Get Your SF Pastry Fix

I'm a big, big fan of Tartine Bakery & Cafe in SF.  Nothing novel in this admission - I'm sure I'm not the only person in this city who dreams of those fluffy, buttery croissants or the weekend gougeres that come out of Elisabeth Prueitt's bakery. That said, it's become a veritable nightmare to try and enjoy this spot on weekends, or really at any sane morning hour.  There are throngs of people hanging all over it, lines out the door and down the block, and it's not inconceivable that when you make it to the counter, they're out of the best items.

And so, at long last, I am happy to report that there is a worthwhile pastry alternative in San Francisco.  You can in fact get your pastry fix on without enduring a gauntlet of long lines and crowds. This spot may not have the charm of a french style patisserie, but it offers a more distinctly San Francisco vibe.  It's called Pinkie's Bakery and you absolutely must indulge in their baked goods.  All of them.

The deceptively simple website, slightly sketchy location and somewhat spartan decor at this joint - it's wholesale, a "hipster" bakery if there ever was one - belie a dense menu of rich, buttery, wholesome pastries that will soothe your soul while filling your tummy.

My favorite was their lemon huckleberry poundcake. The gingersnap sammy cookies are also divine. And I'm told their made to order cakes are pretty special too.  Consider one for your next birthday celebration.

And if you need something savory to wash down these baked treasures, here's a double snap - Pinkie's shares a space with Citizen's Band, one of SF's best new brunch spots.  But that's a post for another time . . .

Pinkie's Bakery
1196 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.556.4900

Guess Where Dinner Was. . .

Behold, a picture of dinner on a recent business trip.  Observe the lovely presentation . . . and the overwhelming number of dishes. Our meal probably kept an entire kitchen full of dishwashers employed.

There are some obvious signs that this was in an Asiatic location. But props if you can name the exact local. . .

Mystery Spot
Somewhere Asiatic

Pick Cyrus

Move over, Thomas Keller. On a recent overly decadent weekend, Zack and I tried the French Laundry and Cyrus on back to back nights. The French Laundry left very very many things to be desired. Cyrus was a knockout wonderful experience.

This wasn't my first time at Keller's famed Yountville joint. But it will certainly be my last. We arrived for a 7:30pm Saturday evening seating. The restaurant was packed. They have added more table tops than when I was last here, cramming every possible bit of the floor's surface area with a $300 revenue-generating seat. In the center of the room sat a large party. . . with a crying infant. I didn't realize fine dining now comes with a high chair and the soothing sound effects of a screaming child.

And in the back cove, while we picked at the smattering of foraged wild weeds on our measly starter platers, a private party was treated to special deluxe dishes like an entire roast pheasant. Of course, the regular diner can't order this because it's not on the "no-substitution" tasting menu. If you thought you were special because you managed to survive the gauntlet of getting a reservation at TFL - be warned, there's an entirely new hierarchy of ostentation surrounding what you get to eat when you arrive.

Travel over the mountains and into Healdsburg, in the more-understated Sonoma County, however, and you'll be delighted with the best of the fine dining experiences to be found in Wine Country. Cyrus, nestled in the Les Mars Hotel, is lovely. It is fine food at its best, every bite was delectable and delightfully presented. The service and ambiance are elegant but understated. You feel as though you're in Northern California, where casual and polished come together in the best ways possible. And it's all very accessible - would-be diners can make reservations easily over OpenTable rather than wrestling with endlessly busy phone lines, a cold hostess, or elite cardmember concierge services.

I can opine more on specific dishes later, but suffice to say it was all really good. And so tastefully sincere and fresh - none of the ridiculous pomp of bitty foraged weeds and flowers or micro-portions. For now, let's let the main point stand: next time you're planning on a splurge in Northern California's wine regions, pick the local favorite over the staid and dated option. Cyrus is the way to go.

Cyrus

29 North Street

Healdsburg, CA 95448

707.433.3311