foodbuzzing at perry's on the embarcadero

Last Monday, I was bleary-eyed. The redeye flight from San Francisco left me beyond exhausted and it wasn't until this past Saturday that I finally felt well-rested again. This morning, on the other hand, I awoke naturally at 6:30am. I can't remember the last time that happened. 'Twas nice.

But since we're speaking of San Francisco :) we can do one last Foodbuzz recap, right? I sure hope so, because the Farewell Brunch was an amazing highlight.

I doubted I'd even make it as I'd gone out the night before, but once Sunday morning came along, I couldn't even consider not going...

there were too many bright, shining faces to see, and sadly say goodbye too. I had the pleasure of sitting with Courtney, Gina, Courtney, Shannon, and more.

The brunch was set up buffet style with quite the selection. Before heading for the food though, I chose to quench my thirst by serving myself a cup of Godiva coffee, and ordering a necessary Bloody Mary alongside a glass of water.

Then, I stocked my plate with challah french toast, goat cheese frittata, scrambled eggs, fruit, a spoonful of granola, and my favorite, Sinhi Breakfast Daal (curry roasted cauliflower and crispy almond slivers). And I had seconds. Delicious.

After a flurry of an exchange of business cards and goodbyes, I met up with a friend of mine to walk off the indulgent brunch I'd just had through the city.

It was so great to see those neighborhoods I'd wandered through the year before again. We even stopped inside the quaint (and free) trolley museum,

where I couldn't resist the touristy photo. Later on in the day, I had an even more spontaneous adventure, but I think I'll save that photographic medley for another time. It's worth the wait, I promise.

P.S. Above is the one worthwhile photo from that gala dinner I'd been so unbelievably excited about. For as fun as it was to get dressed up, and as cool as it was to watch Tyler Florence on stage, I was unenthused with everything but dessert. No matter what, I think I'll always love a San Francisco trio.

foodbuzzing at the farmers market

This morning I stopped by my local farmers market. I filled my bag to the brim with apples, butternut squash, carrots, lettuce, parsnips, and an onion, all for under $10. It was bittersweet though. Over the next few months, produce options will decrease as the temperature does the same. Farewell summer's bounty.

And yet, even now, the local fruits and vegetables I was able to choose from here in New York are limited compared to those in California. Last Saturday morning, I left Foodbuzz HQ to meet Melissa, Bobbi, Mara, and Diana at the Ferry Building. Although I enjoyed wandering through, the farmers market was my favorite part:

What I wouldn't do for options like that year-round! Though I suppose I'd have to move to Los Angeles for that :). Either way, I'm so glad I had the chance to gawk over the California-grown grapes, potatoes, greens, squash, heirloom beans, and peppers, and enjoy my first sweet slice of persimmon.

Afterwards, we walked over to the craft fair across the street, and then headed to the Metreon. More Foodbuzz Festival wining and dining ahead...

foodbuzzing at the metreon

If you're checking in for the first time in a while, I'm recapping my weekend at the Foodbuzz Festival in San Francisco. It was fantastic. Case in point:

The alternative title for this post: beyond food porn. The Taste Pavilion was definitely some kind of foodie heaven with food and beverage options from more than 60 providers (mostly based in the SF-area.) I... well, let me just show you:

I enjoyed drinking chocolate and melt-in-your-mouth, artisan Tcho chocolate. Literally the best classic milk chocolate I have ever had.

I tried to maintain a healthy balance with a few slices of Frog Hollow Farm's pears. Then I dipped them in the remaining drinking chocolate.

 

I washed it all down with my first soda in forever long. Cascal: bubbly, natural.

I discovered a BBQ sauce I actually love, and was even lucky enough to take home a big bottle of it. Thanks again for the generosity, J. Lee Roy's!

I tasted fantastically delicate yet flavorful artisan teas blended and chosen by the inspiring woman behind Red Circle Tea.

I found out that some things really are better pickled. Boat Street's pickled figs, for example, are just amazing.

I met the lovely woman behind 18 Rabbits, and ate a yummy, simple granola bar.

I discovered one of the many reasons why Girl & the Fig is so ridiculously popular: three words: red onion confit.

I ate wild, natural, and sustainable seafood from Alaska in fantastic recipes created by Teri and Kelly. Go out and buy Alaska Seafood. Now. Seriously though.

I had a moment with a Mission Mini banana cupcake. It was incredible.

I tried kefir for the first time courtesy of Green Valley Organics, then followed it with goat cheese by Redwood Hill Farm.

I adored the adorable and delicious Ticings on bite-size brownies.

I learned that some mushrooms literally taste fantastic in olive oil shortbread cookies: those picked by Wine Forest Wild Foods.

I nearly cheated on the cupcakes with not one, but two pieces of Napa Valley Fudge. I've never eaten fudge that was so out. of. this. world.

I savored the perfect leaves of the U.S.'s only homegrown endive grown by California Endive. Speaking of no longer having to miss France as much...

I tasted the best Créme Fraîche outside of France by Bellwether Farms.

I had bites of Bovine Bakery's famous morning buns. And, oh my gosh, what I would do for another sugary, cinnamon-y bite right now...

I stumbled upon another use of California varietal wine grapes: non-alcoholic Vignette Wine Country Soda. Honestly though, I prefer the actual wine produced by Bonny Doon Vineyard.

I ate a little cup of Mrs. A's (great) Salsa Buena. Loved the story behind it too: Mrs. A, an elementary school teacher, was urged by her students to market her creation.

I nearly burst because it was impossible not to devour Three Twins Ice Cream.

I crunched on one of Judy's (deliciously vegan) Breadsticks to cleanse my palate.

And finally, I savored a few phenomenal sips of a cocktail made with Bloom's innovative premium London Dry Gin. I'm a gin girl; this is my new favorite brand.

It should be no surprise then that I also rolled myself out of there on a complete sugar high, in a complete food coma, and with a ridiculous smile on my face. Foozbuzz Festival recap, once again, to be continued...