The First Time: Devil's Teeth Baking Co.

For some, this is just a photo of a mouth-watering breakfast sandwich. And, in its simplest form, it is. And yet, it’s also a reminder of the simple pleasures of experiencing something for the first time.

When’s the last time you enjoyed something for the very first time? When’s the last time you did something completely and wildly new-to-you? For me, it was the day we went to Devil’s Teeth Baking Co., an Outer Sunset staple. It’s lauded for its amazing pastries and bakes, as well as its infamous “Special Breakfast” sandwich. Two eggs, bacon, avocado, pepper jack cheese, generously slapped with some lemon-garlic aioli against a fluffy homemade biscuit. *Chef’s Kiss*

Devil’s Teeth had been on my list for some time and I finally told myself that this was the day. So down to the beach we went. I’ve been spending more time at the beach because it was my dad’s favorite place to go when he wanted to clear his mind. He grew up in the Inner Richmond and being by the water makes me feel like he’s there, too. And, I’ll obviously take any excuse to enjoy a sun, sand, and breakfast sandwich combo.

Needless to say, this place is a must and if you’ve been thinking about going, consider this your sign to finally go. Do the thing. Enjoy the now. Go.

Get Grill-Ready for the Fourth with #LuckySummer!

The more time I spend at home, the more time I love trying new recipes and putting my kitchen to use. I've gotten pretty good at all of the breakfast and brunch dishes, so have been concentrating on nailing the perfect meals for entertaining now that summer is on the horizon. One thing I love about summer is all of the summer barbeques! Though, I'll admit that I'm usually attending a BBQ rather than hosting one... until now! For the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, I was asked by Carusele to share my grilling chops and recipe ideas for the season, by participating in the #LuckySummer campaign, sponsored by Save Mart. But don't worry, even though I have been compensated, as always, all opinions are my own! Derrick and I were excited to get some pre-4th practice in with a few easy grilling options for veggies and meat. After the jump, see what we made, how we made it, and grab some tips for your own Fourth of July fiesta.

Food Friday: A Visit to Sonoma's Three Sticks Wines

Three Sticks Wines 143 West Spain Street Sonoma, CA 

As you know, wine country is one of my favorite places to visit. It's a short drive from the city - just an hour north and you feel as though you've really escaped into a calming retreat. This February, I had a chance to head back up just after my birthday for a wonderful treat - I had the pleasure of visiting Sonoma's Three Sticks Wines for the first time. It was a beautiful day in wine country, with the mustard flowers in full bloom and the sun shining from up above. Arriving on the Three Sticks Wine property only added to the day. I visited, alongside some other wine-lovers to experience Three Stick's food and wine pairing, in partnership with the girl & the fig. The wines, especially the roseé, really stole the show. Typically, I never really leave tastings ready to instantly buy a bottle, because I'm so indecisive. However, after my tasting with Three Sticks, I immediately pulled out my credit card to take home a bottle of their Casteñada rosé. Sadly, it won't be released until later this spring (only $40!!), so my loss is your gain because I didn't wipe them out and you still have a chance to get some for yourself!

After the jump, take a look at the gorgeous Three Sticks Wines property and learn more about its rich history!

Food Friday: Traveling Spoon

I'm big on gatherings around the table. I love to break bread, meet new people over a bite, and discover new-to-me cultures or cuisines. It's honestly one of my favorite things to do. So, whenever there's an opportunity to do just that, that's what I do. Just a few weeks ago, I was recently introduced to Traveling Spoon. I had never heard about it before, but as soon as I learned more about it, I wondered how I hadn't already known about it. If it happens to be new-to-you, too, then here's the 30-second elevator pitch: Traveling Spoon allows you to book a private meal or cooking class with home cooks around the world. Pretty cool, huh? So, let's say you are traveling to Thailand and want to experience true, home-cooked Thai food. Well, you can head to Traveling Spoon, search for the city you are traveling to, and easily book a meal, cooking class or market visit. This time around, I had the pleasure of experiencing true, home-cooked Thai food at a pop-up in SF. It was such a fun night - not only did I learn more about how to cook Thai food (and, of course, enjoy it!), but I also met some rad tablemates. After the jump, see more photos from our feast, prepared by the sweetest visiting host, Pia (pictured with me above!), and learn more about Traveling Spoon.

Food Friday: Ippudo Makes its way to San Francisco

Ippudo SF Yerba Buena 18 Yerba Buena Lane San Francisco, CA 94103



Ever since visiting Ippudo in New York back in 2013, I wished for it to make its way to my little city by the bay. After visiting in 2013, I didn't get to try Ippudo again until 2016, when I visited its Paris location while in France. Then, in 2017, the Berkeley location opened and I knew SF had to be on its way. Finally, this past January, my ramen dreams came true.

