian Scene SOMA
While Chinatown celebrates the historical and cultural traditions of Asians in San Francisco, the restaurant Asia SF is bringing a much more modern experience to diners South of Market (SOMA).
Located on 9th Street, this edgy eatery has an eclectic Cal-Asian menu served up by the prettiest drag queens in the city. In between serving plates of steamed mussels and glazed salmon, the ladies of Asia SF strut their stuff on the bar to the laughs, cheers and giggles of the crowd. Don’t let the tongue in cheek approach fool though, the restaurant has won Wine Spectator awards since 2001 and In Style called it one of the top 50 coolest places in the country to get a drink.
Stay Asia at the Hotel Nikko
After a long day of Asian sightseeing, bed-down at the only Japanese-owned luxury hotel chain at the Hotel Nikko, conveniently located in Union Square. This modern hotel stands-out from its competitors with its generous use of Frette linens on the bed. Guests will be in for one of the best nights of sleep found on the road. And for any insomniacs, the Rrazz Room, featuring national entertainment is another option.
A Deluxe Room at the Hotel Nikko
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