Weekend EAT: May in San Francisco

Earlier this week, my mom handed off to me three bags full of strawberries, apricots, and chard; it’s beginning to look a lot like summer and I’m freakin’ stoked.

This is the most fun time of year to cook and eat for me. Produce looks as flamboyant as the characters walking around the city, outdoor dining becomes feasible, and longer days mean taking in all that comes my way. Armed with good tunes and good friends, here were the best spots I ate at this past month, and which I’d recommend putting on your radar to try:

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East Bay

Vik’s Chaathouse { I can’t believe it’d been over a year since I came here! It’s the only place that serves up chaat—street food—that reflects India accurately. The pani puri and cholle bhatura are as good as I remember them. }

Rare Barrel { A ten minute walk from Vik’s and purveyor of sour beers, which I’m a big fan of. Try a sample and take home a bottle. }

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Restaurants

Fénix { The folks behind AQ opened this vivacious spot with shareable, regional Mexican dishes. Come in a group and get the queso fundido. }

The Cavalier { British cuisine isn’t one usually sought out, but I came for brunch and loved it. Scones, toast, and tea make it a solid meal. }

Hashiri { The only place in SF that blends kaiseki and sushi together for an omakase-only dining experience. It’s not cheap, but if you can, come here and be ready to be blown away. }

Laszlo { You may remember it as a dive bar, but it’s been reopened as a sister bar to Foreign Cinema, complete with delicious cocktails and snacks. }

Mojo Bicycle Café { Part bike shop, part café, 100 percent a neighborhood joint. I love coming here weekends to enjoy a solo coffee or healthy quinoa salad. }

Lemonade { The Socal offshoot has come to the city, and it’s got so many choices on the menu that you are bound to be satisfied eating here. }

Mourad { The cool, stylish sister of Aziza, I was wowed by everything here from the decor to the desserts. The lamb, asparagus, and lime-honey desserts were my favorites. }

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Coffee + Desserts

Coffeeshop { Aptly named, this Bernal Heights joint is tiny and mighty. The owner is usually there, so chat with him, order a little of everything, and hang out. }

Sixth Course { I’d been dying to come here and I wasn’t disappointed. The desserts change frequently and are almost too adorable to eat. Almost. }

Jane on Fillmore { The newest menu item is a pitaya smoothie bowl, which is delicious and takes me straight back to Hawaii. }

Sightglass Coffee { For the warmer days, the affogato bar upstairs blends unique ice cream and coffee flavors for the best afternoon treat. }

Repose Coffee { A hole in the wall on Divisadero, it’s a quiet spot to chill out and get a good cappuccino. }

Blue Bottle { The ginger-molasses cookie is one of my favorite cookies in the city. }

Bi Rite Creamery { Because ice cream. Always. }