For more than two months, you, our readers, filled out AsianWeek’s Best of Asian Pacific American Bay Area surveys, casting votes in more than 50 categories relevant to the Asian Pacific American community. This year’s winners are restaurants that serve food mom might have dished up. They are businesses that APAs frequent, whether for their convenience, prices or products. And they are individuals who inspire.
FOOD
Korean BBQ: Brother’s Korean Restaurant
4128 Geary Blvd, S.F, 415-387-7991
For a second year in a row, AsianWeek readers and San Franciscans have voted Brothers as the best Korean BBQ restaurant in the city. Owned and managed by Kisong Son, who had no previous experience with cooking, the restaurant opened in 1992. It has since grown into a two-store chain and was voted “Best” by both Zagat and City Search. Brother’s is the only Korean BBQ restaurant in the Bay Area that uses real wooden charcoal on the range, infusing a smoky flavor into the meat. The menu includes traditional Korean BBQ favorites, such as bulgogi and kalbi among others, and the free side dishes include millet jelly, stir-fried spicy anchovies, fishcake, dried seasoned seaweed, three fermented vegetables and five salads. Son started the restaurant with a mission to make diners feel like houseguests, and along with delicious food, he has stayed true to that philosophy. — J.S.
Chinese: South Sea Seafood Village
1420 Irving St., S.F., 415-665-8210
Take one step into South Sea Seafood Village, and you will find yourself surrounded by imported Chinese rosewood furniture, crystal chandeliers and giant crustaceans in fish tanks. Managed by sister and brother team Mei and Peter Chan, South Sea Seafood Village offers delicious dim sum and finger-licking seafood that will have you digging deeper into your wallets for extra orders. Named after a famous restaurant in Guangdong, China, South Sea specializes in live, fresh seafood flown in from Vietnam and Australia. Customers flock to South Sea for the Ginger Baked Crab and Scallion (seasonal), Sautéed Crystal Prawns ($16) and Geoduck Clam with Chinese Chives and Bean Sprouts ($22). Up on the mezzanine level, shades with depictions of the South China Sea can be drawn down for a more intimate setting, and similar to many fancy restaurants in China, South Sea offers four private rooms (minimum $500/meal). — M.C.
Indian: Naan ‘N’ Curry
533 Jackson St., S.F., 415-693-0499
478 O’Farrell St., S.F., 415-775-1349
642 Irving St., S.F., 415-664-7225
2366 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, 510-841-6226
Inexpensive, tasty and quick food is what you’ll find at the widely popular Naan ‘N’ Curry restaurants. Readers selected this as their favorite Indian restaurant, raving about the Aloo Ghobi ($3.99) potato, cauliflower and tomato curry, and their fiery vindaloo curries. At the Jackson Street location, you place your order, pour yourself a complimentary cup of chai and sit down at a table with a number. Try the Palak Paneer ($4.99), cooked-down spinach dotted with paneer cheese, or the Chicken Tandoori ($2.99). And don’t leave the restaurant without sinking your teeth into the best naan ($1) out there. Other places serve this flat bread, but none like Naan ‘N’ Curry’s: Deliciously chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. — M.C.
Vietnamese:
PPQ Dungeness Island
2332 Clement St., S.F., 414-386-8266
When you first walk into PPQ, you’re reminded of the beaches in Vietnam. Pine trees and pictures of the country’s sandy coastline decorate the restaurant, while tanks full of fresh crab whet the appetite. Goi Cuon Tom (shrimp rolls, $4.95) and Cha Gio (imperial rolls, $4.95) are excellent, and the Bo Tai Chanh ($8.95) is off the hook. The thinly sliced, rare Angus beef flank steak is marinated in lemon vinaigrette, Asian basil, red onion and roasted peanuts. Entrees not to be missed include, Bo Luc Luc (beef steak cubes with special pepper sauce, $10.95) and Cua Xao Bo (roasted crab with garlic, butter and spices, $28). Deep fried banana with ice cream ($3.95) ends dinner with a bang. Now, that’s what I call a meal. — P.H.
