Spring at SF Ferry Building, Al Pastor Papi's Restaurant Plans, B. Patisserie's Expansion, SGV Eating Map + More
California Eating is ready for the world!
Blue Bottle Coffee al fresco at the San Francisco Ferry Building (all photos by TP)
Spring in Bloom at San Francisco Ferry Building
Happy Spring! I just returned home from the glorious San Francisco Ferry Building, which offered me gift cards to Blue Bottle Coffee, Miette and Dandelion Chocolate to shop some seasonal specials. I spent the morning being a kid in a couple of candy shops!
Iced and hot cherry blossom lattes at Blue Bottle Coffee
Spring candies at Miette
Carrot cake by Dandelion Chocolate
Breakfast cake by Dandelion Chocolate
There’s so much going on at the Ferry Building these days — last year brought super delicious new tenants such as Chef Nite Yun’s Cambodian restaurant Lunette, which I covered in my GOOD TASTE column at 48 Hills. The thrice-weekly Foodwise Farmers Market remains an incredible place not only for produce, but to graze across a wide array of Bay Area independent food makers. I’m really excited for Nopalito Fish to open this year as well.
Now Open: b. patisserie in Union Square
After hitting the Ferry Building this morning, I went to Union Square to have lunch at b. patisserie’s new bakery, which opened today. Belinda Leong (aka b.) gave me a raspberry kouign amann right out of the oven, which was such a wonderful gift, and my friend Mary and I snacked on coffee cake, quiche and a pressed mozzarella, pesto and tomato sandwich.
Mozzarella, pesto and tomato sandwich by b. patisserie
The freshest kouign amann at b. patisserie
Coffee cake by b. patisserie
Quiche by b. patisserie
Leong and business partner Michel Suas (who I call the Godfather of Bread in California, look him up) took over this space rather quickly after the previous tenant (Tyler Florence) vacated unexpectedly just before All-Star Weekend. If you’re unfamiliar with b. patisserie, know that this is one of the places I recommend most to both locals and out of towners in search of something sweet, and I know my pastries! This is a most welcome addition to Union Square that I will frequent.
Exclusive: Al Pastor Papi’s Restaurant Plans
Miguel Escobedo with his Al Pastor Papi Day proclamation from the City of San Francisco
After closing his food trailer back in January, the super homie Miguel Escobedo has given California Eating the scoop on his future restaurant plans for Al Pastor Papi!
The name will be Al Pastor Papi Mexican Grill to reflect that (as on the trailer), there will be more than al pastor and tacos on offer, including burritos, salads and tortas. He plans to begin in the summer with lunch to go and eventually have weekend DJ brunches and special dinner events in the restaurant. He’s been a vital part of the local DJ world for decades and has very creative musical ideas, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for those happenings.
He’ll announce more details soon.
Al Pastorta by Al Pastor Papi
Serious inquiries for employment can email Miguel at alpastorpapi415@gmail.com.
Map: San Gabriel Valley Favorites
My favorite ducks at Ducks Curry & Spaghetti in San Gabriel
I’ve been researching restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) for about seven years and have fallen deeply in love with the food scene there. I plan on covering the topic heavily here and on my website, but here’s a massive map of my Favorite Places to Eat in SGV in the meantime!
Good Taste: SF Croissant Crawl
Cubano croissant at Juniper in San Francisco
This week’s GOOD TASTE column at 48 Hills offers a San Francisco croissant crawl for your flaky adventure planning. It’s tough research, but someone’s got to do it etc.
See more thought for food on the California Eating blog!
Blue Bottle is owned my Nestle. One of the worst companies on the planet. So many other amazing coffee shops in San Francisco