Showing posts with label Bi Rite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bi Rite. Show all posts

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Of Underground Markets, 21st Birthdays and Ice Cream

When I saw that there would be Bacon Caramel Corn and Candied Violet Ice Cream at the ForageSF Underground Market this week, I decided this would be a good time to check out the scene. Both of those treats were good, though neither ended up being our favorite.

Every booth had foods with pretty colors and lovely packaging. The vendors were fun, friendly and delighted to share their wares with so many excited people. My brother and I got there first and made the rounds to see what was available before we started buying. Our first stop was Simply Mochi were we tried the Lemon Curd, Blueberry Red bean, Strawberry Cheesecake and Strawberry & Chocolate. After much tasting & discussion the winner for both of us, based on flavor and consistency was the Strawberry Cheesecake.

Lemon Curd (left) and Strawberry Cheesecake Mochi

 Dorian was very happy to see Oaktown Jerk in the house and grab a bag of his favorite Thai Basil jerky. He also snagged some amazing chocolate chip cookies made with honey from Bay Area Bee Company. Before we started drinking mimosas, we decided to see what there was for noms and settled on a saucy pulled chicken sandwich from Good Foods Catering and a pastrami sandwich from Jablow's Meats. Dorian wanted to get some of the bbq sauce and try it in the pastrami, so next time he just might!

messy rules. and the sauce was so good!

we both agreed, we could have eaten several of these. the meat was smoked Friday!!

When Heather came, we had another round of Mimosa's and got to see the market again with a fresh (read, not starving) eye. Pie in a jar? Win! Hibiscus and Quince jam? Yes! After leaving the market, we headed toward the Pirate Store and Paxton Gate. We stopped at the Children's Paxton Gate store and I fell in love with Courtney Cerruti's beautiful work, most especially the owls.

The owls are all love. Go to her to see the rest. You will be so happy you did!
We also came across SFMADE, where there were corsets, candies, jewelry, kids capes and even tobacco on sale that were all locally made!

We then headed off to Bi Rite for ice cream where Salted Caramel was the favored flavor.After dropping Ms. Heather in cab, Dorian and I headed off toward 24th st so he could get the full Mission experience. We ended at Rosamunde because when I said the word sausages my brother started to salivate.

Dorian chose lamb and I went for the boar. Then we shared out so we got one of each and we split fries. The boar was good though once again the consensus was mutual with the lamb the clear favorite. All in all, this was a great day and the first ever with my brother old enough to drink! Yay for good days!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Foodbuzz Fest: the good, part 1

Where do I start? Well the day: I went to go meet Kristi (@austinfarm2table) for an ice cream adventure when went smashingly. We tried Bi Rite’s much exalted sea salt caramel and it most certainly lives up to its rep. Wonderfully creamy, a perfect balance of salt & caramel. Strangely perfect for rainy weather.



Next we wandered to Humphry Slocombe. If you haven’t done this, the walk holds some serious surprises, such as the completely magical front garden at the corner of 21st and Gurerro, which one of my friends assures me is indeed a residence.



I think I tried literally every flavor. Thai Chili Lime, the totally awesome fudgesicle, the ever popular secret breakfast, balsamic caramel, a lager (I don’t recall which one. I mean really, that’s a lot of ice cream!)



I love the kitsch factor at Slocombe as well as the really friendly service. I settled on (but didn’t finish) the Hot Mess, vanilla ice cream with marshmallow, butterscotch and bananas. I am sorry to say I wasn’t wild about the ice cream, which had a funky, sticky consistency.

I also got to try Kristi’s Foie Gras ice cream sandwich. The Foie Gras ice cream is odd tasting, but sandwiched between two ginger cookies, it’s a snappy, yummy little kick.



My favorite thing of all? The Boccalone lard caramel. Hell yeah, that is what I said! Lard caramels. Soft, creamy, with a slight spicy kick at the end. Oh. Wow.

Oh yeah, and the writing is certainly on the wall...