My SF Bites: Bakeries, Bakeries and More Bakeries

So many bakeries, so little time!

We managed to squeeze in 3 great bakeries in the Bay area over 3.5 days in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Mighty impressive if I do say so myself.

First stop when we set our bags down at the hotel was Golden Gate Bakery in Chinatown for some egg tarts.  We smelled the delicious scent of freshly baked desserts a block away and the line was nearly as long.  Being so close to the Mid-Autumn festival, most of the people in line were there for the 10+ flavors of house-made mooncakes.  They did look good, almost convincing me, usually ambivalent to mooncakes, into buying a piece.  However, I am glad we held out and went for the fresh out of the oven egg tarts.  Have you ever had one that’s still warm?  It is like a little bite of heaven – the crust is flakey and the filling soft and tender, just a hint of sweetness.

La Boulange was squeezed in on a walk after spending the afternoon at Chrissy Field and Palace of Fine Arts.  There are quite a few locations throughout the city but doesn’t detract from the quirkiness.  The case was filled with unique pastries and DC couldn’t help but stock up.  We were happy nibbling on a piece of Tropezienne (brioche with pastry cream) and cauliflower pizza, glad to have a break from walking around.  And how about that awesome help yourself condiment bar?  All you can eat olives!

And finally, one last bakery before we hit the road back east – the obligatory stop at Tartine Bakery in the Mission.  Even though we didn’t get there until an hour before closing, the line was still out of the door.  Because we were late, many items were sold out (banana cream pie) and some were deemed no longer good for purchase (one delicious looking quiche).  Nonetheless, we made do with slices of zucchini bread and double chocolate bread for breakfast on the plane the next day and managed to snag a piece of their summer fruit brioche pudding.  It’s so refreshing to see so many Americana desserts done so well.  As we sampled the brioche pudding, we continued to oogle the beautiful paninis that the other patrons were enjoying.  Till next time!

Golden Gate Bakery | 1029 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133 |

La Boulange | Various locations in San Francisco, CA | http://laboulangebakery.com/

Tartine Bakery | 600 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 | http://www.tartinebakery.com/