Scout and I went into the City a couple weeks ago. It was Super Bowl Sunday. I'm not the biggest fan of football, so this was an ideal time to traverse San Francisco. Sundays are my favorite day to visit.
Scout is at an age where she appreciates the trips we take together. No matter how small, the spirit of adventure is strong in every excursion. We started our day at the Ferry Building. It was her first time there. It's my ultimate Sunday spot. The building awakes sleepily while shops and restaurants push out their displays for the day. Coffee is brewing, bread is baking and the sun shines out over the Bay. We enter through the doors closest to Taylor's Refresher. There is already a line at Blue Bottle, but I'm too excited to show Scout the look down the Ferry sleeve to think about my own need for caffeine . Upon turning right, one can see all the way down the Building. By now, the shops have pushed their carts out beyond the confines of their gates. There is a quiet murmur of people from beyond the midsection of the corridor and we go on our way towards the opposite end.
The first place I take her is to
Miette . If there's anything I know, it's this: French pastries are my downfall. The best pastries I've ever had were in Paris. The prettiest macarons I've ever seen... were in Paris. The first place I've ever enjoyed one was Miette. I get us macarons to share: one chocolate and the other hazelnut. They are soft and chewy. I love the mealy texture of the almond flour. They are a perfect way to start Scout's culinary adventure.
After 3 minutes of devouring the macarons, our journey takes us past Acme Breads and Cowgirl Creamery. I've made a tragic mistake. My previous solo trips to the Building normally yield a small loaf of bread and some good cheese to enjoy outside while enjoying the view of the Bay. I've sullied it by indulging in the macarons. It's not the right time. Maybe we'll cheese and bread it up later.
We take a detour to the right so we can walk outside. The air is crisp as we step out onto the outdoor patio. The view is memorable. There are a few boats lazily floating out into the bay and people have already claimed benches overlooking the water. Scout and I continue towards the South end of the building. I point out
Boulette's Larder and explain that this is a place I'd love to have breakfast at sometime. Again... my indulgence in early morning sweets has bested me.
We've arrived at
Sur la Table. My non-food heaven in the Building. Like a child running around a candy shop, I excitedly look at the new Le Creuset colors. It's really not the new colors I care about... it's only one I truly adore...the
red 6 3/4 Oval French Oven . The enamel is cool and smooth under my fingertips. I imagine all the braising I would do in this pan. *sigh* Serving braised beef in a Burgundy sauce would be lovely. Oh... to go from oven to stove. Pouring the wine in the pan to pick up remnant bits from the meat...
Oh sorry, foodgasm... I assure you this won't happen again...
So Scout and I ended up purchasing a
Brownie Cup Pan. If anything, it will make awesome desserts for my Saturday night get togethers! We walk back towards our starting point. This time passing all the lovely things we skipped by walking outside. Far West Funghi is a small store, but full of mushroom goodness. They sell starter "bricks" to grow mushrooms. They scare me. We pass it quickly with me pointing out the alarming funghi sprouting from a white "brick".
Stonehouse Olive Oil... out to get presents for a few people. It's the stuff I love to give because I love to use it. Also, when people use it, they think of me in NorCal! 3 bottles of dipping oil later, I pass Scout round Cowgirl. A striking pungent odor hits us as we near the shop. It's my ambrosia. I point out the cheeses and the animal pictures that show the milk origin. I look for the drunk goat picture (ok... really it's a glass of wine near a goat) but I can't find it. I explain to Scout that they'll let you try
anything they have with no regard to price. A cheesemonger asks if we need help, but I decline politely and she moves onto another customer who wants to try the goodness.
Acme bread isn't much to look at. It's bread. Oh... but it's delicious bread. Again... my cheese and bread repast isn't happening today.
I finally stand in line at Blue Bottle and order a drip coffee. It takes a good 10 minutes... but it's worth it. Black and strong, it passes through my lips and my soul sighs. It's THAT good. I take my nectar to Taylor's so Scout and I can enjoy some lunch.
We order our chili dog, burger and garlic fries and make our way outside. It's gorgeous. The sky is blue and the sun is shining warmly on us. The Ferry Clock tolls Noon. Perfect.
Our food arrives not too long later, so we begin our chow down. Scout's burger is perfect. My chili dog is alright. I have buyers remorse when I see somebody's shrimp tacos. No complaints, the hot dog was hearty.
For all intents and purposes, the rest of the day went swimmingly. We shopped heartily at the Paul Frank store, I bought myself a Valentine's Day present of perfume and we met Kate and her boyfriend for Super Bowl fun!
Posh, if you're reading this. I saw this and was angered. This is just... wrong.
