jcormac's Profile
Schmendricks- Real bagels? Who in NY bakes on a cookie sheet?
Sizewise, slightly smaller. In terms of well done, yeah, probably a bit more well done but I'd really want to try their version of an onion bagel to opine with the little confidence I could bring to that comparison since I was pretty much a slave to the H & H onion bagel at the time.
Everyone is right on this pricing thing in that markets continuously work their magic by incorporating everyone's views. As I'm sure they're reading this thread, they're surely noting the comments of some here and weighing those against their actual experiences in the marketplace. Will be interesting to watch, I wish them luck.
Schmendricks- Real bagels? Who in NY bakes on a cookie sheet?
Fair points all. And very, very true about bagel polarity. As I mentioned above, when I offer that I used to like H&H on the UWS as it was in the mid-90s, I get all sorts of reactions.
I liked the product a lot when it happened to appear in my hood on a given Sunday. I wouldn't go across town and bypass other viable breakfast options to give them my $$$.
Schmendricks- Real bagels? Who in NY bakes on a cookie sheet?
I regret making my first remark about the price. I have no idea what their actual costs of production are as a pop-up so I shouldn't have even tried to guess what their profit margin is. As others have pointed out, they are selling out their stock in an hour or two at their current price. As others have also pointed out, that may change as they expand or as time goes on. From what I've seen, there are people involved with the business who have probably taken an econ course or two over the years.
Everyone is entitled to their subjective opinion as to whether the price is too high or just right. Some people would never pay $3 for a bagel no matter what. I paid $3 apiece for 3 and didn't regret it because after consuming, like Robert, I thought the product was superior to the $1 bagel I could have purchased down the street from Noah's.
Schmendricks- Real bagels? Who in NY bakes on a cookie sheet?
Yes, bagels do go for well under $2 in NY as well in SF. I have no idea what their cost curve is when they're doing this on an ad hoc basis without the benefit of economy of scale. Price is what it is - just pointing out that due to the nature of the operation, sticking with whole numbers makes more sense than it might if you're comparing to a place which charges 1.29.
Schmendricks- Real bagels? Who in NY bakes on a cookie sheet?
Tried a couple yesterday (poppy and sesame). Liked both of them a lot, and I had my share of a range of NY bagels in the 90s. (My fave was H & H on the UWS but proximity probably had a lot to do with that.) I've also had my share of SF bagels from Noah's up to Spot.
What I tasted yesterday had a pretty good crust and were nice and chewy on the inside. Tasted good with some butter. Not mere marketing. They struck me as a bit pricey ($3 a pop), but they're selling on a pop-up basis, so rounding up to the nearest dollar to save making change and to keep the line moving seems sensible. Plus, they're selling out so - for now - the market will bear the price. Looking forward to them getting a permanent spot.
Best Thanksgiving Apple Pie in SF?
Thanks for the replies. Ended up making my own (using the Flour Bakery cookbook recipe - great baking book if you're in the market, I've made a bunch of stuff from there to good reviews). I had forgotten about Bakesale Betty's though. Almost made the trip but figured I'd go my own way this year.
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Bakesale Betty
5098 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Best Thanksgiving Apple Pie in SF?
Am depressed that Crixa (my idea of the best Bay Area apple pie) isn't offering Apple Pie on its Advance Order Thanksgiving menu this year. Neither does Black Jet (apple cranberry won't do it).
Does anyone have any other recommendations for an exceptional apple pie I could order for Thanksgiving (including some knowledge as to whether it will be available. As I say above, Crixa's is great but sounds like it's not available).
SPoT BAGEL
Saw on twitter @hotfoodporn - Oct 14 "Spot Bagel just told me that they are closing up shop. So sad, I thought they were one of the few good bagels in SF."
I had always thought that the idea of an "artisan" bagel was odd once you also factored in that they were coming in cold. Not quite "artisan frozen pizza" but for a foodstuff which depends upon freshness....
Dave's Killer Bread at Safeway in San Francisco
Wandered through both the Davis St (SF Fin. District) and Marina Blvd Safeways this week and it was not to be found. Assuming it's either popular or they are working through some supply kinks.
