You probably didn't know that I'm a Boba aficionado--that's "Bubble Tea" for you unworldly plebes. I'm also a world-renowned hot chocolate connoisseur, but I guess you didn't know that either. Peasants.

After years of mediocre offerings in the world of Bay Area Boba, I am pleased to announce a winner: Tapioca Express on Fillmore, between Geary and O'Farrell. Don't let the unassuming name deceive you--this hidden gem prepares drinks with subtle, well-blended flavors, which is a far cry from the usual syrupy-sweet swill you find in most other Boba joints. The tapioca here is always cooked to perfection, and neither falls apart nor has a hard, chalky center. I especially love their passion fruit green tea.

The menu at Tapioca Express is extensive and fairly priced, and while the service is on the slow side, I have found this to be par for the course when it comes to Boba shops. They offer weekly food and drink specials, usually centered around a particular flavor, such as honeydew, and they hand out buy-ten-get-one-free cards. I'm not quite there yet, but I assure you, I will be soon.

If you can, try the new white tapioca. It is both sweeter and chewier than the black tapioca, but they run out of it often.