Sept 30 — SOR

Great to see Zane this am. Too bad he’s still not working behind his Mirage.

September 29 — Four Barrel Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Moplaco @ home

Still haven’t recovered from leaving SFO:

So, perfect time to pull out my bag of Four Barrel Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Moplaco that I brought home and put it in the vacpot…

Ah lovely cup….  Lemon, apricot and honey sweetness… More flowery as it cools…  Beautiful mouthfeel… silky smooth.  Great choice.  Thanks to the advice of Tal from 4B.

September 29 — SOR

OK, when’s the next trip already…

September 28 — Just Us, Spring Garden

Heads@thewordonthestreet.ca

September 27 — California-inspired dinner @home

Grilled local Big-eye Tuna. Market fresh mixed green salad with local radishes, tomatoes and cucumbers. A16-inspired grilled local peppered corn on the cob. Cali ROAR 06 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands).

Not quite a 100mile diet (e.g. wine, olive oil and balsamic vinegar).

September 27 — Hooker’s sea salted darkchocolate covered caramels.

From: Hooker’s Sweet Treats.

Purchased @ sightglass coffee. Mmmmmm, I wish I bought more of these.

Unboxing.

September 27 — SOR

Post-SFO depression or jetlag? It’s hard to get going.

Between the weather and reading The Coast I quickly long to be back in SFO. Shop Talk full of bad news for foodies like myself. Chef Bear has left the building and Seven is also closing. With the more relaxed Fid, this city is running out of modern, inventive restos.

Sitting with my son, i miss the communal seating

Today the Epic is real bright and syrupy. Haven’t had it in a while.

San Francisco wrap-up.

It is always very difficult to leave SFO. This trip is no exception.

As always I will miss the cycling in Marin and wine country. The cornucopia of tomatos,peaches, nectarines, pluots, and figs at the Farmers Market… and of course the amazing restos and chefs in the bay area. Let’s not forget the wine. And the local artisan cheeses, meats and chocolate. Shopping. Galleries and museums.

But this is the first time I have explored SFO new wave of cafes and cafe/roasters. 4B is an obvious favorite after this trip but sightglass looks like it will become another major coffee destination to join 4B, Ritual and Blue Bottle. I cant wait to get back to see it completed. I also loved farm:table as an early am destination for espresso and hearty pre-ride breakfast. What is so great about the SFO coffee scene is how varied it us. Unlike Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal where u tend to see the same 49th or Intelli being served, in SFO the coffees are so different from bar to bar and many tend to serve their own roasts. Plus it is amazing to see the level of passion among the young owners and baristas. Many seem to have originated from the Pacific NW.  Their knowledge and expertise goes beyond what you often see outside of the west coast. So many times I had a barista redo a shot at least once, whereas in YHZ many places will serve what ever comes out of the portafilter. Amazingly I wasn’t served one bad shot within the city.   Thus, It is tough to leave this place.

Tomorrow I know I will be craving another trip to the Mission for 4B coffee and lunch or snack at Tartine. At least i have a couple of exciting Etbiopian coffees from 4b i think i may also get a Chemex, Abid coffee dripper, or Eva Solo for another brewing option at home. Yet it won’t be long before Two If by Sea brings some new excitement to the ‘fax.

But D’mouth like the Mission is a bit of a hike for me. And sadly The ‘fax doesn’t have many places with the energy like Tartine Bakery or 4b coffee, nor good MUSIC.

September 26 — leaving SFO

Just to avoid a 4B-induced headache flying to YYZ, I order an espresso at Peets in SFO airport. Holiday is over.