pretty by the bay

This is the first time I will tell you about my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. But it won’t be the last.

Corey and I have been going to Brenda’s French Soul Food since we arrived in San Francisco 2+ years ago. This fine establishment is only open for breakfast and lunch, and it’s not in the best neighborhood. Case in point:

Taco Bell/KFC combo…Brenda’s French Soul Food…Coin Laundry. One of these things just doesn’t belong here. But deep in the heart of the Tenderloin, you’ll find some of the most delicious and affordable food in SF. It’s tiny – about 8 tables, plus a counter that seats 6 or 7 more. Most menu items are less than $10, and considering the quality and portion size, this is an incredible value.

If you’re fortunate enough to dine at Brenda’s, it’s essential to order at least one item from the list of daily specials. The regular menu is stellar, but I’ve yet to have a special item that didn’t completely blow me away. Take, for example, Banana Bread Pudding French Toast:

Banana bread…soaked in custard…grilled….and topped with bourbon butter sauce, pecans, and fresh whipped cream. Can life get any better?

Why yes, actually. It can. Especially when grits and a biscuit are involved.

Yes. I’ve done it. I’ve found a west coast restaurant that makes the best biscuits ‘n’ grits outside of the south. And that’s not just lip service. Quite honestly, Brenda makes some of the best biscuits I have ever eaten. And her grits….oh, her grits. You want cheese? You want butter? You’ll find them here. Most egg dishes come with the option of grits or potatoes, biscuit or toast, but come on. You know what to choose.

In two years, we’ve tried just about everything on the menu, save for a few items only available during weekday lunch. People are often surprised when I tell them Brenda’s is my favorite joint in all of SF. A breakfast joint? Really? I mean, they don’t even serve mimosas!

But yes. Really. It’s affordable food. It’s delicious food. And it’s served up in the most unlikely place…a true diamond in the rough. If you visit me in San Francisco, a trip to Brenda’s will be on our agenda – count on that. If you can’t afford the airfare, live vicariously through this blog. We’ve only just begun our mutual exploration of crawfish beignets, granola pancakes, and other yummies from her creative menu.