Drop us in the middle of Mission District in San Francisco and we will be just fine.

left my heart in san francisco

We spent the morning wandering, photographing the graffiti and streetscape, fueling on handmade coffee at Philz (go for the It’s the Best – it is called that for a reason).

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Brunch at Tartine, Chad Robertsons famous bakery on Guerrera st. Always a line, but always worth it. San Francisco is known for sourdough, but Tartine does some of the best – and there is now three cookbooks published by the store with recipes to make at home.

I’ve tried making their sourdough, and while it doesn’t come close to what they make in store (their starter, skill and environment ensures theirs will always be better) it’s the best sourdough I’ve ever made.

tartine bakery san francisco mission pastrychef patissier

tartine bakery san francisco mission coffee

We stuck with almond croissants, orange juice and shiitake mushroom croque monsieurs for breakfast. I was proud of not ordering $54 worth of pastry like I did last time I visited…

tartine bakery san francisco mission croque monsieur

tartine bakery san francisco mission croissant

Though I did spend over $50. Here I am with my US$45 Tartine tote bag. Yes, I paid $45. It’s Tartine though. One of the most famous patisseries on the planet. And I am a pastry chef. That makes the price ok, right?

tartine bakery san francisco mission tote bag

Passed by Wise Sons Delicatessen, the famous Jewish butcher and deli who make their own pastrami. You can watch them making their smallgoods in the window.

wisesonsdeli

Next, a stop into Bi-Rite Grocery to stock up on organic and handmade goodies for the roadtrip up to Davis California: Kombucha and rosewater tea, handmade panettone, and organic fruit. Feeling very Californian…

The famous artisan grocer in San Francisco’s Mission District is home to local and imported produce, showcasing local cheesemakers, farmers, dairy, bakers, and hard-to-find ingredients. It is a foodie destination, a local institution and a community hub.