San Francisco International Chocolate Salon

Ahh 50,000 square feet of chocolate, my kind of breakfast. The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon was a bazaar of fifty chocolate vendors, wineries and genuine chocolate-loving freaks. I was pushed over by an old lady with a notepad, cut in line by a hipster (pause, that happens everywhere), and rubbed elbows with some seriously demanding Napoleon Dynamite look-alikes who greeted reps with a fast paced, "Hi, I'd like to try each variety and please explain to me what I should be tasting while I'm chewing, thank you." It was all a cacao hazed blur by the end, but I did manage to decide on a few favorites:
Amano's Sidr Honey Truffle

Had I known this truffle was made with the most expensive honey in the world I would've pocketed a few for my e-bay store. Sidr honey is made from bees who feed on the sacred Sidr tree in the Hadramaut region of Yemen. It's harvested twice a year, when farmers go into the highlands as they've been doing for 7,000 years. It's believed to be rich with healing properties, and I'm going to pretend that they still take effect when combined with an entire morning of chocolate tasting.
Nicole Lee's French Macarons

With flavors like lychee rose, passion fruit and vanilla olive, Nicole Lee's colorful plate of macarons was a burst of color and texture. Find her in San Jose.
Sexual Chocolate, by SLO down Wines

I could have a lot of fun with this. Instead I'm going to refer you to these guys, who are a barrel of laughs and breezy arrogance, and make one spicy syrah-zinfandel blend. SLO down Wines is Brandon and Chip's college hobby brought to fruition just this year, and if you can't tell from the photo below you're not going to have to make small talk about raspberry notes or altitudes to hang out with these winemakers.

Sexual Chocolate 2009 costs $16 a bottle, order here (and then invite someone special over). 

Missed the chocolate salon this year? Bookmark it for next year (psst, remember to bring a tupperware).

Got the travel bug?
SF Chocolate Salon
Amano Chocolate
Nicole Lee
SLO Down Wines

Made in SF: Brew, Chocolate, Coffee and More!

The Anchor Brewery sits tall on the foot of Potrero Hill. The exterior has the appeal of a post office, off-white and navy blue and rectangular. Inside sun shines in through the windows, the copper kettles glow, and there's an earthy smell somewhere between burnt toast and barley soup. The tasting room is shades of brown, from the mahogany bar to the leather seats and coffee carpet to the amber ale being poured into tasting glasses. I want to say that my grandpa's parlor is like this but Grandpa Jack drinks Trader Joe's version of corona and Grandpa Dick sticks to vodka on the rocks, and neither of them have parlors. I'm here at 12:10 pm on Monday and someone has already placed a beer in one of my hands and a salami cone in the other. Gonna be hard to finish the week.

Monday's event was a journalist retreat including a tour, lunch and panel aimed to introduce writers to San Francisco food and brew, hosted by Anchor Brewing as part of the Craft Brewers Conference. So how did a potty-mouthed blogger like me get in? I work for SFMade, a non-profit that supports, promotes and celebrates San Francisco manufacturers. While I'm trying to hold off on committing shameless promotion, I will say that part of the fun of working at SFMade is getting to know crafters, chefs, brewers, bakers, candlestick-makers that rock whatever it is they're passionate about, push consumers to try new things, and believe in building community. Lucky us, who have them in our backyard.
Anchor Brewing 

Anchor has got a host of good beers (there's more than Steam, which is what we typically see at local bars), a friendly, knowledgeable staff, and a distillery that produces small batch whiskeys and gins. They offer free tours twice a day by reservation. Unfortunately you'll have to book months in advance.

Chris Cosentino, Incanto & Boccalone
Chef Cosentino prepared a three course food and beer pairing, and is entirely responsible for my long afternoon nap which I awoke from five minutes before I was being picked up for a date, during which I was not hungry, nor thirsty and mostly just bored my date to death talking about the amazing lunch I had. This is the second course, steam beer cured local sardines, radish and calçots, which seemed to convert most of the "oh I'm not really a sardine person" people at my table.

During the panel, when Chef Cosentino was asked about his experience doing business in San Francisco, he called it "the land of misfit toys." And while yes, in his case, specializing in turkey lungs and pig head is not exactly of the ken barbie doll make, he was also referring to this city and its culinary culture allowing all sorts of passionate chefs and food producers the opportunity to shine. "This is a place where if you stand up for what you believe in, in the end you win, " he said.

