Issue #24 December: Home for the Holidays ☃️

Plus the city’s hottest new Chinese restaurant, an immersive experience at Grace Cathedral, and the best holiday activities to do in SF  

Merry Christmas Eve! 🎄 I’m sending this issue a little early because I leave for Shanghai tomorrow and won’t be back until after the New Year. I’m joining my mom who’s already there and we’ll be spending time with our extended family who I haven’t seen in almost a decade. More on the trip in next month’s issue, but in the meantime, here’s everything I’ve been up to.

Eat 😋 

Happy Crane (Hayes Valley, SF)

Perhaps one of the hardest reservations to get in SF right now, Happy Crane took over the former Monsieur Benjamin location. It has already racked up tons of accolades since its opening in August, including a spot on Eater’s Best New Restaurants list. The food is modern Cantonese cuisine rooted in traditional techniques. We opted for the “Happy As a Crane” tasting menu, which is served family style and adapted for the number of guests. Highlights included the beef shin (tender slices of beef with a chili vinaigrette), doupi tofu salad (spicy tofu skin), and the firecracker shrimp with nori and shiso. My mom really enjoyed the chasiu pork jowl served with scallion rice. Josh also had the wine pairing, which I snuck sips of. It was a lovely meal, but definitely on the special occasion side of the price scale. 🐦‍⬛

Sora Soba (Japantown, SF)

If you haven't heard about Sora Soba yet, prepare for it to take over your feeds. For fans of Hinodeya ramen, this is their sister restaurant and first US location, specializing in centuries-old handcrafted soba made of 100% buckwheat. The menu is small with both hot and cold soba options plus a few appetizers. I had the classic kushi tempura (cold dipping soba with tempura), which was tasty, but I did want more noodles. Luckily, my mom couldn’t finish her hot duck soba so I polished that off. The dashi tamago appetizer was also worth trying. 🍜

Nopa Fish (Ferry Building, SF)

The Ferry Building is back with a fresh fish market that also serves lunch and dinner every day of the week. The most popular item is the Rocky, a fried Rockfish sandwich with slaw served on an Acme bun. It’s a messy sandwich, but totally worth the handwash afterwards. The fish chowder packed with fish, mushrooms, and potatoes is also delicious. And we can’t leave out the classic fish & chips. This version features cumin-spiced fries and a side of pickled veggies. It can get packed during lunchtime, so would recommend going on the earlier side.

Supreme Dumplings (Stonestown, SF)

Great news, dumpling fans! The line at Supreme Dumplings is finally manageable and it is so good. Come for the soup dumplings, but stay for the best dan dan noodles and hot & sour soup in SF. The portions are generous so if you can’t fit in the pork chop fried rice while you’re dining, get it to go and your future self will thank you. 🥟

Shop 🛍️

Omnivore Books (Noe Valley, SF)

The Bay Area’s only culinary bookstore, this little neighborhood shop is a food lover’s dream. It’s stacked floor to ceiling with new and vintage books on food and beverage spanning the globe. It also hosts book events, which is how I found myself there one evening to see my food bestie interview the pastry chef and owner of Temple Pastries in Seattle. If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for your own food bestie, their Cookbook Club Membership is a fun way to experience new cookbooks.

See 🖼️

AURA at Grace Cathedral (Nob Hill, SF)

When I used to live in Nob Hill, I’d trek up the hill every Tuesday to join the hundreds of people gathered to do yoga at Grace Cathedral. It was a magical experience and one that made me feel lucky I lived so close. Last weekend, I stepped into the breathtaking cathedral again, this time for an immersive light show with music, projections, and lasers. While the show did start off a little rocky with a technical glitch, it soon transformed the walls of the cathedral into another world, captivating the audience of all ages.

Watch 📺

Pluribus (AppleTV)

The most unexpected TV show I’ve watched this year has got to be Pluribus. I didn’t know much going into it other than it’s by the same creator of Breaking Bad and stars Rhea Seahorn from Better Call Saul. In the first episode, the world as we know has ended and almost everyone shares one mind of happiness and peace. Except Carol Struka played by Rhea Seahorn, a successful romantasy author and curmudgeon who decides she must save humanity and return the world to the way it was. Every episode uncovers more surprises with plenty of dark humor as the show tries to answer the ultimate question: is it better to be happy or to be yourself?

Read 📖

107 Days (Kamala Harris)

After the year we’ve had, I knew I wanted to end it on a hopeful note so I turned to Kamala Harris. In her book, she details the 107 days of her 2024 Presidential race, the shortest presidential campaign in modern history. I listened to it on audiobook because I miss her voice, one full of joy and compassion, but also with the strength of a seasoned prosecutor who will not be interrupted. I got teary-eyed throughout the book, grieving for what could have been if things turned out differently. It’s unclear what Harris will do next, but I feel privileged to have lived through her historic 107 days.

FAQ ❓

Q: What are some fun holiday activities to do in SF? 

A: Start in Union Square and take photos in front of the giant Macy’s Christmas tree. There’s an ice skating rink next to it or grab a pastry from the B. Patisserie pop-up. Then check out the vendors along the Winter Walk as you make your way to the Macy’s Holiday Windows and swoon over the adorable puppies and kittens for adoption. If you’re in the mood for a fancy lunch, head over to the Rotunda for their famous complimentary popovers with strawberry butter. It’s best to make a reservation or you can try to squeeze in at the bar. They also offer a lovely holiday tea service. Afterwards, check out the Gumps Holiday Shop and pick up one of their exquisite handcrafted ornaments. Once you’re done with downtown, head over to the Fairmont for the magical life-size gingerbread house. Cross the street and walk through Huntington Park with stunning views of Grace Cathedral. In the evening, catch the City Hall Winter Lights every half hour. And of course, there’s always SF Ballet's The Nutcracker or your favorite holiday movie with a live orchestra at SF Symphony.