Dim Sum: Koi Palace
Serramonte Plaza, 365 Gellert Blvd., Daly City, 650-992-9000
Koi Palace is an upscale dim sum parlor that serves up some of the most unique gourmet dim sum in the Bay Area. The menu is separated by region and types: northern, southern, wok and dessert dim sum. Move away from standard ha gow (shrimp dumpling), and try the Scallop and Shrimp Dumpling ($3.90), four small seafood packages wrapped with rice flour skin and tied with a lace of green onion. For something heartier, the Suckling Pig ($15) is a good bet with its crispy skin. Because dim sum is traditionally served with tea, Koi Palace also offers numerous specialties served in iron teapots, which include Monkey Picked Tikuanyin, Maiden’s Tea and Gold and Silver Thread Jasmine ($2/person). — J.S.
Indonesian: Borobudur
700 Post St., S.F., 415-775-1512
For authentic Indonesian fare, there’s no better place than Borobudur. The down home “Asian American” décor — Balinese crafts and American flags — may say “dive”, but the food screams “Best of APA Bay”. For starters, try Soto Ayam ($6.25), a medley of crisp bean sprouts, slices of chicken breast, hard-boiled egg and rice noodles in a refreshingly delicate lemongrass broth. Or, Siomay Bandung ($6.95), a mixture of steamed chicken meatballs, fish cakes, tofu, potatoes, egg and cabbage in a red, spicy peanut sauce. If you’re hungry for something heartier, order Rendang ($8.95), chunks of tender beef simmered in coconut milk and spices. For desert, don’t pass up Pisang Bakar ($3.95), grilled plantains topped with chocolate and cheddar. — J.N.
Japanese: Murasaki
211 Clement St., S.F., 415-668-7317
If you haven’t had the chance yet to sample fresh and exquisite Japanese food, Murasaki on Clement needs to be next on your list. Owner/chef Toshi Sasaki, 51 — who oversees this small restaurant which seats about 28 people — carefully selects fresh fish every morning with an experienced eye and nose. Paying special attention to every detail, Sasaki slices the most delicious and decadent cuts of mahi, halibut and salmon ($4.40-$4.90) that melt in your mouth, and serves long-neck clam ($5.60) and sea urchin ($5.90) nigiri that bursts with freshness and flavor. “I have regular customers who keep on coming back and restaurant workers who come here to eat because everything I use is fresh and not frozen,” says Sasaki. “You need to cut the fish with care, too, because the fish meat’s texture is in rings, and if you cut it incorrectly, the fish will lose flavor and texture.” Sasaki makes everything from scratch, from the sushi rice and daikon garnish to the unagi sauce. He started out as a dishwasher in one of Japan’s most famous sushi restaurants and from there, learned the mastery of sushi preparation and Japanese cooking. Holding a license from the Japanese Cooking Association, he is one of only a handful of sushi chefs in the Bay Area who can legally serve the delicious, yet poisonous delicacy, fugu, or Japanese blowfish. His restaurant doesn’t currently serve blowfish, but he offers plenty of other gourmet delicacies. — M.C.
Hawaiian: Hukilau
5 Masonic Ave., S.F., 415-921-6242.
Take a vacation from the mainland and immerse your taste buds in island-flavored aloha. Owner “Aloha” Al Omoto and manager Gabrielle Chan keep traditional flavors alive with local favorites. Try the refreshing Ahi Poke ($9) and Spam Masubi ($2), a distinctly Asian Pacific American creation, while quenching your thirst with the ever-popular Hukilau Punch ($5). On Fridays, you can also experience Hawai‘i with bands that play pure island music. — J.S.
Asian Fusion: Tin-Pan Asian Bistro
2251 Market St., S.F., 415-565-0733
Near the corner of Castro and Market, the upscale noodle house synergizes Chinese, Thai, Southeast Asian and American cuisines, as in the oft-mentioned customer favorite Blazing Beef ($10.50) — flaming with flat wide rice noodles, Japanese eggplant, baby bok choy and tomatoes. Before that, you can nibble on starters like tempura-fried firecracker tuna rolls ($10.75) with ahi, avocado, wasabi and sweet raspberry mango chili dip. How about chocolate raspberry wontons with crème anglaise dipping sauce for dessert? The intimacy of the Tin-Pan is a reflection of where the kitchen is. An on-line reviewer described it as “wide open in the dining room, which can be extremely fun when the chef lets the fire loose, and a giant blaze warms the room and stops all conversation … for a few seconds anyways.” — S.W.
