Tag Archives: bay area

Swan Oyster Depot

Posted in San Francisco by

Swan Oyster Depot was established in its present location over 100 years ago in 1912 by four Danish brothers. They delivered fresh seafood throughout San Francisco using a horse drawn carriage. In 1946, they sold the business to the Sancimino and LaRocca family. Over time, the Sancimino children took over, and today they continue to run the business along with delivering fresh seafood throughout the city. Today the shop looks just like it did in the past. A long narrow seafood bar that seats only 18 with an antiquated register adding to its charm.

The oyster combo comes with oysters from around the world but I wasn’t able to catch the names. They were all very fresh and delicious, as acclaimed. My favorite were the small oysters due to their sweetness.

image

Got their clam chowder bowl and crab cocktail. I would pass on the clam chowder. It was full of clam flavor but lacked body. I tend to like my clam chowder to be thick and filled with clams. The crab cocktail was delightful. Com’on it’s a bowl of shelled crab meat! 

image

You can taste the freshness in the sashimi plate. It comes with salmon, tuna, yellowtail, halibut and scallops. My favorite were the sweet scallops. 

image

Tip: Go early for there’s an hour long wait for a seat. Bring cash and lots of it. For two people, this meal can run up to ~$100.

(1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109)

Knead Patisserie 

Located in the Mission, Knead Patisserie is home to the Pomme D’Amour. It’s a custard filled puff pastry topped with sugar and then torched to the crunchiness of a creme brûlée. Yelp reviewers rave it as “better than sex.” I find it to be a heavenly snack that hits the sweet tooth.

Behind the Pomme D’Amour is an almond twist. It is light and flaky. Pairs perfectly with your morning cup of joe or tea. 

If you’re looking for Knead Patisserie, it’s located inside Local Eatery. Keep in mind, it’s only open in the morning and afternoons. I like to grab a coffee from Philz next door and then head over to Knead Patisserie for a bite. 

 (3111 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110)

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse is home to the cruffin (croissant muffin). However, on this day they were sold out.

Above are (top to bottom): negroni doughnut x2, chocolate doughnut x2, salted caramel doughnut x2, amelie amann, and chocolate croissant. 

The negroni doughnut is filled with Campari jelly and negroni custard. The pipette is filled with negroni syrup. Unaware of what negroni is, I took a big bite and was left with a bitter aftertaste. After some research, I learned negroni is gin, vermouth, and Campari. Not a big fan of this alcoholic doughnut. 

The salted caramel doughnut was as delicious as it sounds. The doughnut texture is light and fluffy. 

I loved the amelie amann. It reminded me of a flaky puff pastry with a creme brûlée top. It would pair perfectly with your morning coffee. 

 (1042 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109)

Pabu

This is the Pabu Boru. Made of vida mezcal, fresh orange, agave, yuzukosho, pepper. Served in a bowl lined with salt.

At first, it tastes like a light citrus drink, and then you are hit with an intensely smoky flavor. I loved the complexion of the drink bringing out the smokiness of the mezcal. It’s a new drink on their menu and a must try.

(101 California, San Francisco, CA 94111)

Amami

10 piece omakase for $33. Mine came with (front to back, left to right): kanpachi, red snapper, black snapper, wild salmon toro, shima aji, ocean trout, tuna, wild hamachi, baby lobster, chu-toro, and freshly grated wasabi.

I started with the black snapper. It was delectably sweet, which I didn’t expect. I had the red snapper next and didn’t find anything spectacular about it. The ocean trout was smooth and tasty. I was excited to taste the baby lobster but found it to be chewy. The chu-toro was also nothing spectacular. My favorite was the wild salmon toro. It was buttery and smooth. Overall, the fish was fresh but not all of them were amazing. There were some delicious ones but when I eat omakase, I expect all fish to be highlighted to its true potential. Next time, I would get the chirashi bowl ($18) or 20 piece sashimi ($35) instead. Those had HUGE slices of fish, so it’s definitely worth the price.

(1789 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066)