Brandy Ho Castro District

14 February 2008 San Francisco, CA: Build a better pot sticker and the world will beat a path to your door. Such was the case this past weekend when Brandy Ho's-- the legendary Hunan Restaurant from San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood -- opened its new, and instantly iconic, restaurant in the City's Castro district with a memorable bash for a delicious crowd and an unending supply of Brandy Ho's award-winning cuisine. The standing-room only crowd included San Francisco District 8 Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Alex Randolph of Mayor Gavin Newsom's Office, Anna Damiani from California Assemblyman Mark Leno's Office, San Francisco Port Commissioner Rodney Ong, MUMC President Stephan H. Adams, Castro location Manager Jimmy Lam and architect Millard (Ted) Pratt whose firm, MTP Architects, designed the interiors. As if a good omen, coming as the opening did on the auspicious second day of the Lunar/Chinese New Year, the new Brandy Ho's received its first review, a rave from Gloss Magazine which enthused that "Brandy Ho's Hunan Food is the fiercest Chinese restaurant to catwalk the Castro in years! "This is a dream come true," said Brandy Ho, name-sake and founder of the brand. "We are so proud to be a part of this community, and moved by the warm welcome you have given us." Pratt's firm, MTP Architects, has created an entirely new interior at the Castro Brandy Ho's. The dining area, which seats 50, boasts engineered flooring, bench, walls and ceiling of Brazilian cherry. The simply delineated, soft-lit eating area acts as a backdrop to the cuisine and was designed to encourage a contemplative dining experience. In tune with the urbane feel of the interior, deliveries (for which Brandy Ho's is legend) are handled through a separate entrance so as not to disturb in-restaurant diners. In keeping with environmental concerns, the restrooms are fitted out with energy-saving lighting and water fixtures, including an automatic faucet activated by the body-heat of a person¹s hands. "Our main goal is to be the best that we can be," said Jack Ho, Brandy's brother. When people eat at our restaurant, we want them to say we are the best in The City. Hunan is simple, spicy, down-home cuisine that uses the most natural flavors and hottest spices in all of Chinese cooking. We love it --- and people do best, the things they love best.