A Weekend of New SF Eats

This past weekend I had the pleasure of trying some great new-to-me food right here in good old San Francisco. First up, from now on no trip to the Farmer's Market will be complete without a stop across the street at Blue Hawaii for an acai bowl:

The pic is from their website because I forgot my camera, but mine looked EXACTLY the same. The base of this dish is soy blended with acai berry. Either the soymilk is frozen or there is ice involved because it's like a thick milkshake in both temperature and consistency. Mixed into the base is their homemade granola which adds a nice crunch, and then the whole thing gets topped withe bananas and berries. It regularly comes with a drizzle of honey, but it can be easily omitted. In any case, it is a refreshing and tasty way to start the day, and perfect fuel for shopping and strolling the Farmer's Market.

Later that evening, the husband and I decided to try a Mediterranean place we'd heard good things about: Fattoush. Man oh man, where has this place been all my life? I've eaten at countless restaurants like this, and Fattoush is hands down the best.

First of all there wass the freshest, most flavorful tabouleh and hummus, complete with pickles, olives, veggies, and warm whole wheat pita.

Then there was a slammin' salad (sans feta) which was crisp, sumac-laden deliciousness and so big it could have been my entree.

Speaking of entrees, this is one of the greatest things ever - falafel tabsi. This is basically falafel cooked in a mild yet super flavorful curry and served with slightly sweet (think vanilla and cinnamon) rice. It was one of the best things I've tasted in a while. But wait, there's more!

Dearest cauliflower, why do you not taste like this when I make you at home? Seriously, I don't know what sort of voodoo magic is happening in the Fattoush kitchen, but this cauliflower is AMAZING. I know the picture sucks, but we nearly devoured it before I realized I hadn't taken a picture. In any case, if (no, WHEN, because you must) you go to Fattoush, get the cauliflower side. It is stewed with onion and tomato and spices so complex I couldn't even begin to tell you what is in there. This little number definitely stole the show.

Much, much later that evening (as we were full from dinner for a while) I had this little cutey above. Well not really, as I took a photo of this 'pumpkin spice' donut, but actually ate a 'salted caramel' instead. I purchased both at the Farmer's Market earlier in the day from the all-vegan and all-wonderful Pepples Donuts, and picking a flavor was hard! I mean lemon poppyseed, double chocolate, blueberry, matcha green tea... ? I totally chose right with the salted caramel, as I'm a sucker for the sweet/salty combo, but I can't wait to try some more next time I'm near the Ferry Building.

Quite a good-eats-filled Saturday, no? Of course Sunday was Halloween, so I had my favorite vegan candies - Skittles and Chic-o-Stick - to round out the weekend of yum.

Next up? More good SF eats....