Yank Sing 12/29 or 30 -- Questions [SF]

[nosh]

Meeting an old friend for a weekend. She's picking me up at SFO Sat. 12/29 at 10:15 (I'll have no checked baggage) and we'll be dressed casual. Thinking of heading to Yank Sing for a dim sum brunch.

-- Reservation for two at 11? 11:15? 11:30?

-- Which one? Rincon Center or Stevenson?

-- best dishes?

-- Better option? note that this is a case where good service and being able to talk may outweigh the food. and i have simple sim sum tastes anyway (don't like fish eggs). i love potstickers/fried dumplings/shrimp in rice dumplings

another possibility is the Tartine bakery. or maybe even the Ferry Bldg???

ideas for brunch on Sunday? we're staying downtown, off Market.

[nosh]

Thank you for all the help. Visit seems to have fallen thru, so I'll keep the information for future reference.

If any of you needs help with (westside especially) L.A., please don't hesitate to ask -- and invite me to join you! ;-)

[Robert Lauriston]

I think Rincon is quieter and they have free validated parking in the garage. I prefer to sit inside.

I've found Koi Palace hit and miss. Given the long waits there, you wouldn't necessarily eat any sooner.

[arepo]

I just returned from there 2 weeks ago and was steered to the Rincon Center with a reservation at 11:30 and only a small (5 minute) wait for a table.
However, it was strongly suggested to me that the rotunda is definitely NOT the place to be due to the bad odor coming from the fountain, so I really don't know what to suggest because inside it is a miasma of activity, so I guess you're darned if you do and darned if you don't.
Also it was suggested by a regular to keep away from lots of the deep fried choices and opt for the steamed stuff instead.
I had vegetarian steamed dumplings and was not disappointed. Also ordered soup noodles off the menu.
It's an experience and lots of fun ... but noisy!

[Robert Lauriston]

Yeah, I avoid the rotunda because sometimes there's a weird smell and/or noisy kids playing. I don't find the dining room too noisy, don't have to raise my voice to be heard.

I never order the deep-fried things except taro dumplings, but that's not specific to Yank Sing. I just learned in the first few years of eating dim sum that I preferred the steamed items.

[vincentlo]

Without sounding overly jaded, I'd like to say that most dim sum houses in the Bay Area don't do justice to deep-fried items--too greasy, too heavy, etc.

[CarrieWas218]

Vincentlo - have you been to Hong Kong Lounge? That is the *one* place that made me want fried dim sum items. Blew every other dim sum house out of the water, in my opinion...

[vincentlo]

Is Hong Kong Lounge better than the new Lai Hong Lounge?

[escargot3]

ditto what Robert said.
The interior at YS is much cozier, for me, and I've never had a problem with noise levels.

[CarrieWas218]

From SFO, instead of waiting until you get to the city, I'd suggest going to Koi Palace in Daly City instead. Better food, closer to airport (to eat sooner), and a more memorable experience.

[The Librarian]

For Yank Sing, I would choose the Rincon Center location and ask to sit outside in the rotunda area. Much easier to talk than inside the restaurant. I would go at 11:30 or 11:45 - there's a more varied selection as the day progresses. I've enjoyed everything I've had there. Just know that it will be pricey!