The big pork buns at Hong Kong East Ocean are amazing—I can’t have just one. They’re light and soft, and have that shiny glazed outside. I want to eat so many things there. Pro tip: don’t do deep-fried there because you’ll just get in the calamari, and then you’re like, “Oh my God, I’m so full, I can’t eat anything else.” There’s the Hong Kong-style rice noodles with a sweet sauce, really great smashed cucumbers with bright ginger, savory roast pork, and then a bunch of different dumplings. I started going to Foreign Cinema in the Mission years ago for brunch. It’s a wonderful place that features fresh California food. Right now, they have a Tunisian shakshuka with eggs, zucchini, and feta—it’s delicious. And you can get a version of Pop-Tarts made with organic strawberries or nectarines. Chef Gayle Pirie and John Clark, who both used to work at Zuni Café, have been doing this for a long time. I love that it’s such a cool spot with beautiful outdoor seating in the courtyard—and, of course, you should come back for dinner when there are movies playing and lights strung everywhere.
