ladyironchef » San Francisco Food Guide

[Closed] Mr. Holmes Bakehouse – Famous Bakery From San Francisco Is Now In Seoul

Julee Ooi — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 09:41:08 +0000

[New] Mr Holmes Bakehouse is opening its first outlet in Singapore in June 2021.

One of the hottest destination to see and be seen in Seoul right now is Garosu-gil. The place is home to tons of cafes, independent fashion labels, bars and so much more. Since it is not possible to cover the entire area within a trip, we decided to revisit this lifestyle destination again.

One bakery cafe that caught our attention on the spot is Mr. Holmes Bakehouse. This popular bakery hails all the way from San Fransisco, California and specialises in crusty croissants, a mouthwatering array of baked goods and house brew coffee.

When you are in Garosu-gil, do not forget to include Mr. Holmes Bakehouse into your must-go list.

The bakery takes over the first level and that is where you can buy pastries to-go. If you are looking to chill there instead, head over to the staircase at the right side and you will be able to find the cafe on the second floor.

The first thing we noticed was a marble countertop with a wide selection of baked goods enshrined behind polished glass. Pick what you like among the pastries that are available for the day and have it together with an aromatic cup of coffee.

Guests can choose to sit by the window and people watch—an excellent option for solo visitors who are there to do some work or simply dropping by for a relaxed afternoon tea session.

Those who are unsure of what to get there may like to try they are known for—their signature Matcha Croissant (W4,400/ S$5.30) and Cruffin (W5,500/ S$6.62).

While we also enjoyed the Cruffin’s crispy exterior, we find the cream filling slightly too sweet for our liking. The cream fillings are rotational so you may be trying out a different flavour when you visit on different days.

The Matcha Croissant really impressed us as it was extremely crusty and the airy layers are a dream come true for all croissant lovers.

Other croissant flavours include Cheese Croissant (W4,600/ S$5.54), Churro Croissant (4,500won/S$5.42) and Ferrero Rocher Croissant (W4,400/ S$5.30).

Alternatively, you can also go for Strawberry Scone (W3,300/ S$3.97) or Sticky Bun With Salted Caramel (W4,400/ S$5.30).

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse
34 Apgujeong-ro 10-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 547 2004
Daily: 10am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

Sotto Mare – Home To The Best Crab Cioppino In San Francisco

Hui Jun Ng — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 01:00:26 +0000

Sotto Mare – the brainchild of chef Gigi Fiorucci – is one of San Francisco’s most popular restaurants. The casual dining establishment is so famous that it has been long regarded as a gourmet institution amongst San Franciscans.

The speciality seafood restaurant is notorious for its incredibly long queues but the wait clearly has not deterred avid foodies from returning.

The restaurant takes immense pride in serving the “best damn crab cioppino” and if you look around, you would soon realise that is exactly what everyone came for. For the uninitiated, the cioppino is a classic San Francisco seafood stew invented and subsequently popularised by the Italian fishermen who worked at Fisherman’s wharf in the 1930s.

First thing first, do note that Sotto Mare only accepts reservations for parties of three and more, so if you are dining solo or as a couple, you will have to try their luck by walking in.

We waited for more than an hour for a table for two and another 30 minutes before the signature Crab Cioppino (US$41) was served to us.

What can we say? Good things are worth waiting for!

Sotto Mare’s Crab Cioppino is essentially a gigantic pot of piping hot aromatic seafood stew that can feed up to three customers.

Rummage through the savoury dish and you will find generous amounts of clams, crabs, mussels, scallops, shrimps and penne pasta submerged in an addictive tomato-based broth.

Put on a bib, take a whiff and dig in like there’s no tomorrow.

Cioppino aside, Sotto Mare’s one-page menu too features an impressive selection of oysters, salads, pasta and other scrumptious seafood delicacies. Their oysters are superbly fresh (West Coast – US$1.50 each, East Coast – US$2.50 each) and we devoured them effortlessly instantly.

Read our latest travel guide: 15 Reasons to Visit San Francisco.

Sotto Mare
552 Green Street
San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Tel: +1 415-398-3181
Closed on Sundays
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 9.30pm

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

15 Reasons to Visit San Francisco

ladyironchef — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 05:47:44 +0000

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about northern Californian city San Francisco? We bet that it would be none other than the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.

But there is so much more to see and do besides checking out that world-famous bridge! San Francisco is lovely. Characterised by year-round fog and steep hills, The Golden Gate City is indeed one of a kind.

From the newly reopened San Francisco of Modern Art, the world’s crookedest street yet strangely photogenic Lombard Street to Fisherman’s Wharf, here are 15 Reasons to Visit San Francisco.

#1 ALCATRAZ ISLAND

Alcatraz Island was once home to America’s most notorious criminals. Today, the former federal prison is an exceptionally popular tourist destination – it receives up to one million visitors annually!

Tickets to Alcatraz Island sell out weeks in advance, so do make prior arrangements before you arrive at San Francisco.

