San Francisco, CA, 94107
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SO-Restaurant/255137278904?v=info
Whenever I'm visiting San Francisco and someone asks me if I like chicken wings, I always answer, even before anyone else can say anything, "Yes, yes. I've been to San Tung. Yes, I've had their chicken wings."
Because that's inevitably where the conversation always leads, to the famous San Tung chicken wings. The wings are double deep-fried and tossed in a spicy and sweet mixture of garlic, chili and ginger. On any given day, you can expect a wait at San Tung, with tons of people waiting for table. During this most recent quick getaway to the Bay to visit some old friends, we jumped at the chance to try So, the more hip and trendy sister of San Tung, recently opened by the sons of the original San Tung owners.
1. WINGS - Chicken wings deep fried in a light batter tossed in a roasted red pepper, garlic, & ginger soy sauce. Ahhh, the famous chicken wings. As wings come and go, these are pretty darn tasty. Crispy, sweet with a blast of spiciness. Ray still prefers the Sugoi chicken but this dish is still a must-order at So.
2. DRIED SAUTEED STRING BEANS - Fresh string beans flash-fried & tossed in a garlicky sauce with Chinese pickles. Your typical asian restaurant fare - the beans had a nice crispness to it from the flash-fry, not like the soggy ones you tend to find at other places. A good choice for veggies.
3. PEANUT - A mixture of shrimp, scallops, chopped water chestnuts, mushrooms, onions & peas in a spicy peanut sauce. All of So's noodle dishes are comprised of hand-made noodles. You would think that home-made would translate into super yumminess but unfortunately, the noodles were very starchy. Paired with a relatively thick sauce of peanut (above) or black bean (below), all you end up with is a mouthful of mush, without the al dente "bounciness" you see in other home-made noodles and pastas. Definitely not ordering either of these dishes again.
4. SO BLACK BEAN - Noodles mixed in black bean sauce with pork, scrambled eggs, jalapenos, cayenne, and paprika.
5. CHIPOTLE SAUSAGE FRIED RICE - Chipotle sausage, eggs, jalapenos, mushrooms, peas, cabbage, carrots, onions, zucchini, and black pepper. The fried rice was pretty good - not the most flavorful but at least there was a good separation of the rice kernels rather than a soggy mash. A good accompaniment with the string beans and chicken wings.
All in all, a good meal with good friends. While we won't be rushing back anytime soon, you can bet that the chicken wings will always be part of our order whenever we come back.