I was thrilled to host Pastry Chef Lori Baker for a demonstration at Williams-Sonoma Union Square this past weekend. She and her husband, Jeff Banker own a restaurant in Pacific Heights, aptly named Baker & Banker. While Jeff manages the savory menu, New American cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients, Lori handles the dessert menu and the pastries for their bakery located next door.
I’m sure this is a familiar sight now. Ever since Craftsman & Wolves opened this past spring, blogs have been posting this now-famous treat, “The Rebel Within” and more from the newest pastry shop in San Francisco. At one end of the shop, classic pastries get modern twists like The Rebel’s sous vide egg inside a savory muffin. On the other side of the counter, desserts displayed in glass cases are so modern and chic they are like works of art.
I first fell in love with France when I was in the 2nd grade. I was taking an after school French class and went by the name Nicolette. Or maybe it was Colette. So Asian Nicolette/Colette immersed herself in French culture at the age of 7. The most distinct memory was biting into a sweet crepe that was folded on all four corners into a square pouch with melted chocolate. It was warm and gooey and I thought Paris was the coolest place ever. I still think it is.
I’ve been to Paris three times (and so thankful every time I think about that statistic). My most recent trip was two years ago and I went in search of authentic crepes. Not that I didn’t like my crepe pouch filled with Hershey’s chocolate, but I wanted to experience real Parisian crepes. I did my research and discovered Breizh Café.
Quaint, storybook, picturesque. All words used to describe Carmel, a town along a one-mile stretch of sandy beach on the Monterey Peninsula. It attracts antiquers, artists and dog lovers. All the homes are cute little cottages and I imagine myself renting one and spending a quiet weekend baking, photographing, blogging and leaving just for meals. The restaurants fit in with the cuteness of the town and my favorite spot is La Bicyclette. I tried it out for the first time over the Fourth of the July and between the atmosphere and the food, I can’t think of any place more inviting and delicious.
It has a European vibe and reminds me of sitting in a cozy cafe in Paris. The one in particular that comes to mind is Le Breizh Café in the Marais district that serves the best galettes. I just love the simplicity and non-fussiness of the space with the rustic wooden tables and chalkboard menus.
Another Saturday at the Ferry Building and I stopped inside Boulette’s Larder, a restaurant/shop on the water side facing the farmer’s market. I have never eaten there but I like to stop inside and see the glass case of prepared food and desserts. This art piece on the wall made me smile as we are in the middle of the Tour de France. The polka dot jersey goes to the best climber in the race and is the “King of the Mountains.”
