On 23 Feb 2005 02:15:05 -0600, "Bob"
> wrote:

> Okay, the recent discussion of Ma Po Tofu has given me a hankering for it. I
> also want to make some "Ma La" oil (from the China Moon cookbook). Both
> those require Szechuan peppercorns, and you mentioned recently that they
> could be found in any Chinese spice shop in San Francisco.

Actually I thought I could get them at my local green
market, but I haven't been in there since we talked about it
previously. Sorry!

> Problem is, I
> have an amazing ability to get lost every time I go to San Francisco, and on
> the occasions when I *did* make it to Chinatown, I didn't see any spice
> shops. Could you please take pity on me and recommend a shop which carries
> Szechuan peppercorns, then tell me its address or specific location? (Come
> to think of it,

Are you looking forward to an excursion or will this be a
compulsory foraging trip? If you really WANT to go to
Chinatown, I can give you a little "do it yourself" walking
tour to take that includes a kite shop, an herb store
(medicinal) and a tea shop where you can sample various
types of Chinese teas (for free).

If you don't care about Chinatown per se, I'll see if I can
hunt up some Szechwan peppercorns for you in a not so
confusing area (there is a plethora of one way streets, dead
end alleys and no left turns downtown, so that's why you get
so confused).


> I'd also appreciate it if you could tell me where the fabled
> farmer's market is in Chinatown.)

Not sure what you mean by a Chinatown Farmer's market, but
if you want the flavor of Hong Kong, head to Stockton St.
(one block up-hill from Grant). The busiest section is
between Pacific and Clay. There are green markets coming
out your ears (people shoulder to shoulder) and places where
you can buy everything from live fish to live frogs &
turtles. Can't get any fresher than that.

Adding to your confusion: Did you know we have an alternate
Chinatown on Clement between 3rd and 10th Aves? Not as
crowded, but busy and a big variety of stores.




sf