The Missus and I decided to take a short trip during the long weekend. The Missus had really enjoyed our last trip to San Francisco; so we decided to head back for two nights.
Our flight over was quite pleasant; except for the arrogant and condescending young man who marched back and forth at the TSA security check-point telling people, "you can get it right...any idiot can do it.....it's not hard!" I understand that perhaps working for the TSA is not a pleasant job; but there's no need to be insulting....it's always the one that brings down the other ninety-nine. As my experience with the TSA has been that folks are at least somewhat professional. Or perhaps by "any idiot can do it" he meant himself? I heard the guy behind me mumble to his companion, "he's definitely a candidate for a colonoscopy without anesthesia".
We arrived fairly early; our room at the Marriott wasn't ready yet which wasn't a problem. We needed a place for a rather "early-ish" lunch....the Missus had really enjoyed the duck from China Live....yes, it was pricey, but we were on vacation, right?
Since Chinatown was basically right up the street, and China Live opens at 1030 we headed up Stockton. We quickly found that there were booths lining the usually busy sidewalks making things even more crowded with folks shopping and browsing.
We eventually got up to Broadway and China Live had just opened.
And in spite of the crowds and lines outside (the line at Good Mongkok went down and around the block!!!!), the place was empty.
We were tempted, and should have just had tea and the duck and called it a nice snack and head off....but we felt kinda guilty for just ordering the duck (albiet it being $27 - it had gone up a buck since September). We also didn't really enjoy anything else on our last visit. We just went ahead and ordered the Suckling Pig.
The Suckling Pig looked pretty nice.....
And it was decent; not the best I've had, but the meat was moist, the skin was a bit too thick and hard instead of crisp. It also lacked a good porkiness. So, not too bad, until you factor in the price....$34! That's over four bucks a wafer thin slice! I wouldn't complain if this was excellent; but it was not.
We did enjoy the duck ($27)
Which, like the last time didn't look particularly inspiring, but had a nice, thin, crisp skin....the subcutaneous fat perfectly rendered. Nice mild gaminess...moist meat. Like the last time; the "sesame buns" were dry and were just used for scallion-cucumber-hoisin sandwiches for us.
Looking at dishes on other tables....well, the rice and noodle dishes looked pretty mediocre. The total damage with tea was over seventy bucks......as we left the Missus told me, "I think we're done here...." I concurred....we'll try to find the best roast duck next time and just eat it in Portsmouth Square or something.
China Live
644 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133
We headed down Broadway and took a turn at Grant and oh my......the horde....the mass....the huge crowd.
But the Missus, who is usually not fond of crowds (neither am I), just smiled and headed off.
Grant was closed off....there were booths lining the street. I came to find out this was the Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair, which happens on the weekend before the Lunar New Year and everyone and their brother seemed to be checking it out.
To be perfectly honest; even I enjoyed myself.
The Missus found herself checking out many of the booths. "You know there's a problem with this, right?" She said. Not quite following Her logic I asked "Why?" She cracked up and said "No samples!"
Regardless, the Missus really had a fun time, She told me a few times, "this really reminds me of growing up in China!"
People watching was fun....checking out the folks in costume. I sent the photo to the right to my coworker "YZ" who is from Shanghai and she quickly pointed out to me that the fella' wasn't totally in character; "if he was really dedicated....he wouldn't be wearing Nike's!" You gotta love it!
Did I mention the crowds?
It was fun watching the kids having a good time with all the various characters. Call me out of touch but I wonder what the character "Fragrance" represents? And fragrance of what? Remember, this is Chinatown! The fragrance of roast duck...pork....fish, herbs, steamed buns, and other more "earthy" smells permeate the air. And that character looks like an egg?
I'd go crazy facing crowds like this everyday. But for one fine sunny morning in San Francisco, it was just perfect!
Happy Lunar New Year!
happy lunar new year!
Posted by: kat | Sunday, 26 January 2020 at 02:53 AM
Happy Lunar New Year! We usually just visit family and for the second year in a row, visited Jasmine for their dim sum and lion dance. We also visited Mira Mesa Tet Festival but it's nothing like what you were seeing in Chinatown! Maybe we will do that street thing one day, crowds and all!
Posted by: Lynn @ Oh-So Yummy | Sunday, 26 January 2020 at 05:03 PM
Happy New Year Kirk!
Posted by: Hangzhou Hero | Sunday, 26 January 2020 at 10:34 PM
Happy Lunar New Year to the both of you Kat!
Sounds like a fun time Lynn!
Happy New Year to you and yous HH! It's great to hear from you; hope all is well!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 27 January 2020 at 06:51 AM
Wow. Al river of people.
Could this be what Fragrance is?
https://www.thetastyduck.com/product/fragrance-salted-egg-fish-skin/
Posted by: Junichi | Monday, 27 January 2020 at 09:22 AM
I think you got it Junichi! What's even more funny is.....we buy that snack!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 27 January 2020 at 09:50 AM
Happy New Year Kirk! I've never seen crowds like that before in SF. Crazy!
Posted by: Kirbie | Monday, 27 January 2020 at 10:41 AM
Happy New Year Kirbie! Hope you both have a great year. Imagine our surprise at turning the corner and seeing that mass of people! We ended up having a fun time though!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 27 January 2020 at 11:07 AM
Happy Lunar New Year! Looks like a real fun celebration!
Posted by: Soo | Thursday, 30 January 2020 at 09:08 AM
It was a fun time Soo! Happy Lunar New Year to the both of you!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 30 January 2020 at 09:10 AM
LOL, I thought I was the only one but I share your sentiment regarding TSA. Karma...
Looks like fun in SF.
Posted by: nhb | Friday, 31 January 2020 at 06:06 AM
We had a great time in SF Billy! And yes, that one really nasty dude really gives TSA a bad name.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 31 January 2020 at 06:34 AM