Late-night eatery: King Tin
826 Washington St., S.F., 415-982-8228
Siu-Yeah, ah! “Siu-Yeah” is what the Chinese say when they want a midnight snack or meal. If you’re hardly working or working hard, King Tin is the late night eatery for you. It features inexpensive fare of the not-quite-ready-for-prime-time-players variety, which nevertheless, can be enjoyed after a night of mahjong or an evening at the ballpark. Wonton and Beef Stew with Noodle ($5) or a Seafood Clay Pot ($9) with calamari, rock cod fillet, shrimp, scallop and fried tofu, are instant pleasers, as is the Shredded Pork and Preserved Egg Congee ($3.80). Also consider the specials posted on the wall — if you don’t read Chinese, just ask the waiters. And if you’re in a hurry, consider the barbecue pork to go. —S.W.
Sushi: Kabuto A & S
5121 Geary Blvd.,S.F., 415-752-5652
The former Kabuto Sushi is now Kabuto A & S. This popular and well-respected Japanese restaurant in San Francisco’s Richmond district is back after moving this summer with a new name to go with its new location. With the prevalence of Japanese restaurants, it has become difficult for the average diner to distinguish between average sushi and good sushi. Well, at Kabuto the sushi is not average or good — it is the best. The flavors of the fish are bright and distinct and when you take one bite into any of their specialty makimono rolls, you can instantly distinguish each ingredient. For the sushi purist, the quality of Kabuto’s nigiri sushi is unparalleled. Amaebi (sweet shrimp, $2/piece) is as good as candy and hamachi (yellow tail, $2/piece) is so rich you might think they put a pat of butter on top. Unagi, everyone’s favorite barbecued eel ($2/piece), is smoky and flavorful. Portions are generous. Need we say more? — T.W.
All-You-Can Eat: Moonstar
1169 Market St., S.F., 415-552-3882
First rule with Moonstar’s buffet-style setup: Don’t fall into the hunger trap of mindless gluttony. Before piling everything onto your plate, take your time and scout out the barbeque, sushi, dim sum and seafood bars. For $8.59 - $19.99 (depending on lunch/dinner and weekdays or weekends), it’s all yours. At the seafood counter, there are sautéed and steamed clams, lobsters, baked mussels, fresh oysters in a half shell and salty shrimp. And that’s just the beginning. If the dim sum steamer is down to the last piece, you can return minutes later. Moonstar’s staff is constantly replenishing its hot plates — and they’re all too happy to clear your dirty plates and replace them with new ones, along with a clean napkins and utensils. Here’s a meal where quantity has a quality of its own. —S.W.
Burmese: Burma Superstar
309 Clement St., S.F., 415-387-2147
Thanks to Joycelyn Lee, Burma Superstar is a bright spot in San Francisco dining. After taking over the restaurant a couple of years ago, she has introduced city foodies to true-blue Burmese spices in an array of 80 delicious dishes. Samusa soup (with crumbled samusas, falafel, lentils and cabbage, $8), La Pat Dok (tea leaf salad, $7.75) and Shan Kaukswer (rice noodles in a spicy tomato sauce, $6.75) are out of this world. Here, the atmosphere is casual, the food is reasonably priced and the owners are known to hang out with the customers. — J.N.
Cambodian: Angkor Wat
4217 Geary Blvd., S.F., 415-221-7887
As the first Cambodian restaurant established in the United States in 1983, Angkor Wat continues to lure customers with its fragrant Cambodian flavors. The Catfish fillet ($11.95) is served in a spicy lime sauce along with the chicken curry ($10.95) that’s served in a steamed coconut. Joanna and Keith Dan still continue to bring out the best of the Cambodian food in many spices and flavors. Street parking may be a little difficult but dining at Angkor Wat is well priced with dishes under $20. — C.C.
