nasa museum washington dc CALIFORNIA/BREAKF AST Just a block off the E mbarcadero, this cafe/bookshop with a fenced-in outdoor

Dragon Well Finds CHINESE Dragon Well was established with the idea of serving light, fresh, flavorful, and reliably good Chinese food. It has succeeded. This is definitely west coast Chinese, the Tex-Mex of Asian food, but it s the best rendition of it I ve had. Traditional favorites like pork-filled pot stickers (a big hit with my kids) and cashew chicken are exceptionally well executed, and the tea-smoked duck, ser ved in a bun with plum sauce, is not to be missed. Owned b y a friendly nasa museum washington dc and talented local mom, D ragon Well is pr obably the fav orite takeout destination for most local families. The interior decor spacious and airy, in keeping with the light and healthful food makes D ragon Well an inviting place to eat in as w ell. I m confident everyone in your family will enjoy his or her meal at Dragon Well.

The San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau operates the Visitor Information Center on the lower level of Hallidie Plaza on Powell and Market streets (&415/3912000; www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com). The staff is multilingual and genuinely helpful. Visit the information center for books; maps; Municipal Railway passes for buses, streetcars, and cable cars; souv enirs; and tons of br ochures to guide y ou fur ther. I t s open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm and w eekends 9am to 3pm.

Innkeepers John and Renate Kenaste, and daughter G abriele, are polite hosts who maintain some nice touches in their family-r un inn such as vintage claw-foot tubs, an antique bird-cage nasa museum washington dc elevator, and complimentar y afternoon tea with homemade cookies. The continental breakfast included in the room rate features coffee, tea, croissants, and muffins. There s also Humphrey, a friendly golden r etriever. Note: During peak months in summer, rates push the Golden Gate into the moderate price category. nasa museum washington dc

CALIFORNIA/BREAKF AST Just a block off the E mbarcadero, this cafe/bookshop with a fenced-in outdoor patio is a comfy hav en for a snack, lunch, and a r est. O rder tur key sandwiches, salads, smoked salmon plates, fountain treats, coffee drinks, and hot chocolate fr om the counter, and find a seat while y ou wait for your name to be called. This combined art gallery/bookstore cafe stocks a nice selection of children s books and gifts, and there are a few couches and overstuffed nasa museum washington dc chairs to enjoy them in. The cafe makes all the desser ts and pastries itself , which y ou can enjo y with more than 47 different types of teas. 699 Delancey St. (1/2 block south of Embar cadero). &415/836-5624. Reservations not accepted. Main courses $5 $8. AE, MC, V. Mon Sat 7am 10pm; Sun 8am 5pm. Muni: N-Judah streetcar to the Brannan Station, and then walk south t oward Townsend St.