San Francisco is spoiling me. I came home last Friday morning for spring break, only to head straight back up early on Tuesday out of withdrawal. What I love most about the city is that everything is within reach by foot, no vehicle necessary – rich, fragrant, buttery espresso; fresh bread; the best pastries; local produce; my favorite yogurts, cheeses, and meats. While I can get most of these things on the Peninsula, somehow I can't justify driving to five different locations (and paying double the price) for fleeting, rushed moments of pleasure. I've grown accustomed to my leisurely walks through quiet neighborhoods, hours spent lingering in the corner cafe, the hustle and bustle of the Saturday morning farmer's market, carrying bags of groceries a mile home for exercise. It's in the details, you see. It's not about convenience or speed.
I'm finding it hard to believe that it's almost been a full year since we moved into our tiny Nob Hill studio. The next few months are going to be exciting for both of us, but they're also filled with so much uncertainty. I'm already nostalgic for life in the city, and our lease isn't even up yet.
So for the next few months, I plan to feature more of my favorite SF spots as a sort of scrapbook of our time here. But for now, a few of this week's meals.
* The above picture is from a well-intentioned batch of roasted garlic & lemon hummus that... well... didn't turn out as planned. So I'll have to give you the recipe later.
* There's nothing quite like fresh, hot granola for breakfast. Lately, I've been making steel cut oats topped with whole-milk yogurt, berries, flaxseed, and a sprinkling of homemade granola. Secret recipe, sorry.
* Raw milk cheese: 'nough said. Also, Cowgirl Creamery's fromage blanc. I grate the former over braised greens with a runny egg. The latter is my usual dessert, mashed up with half a banana, maple syrup, and maybe some cocoa powder.