We'll be in San Francisco for a few days in February. We have dinner reservations at the Slated Door, and Charles on Nob Hill, any other reccomendations. Also I believe the Chinese New Year is Feb 12, is this correct? Are there any events planned for that? And finally what are some good places for Dim Sum?

Thank you

The very fabulous Chinese New Year's parade in San Francisco will be on February 23rd, beginning at 5:30 PM. It is quite a spectacle. Read more about it at http://www.chineseparade.com/

For Dim Sum, just go to China Town and walk into any restaurant.

One of my favorite restaurants in SF is Kuletto and McCormicks in Ghiradelli Square. Great views and very good food.

One of my favorite restaurants in SF is the House of Prime Rib on Van Ness Ave. Have been going there with my family on special occasions for years.

I went to Charles on Nob Hill on a recent trip to San Francisco and loved it! Don't know if you've been there before, but I was really impressed. Also went to Aqua, which was highly recommended for their superb seafood. It was good, don't get me wrong, but I like my seafood more unadulterated. Instead of a lobster, they had lobster pot pie. You get the point. Anyway, I know I'm not answering your question but just wanted to chime in anyway!

Hi - I live in SF so here goes.
Best Dim Sum is at Yank Sing on Battery near the Embarcadero and Financial District. Open till 3 or 4pm
Tadich Grill - sit at counter - oldest restaurant in SF next to Aqua but about 1/4 the cost.
Go on a walking and eating tour. The one done in Chinatown is supposed to be great. I think it costs about $40 and includes lunch. "I ate my way through Chinatown" or some such thing.
Boulevard is the best restaurant in town and a good deal for a true 4 star.
My favorite in North Beach is a typical place that makes homemade pasta Tratoria Volare on Columbus across from the church.
See Beach Blanket Babylon - a campy crazy review that is a blast at Club Fugazi - also in North Beach.

Great recommendations, Kathy!

I'd also recommend Hawthorne Lane and Jardiniere. Hawthorne Lane was very popular about 2 years ago -- and so it's not packed anymore. But, the food's still yummy... Especially if they have the ostrich filet. (Best "beef" you'll ever taste.)

Another less formal place to go is a restaurant called "House" -- also near North Beach. (They have another location near golden gate park.) I always call ahead and make sure they're serving the butterfish -- and if they are, I go. If they aren't, I don't.

Kate

We took the WokWiz (there's a website) tour of Chinatown with lunch at the end. Also offered is the "eating your way through.." Positively wonderful! And, here's another recommendation for Boulevard. A memorable meal for us in a gorgeous place.

You can find my comments on some SF places to eat at http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.137.../?s=X&TID=2#go

Oops -- this may be a better url for you: http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.137.../?s=f&TID=2#go

Yank Sing is great for Dim Sum. They've recently moved to 1 Rincon Center on Spear Street in the Financial District. Another two choices are Harbor Village and the Hong Kong Flower Lounge in the Richmond District. Some of our favorite restaurants not well known are Venticello on Nob Hill, Plump Jack Cafe, Jardiniere, Absinthe, and Osteria del Forno in North beach. Beach Blanket Babylon is super as are the Wok Wiz tours of Chinatown. (www.wokwiz.com) Be sure you make reservations for restaurants well ahead.

Here's my 2 cents worth...you can't walk into any restaurant in Chinatown for DS. Not all of them offer it. Some offer DS kind of cafeteria style (this is cheaper and more utilitarian)and other restaurants have it with the plates on carts that roam around the restaurant. I much prefer the later style. Yank Sing is also one of my favorite places for DS; they have another location on Stevenson, an alley near Market and Montgomery Streets. Both locations are popular among the business crowd, so I recommend eating in Chinatown. I like New Asia (I think it is on Jackson Street). To really prepare you, take the free walking tour of Chinatown offered by SF Library's City Guides (www.walking-tours.com/cityguides). It is 2 hrs. long and is offered on Saturdays at 10A and Mondays at 1:30. At the conclusion of the tour, ask the leader for recommendations! It is also a fascinating, off-the beaten path tour. One last thing to know about DS is that it is served only between 10AM until 2 or 3P.

Beach Blanket Babylon is a beloved must (don't try to make sense of it; just enjoy the music, wackiness and the hats). BUT, reservations in advance are necessary because it is so popular.

I highly recommend all the City Guides tours, and they are offered every day of the week.

Thanks everyone for your recommnedations. I'll still welcome more if anyone wants to add their two cents worth. We'll be leaving in a week (Feb 8th).

Again, thanks to all

My current favorite restaurants in the city are Absinthe (French bistro), Delfina (contemporary Italian) and Citizen Cake (great brunch, awesome desserts!). And if you are in the neighborhood near the ballpark, stop in for a great brew at the 21st Amendment Brewery and Cafe - the food's pretty good too.

If you will be in SF over a Saturday be sure to check out the Ferry Plaza farmer's market. You'll find all the fabulous foodstuff northern California has to offer, many prepared items you can take home with you, and some great restaurants have booths there and serve breakfast/lunch. Are you staying in the Union Square area? You can take the old-fashioned streetcar from Union Square down Market Street to the Embarcadero. The farmer's market is right on the bay, beautiful views while you shop around.

If you want the best souffle in the world, try Jaquline's Cafe. The savory souffle's make great entree's, but the chocolate souffle for dessert is incredible. Expensive, but well worth it. Jaquline only makes souffle's, so don't take anyone who doesn't like them. For the best burrito ever, try La Taqueria located at 24th and Mission. You simply can't beat there carnita's