by Sam Tackeff | Feb 4, 2010 | Restaurants
After writing about Cheeseboard Pizza, I received several recommendations that Arizmendi bakery, located in the Sunset District, semi-sibling of Cheeseboard had better pizza, so I thought I’d take a trek out there to investigate. (In the beginning, the Cheeseboard collective shared their business model and recipes with Arizmendi, and many of their tasty goodies are identical).
My thoughts:
(Based on one slice of pizza, which is frankly bad journalism and against blogging etiquette. But, I’ve corroborated the story with other Cheeseboard and Arizmendi eaters who seemed to agree with my observations, so please take this as you will.)
This particular pizza at Arizmendi was topped with spinach, tomatoes, feta cheese, garlic oil, parsley and parmesan. From a flavor perspective, the pizza was very satisfactory, even with my slightly dulled tastebuds. You really can’t go wrong here with these high quality ingredients.
:: The main difference, it seems, is in the crust – Arizmendi’s crust seems to be slightly thicker and puffier at the edge, more dry, and more crispy. While it’s only my preference, and I’m sure many differ on this opinion, I prefer Cheeseboard’s thinner, slightly chewier crust.
:: Another difference has to do with volume and sales. When I arrived at Arizmendi (9th Avenue between Irving and Judah in Sunset), there were fewer people than normally at Cheeseboard, and most people were eating shortbread, scones, and a variety of other sumptuous looking pastries, but not actually pizza. I saw a few pizzas hanging out on the counter, including one lone slice, which I was hoping and praying that I wouldn’t be served. Fortunately, a new pizza came out of the oven for me, and I was given a fresh slice. I think, that based on the volume of people actually ordering pizza at cheeseboard, the pizzas are simply going to be fresher due to the timing of dough creation, pizza creation, etc. – even by a few minutes, which, in my opinion, does make a difference.
:: The last difference: a slice at Arizmendi costs $2.25. A slice at Cheeseboard is $2.50. But, at Cheeseboard you get an extra almost half slice, which is well worth both worth the quarter and the added satisfaction. This alone is enough for Cheeseboard to win out in my boat.
That said, in a pinch, if you can’t get over to Berkeley, Arizmendi is still serving a quality pizza that I’d be more than willing to eat again and again. I’m only sorry I didn’t take more of their pastry things to go. Everything looked stellar.
Arizmendi Bakery
http://www.arizmendibakery.org/
1331 9th Avenue
Between Irving and Judah
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 566-3117
by Sam Tackeff | Jan 31, 2010 | Challenge, Local stores
I’m still working off the buzz from last night’s Punch Contest we hosted at Omnivore Books, the latest in our popular series of friendly neighborhood food competitions. (Previous throwdowns included pie, fried chicken, and pumpkin.)
The rules were simple: free entry if you bring your punch, boozy or non (okay, they were all boozy, who were we kidding?), or pay $5 at the door to drink as much punch as you can handle. Everyone judges, and the winners split the door money.
There were no actual requirements for entry, you just had to show up. Which of course, made it slightly nerve-wracking for us when it was ten minutes ’til, and the punches still hadn’t arrived. It was down to the wire, but I’m happy to report that we had 10 completely unique and intriguing entries.
Turns out, when you host a punch contest, people are happy, because you are providing them with tasty adult beverages, and the company of friends and neighbors. Well done, us.
And now a look at some of the entries:
One major trend was ingenious home made ice rings. This one was a frozen gingerale ice block, others were filled with fruit, and a vintage tupperware mold made an appearance. I was also intrigued with the variety of serving dishes – from crystal punch bowls, to jugs, to an electric fountain (alas, we didn’t have electricity, but the thought was what counted.)
Some of the punches arrived already prepared, but many were putting the finishing touches before the drinking started:
And here, the winners making their Mission Gutter Juice. It was a collaborative process.
First Place went to Mission Gutter Juice – “the punch you hate to love” with twenty votes! Just four ingredients – Vodka, Bud LIght, Fresca, and Lemonade Mix.
Second Place went to Jetsetter Punch: Brandy, rum, cachaca, cara, green tea, pineapple, and nutmeg syrup.