Ritual Coffee

Brewed in SoMa, sold here and other cafes around the Bay (like Remedy). The Bay's OG of "third wave" coffee making (along with Blue Bottle). Freshness, quality, and technique rule here. During the panel Eileen Hassi, owner, mentioned a disloyalty card Ritual has with other coffee bars- a neat way (yes, I said neat) to promote the greater coffee community. Buy seven drinks at any of the participating coffee bars and get the 8th free (hint: you may have to ask for the card if you don't see it on the counter).

Recchiuti Confections

Fancy (pricey), tiny labors of love. Remember those simple yet delicious sesame candies? The truffle on the left is toasted sesame seeds and caramel topped with a blend of pure milk chocolate and caramel, and enrobed in pure bittersweet chocolate. How juiced would you be to get THAT in your trick-o-treat bag?

Leadbetter's Bake Shop
Jamieson Leadbetter is pretty much a one man show, carrying on a five-generation family baking tradition. His English muffins are fluffy and giant. Find them here. 


Got the travel bug?
http://www.anchorbrewing.com/
http://incanto.biz/
http://www.boccalone.com/
http://ritualcoffeeroasters.com/
http://www.recchiuti.com/index.html
http://www.leadbettersbakeshop.com

FiDi Sandwich Round Up

I got bread, turkey and cheese at home but I couldn't wake my sleepy-ass up five minutes early to throw them together. Good thing these places are right around the corner:
1. Ebbett's Good to Go

This friendly arugula monster is a BLT made with niman ranch bacon, heirloom tomatoes, and chipotle aioli. I've also had their spicy Cuban sandwich, which was riquisimo. Ebbett's is a woman-owned food truck specializing in sandwiches made with sustainable and local ingredients.  Find them at Civic Center and other spots by following them on Twiiter.
2. Boudin

This place gets a mention for its fresh bread and balcony seating. Simple, in the $7 range, and there are lots of soup/salad/chips/soda combo options (but who drinks soda?)
3. The Sentinel

The first time I came here I waited in a line around the corner with a group of regulars who seemed to know the routine all to well: gal with the black pen comes around and one by one scratches popular items off the menu, then the crowd collectively sighs and curses about not getting the sandwich they wanted. But they stick around anyway, because the whole menu is delicious. Word of advice to my fellow fidi powersuits,  the "waste my lunch break away hoping to get the sandwich I want" game is pretty wack. Call in or go early because that spicy pork ain't worth missing. Same Chef as Golden West.
4. Cafe Algiers

This gets the best sandwich for the best price award. Don't be fooled by the unassuming storefront, their spicy turkey sandwich with avocado was fresh, big, and cheap ($5-something in the FiDi is unheard of). While there are lines it's got nothing to do with trendiness, it's just a good deal -- and that's what a sandwich should be.

Got any good sandwich spots downtown? Let me know. Also, don't forget to check out an earlier post on Chez Carla.

Got the travel bug?
Ebbett's Good to Go
Boudin 619 Market St
The Sentinel 37 New Montgomery St
Cafe Algiers 50 Beale St

SF Underground Market...Shhh

There are very few things I'll wait in a line around the block for. Primarily a concert, a James Franco kissing booth, and a building full of food vendors. The latter happened last weekend at the SF Underground Market, a nighttime food festival and farmers market hybrid organized by ForageSF. The market allows budding food businesses to sell and show off their products, even if they aren't working out of a commercial kitchen yet. For vendors ForageSF has created an awesome market opportunity, and for eaters it's an extravaganza of home cooking, at your fingertips and in your backyard for a $5 entrance fee. My favorites:

Banh Mi Burger by Kitchen Sidecar- Tender pork belly, fancy mayo, and a perfectly crispy bun.

Pulled pork sandwich by Bay Area Urban BBQ- Weirdest picture of Essence, but the sandwich was certainly radiant. We stood in a dark staircase and inhaled this.

Chicken and Waffles from Angry Man Eats- I'm not sure if this was the best venue for chicken and waffles, but it does add a sick twist of indulgence to eat two sandwiches and macaroni and cheese, and then remember that your chicken and waffles will be ready in five minutes. Dessert?

Wood- fired pizza. 

 

On a grill?! Pizza Hacker modified a weber grill into a mobile traditional pizza oven. I actually didn't try the pizza (you can't go to pizza after chicken and waffles, you might just die) but I plan on tracking it down soon.

Got the travel bug?
http://foragesf.com/ Sign up to find out when the next market is.

