Ode to Tartine

On a recent brief trip to San Francisco, we made a quick jaunt to the wonderful Mission District. Although we were already in the city, I must confess the real reason I wanted to specifically visit the Mission District was to make it to the wonderful Tartine. This small but fabulous bakery is known for its creations with super fresh, organic, and local ingredients. The chefs and owners, Chad Robertson and Elizabeth Prueitt were classicly trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Liz was chosen by San Francisco Magazine as Pastry Chef of the Year, Critic’s Choice in 2003, and Chad is a nationally renowned baker. Both were also nominated for a James Beard Award in 2006 and 2007 for Best Pastry Chef, National.

The building is unmarked, save for this humble little sign in the window.

I was hoping to buy a cookbook at the bakery so that perhaps I could get it signed, but alas, the fabulous chefs were not there at this morning hour.  It was all good, though, because I dropped some major hints and got the beautiful book for Christmas from my little sis!  She even tried to get it signed for me, too (bless her heart) but alas, was also unsuccessful.  The elusive chefs are now on my list to track down to meet one of these days for sure, and I will surely have my book in hand that day!

Packed as usual - but no lines going out the door as I was warned about! We lucked out with a little bench outside and the nice bakery staff helped us find a chair for a little "table."

Classy packaging.

There were just way too many goodies to choose from. We picked up a morning bun (top row) to start with. It was incredible and one of my most favorite treats of the day - crispy and crystally with sugar and cinnamon with a hint of orange.

Beautiful European hazelnut tarts.

These little tarts were a meal in themselves and so irresistable I got one of each - lemon, coconut, and banana cream.

The stash for the customers, so as not to upset the window displays.

The sign said it all: "Really Rich Valrhona Chocolate Brownie." We just had to buy one of these for later.

This little hand drawn message was too cute. Everyone seemed to abide!

More bread and pastries.

This lemon meringue cake and coconut cake are both supposed to be incredible. No room for cake - next time for sure!

They are also known for their fabulous bread pudding, which is topped with a different topping daily and whatever fruit is in season and available. It is served hot. I bought a little box for later.

The café au lait was served French style in this handle-less "cup."

Big chunks of turbinado sugar to add - I couldn't resist :-)

Tartine is known for their quiche. Liz shared this light and fluffy recipe on Martha and said that the secret is in the adding of creme fraiche.

We shared the yummy smoked ham version.

We also ordered a Croque Monsieur to share. It was wonderfully herb-y with a kick of heat and had with their trademark spicy pickled baby carrot on the side. Here is how it is described on their menu: "Open face sandwich made with our country bread, bechamel, gruyere, thyme and pepper. Topped with either smoked Niman Ranch ham, Cowgirl Creamery fromage blanc, or shitake mushrooms and seasonal vegetables. Served with housemade pickles." Mmmm, right?

This mild lemon tart comes perfectly topped off with unsweetened whipped cream and pomegranate seeds.

Here is just part of all the goodies we took away with us. We had lunch and dinner and dessert and breakfast... all set and waiting for us for later! I have to say, it was worth toting around all day! :-)

The tidy and well-run kitchen.

I took a peek at their pantry. Yep, truly good stuff: Giusto's Vita Grain, and Central Milling Co. organic flours.

Lots of fresh fruits and veg. just next door.

On our way out, we passed by the awesome "Bi-Rite Creamery and Bake Shop." Yet another awesome organization in town that uses only local, organic products for all their homemade icecreams and sides made on the premises. They are the epitome of the present movement of sustainable small business ownership - check out their great website here. I can't wait to try them out next time - when we're not all stuffed from Tartine!

Check out Tartine's Pastry Chef, Elizabeth Prueitt's appearance on Martha and save the link for the quiche recipe here.

Here is Tartine's website. Check them out next time you're in the Mission District!