Gobble gobble! Since it is Turkey day in America, where most of my readers reside, I opted to release a healthier version for a Thanksgiving blog. The rich buttery creamed potatoes, pies, etc. might clog your arteries but not these green salads that are abundant at the Presidio Social Club. Patrons of the Club come here for the relaxing atmosphere and easy brunch/weekend parking. An esay stroll in the Presidio Park can also be done to shave off excess calories.

At the Club, there is no need to line up for hours on end since it is easy to book a reservation for big group. True to San Francisco style, they locally source so expect fresh seasonal ingredients in every dish.

Tip: During a pleasant SF day, dine alfresco in the terrace and enjoy a glass of brunch cocktail or two. 

Read more on Where to Brunch in San Francisco. 

The superfood kale salad with shaved market vegetables, toasted seeds and sherry vinaigrette

Simple chicken salad with arugula, candied pecans and avocado vinaigrette

Caffe Borghetti, Fernet Branca, espresso and cream

Preside Social Club Spritzer- cranberry liqueur, Dolin Blanc and sparkling wine

I am deeply overjoyed that Coqueta is redifining the gastronomy scene on Embarcadero, a location that is just a few minutes walk from my place! I was supposed to celebrate my birthday at Coqueta a few months ago, but due to difficulties in booking a group, I opted for another restaurant, Park Tavern, instead. But this time around with my extreme foodie friend in tow, sssourabh, we tried our luck walking in at Coqueta and scored a table in their enclosed, heated patio dining. The sexy, Spanish vibe itself means you get to gawk...err... observe other diners/couples. Coqueta means flirt or infatuation in Espanol, afterall. 

Tip: Come on weekdays when there is ample walk-in seating. 

After tasting myriad Spanish tapas with a modern twist, curated cocktails and multiple desserts, I vowed to myself to return to Coqueta -this time in the actual dining room- for my birthday in 2014. Yes, it is that good. Kudos to Chef Michael Chiarello's team!

Each dish had a distinct taste to it so the tapas flowed freely. When dessert time came, we ordered 3 desserts for 2 people and got a surprising wide-eyed look from the lady who took our order. Little did she know that she was serving 2 food bloggers - one of whom specializes in desserts. Ha! Among the platter of sweets, the petite manchego cheesecake was my favorite since I have a penchant for savory, non-chocolate desserts.

Vegetarian croquettes- deep fried goodness!

Not the best in the lot. Can you see the small manchego cheesecake on the blurred background?

Wood-grilled octopus with fingerling potatoes, pimenton and olive oil. Just like how I like any seafood that is grilled. Soft and succulent.

My first time having white gazpacho and it was amazingly creamy and light! How do I recreate this at home? White gazpacho with marcona almonds, grapes, syrah reduction and syrah grapeseed oil.

Tucked away in the burdgeoning neighborhood of China basin where the likes of Dropbox and Airbnb are stones throw away, Skool is definitely cool for brunch (it sounds cheesy, I know). They have ample parking and making reservations during a weekend is not painful at all. The location itself seems like you already left San Francisco.

Thefried chicken waffles I ordered was not as crispy or spectacular as  the one I had at Emeril's, which I dubb as the best fried chicken and waffles ever, I give extra points for Skool for being in a fuss-free, up-and-coming area. This establishment will surely gain more followers, especially when the abovementioned companies go public. Kashing!

Hello blogging world! I am back after a hiatus, i.e. getting sick right after a long haul flight is never a good idea. Now that I'm in the tropics, I am craving for some smooth, decadent ice cream just like this scoop from the low-key Humphry Slocombe, one of the pitstops during a food sherpa day with the sugarholic sssourabh.

Sending some positive vibes this weekend through this s'mores (I forget who the pastry chef is!) from a pop-up at Craftsman and Wolves.