Asian Vegetarian: Cha-Ya Restaurant
1686 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 510-981-1213
In terms of vegetarian restaurants, Cha-Ya is definitely among the healthiest. Unlike other places, Cha-Ya skips imitation meats injected with sodium, sugar and oil, and instead serves soothing vegetable-based dishes. Located in the north side of Berkeley’s Shattuck Avenue, Cha-Ya is small and within minutes of opening, the place is usually packed and customers line up outside for soothing soups — such as Yasai Soba ($7.25), buckwheat noodles with tender broccoli, cauliflower, atsuage tofu, kabocha (Japanese pumpkin), lotus root, zucchini, carrots, snap peas and mushrooms in a sweet and delicious broth. The Dobin Mushi ($4) comes in an earthenware teapot filled with a clear broth of shimeji and eryngll mushrooms, spinach, tofu, carrots and ginkgo nuts. The careful placement of the vegetables by color and texture make for an excellent presentation. For fans of the fried food group, Cha-Ya has Ten Bou ($3.75), fried sticks of yam, atsuage tofu, carrots, banana squash, carrots and green beans and the Cha-Ya Futomaki Roll ($6.25), an asparagus, avocado, yam and carrot roll fried in a tempura batter. Cha-Ya doesn’t take reservations, so get there early to enjoy dishes that are as pleasing to the stomach as they are to the eye. — M.C.
Bubble Tea: Double Rainbow
2116 Irving St., S.F., 415-665-3090
Among all the tapioca places in San Francisco, Double Rainbow stands out. One of the first tapioca places to open, Double Rainbow returns as AsianWeek’s “Best Of” for the second year. This late-night hangout is open until midnight daily. Among the popular flavors are mango, lychee, coconut and strawberry milkshake. All drinks are made with fresh ingredients without any artificial colors or flavorings. The original milk tea tapioca goes for $2.50, while the fruit and specialty drinks range from $2.75-$3.50. — C.C.
Tibetan: Lhasa Moon
2420 Lombard St., S.F., 415-674-9898
Miles away from Shangri-La, Lhasa Moon offers San Franciscans a unique dining experience by serving Tibetan cuisine in an intimate and beautiful environment. If you’re lucky, you may be able to hear owner Tsering Wangmo singing beautiful Tibetan folk songs in the back room as you wait for your food. Start your meal with a Mixed Momo Plate ($9.50), a sampler of eight steamed dumplings stuffed with beef, chicken and vegetables served with red chili, tomato and soy-cilantro dipping sauces. If you’re in the mood for something filling, the Lhabu Dhikrul ($11) is a hearty lamb stew with daikon and spinach served with Tingmo, a spiral steamed roll brushed with garlic-infused oil. Thenthuk ($9) is probably the most authentic, soothing and stomach-warming dish at Lhasa Moon. The soup features hand-pulled pasta, daikon, spinach, tomato and beef, and is eaten together with Bhaley ($1.75), a dry, pan-fried flatbread. This dish is what comfort food is all about. — M.C.
Bakery: Sheng Kee
1941 Irving St., S.F., 415-753-1111
2964 South Norfolk Blvd., San Mateo
290 Barber Court, Milpitas
10961 North Wolfe Road, Cupertino
34332 Alvarado Niles Road, Union City
10122 Brandley Drive, Cupertino
1842 North Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas
220 Skyline Blvd., Daly City
3288 Pierce St., Richmond
One long-time San Francisco Cantonese resident called Sheng Kee bakery “ho sang yee” or “very good business.” There is truth to her observation. On any given weekend Sheng Kee is bustling with customers as loaves of bread fly off the shelves and clerks replenish the dwindling stock. Besides standard white bread ($2.99/loaf or $1.79/half-loaf), customers can pick out freshly baked bread filled with taro ($2.99), red bean ($2.49), custard ($2.49), coconut ($2.49) or pork sung ($2.49). Besides bread, there are cakes, dim sum, pastries, moon cakes and fruit tarts. For a quick snack, you can get the popular cocktail buns or guy may bau ($0.89 for 2), which translates to “chicken tail bun.” —S.W.
