sf wrote:

> 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).

It takes me three hours to get to the area (and three hours to get home), so
I might as well spend an appreciable amount of time there and soak in the
entire Chinatown experience. I guess the walking tour would be my choice.
(And if you know of a good bubble tea shop, I'd like to check it out.)


>> 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.

That sounds like what I meant, especially the part about being able to buy
live fish. I'm guessing I can buy shrimp, chicken feet and roasted duck in
that area, too. I'll have to browse the produce and see what inspires me.
Okay, Stockton Street between Pacific and Clay ... Stockton Street between
Pacific and Clay ... Stockton Street between Pacific and Clay ... Stockton
Street between Pacific and Clay ...


> 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.

I *did* know that because of past threads recommending Chinese restaurants
in The City. But I never looked at a map to see whether Clement was anywhere
close to the area I think of as "Chinatown."

Thank you!

Bob