1,000 Miles of Pinot with Sonoma's WALT Wines

Walt Wines 380 First Street West Sonoma, CA 95476



You may remember from last month's panacakeLEFTOVERS post, or my Instagram Events highlight that I spent one delightful Friday afternoon at One Market restaurant, sipping pinot with Sonoma's WALT Wines. Yes, happy hour did indeed start very early that day. While I usually reserve my wine time for after my work is done, this tasting was in fact, work. That, plus, I couldn't pass up WALT's 1,000 Miles of Pinot experience. For those who are unfamiliar with Walt, the winery was founded in 2010 by Vinters Kathryn Walt Hall and Craig Hall. If you're thinking to yourself that those names sound familiar, then you're probably thinking about HALL Wines. Yes, WALT is part of the HALL Wines family. WALT currently has 12 pinot noirs, 3 chardonnays, and 1 rosé of pinot noir in its portfolio. the 1,000 Miles of Pinot comes from the fact that WALT's portfolio spans 1,000 miles across the Pacific Coast. Vineyards include the Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, Los Carneros, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Lucia Highlands and Willamette Valley appellations. For this very special experience, WALT brought their pinots to us. We were lucky enough to experience their Root 101 tasting, which typically only takes place at the WALT winery, at One Market restaurant. Each pinot was deliciously paired alongside a dish prepared by Chef Mark Dommen, curated by Wine Director and Sommelier, Tonya Pitts. We sat, drank, and ate alongside the WALT team, including Winemaker, Megan Paredes and GM, Jeff Zappelli, making the experience a truly special one.

Getting Ready for Lunar New Year with Ling Ling Asian Kitchen

This post was sponsored by Ling Ling, all opinions expressed in this post are my own. 

One of the resolutions I made going into the new year was to cook at home more. Last year, I spent a fortune on take-out and wanted to find a way to cut down on costs. Well, the universe must have been listening to me because I was recently invited to take part in a Lunar New Year-themed cooking class with Ling Ling Asian Kitchen, hosted by Chef Katie Chin. Who here is familiar with them? I remember when I was younger, my mom used to purchase the Ling Ling brand potstickers for me at Costco (and boy did I love them!). So, imagine my glee when I got invited to cook with the brand! Full circle moment, you guys. I had always been familiar with the brand's potstickers but had no idea that they also made noodles and fried rice products. If you're just finding out about these products, or even the brand for the first time, then keep on reading - because I've got more for you. 

Food Friday: A Couple of New Kids on the Block

This Friday, I thought that I would change things up a bit and share two new spots that have recently popped up in San Francisco. If you follow me on Instagram, then you already know what's what. More the reason to hit that follow button, eh? But in all seriousness, both of these spots are affordable, fast, and easy options for filling up. Read more after the jump!

Food Friday: Robin

Robin 620 Gough Street San Francisco, CA 94102



If there's one thing that you've probably learned about me over these past seven years, it's that my favorite cuisine is Japanese. My boyfriend, who also happens to be half-Japanese, declared very early on that he doesn't know anyone else who eats as much sushi as me. In fact, if I'm remembering correctly, he also stated that it's honestly a wonder that I don't already have mercury poisoning. This last statement, although troubling, should give you an accurate depiction of just how much I love sushi. Luckily for me, my boyfriend also loves sushi and humors me, every time I "surprise" him with a sushi restaurant (or a restaurant that offers sushi, lol) to take him to for his birthday. Our first year together, I took him to Roka Akor, our second year together I took him to Mama's Fish House, and just a few weeks ago, I took him to San Francisco's latest omakase hot spot, Robin.

Robin, which opened in July, is a "hip," omakase-only (meaning chef's choice) restaurant located in Hayes Valley. Its interior is beautiful - shades of pink tiles adorn the wall behind the sushi bar, gold paint drips from the walls, and vibrant plateware stand out once placed against the rest of the restaurant's blacktop tables. Even the wooden spoons used for dessert are cute enough to stick in your pocket (don't worry; I didn't). Omakase begins at $79 a pop and can run all the way up to $179, depending on your hunger levels. For San Francisco standards, $79 for 10-11 bites isn't terrible -- that is, so long as the food is good and you're decently satisfied. So, where does Robin stack up against the bunch? My review, after the jump.
 

Food Friday: Plaj

Plaj 333 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94102

When you hear "Swedish meatballs," your first thought really shouldn't be Ikea. And if it is, that's okay - I'm here to help change that. Cue Plaj (pronounced "play"), a San Francisco Scandinavian spot that you maybe haven't heard of yet. And if you have, then you're already ahead of the game! Plaj, tucked away inside the Inn at the Opera, is the perfect place to stop by before heading to the ballet or the symphony. Better yet, it's the perfect place to stop by if you're looking to spice things up and try something different. I don't know about you guys, but I haven't had a lot of Scandinavian cuisine in my life. (That is, aside from my favorite cake of all time - princess cake!) So, before Plaj, I didn't really know what to expect. If you're nodding along and thinking "me too," then this post is for you.