Winter Drinking Hole: Rickhouse

Had I known that such a great winter bar existed just around the corner from my work I would've come here more often on my lunch break. Err, I mean happy hour. Rickhouse reminds me a little of Dram Bar in Williamsburg but crunchier. Dark wood, a fireplace, punch bowls, an endless and complex cocktail menu, and lots of warm bodies to keep you toasty. There are two bars, a balcony, and a space for live music (wasted on folksy white boys singing Desmond Dekker, whywhywhy?) The bartenders didn't have any interest in talking to me, wear suspenders, and make strong, twisted drinks, which places them among my favorite bartenders. 
Got the travel bug?
http://www.rickhousebar.com/

Local Yokel Holiday Shopping Guide

It's estimated that for every dollar you spend, twice as much will be reinvested in the community by a local store than a national store.1 It's also estimated that Bay folks are so damn cocky we think we live in the coolest place in the world and we love us some Bay-related things. It's also estimated that the Bay is home to some of the most creative, stylish, and planet-positive entrepreneurs around. No footnote for the last two. Lesson of all these estimations? Buy Bay, give Bay, you'll make many a Bay people happy. Because this holiday season... who gives a fuck about the rest of this country?
Ready, go!

The City

• 12/4: Chillin Productions Annual Holiday Show is paradise for the indie designer lover.
• 12/4: 3rd St Holiday Sale with over a dozen of my favorite SFMade companies.
• 12/9: Get your SFMade gift bag at their holiday mixer 
• 12/10: La Cocina Gift Fair is gonna be delicious. Period.
• 12/4 & 12/11: Market SF, see previous post.
• 12/11 & 12/12: KPFA Crafts & Music Fair for the Berkeley moms.

East Bay

• 12/3: First Friday in Oakland could inspire you to buy some art.
• 12/4: The Find at Jack London Square looks coo', never been.
• 12/11, 12, 18, 19, 23, 24: Telegraph Holiday Street Fair. Helloooo high school. 
• 12/11: Temescal Holiday Stroll- that's my hood! woot woot!
• Get Online @ http://www.shopoakland.com/

Know of a cool holiday shopping event? Holla at yo girl... let's make it a collective list. 

Get happy this Sunday at Glide

Last month I did something one Sunday morning that didn't involve food or nursing my hangover. I didn't go to the farmer's market, I didn't go to coffee, and I didn't go to brunch. I went to church.

Not to worry Grandma, I'm still an atheist yet culturally fluent Jew (uh, I'm not sure if that actually makes her feel better). But I had to work at Glide on one rainy Sunday and I thought I would stay for the service (actually called the Sunday Celebration). I've volunteered in the kitchen before, but had only heard about the ensemble.

First of all, and I realize this is an inappropriate remark considering the drug rehabilitation work that Glide does, but I want some of whatever that choir is on.  Is it happy pills? The singers are all so different looking, but their joyful glory is totally in sync and it's damn contagious! Slow to wake up on Sunday mornings? Me too, but trust me-  Oh Happy Day will get ya.

Second, I knew Glide was special, but I didn't know how politically right on the sermons are. I was reminded to vote, I was reminded that we are all Oscar Grant, I was reminded of people who fight for their beliefs and love unconditionally, I was reminded that my weekends should not only be filled with food and drinks and mayhem, but a little time to remember and celebrate my values. 

Got the travel bug?
More details about volunteering and Sunday celebrations: http://www.glide.org/

A Full Belly and Happy Heart at Gourmex

The word "gala" has always evoked a sound from me that resembles something like "eeewwh". Eeewwh for the amount of work that goes into throwing a gala (been there, done that). Eeewwh for the awkward programs and conversations you have to sit through as you just want to eat your overcooked salmon and dry slice of sourdough (eeewwh for consuming of that plate of food).

But in reference to Gourmex 2010, the word gala was preceded by "gourmet" and followed by fragments like "appreciation of Mexico's gastronomy" and "original recipes crafted for this event" and "one-of-a-kind culinary celebration." 

Oooohhh.

Last night I witnessed, tasted, and marveled over a feast prepared by some of the most recognized Mexican chefs from the Bay Area and Mexico.  It was a feast put on by the Consulate of Mexico, designed to celebrate Mexico's Bicentennial and featuring a range of Mexican culinary products. There were multiple forms of carnitas, there was a mezcal lounge, there were chicharones and chapulines, there was aged Don Julio, Hennessy hoochies, maestras de mole, black bean towers, charming wineries, and a whole lot of overdressed hungry people. 

