On a corner of Noriega lies Golden Island Cafe, a spot that brings much nostalgia to San Francisco Sunset residents. It is a Chinese style cafe that serves snacks and desserts. On this particularly chilly night, I had a craving for something hot to satisfy my sweet tooth and I knew  Golden Island Cafe could provide a remedy. As I opened the heavy door, the bell rang slightly. We were seated quickly.

     Usually when I go here I get the sago, a nice refreshing dessert topped with various fruits but, it was way too cold for that. On this night I ordered hot red bean and sweet tofu and sesame paste with dumplings filled with sesame.

     The order came out fast. At first glance, the red bean and sweet tofu looked very watery. I had never ordered this before so it was a shock. When I took a bite the beans were hard and unpleasant and the combination of the tofu was peculiar. It lacked flavor, tasting like beans and sweetwater.

     Next was the sesame paste with sesame filled dumplings. Four pearly white balls peaked out from the steamy deep gray sludge. Although it looked unappealing, this is truly an amazing comfort food. The sesame paste itself was thick and nutty while also being not too sweet.The dumplings were like mochi, filled with a liquified sesame paste like lava. 

     Overall, Golden Island Cafe is a place to get comforting hot treats especially during the winter. Although the red bean and sweet tofu was not the best, there are plenty of other desserts that are great. I would rate this a 4 out of 5 and would go back again.