Alana’s Cafe, Redwood City

2014/05/282016/12/23Leave a comment

Scone

Oatmeal pancakes with lingonberries

Miniature carafe of syrup (with butter packet for scale)

Chicken apple sausages

If you like cute courtyards and being in a historical house, this place is definitely for you. It is quite nice walking into this place. It is easy to miss the narrow driveway, so keep your eyes open for that.

I liked the oatmeal pancakes with lingonberries, and the really tiny syrup containers were amusing to look at. Others should take notes on how Alana’s makes scones, because this scone was surprisingly good! The chicken apple sausages were also good but because they were small I felt like it ended too early. Prices were reasonable otherwise.

I’d come back if I ever find myself hungry and in the area.

Alana’s Cafe, 1020 Main Street, Redwood City, CA 94063

Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous, San Francisco

2014/05/222016/12/23Leave a comment

My current favorite ice cream shop in SF!

I like their texture best, and the taste is the right balance of sweet and flavorful but not overly salted/rich compared to other creamery shops. The homemade waffle cones are nice, fresh, and crispy! My favorite flavors so far have been brown butter and earl grey tea. The cookies are also good here.

What I don’t understand is why there is a line out the door in the mornings! The community table seating area gets a little too close for comfort sometimes, but at least there is a place to sit down and enjoy the ice cream.

Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous, 699 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94107

theLab (formerly known as Chocolate Lab), San Francisco

2014/05/182016/12/23Leave a comment

Ritual Coffee

Hot Drinking Chocolate: made with Recchiuti chocolate Pistoles (beads of pure chocolate) and Vanilla Bean Marshmallows. Cup by Heath Ceramics.

Egg, Bacon & Polenta: egg and bacon from Marin Sun Farms.

Quiche

The hot chocolate feels like you’re literally drinking a dark, smooth, rich chocolate bar. It’s quite delicious, and works well with the vanilla marshmallow! A worthy representation of Recchuiti confections. I just wish there were more menu items that have the nougatine found in the Lab Cake. That thing is awesome!

theLab is one of my faves for a casual-yet-nice lunch, brunch, dinner, and/or dessert stop. Everything I’ve tried here has exceeded my expectations. The staff is courteous and attentive, taking time to explain some of the menu items and lend their recommendations when asked. They’ve also got a great location, being warmer than most of SF, clean, with easy street parking and Muni access.

And the bathroom is clean!

theLab, 801 22nd St., San Francisco, CA 94107