I will attempt to share with you some of my favorites, but I encourage you to check out this list of restaurants and keep it in your back pocket for a quick reference in the case of a enchilada/mole/bean emergency.

Pierde Almas is a small batch mezcal distillery that uses wild agave to create a devastatingly delicious shot of mezcal. So smokey you won't need a cigarette. It may have been the high alcohol content shooting to my brain, but I swear I could taste that this was a truly special drink- read more about their socially, culturally, and environmentally responsible production process. By the way, isn't the sales rep cute? And his name is Geronimo!

Michaelangelo did the David, Rodin the Age of Bronze, Aroma Buena Catering the Blossoming Watermelon. They also did some amazing tamales.

 

 Chilango holdin it down with oranges in the tacos, whoa!

A mezcal tasting platter from San Miguelito in Morelia, Michoacan. One of the owners handed me a charm with a cross and a saint and instructed me to put it around my neck- "if you pray it will bring you a good boyfriend," he said.  Why didn't anyone tell me sooner about the real power of religion?

Can't remember who they are, but aren't tomatillos pretty?

Benedicta Alejo, a mole master in the flesh. I can't believe that I would've walked by the Purhepecha Saint of 1,000 Spices had a friend not alerted me of her humble presence in the back of the room. There are youtube videos of this woman showing culinary students how to make tortillas. Forget Cancun, I'm talking Spring Break Uruapan 2011. Find her at Calle Hidalgo #88, Uruapan Michocan, Mexico. Tel. 01 452 452 12 29. And I'm not being condescending, I actually have been to Uruapan and it was probably during my spring break.

 La Hacienda de Los Morales in Mexico City. Major bean tower activities going on at this booth. I was told that they prepare meals with Huitlacoche (an exotic mexican corn fungi). That's just crazy.

 CET culinary Arts of San Jose, check them out- this is food with a cause! "The mission of CET, an economic and community development corporation is to promote human development and education by providing people with marketable skills training and supportive services that contribute to self-sufficiency." Not only are they creating skills, jobs, livelhood, etc., they are producing some  meals with big flavors on little spoons. This is a pineapple tamal inside a jamaica flower.

As the saying goes, "barriga llena, corazon contenta" (full tummy, happy heart). I left Gourmex one very happy and full woman, and I can't wait till next year.

PS-Geronimo, if you're reading this my step-dad would like me to propose to you and marry into the distillery. I'm not entirely opposed.

Got the travel bug?
List of participants here: http://www.gourmexsf.com/
Hey, how did you get in on this?! My mommy was also a vendor: http://mexicobyhand.com/

Saturday Artist Market in the Mission (with drinks yall!)

What: Fifty plus rotating artists slanging their goods. Racey greeting cards to locket necklaces to screen printed sweatshirts (no, screen print sweatshirts?? In the Bay? How unusual!) But seriously, I think this market has major potential, list of artists here.
When: Saturdays from 12-6 pm. 
Where: The Blue Macaw, which means $5 bloody marys and mimosas! 2565 Mission St.
Warning: It can be dangerous to shop and drink at the same time. One starry night in Greece, after putting a few back at the bar, my sister and I decided to wander down the strip to shop for jeans and I left the island with a bootleg, rhinestone-studded pair of flares that said "D & G" on the ass in bright orange. Beware of the drunkin judgment calls.


Got the travel bug?
More info here: http://www.market-sf.com/

Ode to La Taqueria

It's 10 a.m. and I'm running to deposit a grant check at the bank before my morning staff meeting (ugh). As I hustle past the taco truck on Sansome St, I overhear a man in a business suit come up to the window and ask for a burrito. The truck isn't even open yet. Homie in the back is still cleaning and none of the food is out. I'm not even awake enough to register that I'm not in my bed and this fool is ready for lunch?? Not only is he three hours ahead of me (and looking all sharp and professional) he's probably hungover too. Or maybe he went for a really exhausting morning run. Why else would you crave a burrito that early? Normally I would find someone who doesn't respect opening hours annoying, but through our common bond of love for some quick Mexican food, I had to sympathize.

You see, last weekend I was working in the mission with my photographer friend Laila and we ate at my favorite taqueria, La Taqueria. Talk about it and my boys Danny and Raul will get all jealous as if they didn't just go last week. The chicken is always tender. The flour quesadilla is greasy and fried (that's a good thing). The line moves fast. The tacos (ask for guacamole) are the perfect size- that happy medium between tiny taco truck and oversized American. The point is, one stop at La Taqueria will make you smile at anyone else having inappropriate, public cravings for Mexican food, kinda like how you feel about PDA when you're also in love...Lard is in the air?