Thai: Gazza
637 Larkin St., S.F., 415-775-5526
The blue neon sign welcoming guests may resemble something from a trendy fusion restaurant, but give Gazza’s Tom Kha soup ($6.50 chicken, $7.50 prawns) or Pad Thai ($5.90) a try, and you’ll know why Thai seems to be the only language spoken here. Owner Norman Ng has worked hard to run a top-notch eatery with an authentic Thai dining experience. Take a shot at the Duck Curry ($7) and you might even end up a frequent visitor! — J.S.
Filipino: Goldilocks Bake Shop & Restaurant
4516 Mission St., S.F., 415-333-6963
3535 Callan Blvd., S.S.F., 415-873-0565
You can’t help but be enticed by the sights and smells of the delectable baked goods at Goldilocks. Cake rolls, cookies, meat-filled breads and snack cakes are popular items. And native treats, such as the boat tarts filled with macapuno, jackfruit and purple yam puree, are must-haves. If you’re not in the Bay Area, you can still enjoy Goldilocks. Some of its baked goods, including a grand sampler ($44.50) can be ordered online. — C.C.
PLAY
Bar for APAs to Hang Out: Dragon Bar
473 Broadway St., S.F., 415-834-9383
Located in the heart of North Beach, Dragon Bar’s trendy pop fusion décor runs the gamut from traditional Chinese lanterns to minimalist Japanese paper globes dangling from the ceiling. An abundance of tea-light candles and bamboo sticks are visible beneath the red glow of the room, and the bar is always stocked with house specialty cocktails as well as on tap and well drinks. Here, the décor is as a beautiful as the people who lounge about. —J.S.
Place to Meet APA Lesbians: El Rio
158 Mission St., S.F., 415-282-3325
This warm-hearted dive bar at the edge of the Mission is a lively space for people of all colors and preferences. Here, the women are friendly, and seem to be scouting for more than just meat. The bar is a great place to have a low-key drink and scope out the regulars for a mellow night, while its big backyard and extra room are often sites of some raging parties. —J.S.
Place to Meet Single (or not) Seniors:
Chinese American Citizens Alliance (CACA)
1044 Stockton St., S.F., 415-434-2232
Faye Woo Lee, president of CACA’s San Francisco Lodge, didn’t want to create the impression that CACA was just for the graying set. In fact, more than 1,000 members aged18 to 93 include a few whippersnappers like Rep. Mike Honda, Sup. Fiona Ma, and Assessor-Recorder Mabel Teng. It’s also a place for social justice. The 91-year old civil rights organization campaigned against Prop. 54 (Racial Privacy Initiative) this year and is working to get the posthumous citizenship of Asian Pacific American veterans of the American Civil War. Still, Lee admits, “Our social programs do attract many retired people. They’re looking for an opportunity to meet new friends and to enjoy more social activities.” Among the offerings: tai chi and hula classes, karaoke, mahjong, card games and ballroom dancing. Sounds like fun. —S.W.
Place to Meet Hipsters: Harry Denton’s Rouge
1500 Broadway, S.F., 415-346-7683
Crystal Chandeliers, velvet curtains and mysterious strangers all make Rouge the place to be if you’re looking for a unique upscale dancing and socializing experience. The nightclub draws some of the most intriguing people in the city, including celebrities, politicians, trendsetters and professional partygoers. Friday nights draw large crowds of Asian Pacific Americans, with Beyond Entertainment’s DJs Andrew B and MajestiChris rocking the top 40. Hurry up and get in line and don’t forget to make your booth reservation! —J.S.
Place to Meet APA Gays: Mecca
2029 Market St., S.F., 415-621-7000
Mecca, the 7-year-old upper Market restaurant and bar, known as much for its sophisticated food as for its lively bar scene, debuts this year as the best place to meet young, hot and gay APAs. The stylish “see and be seen” dining room and bar offer a nightly DJ spinning an eclectic mix of urban selections. The bar serves up an impressive array of cocktails, including the not-to-be-missed Frozen Bellini. Each Sunday the city’s finest LGBT’s make the pilgrimage to Mecca to start the week with San Francisco’s premier drag entertainer, Mamie Van Gorgeous at “Sunday Bellini Sunday” from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the bar. Like the food, the waiters are fresh and delicious, with plenty of smooth bottoms. —S.P.
