Pier 39, Boudin Bakery, Markets and 24/7 Diners - San Francisco

After a wet, dreary morning touring Alcatraz, I headed to Pier 39 and decided a warm bread bowl of clam chowder was in order. I needed to warm my hands and my insides. It was freezing cold and wet! San Francisco, and particularly Boudin Bakery, is famous for it's sourdough. So the only place I wanted to have it was at the Boudin Bakery. There are plenty of locations around SF to have it and there is a bakery at Pier 39.

clam chowder in a sourdough bowl

Best environmentally friendly lunch you can get...you get to eat your chowder and your bowl!

There are loads of touristy shops to check out at Pier 39. I stumbled upon Hot Licks, another store dedicated to all things hot sauce and the chilli! There are so many brands on offer I'm in awe. Don't be afraid to ask for a taste test...alot are on offer (and kept in the fridge). Even A&W and 7 Up have a line of sauces. Dr Pepper is represented to.

soda pop sauces

 

It's this Ole Ray's Apple/Cinnamon Barbecue sauce that grabs my attention, and just so happens to be tasted tested. OMG! Rates in the top 5! Pity it only comes in such huge bottles - I just couldn't fit it into the luggage - sad sad face. I think another trip to the USA is in order just to buy condiments (unless you know if it's sold in Oz?)

 

Just remember to go to the end of the Pier to see the Sea Lions - you will hear and smell them before you see them.  Hundreds of sea lions laze around on pontoons around the Pier.  Perfect viewing platforms upstairs.

lazy sea lions

 

 

Further along is Fishermans Wharf.

 

Fishermans Wharf

 

Here you will find many seafood stalls preparing the fresh catch of the day and freshly steamed crabs and seafood of your choice.  Pull up a table and eat to your hearts content.

fresh seafood

 

Nearby is Boudin, the factory and bakery.  You can take a free tour through a small interactive exhibit and learn all about the history of this famous sourdough. 

boudin bakery

 

Take one of the many tests.  This one is the bread personality test.  I am a Dark Rye?! I think it's very me.....

what's your bread type?

 

You then get to the platforms above the bakery to watch it being freshly made and baked.  The smell is heaven.  Once you have finished head over to the store to purchase all your bread needs, along with boutique jams, jellies, deli meats, sandwiches and don't forget your souvenirs.

I indulged in a little pick me up.  The seasonal/holiday pumpkin latte.  So yummy!

holiday flavours in a coffee

 

 

The afternoon was spent wandering around the Ferry Building Marketplace along the Embacardero.  The marketplace is open 7 days a week, with various boutique stores selling their goods.  Three times a week the Farmers market moves in too.  I missed out on market day, but I do enjoy a couple of hours taste testing and purchasing some cheese.

 

Cowgirl Creamery make artisinal organic cheese, along with cheese from around the world.  I spent a good half an hour with the assistance of a lovely salesman tasting many of the cheeses on offer.

 

 

 

 

 

cheese heaven

Mushrooms anybody?  A variety of mushrooms from Far West Fungi. 

 

'shrooming

 

Check out their website for a Fungipedia learning experience on all things fungi!

 

Don't forget your salami's at Boccalone.  Fresh, smoked and speciality meats abound!

 

Couldn't visit the States without stocking up on Cookie Butter at Trader Joes. This is serious crack in a jar!

 

cookie butter

In need of sustenance I headed to a 24/7 diner called Pinecrest, which was across the road from the hostel I was staying at  I just wanted a quick counter meal.  I really do love American diners.  Old, greasy and full of character and characters! The patty melt caught my eye.  What is a patty melt. Think a burger on bread and you've got it in one!

Sitting at the counter, I got chatting to a lovely man who was in town for a conference.  A random stranger happily chatting chatting about travelling, family and friends and the philosophy of life.  He was very intrigued about when I spoke about the The Dash, a poem by Linda Ellis.  This sums up how I like to live my life.  It's a very moving poem!

The patty melt was fantastic.  100% beef patty cooked to perfect medium rare, dripping with juices, onions and the bread is buttered and soaking up all the lovely juice.  It's the perfect cold winters night dinner.

patty melt

......and as for that random stranger I met at the counter?  He paid for my dinner before I realised he had and thanked me for a wonderful dinner.  It's moments like this that you can really appreciate the kindness of strangers.  Paying it forward?

My last breakfast in San Francisco.  I headed to Dotties True Blue Cafe.  I had read a few reviews and someone had suggested it at the hostel.  This is a fabulous, popular cafe.  Comfort food, good coffee, buzzing cafe and warm and hearty.

Blackbean cakes and eggs any style with grilled chili-cheddar corn bread with home fries topped with sour cream and pico de gallo. The breakfast of champions!

black bean cake goodness

 

 

Last view before leaving San Fran...the Painted Ladies!

 

 

Full House

 

The Garlic Adventure - The Stinking Rose - San Francisco

It's pouring rain when I arrive in San Francisco, but that doesn't deter me getting out into the city to make the most of my short stay here.  I purchase an umbrella at a local department store and head off through Chinatown to Columbus Av to find the (in)famous The Stinking Rose restaurant.  A restaurant that is dedicated to the pungent bulb.

The Stinking Rose

I'm seated at a little nook of a table for two near the window, offering a wet view.  I feel all warm and cozy inside.  The aroma inside the restaurant is warming and comforting.

 

I start out with bread and the house relish, The Stinking Rose Garlic Rose Relish.  Olive oil with parsley, garlic and vinegar.  The garlic is raw in this relish and it's very sharp and garlicy hot.  I'm addicted to it, conscious of not filling up on bread, but can't help myself.  I eat tablespoons of the stuff.  It reminds of aglio olio.

I'm celebrating a new city, so decide to indulge in a cocktail. It's been a few days since I've had one. I go with the Apple Rumba - rum, apple pucker, lime juice and mint (although I don't see mint in this)

 

 

The menu is oozing garlic based dishes.  The great thing there are many dishes that aren't overpowering with garlic. There are some that just have garlic in it and not as a main flavour.  Phew...so much garlic is going to have effects and I'm glad I'm not going to be kissing anyone tonight!  I may ward off a cold.........or a vampire or two!

Stinking rose menu

 

For starters I choose the Roasted Garlic Baked Triple Cream Goat Brie with toasted chiabatta.  The skillet is piping hot and the brie is oozy and melted with whole roasted garlic bulbs.  Oh yeah, this is what make a cheese go to another level!

 

 

ooey, gooey goats brie and garlic

My cozy little nook.

 

nooks and crannies of the resturant

For main I go with a tureen of Zuppa di Pesce, which has plump mussels, sweet crab, fresh fish, calamari and shrimp in a garlic cioppino sauce. 

tureen of seafood

 

The tomato based sauce is rich and sweet and the tureen is overflowing with seafood.  It's good and not overpowering with garlic. It's there, but it sweet.  Unfortunately from to much bread and brie I'm hitting the food wall and decide to take most of it to go (for later munchies or breakfast the next day, lucky I'm staying in a hostel with a fridge!)

I do however need to try the garlic ice cream with caramel mole sauce for dessert.  There is always room for icecream. 

It's an odd combination and the garlicy creaminess grows on me.  The caramel mole sauce is good.  There is a definite hint of garlic with every spoonful.

garlic icecream

 

 

I loved this restaurant.  The food was good and the novelty of a garlic restaurant is fun.  Of course you can purchase souvenirs from stickers to cookbooks to glassware.  By the time I was leaving I could smell  the garlic on my own breath and found myself offensive!

 

P.S. Leftovers the next day (for breakfast) were extra fabulous!