Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
smoky chunks of beef, and
you'll be satiated for the day.
From saffron-scented rice and
jumbo pinto beans to hand-
rolled steamed tortillas infused
with spinach and sun-dried
tomato, the city's ubiquitous
taquerias
offer south-of-the-
border pizzazz.
Dungeness Crab
The Dungeness crab is famed
for its delicate meat. When its
season arrives, from mid-
November to June, locals
celebrate by eating it in as
many ways as possible, or
simply cracked with butter and
crusty sourdough bread.
Colorful interior of a bustling Mexican
taqueria
Mexican Fare
The urban fuel of San Francisco
- and one of the best bargains
around - is the city's fast, filling,
and delicious Mexican fare. Dig
into an epic burrito, filled to
bursting with beans, rice and
exquisite Asian fare fit for an
emperor. Massive aquariums
are home (temporarily, that is)
to giant carp swimming in
languid circles, and sinewy eels
unfurling amid swaying
seaweed. Bulging sacks
overflow with aromatic spices,
and wooden crates bloom with
dew-sprinkled bok choy and
scallions (spring onions). Peer
into an open kitchen for a
glimpse of skilled chefs, knives
a-blur, transforming whole
ducks into paper-thin slivers
that will melt in your mouth.
The secret to Chinatown's
culinary prowess is that the
neighborhood's chefs are
cooking for the most
discerning of diners - their
own people. San Francisco's
Chinatown boasts the second-
largest Asian population
outside of China.
On the Menu
Cioppino
A tomato-based stew
made with chunks of fish and
shellfish.
Dim sum
A Chinese lunchtime
specialty, these little dumplings,
steamed or fried, are stuffed with
fish, meat or vegetables.
Hangtown fry
A hearty
omelette filled with breaded
oysters and bacon.
Petrale sole
This delicate local
fish is usually served lightly
sautéed.
Tortilla
A Mexican staple, this
round, flat unleavened corn- or
wheat-flour bread forms the
basis of many other dishes, such
as burritos, quesadillas, and tacos.
Crab and clams on a harborside
seafood stall
Spicy marinated steak
North
Beach Italian restaurants often
serve steak with garlic, anchovy
and lemon butter.
Seared ahi tuna with Asian
salsa
The fusion salsa is made
with shiitake mushrooms and
Szechuan peppercorns.
Ghirardelli tiramisu
A North
Beach favorite of mascarpone
cheese, Ghirardelli chocolate,
cream, and coffee liqueur.
