DEPARTURES WHAT’S UP / FLIGHT SCHOOL / LAST CALL / FOUR OF A KIND / THE GLOBETROTTER / HOT SPOTS SA N F R A NCISCO
A TRUE CHINATOWN Neighborhoods
S
4
an Francisco’s charmingly tangled Chinatown is the biggest of its kind outside Asia, as well as the oldest in America. More than 100,000 people live here, in an area that includes gift shopladen streets and winding alleys that seem to be taken straight from Beijing. While the main thoroughfare, Grant Avenue, definitely should be seen, departing from it is a must. Stockton Street is a local hub, with an array of produce, meat and seafood markets best explored on a Saturday. Waverly Place, between Washington and Sacramento, feels equally authentic and
THE HOUSE OF NANKING Arguably the best Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, and one of the best in America. Though be prepared for long lines and a sit-down-shut-up-andeat kind of atmosphere. 919 Kearny St. Tel: +1 415 421 1429. www.houseofnanking.net
A five-story temple that’s the largest of its kind in America, built in the 1960s. Besides having a lotus pool and a Bodhi tree, the roof offers amazing views of San Francisco. 720 Washington St. Tel: +1 415 982 6116. www.bucsf.com
RED BLOSSOM TEA COMPANY Although a tourist favorite, Red Blossom goes beyond the stereotypical and lets visitors dive deep into
Petter Cohen
ERIK AUGUSTIN PALM
GO TO SAN FRANCISCO
Book at Flysas.com now. Choose SAS Go, SAS Plus or SAS Business.
PLACES TO VISIT
BUDDHA’S UNIVERSAL CHURCH
32
sits right next to several Chinese temples. Don’t forget to stop by one of the many tea stores on Grant, for some of the finest jasmine and chamomile tea. However, the most authentic experience you can have is to explore Chinatown at night, wandering through the backstreets with their dimly lit dive bars. Sit down in one and order a Chinese mai tai. Then, on your way home, order some freshly made dim sum.
SCA NOR A M A DEC 2013/JA N 2014
the world of Chinese tea. Owner Peter Luong knows it all. 831 Grant Ave. Tel: +1 415 395 0868. www.redblossomtea.com
FOOT REFLEXOLOGY CENTER After hours of walking around Chinatown, a long foot massage is what you need. You’ll find professional treatments, great prices and massages that will relax you. 662 Jackson St. Tel: +1 415 989 2268.
LI PO COCKTAIL LOUNGE Since 1937, Li Po has been a San Franciscan institution. It offers a mysterious, David Lynch-like setting, equally popular among hipsters and local Chinese, and powerful drinks. 916 Grant Ave. Tel: +1 415 982 0072. www.lipolounge.com