Coffee & Cinnamon Toast by the Beach, San Francisco

Life's pretty good when there's good coffee and cinnamon toast to be had from Trouble Coffee Company in the Outer Sunset area (next to the beach) in San Francisco. Discovered this place after visiting the San Francisco Zoo a couple miles away.

I would say the latte was pretty decent though it only comes in 1 size and with whole milk, but what really makes the coffee here is the cinnamon toast. 

It's almost a heart attack waiting to happen, but it's worth it. Every "toast" is made to order with a thick slice of white bread (delivered daily from Just For You Cafe in the Dogpatch), toasted till a crunchy crust happens, then generously slathered with layers of butter and cinnamon sugar. There is a process of literally stabbing the bread to make sure the buttery cinnamon goodness gets all the way through. 

The result? A cinnamon bun like flavor but with a lot more crispy edges to enjoy, minus icing (but trust me - you don't need it). Next time, I'll have to go back and try the "build your own damn house" which apparently is cinnamon toast with the addition of young coconut.

If you're in the area, don't miss out on the toast and a chat with the folks who run the place. It's a fun little neighborhood place to visit if you need a break from the city.

Tip: Cash only

latte and cinnamon toast cut to share from Trouble Coffee Company

Affogato - An Italian Coffee Ice Cream Float

What's a double shot of affogato with stracciatella? Only the perfect treat on a sunny breezy day! An affogato is an Italian coffee beverage traditionally served as a scoop of vanilla gelato with a shot of hot espresso poured over, and served with a spoon.


I like getting mine with stracciatella flavored gelato though as this is essentially Italian vanilla chocolate chip. The chocolate chip bits add an additional dimension of texture to this luscious, creamy afternoon treat. Two shots of espresso also help to offset the sweetness if you like more coffee flavor. 


Affogatos are usually available at italian coffee shops, cafes, or restaurants - but most importantly, where there is a good espresso machine. Sometimes, affogatos are served with a shot of liqueur such as amaretto (almond) or frangelico (hazelnut). Since I usually get mine on the go, I am plenty happy with just the gelato and espresso - but make sure you get it from a place that makes good espresso! I also think whipped cream is unnecessary. Gelato makes it rich enough.


Now that I'm thinking about affogatos, I think they're a perfect treat any day!


Affogato with Stracciatella Gelato - $6.75

Affogato: 2 shots espresso, Italian vanilla chocolate chip gelato

Assorted Italian Pastries

Croissants, Bastone, Sfoglia di Amarena, Kipfen, Cannella, etc.

Farmer's Market Produce with a Noticeable Taste Difference

I love going to Farmer's Markets and do notice a difference in some produce items. Not all of them - but the below are some fruits and vegetables that I refuse to buy from a grocery anymore. I'm sure this list will grow as I continue to get spoiled by fresh, local california produce!

• White Peaches: The flavor, juiciness, and sweetness of the white peaches are out of this world. So many varieties too where you can really taste the difference. Most regular ones are ~ $2.00/lb. The Yen-Yen White Donut Peach ($3.50/lb) is one of my favorites.
• White Nectarines: Similar to peaches above, so tasty! The Polar Light Nectarine is out of this world sweet - $3.50/lb
• Cherries: Especially the Rainier Cherries. Even the little ones are plump and super flavorful - $5.00/basket
• Tomatoes: You'll never want to eat grocery bought tomatoes again! Cherry, orange, yellow, hybrids, etc. So many different types, all delicious with varying degrees of tomato flavor vs. sweetness. ~$4.00/lb
• Elephant Garlic: It costs more, but each clove is huge and packed with flavor ~$2.00/head of garlic
• Summer Zucchini & Squash: I learn about a new type of zucchini or squash every time I go to the market! Roly Poly, Squash Blossom, Turban etc. Very low maintenance - just brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and throw it on the grill.

Fresh, Local Produce

Farmer's Market: eggplant, lemons, onion, elephant garlic, roly poly zuchhini, tomatoes and rainier cherries

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled Summer Vegetables: eggplant, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, onions drizzled with a balsamic, parsley, basil and rosemary vinagrette.

A Light But Decadent Tiramisu'

om nom notes rating for tiramisu: 5 stars

While 54 Mint has a lovely dinner menu with fresh house made pastas, tasty specials of the day like bunny, and a decent italian wine list - the star of the meal was the Tiramisu'.

Recommended hands down with no questions asked by the bartender (apologies I forgot her name) whose eyes lit up as she spoke about this dessert selection, I had to try it even though I was desperately full. She said that it was light but rich at the same time, and probably unlike other tiramisu I've had. And it was. I gobbled up every fluffy bite.

Go there, sit at the bar, get some wine, some tiramisu - and it'll be a good night. (Tip: there are hooks under the bar, just don't forget your stuff after you're dizzy on wine and sugary goodness)

See the full dessert menu

Tiramisu - $7

Tiramisu': espresso-soaked lady fingers with chocolate, Marsala, and mascarpone

54 Mint - Vineria Ristorante

458 Yelp reviews as of 5/24/12

Neighborhood: SOMA

(415) 543-5100

http://www.54mint.com