Bi-Rite Creamery

What can you experience in the Mission besides authentic mexican food, Dolores Park, hipsters, eclectic sightings, and SF's oldest building (the sixth California Mission)?

Answer: Bi-Rite Creamery. Summer and (hopefully) warmer weather is just around the corner and what better way to prepare than with a little local ice cream knowledge.

The specialty shop is located on 18th and Dolores Street. Be prepared to wait in a line, but not to fret, it moves quickly.

Unique and exciting flavors changing daily made locally and organically. We got simple scoops but options such as cakes, pies, sundaes, popsicles, and take-home pints are available.

We tried a few because we just couldn't resist! In the Bowl: Brown Sugar with Ginger Carmel Swirl (pictured left), Olive Oil (pictured front and obviously favored), Roasted Banana (pictured back right). In the Cone-Cup: Salted Caramel and Toasted Coconut. All ridiculously delicious and calling us back for more...

Also, if you haven't heard the news, a Bi-Rite Market is coming to NoPa early 2012 and will be located on Divisadero! Check out what to expect here.

loosey goosey & black-on-black

Just take a peek at the forecast for Spring/Summer 2011 looks...

For Women: comfy clothes, enough said. Michael Kors is quoted in Glamour saying, “It’s time to get rid of all those painful heels and too-tight dresses.” Come spring, stores will be overflowing of looser, easy-breezier shapes like long, billowy blouses and swingy dresses. Phew!
Michael Kors, spring 2011

Basically we should be seeing more of this...

Read more about wearable Spring trends here.


For Men: By far, the most simple Spring/Summer 2011 trend will be the classic black look. Rocking various shades of black gives this look a nice edge.

Get inspired here.

We'll be on the lookout for these trends on the streets of San francisco and will be sure to post the predictions as planned!

Gussie's Chicken & Waffles

That's right, not Roscoe's, but Gussie's Chicken and Waffles. This family run restaurant offers the complete southern comfort feel and taste nestled right in the heart of the Fillmore Jazz District. We stopped by for a Sunday brunch and more than fulfilled our soul food craving with chicken fried to golden perfection and a generous serving of waffles...mmm.

Gussie's Chicken & Waffles, Fillmore Jazz District

Southern Comfort Chicken and Waffles, scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese and onion

One-quarter Southern Fried Chicken and Two Waffles, gravy and onions on the side. If your mouth isn't watering by now, something isn't right.

With numerous signature southern specialties besides their classic chicken and waffles (definitely trying the sweet potato waffles on our next visit), Gussie's also serves mean $2 Tuesday Happy Hour specials drawing people to this crowd-pleasing spot. Check out more of the menu here.

Note: service is a bit relaxed so be sure you're not in a hurry!

Oxfords, eh?

Divisadero, SF

Once strictly a schoolboy classic, lace-up oxfords are a trend that is continuing to grow in Spring. Worn here with a floaty dress and tights, the pairing options are endless. Whether you want functionality with flats or a feminine heels, check out more oxford looks here.

SF Grillin'

Its been a while since our last post, but rest assured that we have not given up on fresh looks and even fresher foods. While we've been madly checking places and people out, we're dedicating this week's post to some fresh spring time burgers. Its about time we get to see the Bay Area sun.

Besides organic veggies, live music, and honey sticks, there's also some pretty delicious fresh food that can be found at the Divisadero Farmers' Market (Sundays 10am - 2pm, Grove @ Divisadero Street). Here, SF Grill is the boss of fresh organic burgers.

Friendly staff to greet you at the stand with warmth and enthusiasm, makes the experience that much better!

Geisha Burger (left) and the Venison Burger (right). Venison Burger: Sierra Venison served with jalapeno mayo, caramelized onions and roasted bell peppers.

Geisha Burger: grass fed Idaho Kobe beef –topped with Gorgonzola cheese, roasted bell peppers and sautéed mushrooms.

Besides having a noticeable presence at various Farmers' Markets, SF Grill also has a permanent location located in Pac Heights. Also, they sell packages of their seasoned ground meats if you wish to cook at home instead! Check them out on Yelp, here. If you're wondering what the rest of their burgers might look like, check out the full menu here.

Nopalito, SF

Mexican food gone modern, and organic. Something we're not especially familiar with, but we couldn't help but notice that Nopalito is crowded 7 days a week until closing at 10:00pm. It may be because its carnitas made San Francisco's 7x7 list of things to try before you die, or the fact that the food is actually pretty delicious. All things considered, we had to check it out:

Neighborhood-friendly joint that places you on the waitlist over the phone, then calls you 10 minutes ahead of time to 'walk down.

Nopalito's recreation of the paletero cart. One of the first things you see when you're walking in. Sadly, there are no paletas in it.

Totopos and roasted garbanzo beans. Tortilla chips smothered in a spicy red sauce, topped with cotija cheese, crema for dipping, and lime. Impressive starter; every Mexican place should have them. Unfortunately, the totopos came with a price.

Shrimp Enchiladas. Its modernity? rice on top, rather than on the side of the enchiladas. We werent 100% on board with this fancy dish, but hey, its 'modern.'

Famous 7x7-listed carnitas. I was scared this place would leave me needing more food, but it was surprisingly more than enough. The carnitas were definitely tasty, juicy, and soft and the tomatillo salsa made for the perfect compliment. Its modernity? Lack of beans, or rice, and the inclusion of the curtido (pickled cabbage). Also, it only comes with 2 tortillas, which isnt enough given the amount of meat (speaking to taco enthusiasts here). Not to fear, ask for more, they'll gladly give them to you at no extra cost.

