{coqueta}

Flan Espaola & Churro "Fantasia"

In terms of design, Coqueta is one of my all time favorite San Francisco restaurants.  When observing this restaurant from the exterior, it looks very small and quaint with a waterfront location on the Embarcadero which has an incredible view of the Bay Bridge. Upon entering the facility, I was surprised to learn how big the restaurant actually is. The design is very unique and hip with an effortlessly cool vibe.

We came here for some late night dessert and drinks - but after observing the food that was being served to other tables, I swore I would be back for some tapas and charcuterie.  If Spanish isn't your thing, I would still make it a point to visit this restaurant, even if just for a drink and dessert; it's worth seeing.

Location: Pier 5, The Embarcadero, SF 

{state bird provisions}

I can't believe this was the first time I had been to State Bird Provisions - before they expanded the restaurant, it was almost impossible to get a reservation so I never really bothered trying hard enough.  Recently some friends of mine were visiting from NY and we had dinner here - sad to say that I wasn't as blown away as I thought.  There were a few dishes, however, that were delicious: the sweet corn & garlic chive short stack, aka "pancakes", pork belly, and of course the CA state bird.  

The garlic bread with burrata sounded delightful, but I'm afraid it didn't quite live up to my expectations.  I don't think this is a restaurant that I would frequent but I wouldn't be opposed to trying it again with a smaller group.  

{brenda's french soul food}

I have been told time and time again, "you must try Brenda's French Soul Food", so you can imagine that this spot has been on my radar for quite a while, and now I finally understand what the hype is all about.  I don't know that my words will do this restaurant justice as much as the photos will - but the breakfast was "on fleek".  The beignets were perfectly cooked and filled with Ghirardelli chocolate - what more could I possibly ask for? Except maybe an option with Nutella filling, but I'm not gonna be picky.  

Confession: I took the extra beignets home and may or may not have added Nutella to the filling.  

Overall, this place is one of my new favorite breakfast spots in SF - just be prepared for a long wait!

Location: 652 Polk St  

Eggs, potatoes, sausage, & homemade biscuit 

{sparrow}

Sparrow is such a cute place. I was surprised it wasn't busier on such a gorgeous day for brunch. I mean, it was great for me, but sucks for the restaurant. The inside of the restaurant is adorbs (by the way, a friend of mine recently told me that I'm too old to be saying words like adorbs and totes and that I should stop--not happening) and because it was so nice out, we decided to sit on their back patio, which was even more adorbs! 

So, I've been on a bit of a healthy kick lately (which is going great, thanks for asking) and what I liked about sparrow were the healthy options on the menu. After that statement, I'm sure you can figure out which meal was mine. I ordered the kale cake with a single poached egg and broccoli rabe. The sauce was made in house with roasted peppers and such. It was really good and satisfying. I did somehow make my way over to my friends plate to try the potatoes, which were really good as well. However, I wasn't sure if that was because I haven't been eating carbs as much or because they were actually good-but she confirmed that they were legit. I will definitely be checking this place out for dinner soon. 

Located on Haight Street in San Francisco

{dish dash}

Most of my A-rab peeps would agree that Dish Dash is the best Arabic food in the Bay Area.  It's located in Sunnyvale on Murphy St. and SO worth the drive.  They are pretty well known for their mansaf, which are pieces of lamb cooked in an aged yogurt sauce, served with rice and topped with roasted almonds.  Now, I'm not personally a big lamb lover, but this is the only exception that I will make when it comes to lamb.  It is so tender, it literally melts in your mouth.  Also, the flavor is so on point.  It's a pretty heavy meal, which I would only order at dinner-if you order it, be prepared to leave uncomfortably full; it's heavy stuff.  Pictured in the blog are some appetizers, also known as maza.  The hummus, tabouli, and falafel are always amazing, as well as the shish taouk (chicken skewers) and king of kebabs. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on their menu.  It's tough to know good Arabic food if you aren't an Arab.  So, coming from an Arab, believe me when I say that this place is a must try! 

Falafel

Tabouli

{universal cafe}

I went to Universal Cafe for both brunch and dinner. It was good for both but I prefer it for brunch. The thing I love about Universal is that the atmosphere is a perfect setting for brunch, especially on a nice day. I also hear their beignets and doughnuts are amazing. I will definitely try them next time I go.  Who wants to join me?? 

Dinner was not bad but my favorite part was the dessert.  We didn't know which dessert to order so we just decided to get one of everything.  My favorite, by far, was the apple crisp (bottom right).  All my life I pegged myself as a chocolate lover, and I am, but I have this new obsession with apple crisps and good bread pudding, which is unusual.  

I would definitely recommend Universal for brunch over dinner. But, I do think it would actually make for a great date spot in the evening- maybe order a glass of wine, a light snack (perhaps flatbread) and enjoy the warm ambiance. 

Ok, I want to end this post but I can't possibly do that without talking about these poached eggs.  Have you ever eaten a meal and said "mmmm" after every bite? Neither have I - that's annoying.  But I did say it a few times because that's how good it was. They were poached eggs over potatoes with a corn and black bean salsa on the side.  It was such a delicious combination that I could eat over and over again.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did

{el majahual}

Before I begin this post, don't judge me.  So, the story goes a little something like this--I was having a bad day and sometimes I self-sooth with food.  Don't act like you've never done it before.  Yes, this was all for me (there was also a corn tamale that didn't quite fit in the photo but let's pretend I never ordered that).  I only mention the corn tamale because it's DELICIOUS--otherwise, I would seriously pretend like I didn't order it.  But since this is a food blog and all, I figured it was necessary.  Anyway, if you go to this place, don't dress up.  It's about as fancy as McDonalds...wait, I take that back....Taco Bell (if you're thinking that there is no difference between the two...there is).  Ok, this place is in the mission: 1142 Valencia Street.  Check it out if you like Latin American food and are in the mood for some casual dining.