I took a business trip to San Francisco and took some time out to sample dumplings.  I hit my favorite spots in Chinatown first, but struck out on the dumpling front.

Chinese Broccoli and Salt and Pepper Prawns at yuet Lee.

Yuet Lee Seafood Restaurant is a San Francisco institution that has been around for almost 40 years.  Its open until 3 a.m. which, being a full hour past bar closing time in San Francisco, has made Yuet Lee a favorite late night, last stop.  It’s head and shell on, salt and pepper prawns are frequently written about in the press and are as excellent as their reviews suggest.  But a less well known gem on the menu is the Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce.  Also the Village Style Roast Squab is really good. Unfortunately, I had totally forgotten that they don’t serve dumplings.

Pork Pot Stickers

I also hit the Great Eastern Restaurant in Chinatown which is a large Hong Kong-style seafood restaurant with a wall of tanks in the back housing fish, shrimp and crab.  Great Eastern has been around since 1986 and has built a strong reputation, back in 2012 President Obama stopped in to pick up take-out.  Some of my favorite dishes are the steamed whole black bass, the pan fried flounder and sauteed clams with black bean sauce.  They have quite a few dumpling options which I haven’t really tried before, so I kicked off diner with the Pork Pot Stickers.  Unfortunately, it appears that seafood really is their thing and Pot Stickers are not.  The dumpling wrappers were thick and heavy and the filling was mushy.

Reviews of more successful outings coming up next.