Best dumplings on the planet

The best dumplings on the planet are made by a Taiwanese franchise called Din Tai Fung. Lucky for you, you can find this veritable temple of East Asian delights in 10 countries and territories around the world. Including the US.

I had my first hit in Shanghai in July and returned to Hong Kong for subsequent fixes. Ok, I'm not actually so badly addicted - I didn't actually travel 6000 miles for a dumpling. But I would entertain a road trip from SF to Arcadia since there's a new Din Tai Fung down there - any takers? . . .

So what exactly is so addictive about this place? One dish sums it up: truffled pork dumplings. Din Tai Fung's specialty is their Shanghai-style soup dumplings, called xiaolongbao. Some genius that works in their kitchens had the creative insight to imagine what would happen if she added the most delectable of Western cuisine's flavors into the delicate liquid-laden bites. And she absolutely struck gold. Order the truffled pork dumplings. Actually, go ahead and get two orders because you won't be able to stop after the first 5 pieces.

So find a Ding Tai Fung near you. Prepare for total dumpling delight (see picture below).

Din Tai Fung

Store #1,1108 S. Baldwin Ave

Arcadia, CA 91007

626.574.7068

Taco-licious

The name of this joint says it all: TACOLICIOUS, an amazing (relatively) new taco spot in SF. But it's not in the Mission.

All you Marina dwellers, there's now one more reason not to leave your northern strip of the city: delicious tacos at Tacolicious. The rock cod was my personal favorite - buttery chunks of fit deep fried in a fluffy on the inside-crispy on the outside batter, all on top of tasy corn tortillas with a light remoulade. Scrumptious! I'm told the carnitas tacos are pretty irresistible, too.

Make sure you try the variety of salsas, too. Hot, medium and mild in a bright splash of colors. I won't tell you which color's which, but suffice to say it's not entirely intuitive. . .

Just one note: good company is a necessary ingredient to survive the Marina crowds at this spot. Good thing I got my fix with Garron and Christin.

Tacolicious

2031 Chestnut St

San Francisco CA 94123

415.346.5641

Bite worthy: Scotch Eggs at Wexler's

The best bite worth having in San Francisco right now: the Scotch Eggs at Wexler's.

A relatively new spot in the Financial District, Wexler's does American barbeque fare with a touch of class, and trendiness. It's a small spot tucked in next to Wayfare Tavern, with vintage-chic decor. Think white, wood, mirrors and elaborate hanging light fixtures.

What's remarkable about almost everything on their menu is that they take what can be sloppy, heavy and rich foods and make them refreshing and somewhat refined. Think bites of hush puppies with pickled shallots, or a plate of pork with a dainty and whimsical presentation (and really delicious contents).

The drinks at the bar are cheeky and different. Try the cocktail concoction with arugula and fennel.

But the star of the edible show at Wexler's is definitely the scotch eggs. Scotch eggs are a British import (Fortnum & Mason claim to have invented them back in the 18th century), but the Americans at Wexler's have definitely taken this at times too-hearty dish to a new height. A scotch egg is a hardboiled egg, wrapped in sausage, breaded and then deep fried.

The Wexler's version adds some cornmeal to the bredding for an extra crispness, soft boils the egg to leave it soft and rich in the center, and complements the dish with a tart sweet tea gastrique and a harissa-inspired hot sauce. The result is pure deliciousness.

This is definitely my favorite bite in SF right now.

Wexler's

568 Sacramento Street

San Francisco, CA 94111

415.983.0102