No matter how much you stuffed yourself silly during the holidays, there’s always room for brunch—and all of its accoutrements.
Boxing Room, San Francisco
Whether on the East Coast or the West, I always gotta get my short stack on.
Blueberry pancakes; Polkers, San Francisco
It’s a beautiful morning.
Oats with flax seed, milk, and maple syrup; La Boulange, San Francisco
Tickled pink in Napa
Summer doesn’t officially start until tomorrow, but I’ve already been flaunting a healthy rosé flush for what feels like an eternity. Actually, it’s probably been since February, when I made my first foray to Napa. Stop numero uno: the impeccable Domaine Carneros for a sampler of their renowned sparkling wines. The setting was majestic, the staff could not have been more pleasant (no snooty wine snobs there!), and I’m sad to say I can’t remember which bubbly I found most delicious—they were all that good! It didn’t hurt, either, that we paired them with Midnight Moon, one of my favorite cheeses.
Cheers to keeping the rosé flowing all summer long—and beyond!
After waiting in line for two hours, Mama’s French Toast Sampler was mine.
Cranberry-Orange Walnut, Banana Walnut and Swedish Cinnamon. Impossible to pick a favorite, very possible to scrape the plate clean.
Of course a girl from Wisconsin would fall in love with a San Franciscan deli named Cheese Plus. They’re serving up the best turkey sandwich I’ve ever encountered, only made better when enjoyed in Lafayette Park.
Crissy Field: Oven-roast turkey, bacon, provolone, fresh tomato, arugula, and house-made roasted tomato aioli.
I, and love, and you
That Takes the Cake’s aptly named “What Competition?” cupcake: double chococate cake with a salted caramel center, topped with chocolate butter cream and sea salt
A perfect day in San Francisco
Pre-adventure breakfast: Oats and flax seed with fresh fruit and maple syrup, vanilla latte from La Boulange Bakery on Polk Street
Highway 1 drive along the Pacific Coast, Stinson Beach break, Tomales Point hike
Post-hike reward: Open-faced sandwich with tomato jam and cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes
The Butler and the Chef was repeatedly recommended to me as the most underrated brunch in San Francisco. It’s tucked away in sleepy South Park but the masses have found it; we waited out our table for a good while. The sunny patio perch, bright mimosas, and French fare well made up for it, though. And who doesn’t love a restaurant that brings out truffles with the check. It’s never too early for chocolate in my world.