SPoT BAGEL
I have to admit that this sort of bugs me. If you subscribe to their twitter feed, it's been a months long onslaught of "coming soon"s and general puffery to the point where I thought it might be vaporware. And even this week, it's still bereft of specifics. I appreciate that getting a business up and running is tough but attention spans in our busy food scene tend to wander.
RAGAZZA...sibling to Gialina..opens on the "New" Divisadero, S.F.
Please don't feed the New York pizza trolls. More seats at the best places in SF for the rest of us.
Clover ice cream: just fancier packaging or fancier ice cream?
BTW, got a nice response from Clover saying no one in SF currently carries their stuff but that this place in San Mateo did. So FYI:
Piazza Fine Foods
1218 West Hillsdale Blvd
San Mateo 94403
650 341-9496
Clover ice cream: just fancier packaging or fancier ice cream?
I wrote them to see if any SF stores carry it. The news that Andronicos doesn't carry it makes me pessimistic. I'll pass on any response.
Dottie's True Blue Cafe - the lemming breakfast
Although I disagree with you on Dottie's, I appreciate the suggestions for other places to try. Will have to put Magnolia on my breakfast list (I have enjoyed some other things I've had later in the day.)
And, I'll actually volunteer that I think the french toast at Dottie's is one of their weaker offerings. I'm just a slave to their pancakes....
Dottie's True Blue Cafe - the lemming breakfast
OK, with respect that is heresy. Especially with the Elite Cafe comp. Are we saying that the Elite Cafe would be packed if only it made it into the right guidebook? It's certainly in a neighborhood more amenable to wanting to stand in the line. If you're basing this on one meal, maybe you visited on an off day.
I like to distinguish between "overrated" and "not worth the wait" when talking about Dottie's. As others have pointed out, very little seems to be worth a 2 hour wait when looking for your first meal of the day. But, I don't think that equates to overrated or as you put it, ordinary.
To me, ordinary would be Rex, Home Plate, Bechelli's, maybe Nob Hill Grille, etc...
I think the majority (if not vast majority) of non-lemmings (I've lived in SF for 15 years and eat at Dottie's often after living in the neighborhood but later moving so I think I put myself in the non-tourist and non-lemming category) would slot Dottie's as better than ordinary and in a category including places such as Mama's, Ella's (for some, not for me), Universal, Brenda's, etc...
I love Boulange but it's a completely different experience and target audience.
Is it worth the wait? Only your stomach knows. My two cents.
Pie In The Sky, Berkeley report w/ pics
Out of curiosity, were the slices pictured cut in half already? Because (and perspective may be at fault here), they don't look too large.
Dottie's True Blue Cafe - the lemming breakfast
The appeal for me is the food. I have yet to find pancakes in SF which I would rate higher.
But, as others mention, the potential wait often deters me from even trying.
I need DOUGHNUTS in SF!!
Just finished a maple buttermilk bar from Bob's. I think these things hold value (read: freshness) well into the day because of the nice crust on them.
And so it starts … Hot cross bun tour 2009
I tried this year's version (likely not different from past years') of Healdsburg's Downtown bakery at the Ferry Bldg FM last Saturday. Fresh and excellent. White icing (not custard), an orange tinge to a pretty yeasty dough.
Boulangerie Review - Below Average Food and Bad Service.
No excuse for what you experienced, but Boulangerie has an actual cafe (with more tables and an oven) right around the corner (on Fillmore btw California and Pine). You visited their bakery location...not intended for sit down.
Dynamo Donuts
I honestly think the prices fluctuate. I've been there 3 times during the past 3 weeks and each time, the prices were at least $2.50 and occasionally $3. Yet, I've read reports where they've been only $2 on days preceding when I was there. As crazy as it sounds, I think it's A.Q.
BKFST around Sutter & Jones.....
I wish I was wrong, but I don't think there is anything even close to Dottie's anywhere close to Sutter and Jones but yet in a more charming setting. However, if you want to drive, Mama's in Washington Square is pretty tasty. I'll echo the good thoughts about Canteen though. Good luck!
