Oh you know...San Francisco

I have been completely spoiled this month. Home for four weeks, prancing around Seattle, cooking for my parents, contemplating what the hell I am going to do once I graduate (February is right around the corner...), going to concerts, sipping on beer, picking raspberries. I mean, this is damn near perfect (save for the absence of a few major players in my life...miss you).

And then a stop over in San Francsico, because well it's a really great city, don't you think? Oh, and because my brother lives there! The ferry building (and its outrageous farmers market) alone could persuade me to live there. Even talking about where to live freaks me out? [San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Brooklyn? Oh my!]

 Have you been to Blue Bottle Coffee? I totally dig their Three Africans pour over.

Last time I was in San Francisco, we went to Humphrey Slocombe, at which point I thought I had just tasted the best ice cream of my life. And then a game changer, I went to Bi-Rite Creamery this time around, and woowwwweee! That's some real good ice cream. The roasted banana knocked my socks off. Socks...Off.

Coming from someone who likes ice cream but isn't head over heels in love with it (that's me, to each her own, you know?) I HIGHLY recommend you try out both of these places.

After a few days eating and walking around the city we headed over the bridge to Napa with a stop in San Rafael at Sol Food for some Puerto Rican food. This place was a winner (good call by Alex), the bistec (thinly sliced steak) sandwich was a standout. Wow, I want one right now.

I've got a couple more places to share with you all but I'll leave you with Gott's Roadside, a place for some solid burgers, fries, and milkshakes. I also hear their ahi burger is a hit!

The Carnage:

Meanwhile, I have just under a week left in Seattle and then I'm back to school, can't say I'm totally thrilled to be back in classes but people keep telling me the time will fly so I'm just going to do my best to enjoy it. 

Eat Your Way Through SF pt. II

It's all about Hog Island Oysters this time.

I had walked by the place many a time (four times total actually) but only ended up eating there after a great recommendation from a friend. (thanks by the way!)

We stopped by before going to the airport and ended up getting there a bit early so we patiently waited for them to open and watched these guys get their prep on. 

I should have known the meal would be wonderful, even the waiting was a joy...partially because of the great staff, and the wonderful playlist but I'd like to also give a good deal of credit to this visitor...

and the battle that ensued...

Before long the little guy had claimed defeat and right as the show was ending, it was time for lunch!

Better luck next time buddy.

We sat at the bar, right in front of all the oysters. Word to the wise: ALWAYS SIT AT THE BAR.

I swear, sitting at the bar will work in your favor.
For a party of two, the bar is the way to go. Let it be known.

Perks of the bar: meeting new people like this fine fellow

Not only did he provide some amusement but he also strongly recomended we order the grilled cheese.

SAY WHAAAAAT?? grilled cheese at an oyster bar? pish posh! 

We gave in and went for it though. Lo and behold this gentleman knew what he was talking about.

Listen, I'm not the biggest grilled cheese fan. I honestly prefer cheese straight up, not melted, but really this was daaaaamn good. It was crunchy and creamy and delicious.

I would have NEVER thought to order it.

And the pickled veg? Well, they clearly know the way to my heart.

The test of any great grilled cheese.

And a perfect last bit slathered in hot sauce. No, not tabasco. This was Tapatio.

Oh yeah, we had oysters first. Duh.

Wonderful, sweet pacific oysters. 

Kusshi, Kumomoto & Sweetwaters

And some bread. Hey cute butter dish!

Oysters Casino too. 

I don't know what to say except mmmmmm

Phew, what a meal what a meal. I'm so glad we went, between the friendly staff, the phenomenal food, and the waterfront view it was a memorable tuesday indeed.

And with that I have been thrown in to a full blown oyster addiction.

Shucker in hand, I'm embracing this addiction wholeheartedly.

We had some time to kill before heading to the airport so I snagged some shots around the ferry building.

Wait, I'm still thinking about oysters...