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.