Tuesday, April 15, 2014

On the Road


We are using the month of April for some much needed R&R with some food research sprinkled in. Here are some photos of my finds, some pre-panned and some spontaneous. 

In the Mission district, by far one of the best bakeries in the country. Not because they are fancy but because they do things right

My youngest drooling over the Eclair, knowing him he would just scrape off the chocolate and leave the rest. 

I really love tree tables!!






frangipane croissant 


pain au chocolat
Morning bun. Buttery, delicate with a hint of orange. 


An entire vacation can be spent in the mission alone. In SF there is such an abundance of interesting stores in every district.

Dandelion 



Got to sample single source origin chocolates. I was amazed at the difference in flavor tastes. The Venezuelan chocolate actually has a little kick to it. I wonder where the spice flavor comes from. 
Pods for decoration

Instead of reading from a Menu...


Shortbread cookie with scrapes of chocolate and nibs (complimentary with coffee). My Decaf Coffee was made individually with a French Press. 

If you choose to have European Style Hot chocolate 


 More Mission….It is considered a hipster area. There are a lot of great parks in the area too.

Dolores Park
Police shirt from his police uncle :) 

This park is super fun for parents too :) 

 California loves their parks, it reminded me of when I lived in the Bronx as a child.  As people say Virginia is for lovers, California is for kids.




When little boys (including my own) weren't chasing after them screeming we were hand feeding them lucky charms.  
 Mission Playground
Red beads acquired at a Ceaser Chavez festival we found ourselves a part of. Native American dancing followed by an elementary school band followed by trolleys followed by low riders…Interesting stuff.

Craftsman and Wolves

Modern & Fresh


















This one left an impression on me as it is such a clever dessert. I will be going back for this again. Jasmine infused Almond Panna Cotta. There is a blueberry sphere inside with a  white chocolate crunch element. The mix of textures and flavors was beyond perfect.