The Z&Y Peking Duck restaurant in San Francisco. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker
The Z&Y Peking Duck restaurant in San Francisco. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker
The Z&Y Peking Duck restaurant in San Francisco. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker
The Z&Y Peking Duck restaurant in San Francisco. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker

California eating: Travel through the Bay Area’s food scene


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From the Beat Generation of authors and poets to the counterculture movements of the 1960s, San Francisco has always been brimming with creative spirit, and the city has long been at the forefront of artistic and literary movements. More recently, the American city has become synonymous with technological innovation, with today’s global giants – Apple, Google and Meta – all born in the Bay Area.

It’s an entrepreneurial and daring zest that has also permeated the city’s captivating food scene. San Francisco recently received accolades in a nationwide study by Datassential, which looked at 1.4 million restaurants in the US, with San Francisco coming out on top across the country for emerging food trends, diversity of cuisines and gastro novelty. “San Francisco does not shy away from ‘new’ and ‘different’,” explains Aaron Friedman, who has worked as a food expert and tour guide at Dylan’s Tours in the city for more than six years. “We encourage restaurants to try something new and take that risk. Particularly through pop-ups, we are seeing more restaurants being given the opportunity to try unique dishes at a lower overhead cost. San Francisco has always embraced the dreamer and the high flier when it comes to new ideas and that also includes our food scene.”

The Sonoma coast in Bodega Bay, California. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker
The Sonoma coast in Bodega Bay, California. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker

According to Michele McQueen, head chef and owner of Town Fare restaurant in the Bay Area, cultural diversity has also contributed to the rich food scene in the region. “The Bay Area has such a diverse population with people from all over the world, so we end up with cuisines that represent these areas,” she says. “We also have a strong sense of community that appreciates and celebrates those cuisines.”

San Francisco certainly offers up more culinary diversity than your average American city. It is home to one of only three remaining Japantowns in the US, which is also the largest and oldest in the country. The city can also claim one of the biggest Chinatowns in the US, alongside a number of other districts that cover (but are by no means limited to) South Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, Peruvian and Guatemalan cuisines and cultures.

Touring the city’s diverse food scene

Travelling through the city’s many neighbourhoods, the first must-visit place while visiting San Francisco is the Mission District. The area gets its name from the Spanish missionaries that arrived in the area in the 18th century and is now a predominantly Hispanic neighbourhood known for its unique boutiques, outdoor murals and diverse cuisines. Mexican restaurant La Taqueria is a must-visit when you’re in this part of town. “While some may argue that Southern California has better Mexican cuisine, I would beg to differ and choose a taco in the Mission District over anything else in the State,” says Friedman. La Taqueria is owned by Miguel Jara, who moved to the US from Mexico when he was only 16 years old. Now in his eighties, Jara and his team are known for serving up some of the best tacos and burritos in the city.

La Taqueria in the Mission in San Francisco. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker
La Taqueria in the Mission in San Francisco. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker

The menu is kept simple, the setting casual and the place has been busy since it opened its doors more than 50 years ago. Further north is the historic Chinatown, which houses the aptly named House of Dim Sum that is worth a visit to try its freshly made hot savoury dumplings. Nearby is the city’s famous Chinese Cookie Factory, which has been hand-making cookies in the district for more than 60 years. Here, you can embark on a foodie tour, or pick up your own batch with diverse flavours, including green tea, chocolate and strawberry.

Along with Chinatown, Little Italy remains one of the most prominent districts in the city, with Italian flags painted along the sidewalks reminding visitors of the area’s cultural heritage. Not that they’d easily forget where they are, with must-try spots such as Tony’s Pizza around. The menu can compete with the best pizzerias in Italy and includes a unique range spanning American and Italian traditional pizzas. Of course, with the most expansive Japantown in the country, it would be a shame to leave the city without trying one of the many excellent restaurants in the neighbourhood. Kusakabe, named after the restaurant’s acclaimed chef, Mitsunori Kusakabe, leads the way in the city’s Japanese food scene. The sushi specialist offers several different menus, including a la carte and a highly recommended omakase, or chef’s tasting menu.

