Rate-A-Restaurant, #130 in a series

Restaurant: Lucky Creation

Location: 854 Washington St. (San Francisco)

Type of restaurant: Vegetarian Chinese

We stipulated: Ever since my old college friend Eli turned me on to Lucky Creation about 10 years ago, I make a trek there almost everytime we make it up to San Francisco. I introduced Maria to the place when we made our first trip there a long time ago as well. I used to just wander Chinatown until I found it, having never remembered the address. But I've gone there so many times now that it's not hard to locate.

What they stipulated: No credit cards -- just cash. And if it's busy, you may end up sharing a table. It's a tiny hole-in-the-wall joint, after all.

What we ordered: We swear by the stuffed eggplant, bell pepper, bean cake with black bean sauce ($6.50). We also wanted to try something new: fried honeyed walnuts and taro cake with sweet and sour sauce ($6.90). And for a veggie dish, we got the sauteed mushrooms with broccoli ($6.90).

High point: The stuffed eggplant never disappoints. And the price is always right here.

Low point: We waited a bit longer than usual for a table, although a spot was open. Also, we regretted the fried honeyed walnuts decision. Sometimes, maybe it is best to stick with what you know.

Overall impression: Neither of us are vegetarians. Yet, we keep going back to Lucky Creation because we don't miss the meat at all. Their meatless chicken dishes look and taste like chicken. And their bean cake creations are nice subsitutes for the meat you're used to eating. The price is right, the food is delicious and you don't feel like you've shot your diet after a meal.

Chance we will go back:: Next time we're in SF, I'm sure we'll stop by. It's our Chinatown tradition.

(For our complete list of over 130 restaurant reviews, visit our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.)