Mother's Day by the Bay

For me, one of the best things about visiting San Francisco is that my mom lives there! In the past few years we have had a ton of fun finding new places to eat--especially in her neighborhood, the Sunset District. The Inner Sunset (especially Irving Street between 6th and 12th) is quietly becoming a trendy new neighborhood. Cute boutiques are opening up, and there is some great cuisine, bakeries, and coffee shops.

My mom and I share a love of great coffee and baked goods. A favorite Sunday past time includes a steaming cup of coffee from the Beanery, and either a homemade snack or a trip to the local boulangerie. So we are still deciding where to spend our Mother's Day next weekend. For those of you who don't yet have something special planned, here are three of our favorite spots to go in the city.

Budget: Devil's Teeth Baking Company 

Outer Sunset

courtesy of TinyTinyFork

If you have been searching for the perfect cinnamon roll, look no further! Devil's Teeth makes the most perfect sticky bun I have ever had. My mom heard about this place from a friend and now it is one of our top morning treat items. This locally owned business also has other amazing cakes, pastries (the donut muffin), and breakfast sandwiches. Sundays are Beignet days, and they literally have an assembly line going to fill all of the orders.

You can split a cinnamon roll (the lovely staff will heat it up for you!) right there with a fresh cup of coffee. Or perhaps take a leisurely walk with Mom down to the ocean.

Moderate: Kuleto's
Union Square

courtesy of Kuleto's

My mother and I have a Christmas tradition. Every year we do a night out in San Francisco and see one of the big touring Broadway shows coming to the Curran or the Orpheum. We always start the evening off with a fantastic dinner at Kuleto's in Union Square. Attached to the Villa Florence Hotel, this Italian restaurant always has the best food--even for vegetarians! And the desserts are heaven--they make homemade gelato fresh every day (salted caramel was my favorite!) and awesome tiramisu.

courtesy of flickr

Though dinner can get a little pricey, Kuleto's also does a fabulous breakfast. Try the brioche french toast or some classic eggs benedict. But breakfast is only served until 10:30--so make sure to get there early! If they are all booked up, try Bar Norcini in the lobby of Villa Florence. Panini's, pastries, and pizzas abound (as well as some killer cocktails in the evening)!

courtesy of Kuleto's

Splurge: Crown & Crumpet Tea Room

Ghirardelli Square

courtesy of Remodelista

Last year, upon my return from England, my mom took me to this awesome British tea room for my birthday brunch! They do everything from a basic lunch right up to high tea in the afternoon. I am a sucker for a cream tea (a pot of tea, scones, jam, and clotted cream) and I must say they do it right. Their location in Ghirardelli Square is the prime spot for a social afternoon, and the decor is a trendier, brighter take on the cozy patterns and shapes from classic British tea shops.

courtesy of Crown & Crumpet

This year they are doing a "Mothering Sunday" event on Mother's Day, which requires special reservations (and is $48 per person). On holidays they book up rather quickly, but it is worth the planning and cost. Perhaps if you can't celebrate with Mom on the day, take her out for some crumpets on a weekday afternoon.



If you are cooking at home, or perhaps going out of town to visit your mom, maybe baking something special would be a nice treat! Here's a recipe for easy Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, and one for delicious Hummingbird Bakery Cupcakes! No matter what you plan on doing, I hope your Mother's Day is fabulous.

xoxo

Antonia