Tag san francisco

Hungry for More: Omnivore Books

0 comments By The Kitchen Whisperer Filed in General Tagged with a 16, bill niman, bookstore, cookbook store, cookbooks, hayes street grill, jacques pepin, M.F.K. Fisher, mediterranean clay pot cooking, Michael Pollan, nicolette niman, omnivore books, omnivore books on food, parties that cook, patricia unterman, paula wolfert, platter of figs, san francisco, san francisco food lover's guide January 19th, 2010 @ 5:23 pm

One of our new favorite spots in the city is Omnivore Books on Cesar Chavez. By the name, one might expect a small, dark bookstore with books like “Meat: How to Kill and Eat”. Au Contraire! Omnivore Books is an adorable and bright new bookstore that features everything to satiate the taste of anyone interested in indulging themselves in all things food. From vintage cookbooks to books on food to modern and local favorites like A-16 and a Platter of Figs. They also have signed books; an impressive collection including the likes of Michael Pollan, Nicolette and Bill Niman (now there are some omnivores!), Jacques Pepin, and M.F.K. Fisher, just to name a few.

Another thing we love about Omnivore is their array of different events that they offer at their bookstore! Many of the authors housed in the store have stepped foot inside to give their insight on the topic du jour. Some of their upcoming events include a talk with Paula Wolfert (Mediterranean Clay Pot Cooking) and Patricia Unterman (owner of Hayes Street Grill and author of San Francisco Food Lover’s Guide). At the end of the month, they are having a punch contest!

We love that the store came from a love for food and a unique passion for collecting antique cookbooks. As the site says, it is very interesting to note the similarities and huge differences in food culture between time periods. We can’t wait to attend some of the events and watch Omnivore grow!

Are Cream Puffs the New Cupcake

0 comments By The Kitchen Whisperer Filed in General Tagged with Beard Papa's, Cream Puffs, Pacific Puffs, san francisco, san francisco cream puffs September 1st, 2009 @ 9:00 am

Along with my birthday came a great surprise, and some great coworkers. I knew they were up to something because I had gotten suspicious emails asking what time I would be in, and if I could free up some time around 11 to have a meeting (make sure you’re free!). Nice try, guys. I was expecting a cake or cupcakes made by one of our chefs, but I got something better (yes, there is something better). CREAM PUFFS! My boss loves to inform everyone of the new IT thing, and oops, she did it again with my birthday treats, and a hint for a new blog. Beard Papa and Pacific Puffs have become quick San Francisco favorites (though I may be slow to pick up the trend) and both offer delicious variations on the traditional pastry delight. Beard Papa offers Vanilla and Chocolate daily but rotate between Caramel, Green Tea, Coffee, and Strawberry weekly.

Pacific Puffs, a San Francisco-only shop, keeps it more traditional with Classic, Classic Sugar, Chocolatier, Chocolatier Sugar, Fruit Whip, and Fruit Whip with Sugar. The ‘Sugar’ option is a sugar topping instead of chocolate glaze. The Fruit Whip puff is a pastry filled with seasonal fruit and whipped cream. I was only able to try the original from Pacific Puffs but ate myself into a sugar high and bounced around the office before slipping into a post sugar rush coma, for the afternoon.
Beard Papa definitely takes the cake for their flavor variations and fill-to-order technique, but the general consensus in the office was a win for Pacific Puffs! Everyone loved that the pastry cream was luscious and rich without being too sweet, particularly when combined with the sweet chocolate topping. . Pacific Puffs makes their cream puffs in small batches so you are guaranteed to get one fresh when you make the right decision to go and try out these little puffs of heaven. Cream Puffs are SO the new cupcake.