October 31, 2011
My long over due post on this year’s Dessert First event in San Francisco!
Thanks to Project Open Hand and their Facebook dessert photo contest, I got to attend Dessert First in August. San Francisco’s pastry chefs come together to for what I call the ultimate dessert tasting. All the proceeds go toward Project Open Hand’s efforts to provide healthy meals for those in need in the Bay Area. What better way to help out than by eating desserts?
There seemed to be a couple of recurring themes, not sure if it was an intentional or not, but peanut butter was a common ingredient and anything cream/yogurt-like was the dessert of choice. Here are my highlights from the event.
Upon first walking in, there was this gorgeous dessert display from Daniel Corey at the Intercontinental Hotel where the event was held.
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August 11, 2011
Of all the desserts I’ve tasted I’ve never actually explored wheat or gluten free sweets, until this past weekend. I was at the farmer’s market on an empty stomach so naturally baked goods were all the more appealing. That is when I discovered FlourChylde, a bakery based in Marin County. Aside from their beautiful occasion cakes, they bring treats to farmers markets around the Bay Area.
Vanilla Bean Cake with Raspberries- I had a sample of this and was hooked. It was incredibly moist and fluffy, a really fine crumb, which must come from the type of flour used. The sweetness from the vanilla bean was a nice contrast to the raspberries.
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August 5, 2011
It was off to Napa’s riverfront or what I call “restaurant row” as more eateries pop up including, Rotisserie & Wine. If I waited any longer to visit, Tyler Florence probably would have a chain of restaurants at the rate he’s going. R&W is one of three, including Wayfare Tavern in San Francisco and El Paseo Steakhouse in Marin County, that he has opened in the past year. Busy chef/entrepreneur.
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August 1, 2011
Beautiful sunny day in late July, perfect for a foodie trip to Napa and as per tradition, the first stop was Bouchon Bakery. I made my way over to the 10-person deep line and inhaled the aroma of fresh bread coming from the window. It was worth the wait.
Inside the bustling shop
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May 30, 2011
I’m constantly on the look out for a place that is creative and bold with macarons and I am pleased to have found Dessert Truck Works on my recent trip to New York. Its popularity was boosted by an appearance on Bobby Flay’s Throwdown, where the owners made their signature bread pudding with bacon anglaise. Yes bacon. On a late evening in middle of January I made the trek out to the truck parked in East Village and tasted for myself. It was very good.
In January 2010, Dessert Truck set up shop on Clinton Street, conveniently located next to a favorite food spot of mine, Clinton St Baking Company. I was tempted to go in for the amazing blueberry pancakes but I was on a mission for macarons.
Front of the shop with a menu of some of individual desserts sold at the shop and on the mobile truck.
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April 2, 2011
Where: G.L. Alfieri Nuts & Fruits, front of the SF Ferry Building on market days
What: Dark Chocolate Almond Brittle
G.L. Alfieri Farms has a fantastic assortment of nuts and dried fruit. For bakers, the ground almond meal and flour are perfect for making French macarons. I am eager test out the flour the next time I bake. But for instant gratification, I turn to the addicting Dark Chocolate Almond Brittle. It’s thin, with just the right ratio of brittle to chocolate coating. At the stand they are generous with their samples and I leave to peruse the rest of the market in good spirits.
February 28, 2011
Dusty brown mound of yummy goodness. Bay Area’s See’s Candies sells this “sweet” potato every St. Patrick’s Day, which means I wait an entire year just to have it.
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February 26, 2011
I finally had a chance to visit the Oxbow Public Market in Napa. I’ve heard it was similar to the Ferry Building in SF so I decided to see what it was all about. Of course I had to scope out the sweet spots first. While the Ferry Building has Miette Cakes, Oxbow has Kara’s Cupcakes, both equally good bakeries. The organic ice cream from Three Twins caught my eye but it was lunch time so I saved the creatively-named Land of Milk & Honey as my after-meal palette cleanser. First up…Venezuelan food from Pica Pica Maize Kitchen.
The trio of sweet plantains were tender on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside. They were topped with queso, pork, avocado and sour cream.
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Where: Primavera Tamales, SF Ferry Building on market days
What: Chilaquiles
On a rainy Saturday at the Farmer’s Market, this dish really hit the spot. Primavera is known for their tamales but the chilaquiles caught my eye. The tortillas maintained their crispiness even when soaked in a sauce, a tad too spicy for me but very flavorful. On top were scrambled eggs, refried beans, sour cream, queso cotija, and the best part, chunks of fresh avocado.
January 22, 2011
Where: Tall Tale Preserve Company, front next to Blue Bottle, SF Ferry Building on market days
What: Smoked Ham and Gruyere Pop Tart
A savory twist on the classic sweet treat, this pop tart is made of thick layers of puff pastry with a generous filling of ham and gruyere cheese. The ham garnish on top was nice and crisp. I just wish it could have been warmed up. That would have made it perfect.
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My life is food and I am lucky to experience it in San Francisco. Williams-Sonoma is my 8-5 and more because I dream the store is my kitchen. The Ferry Building farmer's market is my inspiration for baking in my half-sized apartment. When I'm not there, I'm out searching for the city's best eats, with special attention to sweets. I hope in perusing my blog, you are inspired with ideas for cooking, entertaining and tasting new things. Email me
baking: chocolate chip cupcakes, giada's parma style carrot cake
in my market tote: panettone from Acme Bread
reading: momofuku milk bar
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