Boudin Bread and Caffé Central Latte (Mmmm!)

One of my favorite things to do when I travel to a new city or revisit an old one is to seek out legendary local foods. It’s no secret that San Francisco is forever famous for their cuisine. Ever since the days of the Gold Rush, immigrants have greatly influenced the diverse landscape of food in the area. While shopping in Union Square,  a friendly local recommended the soup bowls at Boudin. The place wasn’t really known for their soups like the famous Soup Nazi in Seinfeld but rather for their sour dough bread.  Since I am a huge breadlover, I put it on my list.  

I was on a mission to taste this starchy bread bowl.  My last morning there, I’d make it my first stop and take some home as a souvenir.  Walking the steep Nob Hill streets, I found the bakery in the midst of scaffolds where the wafting scent of the fresh loaves greeted me.  I knew I was at the right place. I ordered a small round to take home; a delectable looking strawberry and cream “croissant” and a cappuccino.  

The lady at the counter recommended Caffe Central, a Latin place across the street for its espressos. Their specialty coffee combined dark, robust espresso with Dulce de Leche (liquid caramel). Irresistible! The sweet flavor of coffee caramel reminded me of the Spanish “Bon Bon” drinks served at beachside bars, long before there was Redbull.  The espressos gave me a high that fueled me through my last hours of sightseeing before heading to the airport.

At home the next day, I was happy to pull out the bread loaf. I was even happier that it survived the journey, intact, from inside my backpack.  The thick crusty bread was sure to make some excellent French Toast. The tangy dough was complemented by the Maple Syrup and I had to give it up to the Boudin.  The bread was worth the hype. Next time, maybe the soup is in my future?