Breakfast Club

When's the last time you got up early and made your way to enjoy a seated breakfast before starting work, or your day? For me, it was a few weeks ago, when Breakfast Club invited me to slow down and have a seat at Lord Stanley's table. I had work that day, but opted to get in a little later, so I could meet and eat with some of SF's local creatives. When I first started blogging seven (!!) years ago, I made a very conscious effort to attend events and meet new people in the community. 25% of the time I would go with a friend, but 75% of the time, I went alone. I forced myself (an quiet introvert) to put my phone away and introduce myself to as many people as possible. Fast forward to 2017 (and even a few years back, if we're being totally honest!), and I almost never go to events alone anymore. I bring a pal, or my boyfriend, or if I can't bring someone, sometimes I just end up passing. As of late, I wanted to change that. So, I did - starting with this particular event. I missed making myself uncomfortable and getting to know new people. So, I decided to forgo asking for a +1, and instead, took the morning for myself. It was sorta scary to head into an event alone and ask strangers if I could join their table, but I did it. And, I met some really cool people. Aside from that, I got to enjoy an epic breakfast by the Lord Stanley crew. I sipped my tea, laughed with locals, and left filled with good vibes. Moral of the story? Get outside of your comfort zone. Put your phone down. Talk to people. Talk to people. Talk to people. It's good for the soul.

Food Friday: Maker's Common

Maker's Common 1954 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704

East Bay friends, this one's for you. Maker's Common is the new kid on the Berkeley block. It's an eatery and marketplace by the owners of San Francisco's beloved, Mission Cheese. The eatery is a casual neighborhood gathering place, where folks grab a quick bite, park it outside on the patio, or make themselves comfortable for family-style meals. The marketplace is stocked with goods from local makers and is meant to inspire patrons for their next picnic or gathering. I recently had the pleasure of touring the beautiful open space and delighting in some cheese, meats, and treats for dinner. After the jump, view more of the space, designed by Studio KDA, and see what you can nosh on when you visit.

Friendsgiving with DoorDash

Thanksgiving is in two days, you guys. Two days! Is it just me, or did this year totally zoom by? I honestly can't believe it's nearly December. Every year, around this time, my friends and I host a Friendsgiving potluck, where we gather 'round and stuff ourselves silly with amazingly delicious food and drinks. (Think lumpia, ribs, pies galore, cider, sweet potato mash and more... mmmmm.) Because we lost track of time and forgot to plan, this will be our first year out of the last several that we won't be having one. (Insert sad face, here.) Luckily, we also host an annual Friendsmas gathering, so not all is lost. Even better, Bay Area-based restaurant delivery service, DoorDash recently saved a seat at the table for me at their's, so I didn't have to totally miss out on the Friendsgiving tradition. Aside from chowing down alongside some of my blogging pals,  I also walked away with some fresh ideas for how to "wow" guests at my next gathering. Anyone out there hosting people this year and could use some extra tips, too? Well, my friends, you're going to want to read more after the jump.

Food Friday: Bluestem Brasserie's New Brunch Menu

Bluestem Brasserie 1 Yerba Buena Lane

Bluestem Brasserie recently welcomed Trevor Ogden into their kitchen as their new Executive Chef. Chef Trevor hails from Park Tavern and brings with him over 15 years of experience, as well as a new weekend brunch menu, which I got to experience for the first time just this past Saturday. It should be no surprise that I couldn't pass up a brunch tasting at Bluestem. I frequent the restaurant often for happy hour and anytime I have a hankering for my favorite cake in the city.  I was really excited to try Chef's take on brunch, because it's truly my favorite meal. So what was on the menu? See more after the jump.

Food Friday: Pacific Catch

Hello, Friday! Or should I say, "Aloha"? Why you ask? Well, one of my favorite places to grab a bite, Pacific Catch, is now offering Aloha Friday, where you can grab Mai Tai's for $5 all day long, so long as you show up in Hawaiian attire. Not a bad way to celebrate Friday, eh? Not into cocktails? No sweat. Pacific Catch offers HH deals on delicious bites Monday through Friday, so you can score some dollars off any day of the week. I happen to love Pacific Catch for their shrimp tacos and rice bowls (Japanese Wasabi bowl, Cali-style poke, half brown rice, half salad is my go-to, in case you're wondering!). I recently stopped by to fill up on all of their other tasty offerings including sushi, calamari, poke and more. Verdict? Everything is worth a taste. Stop by one of these upcoming Fridays and see for yourself!