#2 CABLE CAR MUSEUM

Opened in 1974, Cable Car Museum is a free museum where visitors can learn more about San Francisco’s most beloved transport system. At the Cable Car Museum, find out more on how cable cars work and the history of it. Three antique cable cars are on display too, namely #54 Trailer, Railroad #8 and #46 Grip Car.

1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Tel: +1 415-474-1887

#3 CHINATOWN

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and largest chinatown outside of Asia. From Chinese delicacies, budget knockoffs to tea tastings, it is real colourful here.

The precinct itself contains historic infrastructures and is the venue for all Chinese festive events.

#4 DE YOUNG MUSEUM

The de Young Museum is a must-visit for architecture and design enthusiasts. The fine arts museum showcases priceless American art pieces, textile arts and other masterpieces.

A general admission ticket to The de Young’s will cost US$10 per adult, but entrance to the Hamon Tower – which boasts panoramic views of San Francisco – is free.

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

Source: Light Stone Group

#5 SAN FRANCISCO PREMIUM OUTLETS

To satisfy the shopaholic in you, head over to San Francisco’s Premium Outlets at Livermore. There are more than 170 international brands here; anticipate familiar names such as Coach, Gucci, Prada and Versace.

This shopping paradise is 40 miles away from downtown San Francisco and will take approximately 45 minutes if you are driving.

2774 Livermore Outlets Dr
Livermore, CA 94551, United States
Tel: +1 925-292-2868
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm

#6 FERRY BUILDING MARKETPLACE

With commercial official spaces and a marketplace under its roof, the Ferry Building functions more than just a ferry terminal. There are many cafes and restaurants to dine at; luxuriate over superbly fresh oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co whilst admiring the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, and visit specialty mushroom vendor Far West Fungi.

San Francisco Landmark Building, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

#7 FISHERMAN’S WHARF

You need to spend a day at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Visit the squawking pinnipeds at the Sea Lion Centre, dine at one of the many seafood restaurants, check out the floating yachts, educate yourselves at Aquarium of the Bay and take a selfie with the wax monuments at Madame Tussauds San Francisco.

Feeling even more adventurous? Board a helicopter or join a water tour!

#8 GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

The Golden Gate Bridge needs no further introduction.

The 2,737-metre long iconic attraction is a must-see in every traveller’s bucket list and till date, even locals are in awe of its magnificence. The suspension bridge can be viewed from various vantage points.

To avoid the touristy crowd, we recommend taking a leisure stroll down Baker Beach.

#9 LANDS END

If the steep inclinations of San Francisco’s streets are not enough of a workout, make your way to Lands End for a scenic hike. The park is situated within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the coastal trail itself features an interesting variety of terrains.

Lands End Trail, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

#10 LOMBARD STREET

Characterised by eight sharp U-shaped bends in a single steep block, Lombard Street is the “Crookedest Street” in the world.

The street itself is an attraction, with tourists from all over the world flocking to Lombard Street just to catch a glimpse of it. Walk on the sides or self-drive through the zigzags for a memorable scenic experience. It is strangely photogenic, indeed.

#11 PAINTED LADIES

Painted Ladies refers to this iconic stretch of colourful vintage Victorian houses along the corner of Hayes Street and Steiner Street. This attraction is a hit amongst photographers for its stunning juxtaposition – beautiful Victorian homes with San Francisco’s skyscrapers in the backdrop.

#12 PALACE OF FINE ARTS

You might recognise the Palace of Fine Arts from the following dated movies, The Room and The Rock. The gorgeous monument is listed in San Francisco Designated Landmarks and is surrounded by a manmade lagoon. Designed by architect Bernard Maybeck, the infrastructure is largely inspired by the Greeks and Romans.

3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

#13 PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO

Presidio of San Francisco is a historically rich park that once accommodated the native Costanoans, Spanish colonialists and eventually transformed into the designated military post for the U.S. Army.

Today, it is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Drop by and visit one of Andy Goldsworthy’s works or have a picnic at Crissy Field.

#14 SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) reopened last month with a bang. This opening is a long awaited one, especially when the museum was previously closed for three years!

The 235,000-square-foot modern museum exhibits internationally acclaimed collections of modern and contemporary art – definitely worth a special trip and the admission ticket fee.

151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Daily: 10am – 5pm

#15 UNION SQUARE

Situated in the heart of San Francisco and spanning across 1.05 hectares, Union Square is a public plaza boasting endless dining, entertainment and retail options. Keep your eyes peeled during festive holidays as many exciting events will be taking place at this hub. A ride on the cable car is not free, but visitors can still admire the transport from afar.

Located 13,593 kilometres away from Singapore with previously no direct flights available, San Francisco used to be a far-fetched vacation destination. And this no longer the case.

United Airlines has recently launched direct non-stop routes between these two global hubs and you can now arrive San Francisco from Singapore within 15 hours and 30 minutes. More reasons to visit the wonderful city, yes?

This post is brought to you by United Airlines.