Welcome to My Neighborhood

For over a decade, I have had the honor of welcoming guests from all over the world to Jackson Street. I have cooked for presidents and foreign ministers, but my favorite guests are the families and friends who come here simply to share a meal.

I know that for many, a trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown can feel daunting. You worry about the steep hills, the one-way streets, and, of course, the impossible parking.

I want to propose a different kind of day. A day where you don’t worry about the car or let that be a barrier to your exploration. I invite you to a day of discovery, soaking up the rich history of Chinatown and looking to the future of travel with a Waymo.

The Modern Arrival: Why We Recommend Waymo

Chinatown is a historic treasure, but its streets were built for horses – something eco-friendly, if you will. That is why I love seeing the white Waymo Jaguars pull up to our curb.

Taking a Waymo here changes everything. Instead of circling the block for twenty minutes looking for a garage, you are relaxing in the back seat. You can watch the pagodas and red lanterns glide by through the window without the stress of navigating traffic. It is private, peaceful, and delightfully futuristic.

When you step out of the car on Jackson Street, you are fresh and ready to explore. You haven’t fought for parking, you haven’t exhausted small talk with a chauffeur, you have simply arrived.

Contemporary Art & Hidden Alleys: My Favorite Strolls

Before you join us for dinner, I encourage you to see the “quiet renaissance” happening in our streets. Beyond the souvenir shops, a new wave of art is reclaiming our alleys. Here is how I suggest you soak up the atmosphere:

• Discover the Soul of Ross Alley: You might recognize Ross Alley as a filming location for The Karate Kid II, but today it is also a beacon of community art. Step into 41 Ross. It is an intimate gallery that feels more like a living room than a museum. They host artists who explore what it means to live here: migration, identity, and urban life. It is thought-provoking and offers a glimpse into the true living soul of our neighborhood.
• A Classic Stop: While you are in the alley, you must visit the legendary Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. It manages to be famous yet authentically charming. Watching the ladies fold cookies by hand is a tactile reminder of our neighborhood’s hardworking history. Plus, the smell of fresh vanilla waffles is irresistible.
• The Future at Edge on the Square: For a taste of something modern, visit Edge on the Square on Grant Avenue. It is a bold newcomer dedicated to Asian American experiences. Their festivals often spill right out onto the street, blending art with the city itself. It is the perfect intellectual counterpoint to the sensory pleasures of food and tea.

Limited Time Offer

Reserve by November 16th and receive a complimentary appetizer sampler for your table. This Thanksgiving, let Z&Y redefine the holiday. Skip the stress, savor every bite, and create a new tradition!