La Boulange Bakery on Market Street

Egg and Cheese Sandwich with Bacon.

After my stay at the Palace Hotel (see the post here), I had brunch the next morning at La Boulange Bakery on Market Street.  You may or may not have heard of La Boulange, as Starbucks currently sells some of their baked goods.  La Boulange is a wonderful place to get a quick bite, while simultaneously enjoying a French cafe experience.  The Market Street location is great for the atmosphere and for some people watching.  I ordered an egg and cheese sandwich with bacon, sat for a few minutes outside, and enjoyed watching the multiple personalities pass by.

The Palace Hotel, San Francisco

A couple of weeks ago, my husband surprised me with a stay at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.  What makes this hotel so unique is the history behind it.  It is currently referred to as the "New" Palace Hotel because the original Palace Hotel from 1875 was demolished due to fire damage that resulted from the 1906 earthquake.  The Garden Court is what will take your breath away.  You cannot miss it because of its gorgeous chandeliers, greenery, and the sense of elegance it portrays.  Several presidential speeches were held there.  Additionally, a scene from the Michael Douglas film The Game was filmed at the Garden Court.  How is that for some fun facts!

We stayed in a Superior Room, and I was much delighted with the mahogany furniture.  My loved ones and friends know that I love anything with an antique or vintage flare, so the Palace was a sure win for me.

Here is the Superior Room we stayed in.  Love the mahogany furniture!  I found both simplicity and elegance in this cozy space. 

Here is the reading area by the room's window.   

 The bathroom.  

I love the marble counter tops.  The subtle wallpaper also adds to the antique/vintage feel.  

The chandeliers inside the Garden Court.   

The Garden Court.  

What a lovely space!  Dining here would be so divine!  Meals and afternoon tea are offered here.  Someday, I will be back.

One last look at the chandeliers.

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Simple Goodness: TrueBurger

My plans for the night included a trip to Oakland, CA for a concert.  Concerts are a terrific excuse to explore the neighboring area for good eats.  This is the strategy I employed that led me to TrueBurger.  I appreciated the simple and short menu, which made ordering easy.  It was one of those carpe diem moments for me, so I ordered the "Cheesy TrueBurger," which contains a single patty and single slice of cheese, cheese fries, and a root beer float.  My husband ordered the "Double Up," which contains two burger patties and two slices of cheese, and a chocolate milkshake.  Can we say nostalgia?  Needless to say, I attended the concert with a happy tummy.

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Banh Mi Ba Le

Have you tried a Vietnamese sandwich before?  I have visited Banh Mi Ba Le numerous times and always left with both a happy tummy, and a happy wallet.  Banh Mi Ba Le was recommended by a good friend.  I usually order a barbecue chicken sandwich; a single serving baguette contains barbecue chicken, pickled turnip and carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers.  The bread is perfect; it is toasted but manages to be simultaneously fluffy.  The chicken is seasoned to where you taste the flavors but are not overwhelmed by them.  The vegetables create a complex mix of textures; you can hear the crunch with every sandwich bite.  If I could, I would visit Banh Mi Ba Le on a weekly basis.   Those that live close by are pretty lucky.

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Dim Sum at Asian Pearl

Top Left: Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)

Top Right: Teochew Dumplings (Dumplings that usually contain

 peanuts, chives, pork, and dried shrimp)

Bottom Left: Shiumai (Pork and Prawn Dumplings)

Bottom Right: Pork Rice Noodle Rolls

Individually...

Pork Rice Noodle Rolls

 Shiumai (Pork and Prawn Dumpling)

Har Gow (Shrimp Dumpling)

If asked whether or not I want to go out for dim sum, my answer is an automatic yes.  Dim sum is comfort food.  I think about all those little dishes, and how many of them I get to get giddy over.  When eating dim sum, drinking hot tea is part of the custom.  It is also an experience watching the steam carts make their way around the restaurant.  

I have been to Asian Pearl countless times, and the restaurant does not disappoint.  It is a popular place for dim sum, and waiting for your table to be ready is part of the experience.  Nevertheless,  it is worth it.  I often go to Asian Pearl with relatives for birthdays, anniversaries, or for no particular reason at all.  The food is consistent, tasty, and affordable.  If you are in the neighborhood, give Asian Pearl a try and experience it for yourself!

Thanks for stopping by!