1 cup almond milk
3 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon vanilla
Bend together and refrigerate overnight. Top with berries and granola.
1 cup almond milk
3 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon vanilla
Bend together and refrigerate overnight. Top with berries and granola.
Ingredients:
1 cup oats
1/4th teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
1 tablespoons flaxseed
2 tablespoons honey (add an extra tablespoon if you like your granola sweet)
1/8th teaspoon salt
1/4 cup coconut shreds
Chopped nuts and dried fruit (optional)
Ingredients:
1 ½ cup oats
3/4th cup almond meal
3/4th cup dates
½ cup coconut oil
1/4th cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Yogurt (I recommend Noosa or Coconut Bliss)
Fresh fruit (Strawberries or blueberries)
Directions:
Waking up Saturday morning is my favorite part of my week—you have the whole weekend in front of you. I enjoy starting it off with an almond milk latte and eggs benedict at a bustling cafe. Luckily, there is no shortage of brunch options in San Francisco. There are over ten decent places walking distance from my apartment in the Marina. I’m naturally an early riser and I immediately start thinking about breakfast. I try to wait until at least 10 so I can consider breakfast…brunch. Needless to say, my friends and I are the first in line. I love the energy and excitement (probably caused by the caffeine) at brunch as my friends and I eagerly share our latest life updates. The atmosphere is carefree and giddy. Nothing compares. Here are some of my favorite places from the past two months:
Tipsy Pig (Marina) Popular bar by night and trendy brunch tavern by day
Goat Cheese-Chive Scramble
Dutch Pancake
Regular Bloody Mary
I was pleasantly surprised by the food and atmosphere. We sat in the back patio on a nice day and it was the best brunch experience I’ve had in the city. My friend and I shared the Dutch pancakes (with candied bacon, caramelized strawberries, and ricotta cheese) and the goat cheese-chive scramble (with asparagus and prosciutto). My other friend ordered the breakfast sandwich, which wasn’t as good. Everything was very tasty though. They have excellent Bloody Marys as well. I recommend the regular, not the spicy one. Recommend: Dutch pancakes, goat cheese- chive scramble, and the regular Bloody Mary. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)
The Mill (Alamo Square) Eclectic and airy café known for their fresh bread and spreads
Ham and Cheese Pastry
They also serve four barrel coffee and decadent pastries. I came with a group of friends and we ordered everything on the menu—granted they only have 4 specialty toast options a day. I ordered whole wheat poppy seed bread with house-made pear blueberry jam and butter. I would come here alone to read and sip on coffee. You order at the counter then find a table. On the weekends the line will be out the door. It is also around the corner for Alamo Square Park. Recommend: Everything—you can’t go wrong! (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)
Jane on Fillmore (lower pac heights) Small bustling cafe with light and creative breakfast options, Stumptown coffee, and homemade baked goods
They offer a simple and healthy menu. Some options include avocado toast (with pickled onions and jalapenos on homemade sourdough), chia seed parfait (with berries and house-made granola), and gluten-free pastries. They also have gluten-free bread available. Great lattes and cappuccinos made with Straus milk. They have soy and almond milk available as well. It gets crowded on the weekends but the line goes pretty quick. This is the kind of cafe I envision myself opening (way down the road). Recommend: Chia Seed Pudding and avocado toast (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)
Brenda’s French Soul Food (Tenderloin) Southern comfort food with Creole and French influence
Pulled-Pork Eggs Benedict
Special Breakfast Sandwich of the day
Beignet Flight
Open-face egg sandwich and creamy grits
It is a very popular spot so go early or get Philz Coffee (around the corner) while you wait. You have to order the beignet flight (chocolate, apple, crab, and traditional). The savory crab and traditional were my favorite. Most breakfast dishes are served with creamy grits or potatoes. I ordered the creamy grits but wished I ordered the potatoes. The grits are extremely rich (loaded with butter and cream) so it is hard to eat more than half of the heaping bowl they give you. The portions are large—no one finished their meal. Overall the food was very tasty but a little too heavy for me. Recommend: pulled pork eggs Benedict or goat cheese omelet. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)
Sol Food (Marin) Healthy Peruvian food
You order at the counter then find a table. We ordered the bistec platter, bistec sandwich, veggie sandwich, and fried plantain chips. I recommend ordering half regular plantains and half garlic plantains. The platter comes with a large serving of the bistec, black beans, rice, garlic, salad, and fried plantains. They also make their own limeade. It is the kind of food where you feel satisfied and full but not uncomfortable. It is very colorful and lively inside with large communal tables. Great food and company. It’s hard not to enjoy yourself here. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)
Causwells (Marina) Another great brunch spot in the marina
Pork Hash
Chilaquiles
We sat outside on a perfect sunny afternoon. I ordered the omelet of the day, which was Canadian bacon, arugula, caramelized onions, sweet potatoes, and Parmesan cheese. A perfect combination. My friends ordered the Chilaquiles (tortilla chips, salsa, black beans, scrambled eggs, and sour cream) and the Pork Hash (braised pork, potatoes, and a fried egg). They are known for their breakfast hamburger that I’ve heard is spectacular. Recommend: Pork Hash and Omelet. (5 taste, 5 service, 5 atmosphere)
Blackwood (Chestnut St, Marina) Chic traditional American breakfast with an Asian twist
