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Model Bakery English Muffins

Gracing the front cover of the Model Bakery cookbook are the Napa bakery’s famous English muffins. I’ve made muffins before but they look authentically like store-bought ones versus these golden puffy pillows that sell out every morning at the downtown St Helena shop.

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When I tasted my first Model Bakery muffin it was unlike anything I’ve ever had – this is how it’s supposed to taste? – I thought. The muffin had been in the freezer for about a week and I placed in a toaster oven to re-crisp. It was so flaky, crisp and buttery. Thank goodness for the book, because I had to have them, at any time I wanted. Lucky for me, shortly after my experiment I got to meet the owners of the bakery so I could see firsthand how the muffins were made and get some tips in the process. So here we go, my muffin adventure!

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Gelato in Italy

In Paris I seek out macarons. In Italy, it’s gelato. Any excuse I had to stop for a 1-2 euro scoop I’d take it. Pre-dinner snack, post-dinner palette cleanser, or because I successfully got through a mob of tourists, time for gelato. Its so refreshing in the middle of the hot summer and there is nothing like the creamy, rich custard. Sorry froyo.

Having been to Italy twice now, it’s a game of mine seeing how many flavors I can try each trip. My latest count is 17 flavors in 2 weeks traveling from northern to southern Italy. Because it’s been unseasonably warm in San Francisco, I thought I’d reminisce and share my favorites from Rome, Tuscany and Cinque Terre.

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Afternoon Tea: Craftsman & Wolves

It was a warm fall day in October and I had a table reserved by the window at Craftsman & Wolves. I was out to try their new afternoon tea, launching a year after the shop opened up in the Mission. Already a fan of the rebel, I was excited for the tea experience and happily photo-documenting what I ate.

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Sift Cupcakes Comes to SF

Cupcake couture has come to San Francisco. Classy with a bit of attitude. Making their way over the Golden Gate Bridge from the Sonoma/Napa area, cupcake and dessert bar Sift Cupcakes opened today on the corner of trendy Fillmore and California Street. As long as chefs continue to create interesting flavor combinations I am all for the continuing cupcake craze and Sift Cupcakes does not disappoint. If you are not in the area, not to worry as they now ship nationwide. Here is a look at my visit on grand opening day.

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Charmed by Carmel’s La Bicyclette

Quaint, storybook, picturesque. All words used to describe Carmel, a town along a one-mile stretch of sandy beach on the Monterey Peninsula. It attracts antiquers, artists and dog lovers. All the homes are cute little cottages and I imagine myself renting one and spending a quiet weekend baking, photographing, blogging and leaving just for meals. The restaurants fit in with the cuteness of the town and my favorite spot is La Bicyclette. I tried it out for the first time over the Fourth of the July and between the atmosphere and the food, I can’t think of any place more inviting and delicious.

It has a European vibe and reminds me of sitting in a cozy cafe in Paris. The one in particular that comes to mind is Le Breizh Café in the Marais district that serves the best galettes. I just love the simplicity and non-fussiness of the space with the rustic wooden tables and chalkboard menus.

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