I visited Aster on their second month of opening with much fanfare since I had two friends celebrating their (late) birthdays. I was a bit under the weather that day only to be semi-perked up with a hot toddy from the Irish pub across the street. However, the NorCal savory dishes at Aster left me wanting for something punchier. It was only when desserts came when I became fully perked up. Seasonal, refreshing and well-balanced desserts made our birthday celebrants together with yours truly smile in unison.

Let's face it. Waiting to brunch in San Francisco amidst long lines and the usual chilly weather sometimes doesn't end well. 

Fret no more. Hop in a car and drive away from the hustle and bustle of the city to get high quality, home-made brunch. For many spots, you can even sit outside under the warm sun without freezing. 

Top 4: Alana's Cafe, Redwood City

Alana's Cafe in downtown Redwood City is a different experience in itself. The lush garden patio and bright yellow house remind me of New Orleans for some reason. Children frolic in the garden, while the adults sip their fresh lemonade and slowly finish their huevos rancheros.  The waitstaff checks up on you from time to time but never rushes you to pick up the tab and leave.

Top 2: Brown Sugar Kitchen, Oakland

Brown Sugar Kitchen is not located in the best hood ever, but you park at their lot and walk in to the restaurant to eagerly await for your chicken and waffles. Don't expect to roam around the block while waiting. You might even have to wait an hour or so, but the price and quality of the food are worth it. Trust me on this. 

Even this little boy agrees with me. 

Top 1: The Naked Pig, Santa Rosa

And my top brunch choice goes to The Naked Pig. You're probably asking, "Where is Santa Rosa?" I, for sure, didn't know until my friend recommended that we stop here on our way back to San Francisco from Windsor. 

The Naked Pig, situated in what appears to be a gas station, is a local gem serving farm-to-table food and has suddenly knocked down Brown Sugar Kitchen for the best waffles ever according to yours truly, a certified waffle snob. The melt-in-your mouth whiskey caramel wafflelette is a home run! And our group of 5 had to get another serving of it. Their frittata, open faced mushroom sandwich, tostadas and eggs all scored well above my expectation. You now know where I will be spending my brunch weekends at. In Santa Rosa. 

Hear ye, hear ye. The much anticipated Blue Bottle Cafe in its new Financial District outpost on Sansome and Bush Street has finally opened. The once white-covered glass windows now proudly display the airy, white interiors of this cafe. Coffee snobs and waffle snobs, including yours truly, have another place to hang out away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.  

Here's another installment of my secret life as a food blogger. I got some requests to do more of these after writing similar posts here and here.

FAQ

 

I got a chance to try Bento (or Bento Now), a food delivery service offering... you got that right, a bento box! They've started delivering dinner for quite some time but launched their lunch service a week ago. 

Bento is entering a competitive lunch market, especially in San Francisco's Financial District, where I was at, but obviously differentiates themselves from a well thought-out brand and packaging, and flavorful entrees, such as the shrimp poke with avocados, and 4 side dishes. However compared to other online delivery services, the pick-up system was less seamless (waited for a minute for the driver despite getting a text that my food had arrived), the food covers cannot be tightly closed so I was forced to have no leftovers, and everything was cold. 

Would I order from Bento again? Probably, if I had no time to grab my own lunch/dinner and in the mood for non-hot, Japanese items. I really did enjoy their intriguing take on carrot salad and California roll. 

Try a Bento with $7 off using this code: Bento96373.