February « 2009 « A Date With Flavor

Yep, a foie gras ice cream sandwich with the most delicious gingerbread snaps. The snaps actually tasted like fresh ginger, which was a nice change. The foie gras was so subtle and just enough sweetness to make the ultimate gourmet treat. It’s tiny, but it is definitely enough to satisfy your salty and sweet French craving.

This wasn’t my first time at Humphry Slocombe. I have come back on numerous occasions for their infamous “Secret Breakfast” flavor. Each time I come back, I bring a new date to explore this new flavor combination of bourbon and sugar coated corn flakes. Seriously, it is unbelievable. I’m pretty sure they always have their staples, like the Secret Breakfast and McEvoy Olive Oil, but I got lucky a few times with Honey Thyme, Balsamic Caramel, and Guinness Gingerbread. There is so much love behind the ice cream here, the great quality is so obvious. If you don’t believe me, check out the ice cream cone sleeves on the owner. Today, they had a new special, Bacon Peanut Brittle. Yep, again, mixing bacon with sugar, is proven to always be a good idea.

The staff is so friendly, allowing you to try every flavor, without rolling his or her eyes at you (big plus). It is no secret that this is going to be a new Mission favorite for a long long time.

12-8pm. Closed Mondays. Cash Only.

2790 Harrison St
between 23rd St & 24th St
San Francisco, CA 94110

415-550-6971

…in CHOCOLATE!

I’ve been on a hunt for the best chocolate in San Francisco because my favorite date is pretty much addicted. I think I found a few winners. Cocoa Bella Chocolates San Francisco and Recchiuti Confections had most of the good ones. The Village Market had the Vogues Mo’s Bacon Bar that I absolutely loved.

Mo’s Bacon Bar is a combination of applewood smoked bacon (actual bite size pieces!), Alder wood smoked salt and milk chocolate. 41% cacao. The first bite was questionable, but after that I couldn’t stop. I made everyone try a piece and got very mixed reviews. One of my friends, B, actually liked it, until I said there was bacon inside.

Fleur de Sel Caramel (Christopher Elbow)

Fleur de Sel Burnt Caramel (Recchiuti Confections)

It’s pretty clear that Fleur de Sel is the top pick for my ultimate bon bon. Here, I’ve tried the Fleur de Sel Caramel by Christopher Elbow from Cocoa Bella. It was a basic salt enhanced soft caramel, but the outer shell was especially hard, which gave a nice crunch. Recchiuti Confections was the winner for Fleur de Sel for my taste buds, the caramel was firm but not too sticky, and it was burnt which gave the most amazing sensation when mixed with the infamous French sea salt.

Cocoa Bella also had a bon bon called “Hannah” which I instantly wanted because of my dear friend Aloo. Anyway, this delicious Knipschildt treasure was milk chocolate with liquid caramel and a few speckles of Hawaiian sea salt.

Smokey Oregon Blue Truffle

A few other bangin’ flavors were Jamaican Spice Caramel, Cayenne Caramel (which had a crazy kick), Smokey blue truffle made of Oregon Rogue blue cheese, organic milk chocolate and toasted almonds, all from Lillie Belle Farms. Recchiuti Confections’, Star Anise & Pink Peppercorn was a dark chocolate treasure infused with these two dynamic flavors. I’ll admit, I went searching for the Oregon Rogue Blue after reading about it on Lick My Spoon. Check out her recent chocolate post!