Part 2 San Francisco

This trip I wanted to go to new restaurants that we haven't been to before. And we managed to hit a few of them in between shopping and playing.

Tartine Bakery is a small unassuming bakery in the mission district, an up and coming neighborhood for the food scene.  Definitely out of the downtown tourist area.  Don't let that fact deter you from eating there. It is just down the street from Mission Dolores on Guerrero Street. Be sure you take an address when you go because there isn't a sign on the outside of the building. You might recognize it by the line of people outside of the door though. The first morning that we attempted to get in the line was more than halfway down the block. We came back on a week day and came early. There was only this much smaller line and we got in but had to wait for one of the five communal tables inside. As we were leaving, the line again snaked farther down along the block. Come early and be prepared to wait but the bakery items are WORTH THE WAIT. This is one of the best bakeries in any city in my opinion. We had a sampling of items. They have a full range of pastries, the usual croissants, cakes, cookies, their lunch specialty, a Croque Monsieur sandwiches, and gourmet coffees. But if you want to buy their bread you will need to put your order in by 3:00 pm. and then you can pick it up at five; yes 5:00 in the afternoon. No order, No bread. It's apparently that good.

Their "Morning Bun" (that's it on the right) is quite possibly the best breakfast item I've ever tasted (except for the Kouing -aman)at Les Madeleine.  It's really a buttery pastry rather than a doughy bun.  The photo doesn't do it justice.  It is buttery, flaky, crispy, crunchy, brioche dough coiled into a bun. Sprinkled with sanding sugar with just a hint of orange zest, it melted in my mouth. The bottom of the bun was crunchy with a sugar syrup (think sticky buns without the caramel and nuts) and it was baked in a muffin tin. We all agreed that it was the very best thing any of us had.

I will admit that this is where we stopped for breakfast again on the last day as we drove out of the city. I think I could eat that morning bun every day and not be tired of it for a long, long time.

Maybe they don't need to advertise on the storefront after all.  I think the neighborhood locals would appreciate a shorter line.