Craftsman & Wolves and Tartine - February 9, 2016
Once again, I found myself in Mission. Home of my favorite lengua burrito (La Taqueria), tacos al pastor (El Farolito), and Chinese restaurant (Mission Chinese Food). Conveniently also home to Tartine and the second Craftsmen & Wolves outpost. Besides meeting a few friends throughout the day, I was free.
I like seeing different outposts of the same entity. Do they go for the same aesthetic? Do they try to fit the neighborhood? I generally prefer the latter, especially if the fare is the same. It was nice to see CAW had different looks for their two outposts. From the signage out front, to the muted colors within. But honestly, it’s the case that draws your eye, regardless which location you attend.
Another Rebel Within. I couldn’t resist.
Kouign Amann with Valrhona Chocolate Ganache: Probably one of my favorite laminations. The extra contortions add more textural differences. The addition of one of the best baking chocolates in the world didn’t hurt.
Brown Butter Financier with Pineapple and Sesame: Great, this also inspired me to make something that I hadn’t seen done before, but using flavors geared towards the palate of a friend.
Mini Cube Cake of Dark Chocolate, Passion Fruit, and Caramel: Like its sibling Stone, this had a surprise on the inside. So good.
Cappuccino: Needed some caffeine. As excellent as the baked goods are, the coffee at Tartine always wows me, so I make sure to order it.
Quiche: Needed some protein. I’m a huge fan of the filling; light and flavorful. The crust is a tad sweet, but the bitterness from the coffee helps cut it. It’s still some of the best I’ve had.
Pain au Jambon - Applewood smoked ham & Gruyere cheese: Needed some layers. These are one of my favorite things to make and eat. The chew, the flake, the way the moisture keeps the innermost layer, the density of the cheese as a foil to the light, crisp laminations. So good.
I can think of worse ways to kill a couple of hours in San Francisco.