My favorite brunch place in the Marina. Most brunch dishes have an asian twist and flavor. They have excellent dinner as well. It is the same owners as Sweet Maple and Kitchen Story. There is always a wait on the weekend and they do not take reservations for brunch (like most popular brunch places). Recommend: the BQ Scramble (chicken apple sausage, sweet basil, shallots, and carrots) and the eggs Benedict with millionaire’s bacon. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 3 service)
Belga (Marina) Sophisticated European style café with dishes ranging from French Croque Madame to German sausages
They also offer brunch and happy hour. They have fun drink options like Devil’s Advokaat (brandy, egg, lemon, & nutmeg) or Oude Cobbler (aged genever, vermouth, lemon, sugar, sherry, berries). They have the best cinnamon brioche beignets served with whipped crème fraiche. Recommend: Veggie frittata (squash and goat cheese) or flat bread with shaved brussels sprouts and a fried egg. (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)
El Techo (Mission) Trendy Argentinean tapas and brunch dishes situated on a rooftop in the heart of the Mission
I came here for a friend’s birthday. On a nice day you have a beautiful view of the city—unfortunately it was raining when we went. The food is great. I ordered the Chorizo Scramble with roasted veggies and potatoes. The potatoes were amazing but I was not a fan of the chorizo. I preferred my friend’s Techo Rancheros (tortilla, pork, fried eggs, salsa, and beans). Recommend: Techo Rancheros and the fresh squeezed OJ. (4 taste, 5 service, 5 atmosphere)
Grove (Pac Heights) Rustic café serving traditional breakfast and lunch dishes
I ordered the avocado toast and my friend ordered the breakfast sandwich. The rosemary potatoes were disappointing but overall I would recommend this place to someone looking for a casual and reasonably priced brunch place. They have great pies too! The service is a little slow. You order at the counter then find a seat. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 3 service)
Perry’s (Financial District and Marina) American soups, salads, and sandwiches
They also have decent brunch and happy hour. There are 3 locations in the city: Cow Hollow, Embarcadero, and Potrero. The Embarcadero location near the water and is a perfect place to come on a nice day. The food is decent but you get what you expect. They do not experiment with unique flavors, spices or combinations. It’s a perfect go-to restaurant to bring your non-adventurous/picky friend who is visiting. Recommend: California Eggs Benedict (comes with avocado, tomato, and spinach). (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 carrot (grated)
1 zucchini (grated)
1 onion (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ginger
1 pound ground turkey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 pack mushrooms (~1 cup)
Micro greens
2 green onions plus more for garnishing
Lettuce
Cheese
Avocado
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Ingredients:
1 shredded carrot
1 yellow or orange bell pepper (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup sprouts
1 cup shredded cabbage
1 cucumber thinly sliced
2-3 leaves of chard
2 small radishes
12 mint leaves (one for each roll)
Rice paper
Chili flakes
Peanut Lime Sauce:
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon brown rice vinegar
1 teaspoon tamari
1 teaspoon honey
Dash of chili flakes
Directions:
Makes 12 rolls
I recommend eating the spring rolls fresh. They keep for a couple of days but the rice paper gets hard in the refrigerator.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Here’s a healthy alternative to chips and dip. Happy Super Bowl Sunday!
Chips:
4-5 sweet potatoes
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Black Bean Dip:
1 cup black beans
Juice of 1 lime (plus zest)
1/4th teaspoon paprika
1/2th teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon cumin
Pinch of chili flakes
Cilantro (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1 banana
1 egg
1/4th cup apple sauce
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons oats
1 tablespoon shredded coconut (optional)
Chocolate Banana Pancakes
Add 2 teaspoons cocoa powder and 2 teaspoons honey
Mix the ingredients together with a fork or in a blender. Fry on a pan. I like to use coconut oil. Serve with berries and maple syrup. This recipe makes 2 medium pancakes.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Sorry my pumpkin pie recipe is a little late. Things always get hectic around the holidays. The goods news is that this pie can be made throughout the holiday season. Enjoy!
The crust is an adapted cookie recipe from Wheat Belly. The pie filling is a Polynesian coconut filling that my mom and I adapted from Epicurious.
Gluten-free, Dairy-free Pumpkin Pie CRUST
1 cup of coconut flour
1 cup of ground almonds [I throw whole almonds into my vitamix to grind them to flour]
1 cup of almond flour [almond “meal” is easily found at Trader Joe’s]
a handful of coconut flakes
1 tablespoon honey
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup almond milk
1 cup melted butter [I use Earth Balance]
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Directions:
Gluten-free, Dairy-free Pumpkin Pie FILLING
3 eggs
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup honey
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon rum
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
pinch of ground cloves
1 partially baked 10-inch pie shell
Directions:
Here are 15 super foods that are easy to incorporate into your daily diet. I included links to my recipes that contain the ingredients.
Rainbow Chard (and other dark leafy greens)
Read more here.
Coconut and Coconut Oil
Read more here
Almonds and Walnuts
Read more here.
Ginger and Ginger Chews (from Trader’s)
Read more here.
Chia Seeds
Read more here.
Flaxseeds
Read more here.
Sprouts
Read more here.
Cinnamon
Read more here.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Read more here.
Blueberries
Read more here.
Gogi Berries
Read more here.
Gim (a.k.a Seaweed or Nori)
Read more here.
Cocoa Powder
Read more here.
Hemp Seeds
Read more here.
Nutritional Yeast
Read more here.