Third Place to Kagetaka’s Grog: a spiced persimmon vodka.
And Fourth Place – we didn’t announce it, but it was tied for my favorite with the Kagetaka’s Grog: The Whiskey Sunrise, featuring freshly squeezed grapefruit, orange, other citrus, maraschino cherries and sour mix.
And the fun didn’t end after judging! This place was a party until closing, including the late coming 11th entry, who after showing up after the judging was over, graciously donated their raspberry adult beverage to keep the party going. Thanks guys!!!
The next contests are in the works, but you can be sure to see soon Food/Art puns (such as “Finnegan’s Cake”), a Cookie Competition, and bring your best Ethnic Fusion cuisine – think (Japanese + American ) moffles (mochi waffles), or maybe (Chinese + Jewish) 5 spice tsimmes? Ok, I don’t know, I’m leaving the creativity up to the contestants… Actually, 5 spice tsimmes sounds pretty good….
Omnivore Books Food Competitions
To get the official updates follow on twitter @omnivorebooks or sign up for the newsletter on the website.
by Sam Tackeff | Jan 29, 2010 | Farmers Market, Food Travel, Local stores
Yesterday was the Underground Farmers’ Market in San Francisco. My initial plan involved walking over to The Mission to get some exercise before gorging myself in the underground. Instead, I lazily took the MUNI to 18th street where on the way, I was “accidentally” seduced by a chalk board that boasted exciting flavors at Bi-rite Creamery. I couldn’t restrain myself. I ended up with a cone of earl gray, which I blissfully ate as I walked through the neighborhood. You know… to prime my stomach.
The SF Underground Farmers’ Market is an event that allows small time vendors to get their businesses off the ground and test the market with their wares. It’s been organized by Iso Rabins from Forage SF, who has done a brilliant job of putting together a great community of vendors and people looking to support the local food movement.
This location was in a moderately awesome space on Capp Street. (Up a mysteriously lit set of stairs, which evoked memories of basement raves at M.I.T. Yep. Nerd.) Despite arriving punctually at its 5pm opening, the place was already packed! I heard from Iso that he had a list of over 600 people signed up, and there were more registering at the door.
There was a plethora of options and the market was heavily skewed towards gently prepared foods: ranging from sauerkraut, kombucha, honey, chocolate, mushrooms, pies, lasagna, bread, and sandwiches. There was live music, families with small children, and plenty of happy, food lovin’ people to share the evening with. Fun!
My first big stop was to see Shakirah of Slow Jams (this lovely lady below, being interviewed on the camera). I heard tell that her Blood Orange and Meyer Lemon Marmalade was to die for, so I snatched one up before anyone else could get to them. I also managed to score the lone jar of her Milk Jam, which Jessica from the Golden Crust was using in some amazing cream puffs she was selling at the market.
Her jams are beautiful, as are the cute containers! Which is another trend I’d like to point out – the Underground Farmers’ Market was filled with simple, pleasantly aesthetic design. Not really a surprise, given that these entrepreneurial folks have a great sense of taste. Including the limited edition poster from local artist Philip Clark. (Really though. I considered buying one to spruce up the ol’ abode, but now, my apartment is only decorated in regret. Maybe next time Phil C.)
After making my initial rounds, I ended up purchasing a jar of raw local honey from Oakland, two Slow Jam jams, and a few bags of delicious Treat granola (which was stirred into my morning oatmeal with great success). While there, I ate a fair deal more than that, including my absolute favorite food of the evening: the corned beef sandwich from Pearl’s Kitchen, with lightly spread mustard on caraway bread. Pictured below is a woman holding said Manna from Heaven. Where my Jews at? Can’t these people open a deli in San Francisco? I’m pleading!
I could have eaten three of these.
Don’t miss out next time! SF Underground Farmers’ Market is gearing up to be a monthly event if Iso can swing it.
SF Underground Farmers’ Market
When: (Hopefully monthly)
Where: Secret-ish location, changes each time. (This last one was in the Mission at Capp and 17th)
How: It’s free! But sign up is required.
Sign up HERE to be on their mailing list.
