We had been curious about China Live since it opened, but somehow never got there. So, when we saw that it was participating in San Francisco's Restaurant Week, we took advantage of the opportunity to sample the restaurant.
Reservations are accepted, but not required. Walk-ins are welcome, and the staff cheerfully seated J.K. while Angela was still parking her bike.
Reservations are accepted, but not required. Walk-ins are welcome, and the staff cheerfully seated J.K. while Angela was still parking her bike.
Despite the extensive (for Restaurant Week) menu, it didn't take us long to make our decisions.
The simple place settings showcase the food.
We're not ale (or beer) drinkers, so we both chose the 8 Treasure Ttea, which is brewed in a glass cup with a glass infuser, to show off the 8 treasures. The Chinese consider 8 to be a lucky number.
Angela chose the pan-fried pork dumplings.
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| Teacup with infuser removed |
J.K. couldn't resist the soup dumplings, which are a favourite of hers, even though that made two dumpling dishes.
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| Soup dumplings in their steamer |
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| Serving suggestion for soup dumpling |
For her "big dish," J.K. chose the Shanghai Fat Chow Mein with Pork, Shrimp and Chicken.
Angela preferred the Crackling-Skin Cantonese Chicken, which was every bit as good as Peking Duck.
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| Condiments for the chicken |
The check was presented in this very interesting board, with a slot for our credit cards.
The Restaurant Week special also included a jar of the House Chili Sauce.
The surroundings were also excellent. The ceiling is very interesting. The characters represent the nine essential flavours of Chinese cuisine, which are George Chen's expansion of the usual five: sour, salty, spicy, sweet and bitter.
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| They're not going to run out of garlic! |
There is also an extensive retail section. China Live has been compared to Eataly in New York, but Eataly's retail is cooking-related in general, while China Live is mostly Chinese, with the exception of San Francisco souvenirs and an extensive chocolate selection.
Restaurant diners also receive a same-day 10 percent discount on retail purchases.
Restaurant diners also receive a same-day 10 percent discount on retail purchases.
We decided to take a (long) walk over to Bi-Rite on Divisidero, which gave us time to be ready for dessert after such a generous lunch.
Angela chose a sticky toffy cone.
J.K. chose a cup, half chocolate and half roasted banana.
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