Tart to Heart

After a day at the Academy of Sciences, feet aching, I had to step into Tart to Tart to treat myself. Being new to the city, I didn't know that this place was a chain. But it's okay, I enjoyed the company of me outside at a table for two.

A time to reflect and to people watch. I particularly enjoyed being seated next to, on the other side of the window, a man in his late 30s, dressed business casual, drinking coffee, with an iPhone bulging out of his Dockers pocket.. flipping through THREE comic books! It was surely endearing. Men will always be boys at heart.. made me smile. :)

Dehydrated, I ordered a Raspberry Italian Soda and an Almond Cream Tart. The Italian soda quenched my thirst! The tart was a bit crispy, a little dry... definitely could've used more "cream." Powdered sugar on top added a nice aesthetic touch, but otherwise nothing surprising.

Next time, I might order an éclair as I saw a prim Japanese business man order one for him and his friend as I was walking out.

Chez Maman

In Potrero Hill.

What an intimate vibe, like I was in my French mother's kitchen. One bar, two tables. A short wait later, my friend and I were seated by the very friendly, loud and quirky French owner. haha. I want to be his friend. He would probably make fun of me all the time and I would laugh and love it.

We both ordered burgers, since I heard they were stellar. Served on broiche with frites and a mixed greens salad. The burger was delicious! Juicy, medium (as I liked it), and satisfied my taste buds. Next time, I will try it with an egg, this time I got it with bacon. Should've ordered a crepe but got the Creme Brulee instead since we were very full. Not so great. Watery and looked like they were in a hurry to make it.. it was nearing closing time.

I would make another trip. Very cozy. Perfect for a solo meal as well. I eyed a man eating mussels alone at the bar. Content!

Citizen Fake?

Feeling conscious that I was entering a restaurant alone, I felt so relieved to see that the patisserie was sectioned off. I headed straight in. It took me a while to decide on what to taste, as the prices were seriously inflated. The confections were tiny and weren't that pretty. I finally settled for the Mocha Mi Su. I think I loved the name more than the dessert itself...

Rich but still fluffy like tiramisu, smooth, creamy, with a hint of coffee/mocha. Just the right amount of chocolate but I was a bit unhappy with the creme fraiche... it tasted very dairy-ish. Not fresh. The dessert would have been perfect to share between two friends.

The counter lady did not seem happy and bubbly. If I worked at a Patisserie, I would be so energetic and bouncy. Another negative to Citizen Cake. Felt commercial/fake.

I do have to add, the 2nd time I went (the very next day with a boy), we ordered the Creme Brulee and Sorbet Trio. I have to say that the creme brulee was excellent! Served chilled, with a delicately blow-torched top layer, and densely packed creme meat. Succulent! I wanted all of it to myself, no sharing allowed! The sorbet's were delicious. Flavours we tried: stone fruit, asian pear, and berry mix (if I recall correctly). A refreshing lift to the evening. The cocktails sucked. Would I go back? Just to try the Lemon Bars.