Got the travel bug?
La Taqueria: 2889 Mission (and 25th)

Lunch of the week: Out The Door

Slanted door quality without breaking your wallet! Quick, fresh, and grubalicious. Several rice/noddle bowl options, salads and rolls galore. I hit the one at Westfield Centre (bottom floor), making this bowl of stir-fried beef over vermicelli the best mall food I've ever had. Although I do have a secret love for those nasty pretzels...

Got the travel bug?
Out the Door: http://www.outthedoors.com/ $8-$10 for lunch

Follow the yellow light... for FiDi takeout at Golden West

You could almost walk by Golden West without noticing it. And I selfishly hope you do so I don't have to deal with anymore lunch hour lines in the FiDi. But unselfishly, I hope you do walk down the shady Trinity alley, spot this neon sign, and step up to the window. The owner, Dennis Leary (also responsible for The Sentinel and Canteen), is hustling in the back putting together a great takeout menu. So far I've tried the steak salad and a vegetarian sandwich, both were delicious.  I like meals that have plenty of fresh veggies and herbs (basil in the salad!) and still please my inner fat-kid, i.e. huge strips of steak in my salad and a thick layer of goat cheese on my sandwich. I'm not one of those Americans that gets all hyped on big portions, but damn, they sure don't skimp and it makes me happy (for two days). Affordable, interesting, and substantial? I might have to wander down dark alleyways more often...


Got the travel bug? 
Golden West: 8 Trinity Place. Just opened a month ago!

Saving the world one microbusiness at a time!

Sometimes the greatest inspiration is right under your nose... or over your nose? Sylvia Rosales-Fike was my boss at AnewAmerica Community Corporation and last night was awarded the San Francisco Foundation Community Leadership Award. I have to say that I've heard Sylvia talk a lot over the past few years (she likes a loooong Gala program), but this speech went above and beyond- In a few minutes she told her story, her home country's story and the story of anyone in this country who is considered an "outsider." It was a powerful reminder of why many of us wake up every day to fight poverty (even though it sometimes feels like you're just sitting at a desk). Check out this video done by CitizenFilm:

And of course, it takes a village- so props to my homies at AnewAmerica! Read more about their work empowering new American communities in the Bay Area.

FiDi here I come!

How does a restless, globe-hopping gal like me wrestle the monotony of a 9 to 5 in the Financial District (stupidly nicknamed FiDi, I've since learned)? Lunch! And if you're like me and can't really afford $10 lunches every day there's always...sun? Never thought I would be so excited about a glimmer of sunshine, but when I spot one on the shady streets of San Francisco, mark my words, I will push over the next girl in a power suit and sit my ass down.
Here's my Friday lunch spot:

Chez Carla- Great, HUGE spicy chicken sandwiches on focaccia bread that come with a salad, usually a long line but it moves pretty fast thanks to a very fine man who I now refer to as the Chicken Nazi. He keeps everyone in the kitchen moving pretty fast and he's got these deep, tough-love eyes. Ladies, hopefully he'll engage you in the same conversation he had with me the first time I ordered:
Chicken Nazi: First time? (with those sexy eyes)
Ferronlandia: Excuse me? (frazzled)
CN: First time (more sexy eyes)... First time here? (smile)
F: Oh, um... why, yes. (you naughty chicken nazi)
CN: Well then, you get a free... (please say kiss, say kiss) soup.
F: Oh, great. Soup. (damn!)
Unfortunately, the last few times I've been I haven't seen him around. But the other guys are quite charming and if you pick up on any of their inside jokes they'll give you some great customer service (like free mangos on your salad!)

Got the travel bug?
Chez Carla: http://chezcarla.com/ Chicken sandwich about $8 (it's worth it).
Sunny rooftop to eat your sandwich on: 343 Sansome St. Take the elevator to the 15th floor. Lots of seating areas and a small view of the Bay (sigh, good luck making it back to your cubicle).

Food Truck Nation

Have you ever seen a sight so glorious?

They're out there, five of them at a time. Today Hapa SF was serving up those same delicious tacos I had at the Eat Real Festival.

And guess what? They rotate. Choose from a different food cart every week.  In front of Civic Center on Fridays, 11-2:30.

Got the travel bug?
Stay in the loop with these geniuses: http://offthegridsf.com
Facebook page here