Lisa's Favorites

Inside the Ferry Building is like being a kid in a candy story for any foodie. Here are a few of Lisa's favorites:


Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant:  Specializing in artisanal wine producers around the world, you'll find wines here you won't find most anywhere else. High quality-high value wines is another thing the folks at FPWM are good at unearthing. Lucky for us they do the legwork and all we have to do is pull (twist), sit back and enjoy.

Recchiuti Confections:  All I need is one of their Fleur de Sel Chocolates and I'm good to go! Another must have - Burnt Caramel Sauce poured over just about anything!

McEvoy Ranch:  California Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil picked early for bright green flavor. The shop also sells luxurious olive oil based soaps and lotion, lavender honey, olive trees and cute dishes for bread dipping sessions.

Acme Bakery:  Steve Sullivan started making bread at Chez Panisse then opened his own bakery in Berkeley in 1983. With over 40 types of breads and pastries from which to choose, I have no single favorite. The Epi (a long, connected loaf of rolls, crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside) is my favorite when I need to have a quick carb fix. You can easily pull off a fresh roll and nibble away. Bread only sold in Bay Area markets.

Miette Patisserie:  Parisian-style airy and chewy macarons will have you wondering where they've been all your macaroon eating life. Pistachio is my favorite.

Cowgirl Creamery:  The Mt. Tam is such a crowd pleaser I've yet to meet anyone who didn't love this organic, soft-ripened, bloomy rind, triple cream cheese. Maybe the added butter fat has something to do with it.

Ciao Bella Gelato:  Coconut sorbet to die for! Best news yet is they ship to your door!

Boccalone Salumeria:  Cured meats from sustainably raised, heritage-breed pork. Translated, Boccalone means Big Mouth. That's what you'll want to have so you can taste their wide variety of locally made artisan cured meats.

I Preferiti di Boriana:  Who doesn't love Italy? Boriana's shop inside the Ferry Building gives us a taste of Montelpuciano anytime we want. Thank you, Boriana! Fresh Bomboloni (fried doughnuts) filled with Nutella or sweet and savory preserves made by Boriana's neighbors back in Montelpuciano. Quality food made by artisans in Tuscany.

Far West Fungi:  The country's only mushroom store! Year-round supply of high quality organic mushrooms from the family farm in Moss Beach Landing not far from San Francisco. Discount off online purchases.


Jay Mercado, San Francisco Artist:  If you've seen one still life painting of fruit you've seen `em all. Not the case with Jay Mercado's naturally voluptuous and multi-dimensional Santa Rosa Plum or Lone Bosc or any fruit he paints for that matter. Mercado's paintings grabbed hold of me six years ago on display at Garibaldi's in Presidio Heights and still gratify me to the core. Check out the rest of his work at www.jaymercado.com