Quest for the Perfect Egg Custard Tart

When was the last time you had a really good Egg Custard Tarts? I heard from some other foodie friends that if you want a really good egg tart, you need to go to SF Chinatown. When I was SF for my sister's wedding, I snuck away before the rehearsal dinner and went on a quest for the perfect egg custard.

It was nothing I expected but more. I walked in to Golden Gate Bakery on Grant St. and immediately smelled the fresh tarts baking. They have other items, but my sources tell me that the egg custard tart was the thing to get. At a mere $1.35, it was a bargain. I walked out of the store with the tart still warm in my palm and the first bite, I was hooked. The flaky crust almost reminded me of a french pastry. The filling was warm, light and had the perfect sweetness. The custard didn't make it 5 feet past the store. I wish I bought more but I didn't want to stand in the line again. But this is THE place to get a egg tart if you are every in San Francisco, despite having to navigate the crowded streets of Chinatown.

Golden Gate Bakery, 1029 Grant Street, 415-781-2627.

My kind of town...Chicago

Just got back from Chicago and had such a great time. Everything they say about Chicago is absolutely true. If there's ever going to be a "foodie" capital of America, I officially nominate Chicago. Some people go on spa vacations, but apparently we were on a food-cation. The highlight of the trip truly was the amazing food experience. Here's a list of the fabulous places we enjoyed:

Table 52 - This place is owned by Oprah's personal chef, Art Smith. I've eaten a lot of soul food but this place is amazing. Art Smith and his staff did a great job of making everyone feel welcome and at home. Shrimp and Grits...beyond amazing.

We then dined at Moto and the gastromony/creations they served still blow my mind. Chef homaro cantu created a meal that was both memorable and appetizing. I'm still trying to grasp the cuban cigar and the Acme dessert still put a smile to my face. I can still taste how the "breakfast cereal" sits perfectly on my palette after being frozen with liquid nitrogen. Wow. An interesting side note is that all the staff have gone to culinary school. I think this really makes an impression when they are working in the industry because they know the food business inside and out.

We felt we needed a little mob style dining while in town. No place is better for that experience than Gene & Georgetti's. Beisdes being a classic mob joint, the food is spectacular. Large family style portions with a throw-back vibe that make you long for the days of Capone and John Dillinger.

The last place we dined at is a true gem in the foodie capital of america. I'm referring to Hot Doug's. Beyond the hype that places like this normally receive, this place deserves all the hype and more. I didn't even mind my 1 1/2 hour wait to get to my foie gras dog. Beyond having a great restaurant, the owner, Doug takes his time to talk to each and every one who walks into his restaurant. Best of all, he tells me that he's a fan of the Lan Chi chili paste with garlic sauce!! See the garlic chili paste right underneath his register??

Stay tuned for more adventures in food. If you have any adventures related to good eating spots around the globe or my family's sauces, please feel free to email me at saucy@lanchifoods.com.

In the meantime, stay Saucy...