April 23, 2012
At the Meals on Wheels Star Chefs & Vintners Gala dessert reception, San Francisco’s best pastry chefs came together to present showstopping dessert spreads. One of the tables that was abuzz the entire night was that of Top Chef Just Desserts winner and Meals on Wheels 2012 calendar star, Yigit Pura. We all got a preview of what is in store for his new pastry shop, Tout Sweet Patisserie set to open this summer.
The macaron table getting prepped. I loved the use of the glass apothecary jars to display the macarons. It lends a sophisticated, Parisian aesthetic like at Laduree.
 
Yigit in action, serving up macarons to all the guests. Tout Sweet logo board on display on the left. The O in “tout” is a rose. Can’t wait to see it on brick and mortar.
A hold-your-breath moment as the beautifully crafted macaron tower wobbled slightly. But of course being the skilled pro, Yigit kept it in place while transporting it to the front table. Have to love the expression on his face.
Left: Raspberry rose macarons with red sanding sugar for sparkle.
Right: Spiced Pistachio & Sour Cherry Gum
A close up on the Spiced Pistachio & Sour Cherry Gum. This was the most inventive flavor combination. The two-tone macaron shells were filled with a smooth and luscious buttercream.
Front and center are lavender macarons in a gorgeous purple hue with a brush stroke of edible silver paint.
A twist on the classic vanilla, this macaron was infused with tea and garnished with tea leaves on top.
Macaron Menu for the night:
Coconib
Raspberry Rose
Lavender
Vanilla
Spiced Pistachio & Sour Cherry Gum
Coffee & Praline
Caramel
Milk Chocolate Passionfruit
Overall, I was completely wowed by the spread. Yigit fully went above and beyond my expectations for how I like my macarons and I honestly can say my search is over. Parisian macarons have finally come to America. His creativity is reminiscent of Pierre Herme and cannot wait to see what else he has up his sleeve.
Follow Yigit and Tout Sweet on Twitter for updates on his shop!
@YigitPura
@ToutSweetSF
January 6, 2012
The day after Christmas when one would think to ease off the excessive eating and start making resolutions for a healthier diet in the new year, I went with my family to try out Tyler Florence’s SF restaurant, Wayfare Tavern in the Financial District.
The last time I checked out one of his eateries, it was last summer at Rotisserie & Wine. Since then he has added on Hawk’s Tavern in Mill Valley, bringing the grand total to 4. I’ll aim for 3 out of 4 by the end of this year and still no diet resolution in place.
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December 22, 2011
It’s not too late to put together a great gift. The place to go? The Ferry Building. Here are a few of my favorite things, all under $10, that can fill Christmas stockings or be assembled into a basket for a foodie friend (hint..hint).
The Ferry Building dressed up for the holidays
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October 31, 2011
My long over due post on this year’s Dessert First event in San Francisco!
Thanks to Project Open Hand and their Facebook dessert photo contest, I got to attend Dessert First in August. San Francisco’s pastry chefs come together to for what I call the ultimate dessert tasting. All the proceeds go toward Project Open Hand’s efforts to provide healthy meals for those in need in the Bay Area. What better way to help out than by eating desserts?
There seemed to be a couple of recurring themes, not sure if it was an intentional or not, but peanut butter was a common ingredient and anything cream/yogurt-like was the dessert of choice. Here are my highlights from the event.
Upon first walking in, there was this gorgeous dessert display from Daniel Corey at the Intercontinental Hotel where the event was held.
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April 2, 2011
Where: G.L. Alfieri Nuts & Fruits, front of the SF Ferry Building on market days
What: Dark Chocolate Almond Brittle
G.L. Alfieri Farms has a fantastic assortment of nuts and dried fruit. For bakers, the ground almond meal and flour are perfect for making French macarons. I am eager test out the flour the next time I bake. But for instant gratification, I turn to the addicting Dark Chocolate Almond Brittle. It’s thin, with just the right ratio of brittle to chocolate coating. At the stand they are generous with their samples and I leave to peruse the rest of the market in good spirits.
February 26, 2011
Where: Primavera Tamales, SF Ferry Building on market days
What: Chilaquiles
On a rainy Saturday at the Farmer’s Market, this dish really hit the spot. Primavera is known for their tamales but the chilaquiles caught my eye. The tortillas maintained their crispiness even when soaked in a sauce, a tad too spicy for me but very flavorful. On top were scrambled eggs, refried beans, sour cream, queso cotija, and the best part, chunks of fresh avocado.
January 22, 2011
Where: Tall Tale Preserve Company, front next to Blue Bottle, SF Ferry Building on market days
What: Smoked Ham and Gruyere Pop Tart
A savory twist on the classic sweet treat, this pop tart is made of thick layers of puff pastry with a generous filling of ham and gruyere cheese. The ham garnish on top was nice and crisp. I just wish it could have been warmed up. That would have made it perfect.
January 21, 2011
This past weekend I was at the Williams-Sonoma Union Square store to check out out the monthly Artisans Market. Each month the store features food products from local vendors that you can sample. Here are some of my favorite finds.
 
Tell Tale Preserve Company’s Meyer Lemon Yuzu Curd
I didn’t want to seem greedy so I narrowed down my tasting to two flavors: Meyer Lemon Yuzu and Chocolate Red Wine with Pear. The addition of the Japanese citrus, Yuzu, to the Meyer Lemon added another tart flavor to the curd. It was creamy and had just the right amount of zing. The Chocolate, Red Wine and Pear was an interesting, wintery concept. The wine added an earthy element to what could have been a traditionally sweet chocolate pear combination. Read more →
January 11, 2011
This past winter I celebrated my birthday at Bay Area’s Alexander’s Steakhouse. In October they opened a location in San Francisco to expand upon their successful Silicon Valley location. That same month the restaurant received its first Michelin star which they deserve for their great food and outstanding service.
My bonus birthday treat, a classic chocolate cake
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December 23, 2010
“I’ve been on National TV and you get used to the cameras but this is overwhelming.” Yigit exclaims as over a hundred fans look on while the talented Top Chef: Just Desserts winner demos healthy holiday treats at Macy’s Union Square this past Saturday.
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My life is food and I am lucky to experience it in San Francisco. Williams-Sonoma is my 8-5 and more because I dream the store is my kitchen. The Ferry Building farmer's market is my inspiration for baking in my half-sized apartment. When I'm not there, I'm out searching for the city's best eats, with special attention to sweets. I hope in perusing my blog, you are inspired with ideas for cooking, entertaining and tasting new things. Email me
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