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.

Dessert Américain: Cupcakes!

They sure aren't French, but still a delightful sweet I enjoy. Thought I'd do a little research on these wonderful treats and found some interesting factoids:

* originated during the 19th century when it was faster to bake in hearth ovens than full-sized cakes
* named because it is a cake the size of a teacup; and because it was measured by cups in a time when things were measured by weight
* aka "fairy cakes" (British)
* called 1234 or quarter cakes because they are made up of four ingredients in equal ratios: butter, sugar, eggs, and flour

I baked a batch the other weekend celebrating my one-year anniversary of moving to the Bay!

Yellow Confetti Mix/Chocolate Ganache Frosting/Rainbow Sprinkles

I'll make them from scratch next time... in the new flat! :)

French Macaroons

A description so accurate, I had to steal it from a yelp.com commenter...

"The thing about a great french macaroon is that it shouldn't leave you thinking: "hmm, that was ok." It should have you wanting to roll around the floor in culinary ecstasy."

Hahaha! Isn't that so true!? Agreed.

Crepevine

Try the Santorini sweet crepe. Bursts of surprising flavours-- pistachio, walnuts, cinnamon, coconut & mascarpone! Accompany with a pot of tea or apple cider or hot chocolate.

Perfect for a late night rendezvous with your secret lover. :)

624 Irving Street

Pâtisserie Philippe

Fabulously French. Mouth-watering macarons. Delectable. Go immediately.

Best for an afternoon chat with a new or an old friend. Complimentary coffee, I think. voila!

655 Townsend Street

Dream Collage

Why didn't I think of that?

Confused on what you want to do or be in life? (Story of my life) Solution! Make a dream collage. With each dream, add photos and pictures. Then, step back and analyze. What's a common theme? What would make you happiest? The point of the pictures is so that you can visualize what your dream job is or what it would be like if you were to get to that point. Have someone else take a look-see and comment.

Thanks Lish! :)