Rogue started with Morimoto’s Soba Ale and with the popularity and demand they created an amazing cheddar with it. The soba ale is to die for. It is so light and creamy with an intriguing flavor of roasted soba that keeps you drinking. Pairing the ale with the cheddar is an obvious match. The cheedar helps the ale pop and the ale calms the down the cheese.

At first Rogue beers were hard to come across, now the 22oz bottles are in every liquor store around. What makes Rogue Ales different from the rest of the Northwest craft brewers is their wine-like approach with their recommended food pairings, tasting notes and homegrown ingredients. Crazy flavor combinations like the Chipotle and Juniper Berry Ales put Rogue on a whole other level.

If you are in Central Point, Oregon, definitely stop in at the creamery to try as many cheeses as you can and have an unlimited selection of their infamous ales.

Rogue Creamery                                             Rogue Public House & Brewery

311 North Front Street                                    673 Union Street
Central Point, OR 97502                                San Francisco, CA 94133
(541) 665-1155                                                  (415) 362-7880

Nopalito is one of our favorite lunch spots in the city. We tend to order the same thing every time we go, but sometimes we’ll try a new item. We always order the Torta de Chorizo Verde, no matter what. The sandwich comes on the most perfect, fresh baked bun with green chorizo, crema, cabbage, onions, queso fresco and guacamole with a few homemade potato chips on the side. When the citrus is fresh, the Naranjas y Cebollas con Chile, Limon y Queso is killer. Blood oranges, grapefruit, oranges, queso fresco, pickled onions and cilantro all on one plate! The gordita is a nice starter although a pain in the ass to share. My date also loves the Carnitas but I’m always for the Chorizo.

The staff is always attentive and wearing different shades of green. They have a nice variety of non-alcoholic drinks, like their iced tea and simple syrup or their meyer lemonade. There are a few wine options, but I’ve always stuck with cervesa here. One of the biggest perks, our pups are allowed inside the patio! Nopalito has great vibes and great food. GO.

306 Broderick Street
San Francisco, CA
415-437-0303

In San Francisco it’s easy to ignore some of the older, more established chocolate companies in favor of our many specialty chocolate boutiques. However sometimes it’s nice to visit your childhood roots, and See’s is just that type of chocolate company. Having operated out of South San Francisco for over 80 years, they maintain a steady presence all over the west coast via their little black and white storefronts. I tried a box of their assorted dark chocolates, and I’m going to focus on my favorites.

Dark Molasses Chips

There have been tons of reviews and blog posts about the signature Dark Molasses Chips.  First off, the chocolate was tempered to perfection, being so smooth and holding a brilliant shine.  Inside was a honeycomb of molasses which was covered in deep dark chocolate.  Really nice change of pace, unlike anything else I’ve tried thus far.

Dark Bordeaux

The Dark Bordeaux was by far the highlight of these chocolates.  The minute I opened the box this one popped out.  Dark chocolate covered in dark chocolate sprinkles, hell yeah.  As soon as I bit in, the rich brown sugar buttercream mixed with the chocolate instantly created the most magical flavor my taste buds have ever experienced.  All I can say is WOW.  I had to slow down while I was chewing to savor every second these flavors were in my mouth, I’m not kidding.

Maple Walnut

Maple Walnut was exactly what is sounds like it would be.  I happened to love the combination, however my date passed not being a fan of walnuts.  The real sweet maple and the bitter toasted walnuts made this to die for.  The next few were great, all in their own way.  First, Dark Chocolate Butter, which tasted as good as it sounds.  It was so creamy, and smooth, and complete with the crunch of the chocolate shell.  The California Brittle was next.  Honestly, I was hesitant, but my date dove right in.  I told her I’d pass, until I saw her reaction after bitting into it.  The See’s signature California Brittle was so damn good.  The Scotchmallow was a pleasant surprise.  I figured this was going to be a s’more, again I was wrong, it had smooth caramel and the marshmallow was infused with honey!  A few of the others that stood out were the Dark Butter Chew, Dark Pattie Chocolate, and the Walnut Square.

If you’re wondering if See’s Chocolate uses fruit, they do.  They aren’t my favorite, but if I had to choose one to eat, the Blueberry Truffle wins.  Go to their website, there is a new Easter Candy line coming out, the decorated eggs look so good.  I was so pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavor of these chocolates.  Get to a See’s near YOU, seriously.

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.

415-550-6971

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!