The Secret to Din Tai Fung

So if you haven't heard of the place yet, you should probably dig yourself out of the hole you have surrounded yourself in.  Din Tai Fung has been in America for a while, but it originated from Taiwan (ya know that non-Chinese Chinese place).  The specialty here is Shanghai dumplings (ironic right?), which are small, soup dumplings usually filled with pork.

Xiao Long Bao

San Francisco Must Haves!

stuffed french toast from Zazie

So my number one must eat when I visit San Francisco is San Tung.  It is by far my favorite Chinese food in the Bay Area and quite possibly my life.  The original dry fried chicken is the best thing on the menu.  Once you try it, you will crave it FOR-EV-ER. The dumplings are a big hit and any type of noodles.  This place is a little unique because it is a Korean-Chinese family cooking Chinese food so things are a bit different (and spicy), but they still serve beef and broccoli for us white people.

string beans, "crack" chicken and veggie low mein

As you know, I like brunch.  Like a lot.  So when we needed a spot to have our family reunion in SF we quickly chose Zazie.  As all brunch spots in SF, Zazie is ALWAYS crowded.  However, unlike other spots, it has an outdoor patio that is really cute and comfy and not super loud.  The best part is the food though.  First order yourself a custom mimosa (yes custom - you can add sherbet into it), then find five friends to help you share as many items on the brunch menu as possible.  I highly recommend the stuffed french toast (and this is coming from a girl who doesn't eat french toast EVER).  If that's still not your thing get one of the many types of benedicts available.  Tip: the front tables are first come first serve!

There are so many other spots that I personally love in SF: Brenda's in the Tenderloin, Guerras out in Sunset, Nick's Tacos in Russian Hill, and Suppenkuch in Hayes Valley are just a few of them...can't wait for my next visit!

I love dumplings.

Good Chinese food can be hard to find.  And trying a new place, you never know what to expect.  But the first time I walked into 101 Noodle Express, I knew it was authentic and going to be amazing.  You know it's legit when you are the only white girl in the room.

dan dan noodles

TGIF and TG for Chinese food.

Thank god it's Friday.  Especially after the week I've had.  It's the last weekend to celebrate Halloween, first weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving; that means a lot of fattening food people.

This weekend is all about Chinese Food for me.  With one of the best dim sum restaurants in the world opening up next year, its time we got serious about all the different varieties available in the OC.  Here is a list of some of my favorites.