Karaoke: Silver Clouds
1994 Lombard St., S.F., 415-922-1977
Bring your friends together, or make some new ones over karaoke at Silver Clouds. The young, diverse clientele makes this local spot a casual, comfortable and fun bar to wail hits from Madonna to the B-52s. The food and drink menu is as plentiful as it is diverse, offering a full bar as well as bountiful seafood and hearty continental dining. Become Celine Dion or Michael Bolton for a night, or just come and keep Gloria Gaynor alive! —J.S.
Asian-Theme Bar: Jade Bar
650 Gough St., S.F., 415-869-1900
Step into a world of glass waterfalls, lush furry carpets and three levels of cozy lounging. Owners Ryan Buenning and Greg Medow opened this upscale neighborhood bar eight months ago with the intent to create a space where people could go for cheap food and drinks. Known for their other fine-dining establishments, Indigo and Crimson, also in the neighborhood, Medow and Buenning gave Jade its name to keep up with the color schemes in their other establishments. Jade’s casually elegant décor is subtle. “We didn’t try for over the top Asian themes,” says Buenning who is also the resident bartender at Jade. “We wanted something green; you’ll notice with the tiles at the bar, and the colors throughout … and we definitely wanted a waterfall.” Buenning invented all the cocktails on the menu, and the eats and nibbles are imported from Indigo. Some of the best drinks are the bar’s namesake Jade Cocktail ($6/$2 during happy hour); the Sumo-jito ($7), a lighter recreation of the mojito using citrus vodka instead of rum; and the Betty Ford cocktail ($6), a tribute to the establishment’s former occupant, Alcoholics Anonymous. Appetizers are only $6, so go ahead and indulge. The Ahi Tuna on 4 Spoons is tuna poke with Fresno chiles, sesame seeds and a soy-sesame dressing, and Smoked Salmon Points are smoked salmon on wonton crisps with wasabi crème fraiche. —J.S.
Place to Meet Nerds: Best Buy
1717 Harrison St., S.F., 415-626-9682
Nerd, according to one dictionary, is slang for “a socially inept, foolish or ineffectual person.” Well, today’s nerds — e.g. Bill Gates, Matt “The Simpsons” Groening — are the heroes of industry. So, don’t be ashamed if you’re one of them. And if you want to meet your match made in heaven, skip the chat rooms and head on over to Best Buy. There, you can fiddle with the latest video games or plasma screen televisions, while quietly checking out the socially inept, ineffectual guy or gal next to you. — S.W.
Place to Play Video Games: Evo
2234 Taraval St., S.F., 415-665-1063
Gamers, let’s get right to the point. You voted for Evo as the best PC Bang in the Bay for a reason. And who would agree with you more than the staff at AsianWeek? We know because we go. Ken and Torrance and their friendly and helpful staff are always there to make sure the latest game is on the hard drives. Having just celebrated their two-year anniversary last month, Evo was the first PC Bang in the Sunset district, and continues to promote its philosophy of providing a well-planned, safe and comfortable interior for gamers and guests. Their 30 brand spankin’ new AMD 2500, ATI 9600 PRO 128MB make for a great addition to the family. And with their latest games — Command Conquer: Zero Hour, Final Fantasy XI, Need for Speed Underground and Condition Zero — you bet those machines will be burning some. The consistently maintained computers ensure continuous and unadulterated game play, and if you ever need one for your home, Evo also custom builds computers based on your budget and needs (starting at $300). Hey, even if you don’t play games, just go there for cheap Internet and printing — beats the prices at Kinko’s! — J.S.
THE GOODS
Barong Tagolog: Tatak Pilipino, Inc.
8E Serramonte Center, #284, Daly City, 650-992-7960
32130 Alvarado Blvd., Union City, 510-324-8288
Tatak Pilipino carries a wide selection of filipiniana fashion and specializes in barong tagalog, Filipino shirts. These special shirts are made from jusi material and the designs are hand-embroidered in the Philippines. The jusi barongs cost $109.95, and the organza barongs are priced at $45. — C.C.
