N. A MORSEL; A MOUTHFUL; THE BEGINNING OF A HEAVENLY MEAL
They're the chefs, bakers, and culinary magicians who most teased your taste buds.
Amy and Christopher Dean Crown & Crumpet
With the opening of their delightfully whimsical tearoom, the adorable couple brings worldly teas, a colorful decor, and a tinge of British wit to the new Ghirardelli Square address. Read more
The Crown Jewel
Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon Opens
(Cue the town crier, ringing bell, reading scroll)
Hear ye! Hear ye!
Mi lords and mi ladies,
Be it known that today Crown & Crumpet, a cheery new tea room and boutique, opens its doors to all citizens at Ghirardelli Square, serving breakfast and a full British afternoon tea daily, light lunches Monday through Friday, and early evening aperitifs.
On the addendum: toasted crumpets with English cheddar, smoked salmon sandwiches, and freshly made scones served with clotted cream. Marvel amongst an assortment of 32 teas ranging from chocolate mint to peach oolong and other proprietary blends of black, white, and green.
Lads and lassies may commune inside at the farm table and lounge about on sofas or take in the sun on the outdoor terrace whilst the trolley dollys serve their fancy.
Take note: Patrons will also receive up to an hour and a half of validated parking.
God save the queen!
Crown & Crumpet, Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point Street, suite e207 (415-771-4252 or crownandcrumpet.com).
Photo credit: Caren Alpert
Krista Markell Sugarcoat It Studio
Inspired by patterns and textures found in textiles and paper goods, the cake designer's three-dimensional sugar sculptures practically beg for a reason to celebrate a special occasion. Read more
The Sweet Hereafter
Sugarcoat It Studio
You don’t like people to sugarcoat things. (You can handle the truth!)
Unless, of course, the sugar is coating something incredibly delicious from Sugarcoat It Studio in Berkeley.
The newbie on the designer cake block is the brainchild of Krista Markell, who realized her passion on the eve of her 2-year-old’s birthday. After making the perfect creation, she decided to trade her career in marketing for sculptures of batter and icing.
Her interest in graphic design shines through in the edible works of art: modern architectural shapes, motif appliques, whimsical stacks of colors punctuated by contrasting frosting. Whether it’s a literal interpretation of a letterpress invitation or a totally outrageous vision you dreamed up, Markell can make it a sweet reality.
That’s a fact.
Sugarcoat It Studio (415-244-7841 or sugarcoatitstudio.com).
Thad Vogler Beretta
Having developed an inspirational approach to the art of cocktailing, the renowned mixologist poured his heart and soul (literally) into every concoction he perfected for Beretta's intoxicating menu. Read more
Son of a Gun
Beretta Opens
Finding late-night eats in the Mission without a side of rice and beans is a shot in the dark.
But Beretta, a bang-up new bar and pizzeria opening today, is a surefire hit.
Hand-painted murals in shades of gray, sculptural black chandeliers, and simple Edison lamps above the bar spiff up the old Last Supper Club space. Long communal tables welcome hungry posses. Score seats outside in a few weeks.
The kitchen turns out seasonal Italian provisions until midnight. Latey birds fuel up on antipasti (broccolini with pepperonici; fritto misto di pesce), risotti (asparagus and robiola), and specialty pies (bianca, EVOO, and sea salt; spicy Italian sausage, panna, and spring onions).
Get fired up with cocktails like the Dolores Park Swizzle (strong white rum, lime, maraschino, absinthe, and bitters over crushed ice) or choose from 50 vinos for under fifty bucks.
Either way, you’ll have a total blast.
Beretta, 1199 Valencia Street, at 23rd Street (415-695-1199 or berettasf.com). For the month of April, a quarter of net pizza sales will go to help shelter families who lost their homes in the recent fire in the Mission.
