Howdy and hello. I barely got this newsletter finished in time for you today—there is just an incredible amount of news to churn through right now, lawdy. I want to start this missive by thanking so many of you who contributed to my tip jar after the last issue, wow. Everything helps! It meant so much to receive your support since advertising income is very touch and go these days, and let’s just say my ability to host events is non-existent at the moment. Really appreciate the gas in the tank! You guys are the best! I am so grateful.
So, are you drooling over that spread from Chili House? It’s one of my favorite Chinese restaurants in the city (a sister to Z&Y in Chinatown) and they’re offering a special deal of 15 percent off pickup or delivery orders that are $45 and more (use code IN15)! Some of my recommended dishes include their Beijing potstickers (be sure to warm them back up), dumplings with pork and napa cabbage, Szechuan chili lamb, tender fresh fish fillet boiled in Szechuan pickled mustard broth with tofu (this dish is phenomenal, don’t miss it—I like it even more than their fillet in flaming chile oil, which used to be my fave), and their sour bean fried rice with ham is a can’t-miss. Love this spot, enjoy a banquet at home!
I just spent the weekend visiting a friend in Sea Ranch, what a stunning place. So fun to drive up and back, love those winding roads. And now my coastal California adventures continue: I’m heading to Tomales this Thursday for the drive-in movie with William Tell House (I couldn’t miss seeing Jaws!) and am staying in their inn for a couple nights! (You can see upcoming drive-in movies here.) If you have any recommendations in the area (besides obvious winning locales like Hog Island Oyster Co., The Marshall Store, and Rocker Oysterfeller’s), I’m all ears! Favorite farms, beaches, bakeries, activities, trails, all is welcome, thanks!
Get ready for the twentieth episode of the On the Fly by tablehopper podcast, featuring a heartfelt conversation with our beloved Vinny Eng, who has been doing tremendous work with SF New Deal. It will be posted this week! I also want to thank Eater for including On the Fly in this recent article about pandemic podcasts: Your Favorite New Podcasters Are Already Bay Area Food Stars. I’m so grateful for the coverage.
Wanted to be sure you mark your calendar for Eat Drink SF Presents: 10 Days of Dining, Culture and Community, running October 23rd-November 1st from the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. There’s an amazing lineup of chefs for the opening dinner at The Vault Garden, Restaurant Week-style prix-fixe menus, exclusive to-go offerings, virtual demos, ticketed outdoor seated dinners, and more.
One last thing: please take a moment and sign this petition for SF to extend the emergency 15 percent commission cap that delivery companies can charge for at least two years while restaurants continue their full recovery (and more). Our restaurants will thank you!
Oh, and I am hearing that the SF-Marin Food Bank really needs volunteers, especially folks with Spanish and Cantonese language skills! You can sign up here, thanks for looking into it and spreading the word.
Enjoy the sun, and take good care.
A bountiful banquet from Chili House. Photo: © tablehopper.com.View tablehopper Newsletter from Tuesday, Oct 13 2020