Place to shop like a tourist: Far East Fashions
953 Grant Ave., S.F., 415-362-0986
Far East Fashions has remained in the heart of San Francisco Chinatown for more than 25 years. You can find an assortment of specialty gifts in the store ranging from statues and pillow shams to mini cheongsams. Unfortunately, the store doesn’t carry cheongsam dresses for women, but it does have souvenirs and mini cheongsams that attract many tourists coming to view the sights of Chinatown and to buy Burberry knock-offs. — C.C.
Anime/Manga: Nikaku Animart
www.nikaku.com
615 N. 6th St., San Jose, 408-971-2822
If you’re in the market for Japanese animation items or cutesy, kitschy gadgets and contraptions from Japan, look no further than Nikaku Animart in San Jose. You can order from Nikaku’s colorful and exciting catalogs, but you can also browse the store’s wide selection of merchandise and pick up a Maison Ikkoku ‘Piyo Piyo’ t-shirt or a copy of Abaranbo Princess (anime book). — M.C.
Boutique: Sunhee Moon
www.sunheemoon.com
142 Fillmore St., S.F., 415-355-1800
Sunhee Moon’s clothing designs are as chic as they are casual. Inspired by European children’s wear, Moon crafts button-down shirts, tailored slacks and pleated skirts that can flatter any body type. Her boutique and clothing have been featured in such publications as Glamour, Lucky, 7 x 7 and Japanese fashion magazine Olive. — J.N.
Hawaiian Clothes: Sun Jose Hawai‘i
410 W. Capitol Expressway, Suite A, San Jose, 408-281-9262
If you’re looking to add a little Aloha to your life, you can start by going down to Sun Jose Hawai‘i to pick up the latest designs from Local Motion, Hawaiian Island Creations, Da Kine and Da Hui. Sun Jose also carries Aloha Wear brand shirts ($33) and tank dresses ($33). Their extensive collection of different Hawaiian print shirts come in a multitude of colors and prints ($49). — C.C.
Grocery: Ranch 99
250 Skyline Dr., Daly City
10983 N. Wolfe Rd., Cupertino
34444 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
31056 Genstar Rd., Hayward
3288 Pierce St., Richmond
Think Safeway gone Asian. At Ranch 99, you can stock up on your favorite brands of spring-roll wrappers and Chinese pickles, while checking out the farm-fresh vegetables, tofu and live seafood. The service is always professional and quick. You’re in and out of there ready to whip up a meal that would make Martin Yan (Can Cook) proud. — J.N.
Jade Jewelry: Jade Galore
1000 Stockton St., S.F., 415-982-4863
Go past the two lion statues that guard the entrance of Jade Galore, and you will immediately be dazzled by the lush jade jewelry, watches and diamonds on display. Jade pendant carvings ($300 - $15,000) and jade rings ($400 and up) are some of the more popular items. For more than 30 years, Jade Galore has added an extra sparkle in wardrobes throughout the Bay Area. This family-run business also has stores in Milpitas and Cupertino. — C.C.
Retailer for Short Legs: Gap
www.gap.com
Various S.F. locations.
Good news for those of you gals who just make it past 5 feet tall! Gap has pants to cover up your short limbs but not your feet in all the season’s hottest styles and colors. Feeling a bit country-western? Jump into a pair of authentic crosshatch vintage Low-Rise Bootcuts ($59, available in ankle length). Need pants for the office? Slip into a pair of the Flannel Classic Cuffed Trousers ($58), they come in ankle length, but you may need to wear heels. And for guys who don’t see eye-to-eye with Yao Ming, Relaxed Fit Jeans ($39.50) and Classic Fit Flat Front Khakis ($39.50) come in lengths starting at 28 inches. — M.C.