Food Friday: Santa Clara's New Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 2762 Augustine Dr, Santa Clara, CA‎



Late last month, I had the pleasure of attending a restaurant opening for Santa Clara's latest hotspot - Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. I've been to many a steakhouse in my day, and I know that you have been, too. So, what makes Fleming's stand out in a sea of steaks? Well, for one, their wines. Fleming's boasts an impressive 100 wines, specially curated, featuring esteemed vintages and local favorites. The fact that these wines rotate each year makes the quest to taste each even more enticing - can one really drink them all? I don't know, but I am willing to find out. But what's wine without the perfect pairing, right? At Fleming's you can have it all - surf and turf. And, if you know me, you know that I love a good cut of meat, as much as a I love a good selection of seafood. Like most steakhouses, Fleming's also offers a delicious array of sides to accompany your main course - mushroom, potatoes, spicy mac and cheese and greens. Why pick, if you don't have to? So long as you still have room for dessert. And trust me, you'll want dessert. So, now that you've got the overview, let's hear about my night, shall we?

Food Friday: Breaking Bread at Tawla, San Francisco's newest Eastern Mediterranean Gem

Tawla 206 Valencia Street 

Mediterranean is quite possibly one of my favorite cuisines. In fact, there was a point a little while back where I'd visit the same Mediterranean restaurant every Friday night. (La Med, in case anyone is wondering and my standard order is the chicken kebab plate with lentil soup, lol.) That being said, I was excited to be introduced to a new Eastern-Mediterranean spot in the city. Somewhere new to spice things up! Cue the mission's latest gem, Tawla. When people think of Mediterranean, oftentimes they're used to "street food" items like shwarmas, pitas and kebabs, which isn't a bad thing - because all of those things are delicious, in my opinion. That being said, there's a whole other layer of deliciousness that has yet to be tapped: food made at home that you just can't get anywhere else. That's where Tawla comes in. Tawla's founder, Azhar Hashem, wanted to fill a void in the San Francisco food scene by showcasing the comfort food of the Levant and Mediterranean regions. When I thought about this, I realized, I didn't know what home-style, Levant-region food actually was. Thankfully, that would change that evening, as I got a crash course in Levant-style cuisine thanks to Azhar and the Tawla team, who graciously welcomed us into their "home." So, what did I learn? Read more after the jump.

Food Friday: Dosa

Dosa 1700 Fillmore Street

Imagine this. You're sitting at home on a Saturday, watching a team you picked to get to the finals of March Madness completely toss things up by not winning. #3 seed, Florida State had just faced a crushing defeat to the 11th seed underdogs, Xavier. Needless to say, I was in need of some cheering up because my bracket was getting a bit busted. And what's a better way to quell the bracket blues than some good grub? Nothing, right? Luckily for me, I already had a reservation that evening to try out Dosa for the first time. Dosa had been on my list for years! (Remember when I did alphabet dining back in 2013? Dosa was my pick for our "D" restaurant, but we weren't able to make it!) That being said, I don't know why it took so long to get there - but better late than never!

Food Friday: Luce

Luce Restaurant 888 Howard Street

Luce Restaurant, located in SF's InterContinental Hotel, serves up California cuisine boasting of a Michelin star. A Michelin-starred restaurant inside a hotel? I know, right? You wouldn't expect it, but that's the great thing about SF. There are hidden gems everywhere you go. I had the pleasure of dining at Luce one evening, with a few other foodies and although we all gravitated towards different dishes, collectively, we agreed that Luce is worth a taste.

Food Friday: Elena Una Filipino Cuisine

Elena Una 3347 Fillmore Street

Have you ever had Filipino food? It's okay if your answer is "no" - in fact, most people I know haven't had it. I'm half Filipino, so my answer is an enthusiastic "yes!" In fact, I can't imagine my life without having enjoyed such a cuisine. I grew up eating the usual suspects - pancit, lumpia, halo halo - and some of the "unusual" suspects - kare kare (my favorite!), dinuguan, tuyo, buro, and bistek for breakfast. I've always wondered why Filipino food hasn't become more mainstream, because (biased opinion coming through), it's really, really good. The flavors are hearty, and though the food may not be on the healthier side, it's full of culture and to me, it tastes like home. In San Francisco, there's not a whole lot of Filipino restaurants around. In fact, before Elena Una, I only knew of one long standing restaurant in the Mission, along with one pop-up, also located in the Mission, and a food truck here or there (Hapa SF, is that one still around? And Senior Sigig). Then, last year, Elena Una came along. I first found out about the restaurant during one of my walks home - I saw the sign: "Filipino Asian Cuisine," and stopped right in my tracks. Could it be? Truth be told, I was skeptical. Could it really do Filipino food right? And, in the Marina of all places? I was skeptical, yes, but nonetheless, very excited to try it out.