Only in San Francisco...
Written: Aug 13 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Occasionally Great Food
Cons: Indifferent Service
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| billmc's Full Review: House of Nanking |
The House of Nanking could only exist in San Francisco. At times, the food can be spectacular. At other times, the food can be ok to mediocre. The trick for avoiding the mediocre end of the spectrum seems to be choosing your moment carefully. Simply avoid this place when the line is very long. Also, don't go in at peak times, like Friday or Saturday night.
When you arrive, expect to wait in line. The staff is clearly trained to herd you through quickly. The House of Nanking always seems to be on the lists and reviews under the "best cheap food" category. And, that's just fine. Just remember that restaurants operate on razor thin margins. So, don't be offended when the staff tries to hurry you through. In keeping with point #1 above, avoid this place at busy times.
As you're waiting in line, stay on your toes. For unknown reasons, the House of Nanking seems to attract bigger groups. If you're with only one friend, sometimes the staff will wedge you in somewhere on no notice. Don't blink, or you could miss an opportunity. The good news is that if you're on your toes, you can get in on short notice.
The House of Nanking makes terrific soups. I love the soups served in Chinese restaurants. Ask your server what soup is particularly good that day, and follow their lead. Another terrific dish is the fried shrimp cakes, apparently made by hand by the owner himself. Don't expect your food to show up in any particular order. At times, I've gotten the main course, followed by the soup, then the appetizer. Portions are huge, an excellent value for the price. We nearly always leave with a doggy bag.
The service at the House of Nanking would best be described as indifferent. To balance out the service, the place needs a good, thorough cleaning. The kitchen is, well, tiny. It all kind of fits together and makes sense in a Chinatown sort of way. The cooks do seem capable. They aren't working under the best of conditions. At off-peak times, they can pay a little more attention to what they're preparing. So, go in when the place isn't packed and you'll get better food. Remember, the House of Nanking is known as "best cheap restaurant". Usually, what you get is quite good. At busy times, less so.
Expect to have to attract the attention of the staff if you want a second drink or anything after your food arrives. You'll nearly always get what you ask for. Just don't be bashful and do ask for things you want.
My favorite dishes include anything with seafood, especially shrimp. They have a dish called "Nanking Scallops" that is terrific. Everything on the menu with the word "crispy" is good. Try the "Crispy Chicken", certainly lives up to its name. Ask about the mushrooms before ordering the "Broccoli Beef". Your server will guide you, if you let them. If the owner himself waits on you, expect some level of sadistic treatment. We once mentioned that a member of our group was allergic to shrimp, and were served a bunch of shrimp dishes we didn't order (or want) and were expected to pay for.
One concern I have is the apparent lack of cleanliness. I always assume that everything goes through a sterilizer in the back. May be a bad assumption. You nearly always get at least one piece of silverware with something caked on it. The place would seem to benefit from a good, thorough cleaning.
If you're visiting San Francisco, the House of Nanking is a must. If you live in the area, you probably already known about the House of Nanking. If you've never been in, by all means go. Prepare yourself for a different restaurant experience than is typical. The customer definitely isn't king here. Even if they don't treat you like a king, you'll eat like one.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
billmc
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Member: Bill McCauley
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 5 members
About Me:
Details to follow when I get some spare time...
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