Shoes for Wide Feet: Kenneth Cole
www.kennethcole.com
166 Grant Ave., S.F., 415-981-2653
865 Market St., #136, S.F., 415-227-4536
2078 Union St., S.F., 415-346-2161
128 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto
Valley Fair Shopping Center, Santa Clara
Gilroy Premium Outlets, Gilroy, CA
Napa Premium Outlets, Napa, CA
The Kenneth Cole name is on everything from watches and sunglasses to leather trench coats. But it’s their shoes—some of them bearing whimsical names—for which they are famous. With a wide selection of colors and fashion-forward styles, Kenneth Cole is a one-stop shop for any Asian Pacific American looking to dress up their tired dogs. No woman should be without a sexy pair of black leather knee-highs with stiletto heels. “May Flower,” “Stand Up” and “Home Stretch” would all fit the bill, but it’s the “Tuxedo” model that comes in bodacious white leather that would transform an outfit from “glam” to “Hubba! Hubba!” And let’s not forget about the guys. Whether it’s a standard pair of black oxfords, “Business A Tie-er,” or “Hot Wheels,” a cognac lace-up with distinct toe stitching, a man won’t have to dig too deeply for something that is comfortable and sharp. — T.W.
Fashion Designer: Marilyn Yu
www.plutoniumclothing.com
415-751-3154
Who would have ever thought people could look fashionable wearing plutonium? Not in literal sense of course, but Marilyn Yu thought it would be a great idea. With a mix of a unique flavor and a comfortable fit, Plutonium clothing is the ultimate choice. Yu launched her line in 1998 with her radioactive fashion products where she primarily specializes in custom outfits made to fit for the client, along with theatrical costumes. — C.C.
Auto Parts Shopping: Mach III
1507 Ocean Ave., S.F., 415-594-0029
Vroom, vroom…Get your motor runnin’ and head out over to Mach III to accessorize and supe up your wheels. If you want to add both speed and sound to your car, Mach III is the place to go. But unlike other car stores, Mach III doesn’t build competition stereo systems or build race cars. You can have custom-designed car stereos with dope amplifiers to provide quality sound and true driving relaxation. On the performance side, Mach III can modify your car, adjusting the torque, ride comfort and noise level, making for a truly optimal behind-the-wheel experience. —M.C.
Store for Asian DVDs:
San Francisco Star Inc.
1044 Grant Ave., S.F., 415-397-9708
Want to hear what Hong Kong’s equivalent of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears sound like? Hop on over to San Francisco Star on Grant Avenue in Chinatown and gyrate to the bubble-gum beats and heart-felt Canto-pop songs of Kelly, Eason, Jay and Sammy. Mr. and Mrs. Chung have operated San Francisco Star since 1992, offering customers a place to rent or buy DVD and VCD movies, music videos and video games. VCDs will cost you $8 – $10, and DVDs and CDs range from $17 - $24.50. Check out the old-school kung fu and police flicks from the ’60s and ’70s, and dance to the funky music. —M.C.
Video Games:
Electronics Boutique
www.ebgames.com
151 Powell St., S.F., 415-362-7601
4 Embarcadero Center, S.F., 415-421-7506
333 Jefferson St., S.F., 415-674-8371
2673 Mission St., S.F., 415-285-2276
3251 20th Ave., S.F., 415-564-7567
Welcome to the world of video games. EB has the widest selection and range of games for your PS2, Xbox, GameCube and PC. Cool accessories can also be found here. The friendly and knowledgeable staff makes shopping a breeze, and you’ll always find what you desire. EB also has the used games section, where you can find low-priced games as well as hard to find games for your older consoles. And if you don’t have the time to get down to the store, try going on the website to get your games! — J.S.
HEALTH
Martial Arts:
Y.C. Wong Kung Fu Studio
819A Sacramento St., S.F., 415-781-4682
Haaiii-Ya! Y.C. Wong will whip even the wimpiest of characters into confident martial practitioners, but you won’t ever hear this mighty master yelling at his students. Wong nurtures his student with a watchful eye and teaches by demonstration. Although his advanced students pant and sweat, Wong makes doing martial arts look as natural as walking. Breathe, concentrate.
— May Chow, Joyce Nishioka, Jennie Sue, Samson Wong, Carlie Chiu, Tony Wong, Stephanie Pellegrine and Peter Huynh