Real Eats -- Brandy Ho's, San Francisco, CA

It was a fitting day to have a Grand Opening. In this case, it was of the newest Brandy Ho's Restaurant location on 18th Street in San Francisco. The date occurred on the second day of the new lunar year - 02/08/08. To me, it even sounds like a lucky date! Sorry, the invite is only a copy!

As the guests of Ted Pratt, of MTP Architects and designer of the restaurant, my wife and I were treated to a fantastic buffet dinner. Tables were filled with a wide variety of Chinese dishes with an emphasis in Hunan-style cuisine. We started with a very tasty noodle dish, served cold with peanut sauce and ended with a tasty chow mein, served hot. In between, there were ample opportunities to sample various menu items. We were impressed with all the dishes we ate including their steamed dumplings as well as deep-fried dumplings both meat and vegetarian, diced chicken with broccoli, honey walnut prawns (not too sweet, just the way we like it), sweet and sour pork and fried rice. The staff continually brought out both dishes to replenish and new varieties which unfortunately we did not taste.

Brandy Ho's, since 1980, have made a name for themselves with their old country cooking using fresh ingredients and no MSG. We were extremely impressed and will definitely be future patrons.

Architecturally, the new location, was stunning! Ted Pratt's firm, MTP Architects, designed and oversaw the entire project construction starting with a completely gutted building to outfitting with all new interiors, kitchen and restroom. The dining area had laminated flooring made of Brazilian cherry. A seating bench, lining the walls, as well as the walls and ceiling featured authentic Brazilian cherry. You can only get a sense of it in the photo, in person it was awesome. The restroom sported the latest in energy-saving lighting and water fixtures, all automatic.

I'm sure that the owners, brothers, Sedgwick, Jack and namesake Brandy, would love to have you come enjoy Hunan Old Country cooking at its best. All of the couple of hundred invited guests for their grand opening certainly did. Visit http://www.brandyhos.com/ for addresses and menus.

For architectural services beyond compare check out:

Milliard T. (Ted) Pratt

Principal

MTP Architects

http://www.mtparchitects.com/

Thanks for reading!