Eat & DrinkSan Francisco

Cha-Ya: A Euphoric Experience

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Thanks to Diane L. for the shot!

Thanks to Diane L. for the shot!

Being vegetarian in this city is expensive. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely not complaining. But if I want to go out for a nice meal, something I want to tell a friend about the next day, I’m pretty much fucked with the prospect of actually going out and I end up eating compost for dinner.

But fear not my protein deficient pretties, for Cha-Ya is about to change your life. With two locations in the city and one in the East Bay, your Japanese cravings will cease here.

I know that the prices seem expensive. But have you been to Herbivore? Or Cafe Gratitude for that matter? Or Millennium? It’s always a passing around of the bill until you realize that you just blew $60 on a meal and you’re still fucking hungry.

But Cha-Ya will fix you up. Their Taku-Sui, which is a Gyoza and veggies pot, will literally have you swooning for days. There was so much of it that I had only made a dent, and I ate the leftovers for three days. THREE DAYS. At $9, that’s less than $3 a meal.

Other things to consider: Their soba and tempura meals are all great, but their sushi rolls are what keep you coming back for more. The Cha-Ya Roll, at around $8, is stuffed with so much goodness [asparagus, yam, avocado, carrots, and then DEEP FRIED!] I dare you to try to find a vegetarian dish that’s more delicious or worth your money.

Plus, the best part about this place? The adorable Japanese ladies that serve you your food. You tea cup and water glass never go empty, and anything you need they’re there for. I like to frequent places that have waitresses that are sweeter than my mother.

Cha-Ya
1386 9th Ave near Judah St [Inner Sunset]
San Francisco, CA 94122

762 Valencia St near 18th St [The Mission]
San Francisco, CA 94110

1686 Shattuck Ave near Lincoln St [Gourmet Ghetto]
Berkeley, CA 94709

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Monica Miller - The Intern

Monica Miller - The Intern

Ms. Miller was born in San Diego, CA to one lesbian mother and one
righteous, cheap father. Currently, she is enrolled at San Francisco
State University for a B.A. in Journalism and the approximate
completion date is around 2015. She has worked for many papers in the
Bay Area, including the Oakland Tribune and the San Mateo Country
Times and is currently the city editor at one of the most
underappreciated publications in SF, the Golden Gate [X]press. Though
she may find bargains aplenty, it only stems from the necessity of
never landing an actual job and working for hacks [like Stuart.] With
intelligence, style, poise, bite, and honesty, she will rip your heart
out; but not before writing some awesome, poignant shit. This year,
she is looking forward to bigger and better things such as: trying to
get paid for a gig, actually finding a date that isn't a loser or
fucking crazy, not calling her parents when hungover and bringing you
the best of the 7x7 everyday of the week. [By the way, I wasn't
kidding about the date thing; if you love food, booze and shoegaze,
get at me.]