After reading a post in Hoodline that Pete Mrabe (Don Pisto’s, Pete’s, Chubby Noodle) has opened SYLVIA’S BAKESHOP in the former North Beach Baking Co. space in North Beach, I followed up with him for a few more details. It ends up the bakeshop isn’t using the famed ovens to create the baked goods: chef Daniel Sudar is making them at their nearby Central Station Deli. You’ll find cookies, biscotti, coconut macaroons, cakes (red velvet), scones, pies (apple), cupcakes, tarts, and more. They will also be carrying about five kinds of bread from other purveyors, like Acme, Boudin, and focaccia from Liguria Bakery.
The original bakery ovens require a major rebuild (they date back to 1917). Mrabe says they are basically crumbling brick, so their repair will be down the road. In the meantime, you can swing by the retail bakery—named after Mrabe’s mother—for an affordable sweet treat or two and a cup of coffee (the roaster is still being determined; they’re still taste testing). Open daily 7am-6pm, and they may be opening around 6am soon. 1501 Grant Ave. at Union.
More baked goods: EL SUR, known for their Argentine empanadas served off their 1970s Citroen van, are soft opening their first brick-and-mortar production kitchen and café in Potrero HIll this week, with the official opening slated for Monday July 17th. Founder Marianne Despres will be serving her trademark and exquisite empanadas (Parisien, pollo saltado, champiñones, verde, and traditional), which are made with beef fat (except the vegetarian ones, of course), plus short rib and chicken skewers with housemade condiments like chimichurri and salsa criolla, salads, and desserts (menu here). Open Mon-Fri 10am-2pm; look for longer hours in the fall when their beer-and-wine license kicks in. 300 DeHaro St. at 16th St.
Cheesesteak fans, there’s a new spot called CHEESESTEAK ON CLAY that opened in the Financial District. It’s a pretty straightforward menu: three kinds of cheesesteaks on Amoroso rolls, a bunch of different kinds of fries (waffle, garlic, and then there’s dirty waffle), wings, a couple of salads (but really, who are you kidding), and six beers on tap (happy hour is Mon-Fri 4pm-7pm, you’re welcome). I blame them for bringing on my cheesesteak craving last night—after looking at pics online, I had to order one from Phat Philly. Damn it! Open Mon-Fri 10am-9pm. 653 Clay St. at Kearny, 415-433-2222.
After all those cookies and empanadas and cheesesteaks, maybe you’d like a vegan salad and some green juice? There’s a new URBAN REMEDY by herbalist and nutritionist Neka Pasquale that opened in Noe Valley, serving her line of snacks, salads, wraps, cold-pressed juices, and more. (I’m a fan of their salads—they really have a lot of flavor!) Open Mon-Fri 8am-7pm and Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. 3870 24th St. at Sanchez. [Via Hoodline.]
A selection of what’s on offer at Sylvia’s Bakeshop. Yelp photo by Cynthia L.