Tony's Pizza Napoletana. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker
Tony's Pizza Napoletana. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker

Venturing out into the Bay

An anecdote that local chefs and foodies like to share is that the city’s famous Golden Gate Bridge was built to satisfy the need to get food produced quickly – and in bulk – into the city from the farms in the north. “We are spoiled rotten with fresh, high-quality vegetables,” explains Sam Levy, the co-owner of Fern Bar and Shady Creek Flower Farm in Sonoma County. “There are so many farms producing amazing produce. The fruit, veggies and meat are unlike what 99% of the world’s population gets to enjoy,” Levy adds.

California alone produces enough food to feed the entire US, which explains the early popularity of farm-to-table cuisine in the region. Plenty of restaurants in the Bay Area champion local, seasonal produce. The rich seafood options from the coastal area are also popular, as Friedman explains, “The Dungeness crab in the Bay is known as some of the best crab you can get, and our local oysters are world famous.” To experience it, make the day trip from San Francisco to Bodega Bay, where you can find popular local eateries such as the Fishetarian Fish Market, a seafood restaurant serving local dishes with panoramic Pacific Ocean views.

Shopping at Oaktown Spice Shop in Oakland. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker
Shopping at Oaktown Spice Shop in Oakland. Photo: Visit California / Max Whittaker

For those who are interested in the farm-to-table movement, it is worth visiting Sonoma County. Unlike some of the bigger neighbouring counties, many of the producers in Sonoma are still smaller, family-owned and many focus on bio-organic farming. Local producers also offer visitors cheese tours and also cover other ingredients.

Another day trip worth making while in San Francisco is across the Bay Bridge, where you will find yourself in the heart of Oakland’s up-and-coming food scene. “In Oakland, we have an amazing cultural food scene and even more amazing fusion food scene,” explains McQueen, whose restaurant Town Fare champions southern fusion cuisine. “The Bay Area is very focused on local, sustainable and fresh foods, and we really champion the ‘fresh is best’ movement. We strive to offer our guests the best quality foods that are truly full of incredible flavour,” says the chef.

Why your domicile status is important

Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.

Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born. 

UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.

A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
What went into the film

25 visual effects (VFX) studios

2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots

1,000 VFX artists

3,000 technicians

10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers

New sound technology, named 4D SRL

 

UAE%20medallists%20at%20Asian%20Games%202023
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French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.

Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

What is tokenisation?

Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets. 

if you go

The flights

Emirates have direct flights from Dubai to Glasgow from Dh3,115. Alternatively, if you want to see a bit of Edinburgh first, then you can fly there direct with Etihad from Abu Dhabi.

The hotel

Located in the heart of Mackintosh's Glasgow, the Dakota Deluxe is perhaps the most refined hotel anywhere in the city. Doubles from Dh850

 Events and tours

There are various Mackintosh specific events throughout 2018 – for more details and to see a map of his surviving designs see glasgowmackintosh.com

For walking tours focussing on the Glasgow Style, see the website of the Glasgow School of Art. 

More information

For ideas on planning a trip to Scotland, visit www.visitscotland.com

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

MATCH INFO

Real Madrid 2

Vinicius Junior (71') Mariano (90 2')

Barcelona 0

Naga
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PFA Team of the Year: David de Gea, Kyle Walker, Jan Vertonghen, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Alonso, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero

UAE tour of Zimbabwe

All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final

Kashima Antlers 3 (Nagaki 49’, Serginho 69’, Abe 84’)
Guadalajara 2 (Zaldivar 03’, Pulido 90')

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Company name: Farmin

Date started: March 2019

Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi 

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: AgriTech

Initial investment: None to date

Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs 

The biog

Favourite colour: Brown

Favourite Movie: Resident Evil

Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices

Favourite food: Pizza

Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

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Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

The specs

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo and dual electric motors

Power: 300hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,500-3,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.0L/100km

Price: from Dh199,900

On sale: now

Brighton 1
Gross (50' pen)

Tottenham 1
Kane (48)

2.0

Director: S Shankar

Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films

Cast: Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Updated: October 23, 2024, 2:02 AM