Standing in front of the gigantic six decker oven, I felt a familiar excitement that brought me back to days of working in a large bakery kitchen. The familiar beeps from the machinery signaling when something needed to be checked on, watching the pastry cooks polish each piece of brioche with egg wash, dough being separated, weighed, and rolled. I couldn't stop looking around, like a new visitor to New York City, my neck craned around and around trying to see all that was around me and above me. Hearing the chatter of the café goers, the clinking of glasses, and "I'd like a brioche, one of those buns, and...an espresso with chocolate...is that like, a mocha?"
A Coffee & Espresso + Chocolate
I hate to say that wasn't something I would ask, but one of my barista friends had frustratingly told me that the only people that order fake coffee, aka: mochas, were always bakers.
My husband and I recently went back to visit San Francisco to attend the wedding of a couple of his friends. Whenever I visit, I have a necessity to fulfill: make time to visit Tartine and purchase one of every pastry I love, which ends up being at least 90% of the baked goods.
This time, it was suggested that we check out the new Manufactory on Alabama Street. I was so excited when I saw it, like a kid at a candy store and was looking forward to having an orange scented morning bun, a lemon tart, passion fruit cake slice... all typical items found at the Guerrero Street store. Low and behold, I got in line and did not recognize any of the pastries. Not one. There were a lot of look-alikes, but none of my usuals. I hate to say, I was a little disappointed when I realized that not even one pastry was anything close to what they had at the other store. However! That did not stop me from trying some of the new items. I did find a gem that I would go back for: the jelly-filled brioche.
At the original Tartine, I typically get the morning bun, lemon cream tart, passion fruit cake slice, almond croissant, tea cakes, fruit tart, frangipane tart... the list goes on...and finish it off with a Blue Bottle chickory iced coffee (see, I do drink other things than mocha).
At the Manufactory, I have discovered that items I would most likely have there again would be those on their breakfast menu. Guerrero Street Tartine doesn't have as large a breakfast menu. Mostly special toasts... I haven't been in awhile so I could be wrong if they have expanded the menu more so, but the Manufactory had some great breakfast dishes. The coddled eggs were our favorite dish. Soft, coddled egg topped with trout roe that would surprise you with small bursts of saltiness. Toast for slathering the soupy delicious mess that is topped with za'atar, a Mediterranean spice mix, which can be a mix of fresh thyme, sesame seeds, sumac (ground berry from the sumac plant), and salt. Depending, the mix may also have Greek oregano, marjoram, and, or cumin. It tasted very earthy and paired perfectly with the soft, soupy egg.
If you are going for something a little lighter or sweeter, perhaps the white corn grits with huckleberry, pecan and maple might be more enjoyable.
White Corn Grits / Coddled Egg & Toast
If you are interested in baking or are even just curious about the bread baking process, this store lets you have a sneak peek at how they do what they do and make what they make. It's like taking a quick field trip for baker nerds such as myself.
An Observation Window from the Hallway
Typically, guests don't get to see what's behind closed bakery doors. Most bread bakeries start baking late in the evening to finish their loaves of bread around 2am to get boxed up and ready for delivery by 4am and delivered at restaurant doors or smaller bake shops by 6am.
There is parking on the street, but it might be difficult based on the time you go, whether it is brunch or lunch rush.
Order in line and grab a seat!
The Wine Bar
They serve dinner and drinks, which is another reason to go back for another visit. I can't wait for them to open in LA.
595 Alabama St
San Francisco, CA 94110
b/t Mariposa St & 18th St in the Mission District
(415) 757-0007
Open 7 days a week
Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm