Flying Pan Bistro: Good new Chinese in SF Chinatown/FiDi

[Kmanlove]

Just had lunch had Flying Pan Bistro on Clay near Kearny. I guess it is a pretty new restaurant. Seems to serve lots of Sichuan and Shanghai dishes. I had the lunch special of MaPo Tofu with an appetizer of cold Shanghai smoked fish. The fish was really good. 2 pieces, great flavor. The MaPo tofu was probably the best I have had in SF so far. I asked for it spicy and they delivered. I am also pretty sure there were some sichuan peppercorns in there. Cost: $5.70

Before I really rave about this place, I will ahve to try some other dishes. Right now, the lunch menu seems a little limited to America Chinese standards, though I do want to try the Kung Pao, to see if it will be as good as the MaPo. They also have Za Zhiang Mien (sp?) which I would like to try.

Only problem was that no one was in the restaurant. I hope business picks up so it can stay around.

[asianstamp]

I've walked by there yesterday and a couple of times before, and they were shuttered. Anyone know if they're out of business?

[pane]

I wouldn't be surprised. When I went once a few months back it was completely empty except for me. The weird location between the Financial District and Chinatown doesn't get a lot of foot traffic of potential diners in the evening.

[Deeg67]

It's certainly a novel menu. I'm interested in hearing some more reviews as they come in.

http://menuscan.com/flyingpanbistro/

[david kaplan]

Flying Pan Bistro's ad on Citysearch says "Shang Hai cuisine from the same owners as Jai Yun." Same owners as Jai Yun? That sounds too good to be true. Anyone have more information?

[Gary Soup]

I was informed today that the Chef (and at least part-owner) of Flying Pan Bistro was formerly the apprentice to Chef Nei at Jai Yun. Also, Tablehopper reported that Chef Nei stops by, so he presumably has given his blessing and maybe has a piece of the action.

http://www.tablehopper.com/newsletter...

[Chandavkl]

Hmm. That's the third Chinese restaurant location there in about a year and a half. (Formerly Hunan Express and 5 Star.) I wonder what's more telling--the turnover or the fact that there's somebody new to take over the place.