Kathy's California Chinese Cuisine
408 Dewey Boulevard
(Near Laguna Honda Hospital)
San Francisco, California
415-665-6888

I hope to shine some light on a few good places that may not be the greatest of their kind, but are worthy of some regular patronage due to quality, price, and convenience.

Recently, I dropped into Kathy's after 2PM and ordered the General Gao's Chicken lunch special at $3.95. Too often too late I have discovered lunch specials that are mass prepared and steam tabled. No problem here. A freshly prepared dish with generous pieces of freshly cooked sliced white meat in a tasty and mildly spicy sauce was accompanied by some very nice broccoli tops and an ample supply of rice. A cup of Hot and Sour Soup preceded the meal and with a shot of vinegar, hot pepper oil, and soy sauce became a satisfactory starter. That is usually necessary for my taste. Good meal, cheap meal. I have also had the Dry Sauteed Green Beans and Tangerine Beef lunch specials, both not quite as good but still tasty. I do wish they had a few more selections, especially hot and spicy ones.

These people do not use MSG and you may find it necessary to add some soy sauce or salt now and then, but I always prefer adding them to wishing they weren't there in the first place. I have had food from this place delivered and as take out and I have not been disappointed. The food is not goopy or greasy, and generally well crafted. I have tried an excellent Seafood Salad appetizer, spicy by request, and it was wonderful with some very tender squid joining the shrimp and scallops in a lemony dressing. The Dry Braised Prawns give the signature dish of Chef Chu's in Mountain View a San Francisco rival. The appetizers are good as are the standards. The menu is not as extensive as some Chinese places, but what they do make they do well. They also offer a few specials most nights.

If you look inside you could mistake Kathy's for a French restaurant. I've heard that this was because neighbors were concerned about a "Chinese" restaurant moving into the area. The original name did not even include the "Chinese" appellation for that reason. Kathy's people are friendly and helpful. You have to find this place because it is located at a spot you could drive right by and never notice. It is a little out of the way but convenient to the Sunset, Glen Park, Noe Valley and Twin Peaks.

So what is the problem here? No business. I hardly ever see anyone here and I am afraid no one knows about the place. One time I did observe a pretty big slow down in service at dinner time when it was busier than usual, but that was not the case later at a busy lunch hour. Get in there before it is too late. I do not want to feel guilty as I drive by the staff standing in the front of the restaurant on my way home anymore.

By the way, I want your nominations for great Hot and Sour soup.

Feedback, suggestions, input?

Coming soon... A visit to the Farmers' Market (with Vernon's Virtual Victuals Vignettes).

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