vivaaerobus CHINESE If you want a sure thing in Chinatown, go to R&G Lounge. During lunch, both newly redecorate

STRYBING ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS Some 6,000 plant species grow here, among them rare species, vivaaerobus very ancient plants in a special primitive garden, and a grove of California redwoods. Open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. For more information, call & 415/753-7090 or visit www.strybing.org.

CHINESE If you want a sure thing in Chinatown, go to R&G Lounge. During lunch, both newly redecorated floors are packed with neighborhood workers who go straight to the $5 rice-plate specials. But you can also order from the dinner menu, which features legendary (and very greasy and rich) deep-fried salt-and-pepper crab. My favorites include R&G s melt-in-yourmouth Special Beef, which explodes with the tangy flavor of the accompanying sauce; savory seafood in a clay pot; and delicious classic roast duck. 631 Kearny St. (at Clay St.). & 415/982-7877. Reservations recommended. Main courses $9 $30. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon Thurs 11am 9:30pm; Fri 11am 10pm; Sat 11:30am 10pm; Sun 11:30am 9:30pm. Parking validated across the street at Portsmouth Sq. garage or Holiday Inn after 5pm. Bus: 1, 9AX, 9BX, 12, or 15.