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For Really Good Tiramisu: Cafe Puccini, San Francisco
By daniel | November 26, 2007
Esther and I were incredibly hungry by the time we got from San Francisco Airport to our accommodations at Hotel Boheme, so we decided to eat nearby the hotel. Our friendly hotel receptionist directed us to Cafe Puccini, which was located just across the street from our hotel. Esther had compiled a list of eating places from the Internet she thought we should visit, and lo and behold Cafe Puccini was on that list.
When we arrived, we were surprised how rather homely and nondescript looking cafe it looked. However, the sounds of spoken Italian (and smells from the kitchen) in the air convinced us we’re onto a good thing.
And we’re thankful we did. Esther’s homemade Meat Lasagne (US$10.95) was huge and incredibly meaty, which she gleefully tucked into. Unlike the ones we get at home which uses mincemeat, Puccini’s lasagne came with tender chunks of stewed meat (I suspect rabbit and beef was used).
My order of Ricotta Ravioli with Marinara (US$10.95) was likewise impressive.
Smothered in a tomato sauce, each individual handmade ravioli - the biggest I’ve seen - came stuffed and fat with ricotta. I love ravioli, and the version here reminded me why.
Unsurprisingly, we weren’t able to finish our mains but we couldn’t resist ordering a Tiramisu (US$4.75) to share for dessert.
It was the best tiramisu either of us have tasted. Puccini’s version incorporates espresso coffee and coffee liquor into its mascarpone and the total package was downright intoxicating. Despite our full stomachs, we polished it off with ease.
Fully sated, we laid back and planned the our itinerary for the rest of our trip in the cosy comfort of Cafe Puccini.
Our hotel receptionist was right about the food in this place - unpretentious, affordable and yet seriously good.
Warning: Food portions in San Francisco - and the rest of the United States - come in two portions: BIG or “OMG-this-is-damn-huge-I-can’t-finish” BIGGER. Asians with smaller appetites may want to consider sharing portions.
You can find Cafe Puccini at 411 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, +1 415 9897033.
Topics: Cafe, Italian, Travel |