Choices

BY TAMARA PALMER

"Hit the store, I can get 'em both/I don't wanna choose" — Me as Cardi B in this SF dim sum game

Took this picture several years ago while in the midst of writing a big dim sum guide to San Francisco. It's now a fantasy that will never be repeated, but it was real. It happened.

If I were to update that guide today, it would definitely include two new spots that opened this year, the Instagram-friendly Dumpling Time and the years-in-the-making luxury complex called China Live, which are both producing dishes that bear repeat visits.

Various bites at Dumpling Time

Dumpling Time's special Rainbao for SF Pride 2017!

China Live's Sheng Jian Bao

Cocktails and mocktails get equal love at China Live

Sichuan "Working Hands" dumplings at China Live

Shan Dong Shui Jiao water dumplings at China Live

Growing up in the Bay Area means that dim sum is part of my overall culinary foundation and these two distinctive new offerings are among my favorite debuts of 2017.