Drinks. While they arent pictured, this place hit the spot with the Mezcal-based drink. Not too many places, even traditional-Mexican ones, have jumped to openly and proudly using Mezcal. We recommend the Mezcal Paloma: Del Maguey Vida, grapefruit ~ Tall, Smokey, and Honest.

Sushi + Burrito = Sushirrito

Sushirrito, a modern and clever conceptual spin on sushi and a burrito combined...perfect for the sushi lover on the go. However, the masses seem to be split on the idea, one friend describes it as "bomb" while another sees it as "just a large uncut sushi roll." While both may be true, we suggest it's a tantalizing must try! Here's what we found in the San Francisco Business District (SoMa):

The infamous line; patience is a virtue.

Sushi Bar? Burrito Bar? Sushi-rrito Bar. 

In the making

Three Amigos (Tuna, Salmon, Hiramasa, Tuzu, Tobiko, Avocado, Cucumber, Shaved Red Radish, and Green Onion with Wasabi Mayo)

Mamacita (Tuna, Japanese Gourd, Shiitake Mushroom, Avocado, Cucumber, Green Onion, Daikon Radish, Tokiko, and Crumbled Rice chips with Mexican Kabayaki Sauce)

Sweater Weather

Don't mind the Harman photo paper. This aspiring photographer, who went for anonymity, pulls together a classic 49ers sweater, fitted pants, and men's chukka boots. New age with a hint of vintage.


Saturated colors balanced by neutral hues of both the coat and printed tights. Anime-inspired? Maybe. Leave it to Berkeley...

Spinach Dippin'

Joy of Cooking Spinach Dip

We decided to go classic cook book with this one...Spinach Dip!

Before Hitting the Oven. (sprinkled with bread crumbs and parmesan)

Homemade dippers. (french baguette, salt, pepper, & EVOO)

The finished product! You can't go wrong with Joy of Cooking :)

Something to consider: Joy's recipes make for quick, easy, and yummy meals, but many of their recipes call for canned, pre-made, or frozen ingredients. Fresh ingredients always win, so grow some and dare yourself to change up the recipes a little. For example, we added crumbs and cheese into our recipe even though it didn't call for it. Happy Eats!

Super Bowl XLV Eats

We originally planned on watching the game at a local bar. But, after much deliberation, we decided that we couldn't pass up the Super Bowl specials on ribs and other delicious goodies. The end result: BBQ Ribs & Hasselback Potatoes, washed down with some Roscoe's Pale Ale and homemade sangria (which we forgot to take a picture of, damn).

Ribs!

BBQ'd Ribs!

Hasselback Potatoes!

The Plate! Simple goodness.

Beat the Winter Blues

Downtown Berkeley

Professional, casual, yet funky with a pop of color...who ever said you can't wear color in winter?

See Foods, Pier 39

Fisherman's Wharf -- the San Francisco tourist must-do -- although, some San Franciscians would argue Pier 39 isn't real San Francisco. Anyway, it's late seafood crab season in the bay area, so we checked it out and this is what we found:

Cold Foods!

Fried Foods!

Fresh Cooked Crab - you choose it!

Fried Shrimp & Fries!

For about $20, we got drinks, shrimp, fries, and the popular clam chowder bowl.

You can get free parking if you park in the lot across from where all the vendors are located.

While its not the most ideal place to eat, as it can get chilly and we've been attacked by seagulls before in an attempt to sit and eat on a bench (as opposed to standing near the carts), its definitely something to try if you're in the area. Friends visiting from outside of the bay area always ask about Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf when they visit; let's just say, you're missing out if you've never been there and tried some of the food.

C.R.E.A.M?, Berkeley

Cash Rules Everything Around Me? Not at this place. Cookies rule here.

Mint and Chip ice cream in between White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies & Banana Nut ice cream between WCMN Cookies.

The store name is a play on one of Wu-Tang Clan's famous singles, C.R.E.A.M. While this place doesnt play Wu-tang music all day (thankfully), it does make some pretty good ice-cream cookie sandwiches for a cheap $1.50.

This is a fairly new place near the UC Berkeley Campus that opened a few months ago. So far, they've earned 4.5 stars on Yelp. Not bad.

Check 'em out on Yelp and/or facebook.

Velvet Birthday

Red Velvet Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Lightly Roasted Walnuts. My little sister made it for me for my birthday! :)

Little sister puts more cocoa in the recipe than most recipes call for, so it was chocolaty and therefore had a darker color. 

Mexi New Year

Traditional Mexican food for the Holidays and New Years Season.

White Pozole. Pozole is a popular Mexican soup made for special occasions, including Christmas and New Years. While there are different types of pozole, green, red and white, my family makes white pozole. This recipe traces back to the state of Guerrero in Mexico. It cooks over a period of 24 hours, includes three types of meats and several different cuts. It is topped off with shredded cabbage, radish, oregano and crushed chile de arbol.

Tamal Rojo de Puerco (Tamale with red sauce and pork) Tamales are another Mexican tradition during the holidays. Like pozole, there are countless ways to make tamales. They vary from country to country. Some are spicier (such as this one) and others are sweeter, being made with strawberries and cream.

Tamal de Rajas con Frijoles Negros. (Tamale with jalapeno strips, cheese, and black beans)

Another variation.

Gramma's Buñuelos.

Buñuelos are dessert made specifically during the Holiday/New Years Season. Essentially, it is a sweeter-cinnamon fresh flour tortilla that is deep fried, then coated in cinnamon sugar.