From pancakes to wine

It goes a little something like this—unemployment equals very little money but the ability to drink in the middle of the afternoon on occasion. So in one day, with my limited budget, I was able to have a yummy lunch, a nice glass of wine, a bit of dessert, see a free concert and go to happy hour with the girls. All this for under $60 which is good by SF standards. (For the rest of the week it’s top ramen and two buck chuck)

First, breakfast starts at home with some healthy pancakes

Yummy and healthy whole wheat pancakes

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups low-fat milk

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons almond extract

1 large egg

1 tablespoon canola oil

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl.

2. Heat pan on medium and pour batter into pan to desired size of pancake. (You have to make at least one Mickey Mouse pancake)

3. When bubbles appear on surface of the pancakes, flip and cook on other side until brown.

4. Repeat with remaining batter until all gone. (I make a bunch and then just reheat them during the week.)

5. Prepare favorite topping (I like to add a dollop of slightly melted peanut butter mixed with my maple syrup) and cook up turkey bacon.

6. Open pie-hole and insert food.

A few hours after I ate my healthy breakfast I met one of my employed friends in the financial district aka fidi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_District,_San_Francisco) for lunch at B & M Mei Sing.

My go to dish is the shrimp and green beans in black bean sauce with rice. It’s one of my favorites and at a budget worthy price. ($7.60). I try not to go over $10 for lunch–in the fidi it’s hard to get a bargain unless you go to food truck or fast food. I do love food trucks but haven’t found one that serves this dish. I usually eat half at lunch and take the rest home for dinner. Now THAT’s a bargain.

The shrimp are big and juicy, the green beans have just the right amount of crunch and the sauce is addictive with the right balance of ginger, onions and spices. You can also choose chicken, beef or pork for your protein; I can never pass up a good shrimp dish. They have free water and tea. It is cash only and no frills, but worth it.
B & M Mei Sing – 62 2nd Street (between Market and Mission)

Next we stop quickly for a glass of wine at Sutter Station Tavern or as it is affectionately called the ‘Sutter Gutter’ ($7) for a very good pour– as noted in the picture, the orignal pour is where the finger is pointing ♥.

I think one should indulge in a lunchtime cocktail every once in a while. It mixes up the work week. I know, I should talk. The Sutter Gutter has been around since 1969 and it’s a wonderfully (in my opinion) divey bar that is right on Market Street. Very non-pretentious and a cool place to get a midday or after work cocktail. In addition to wine they have a full bar and even though I am not a fan, I’ve heard they make a mean Bloody Mary. You’ll have to go and check it out for yourself and report back. They also have free popcorn and on Fridays they usually have free pizza in the evening, get it while you can. AND if you need hair of the dog in the morning before you head to work, have no fear as they open at 6:00 in the morning. They have two happy hours—noon-2 and 7-9. Gotta love it.
Sutter Station Tavern – 554 Market St (between Sutter St & 2nd St)

My friend regrettably went back to work and I wanted to indulge my sweet tooth. I remembered there’s a crème brulee cart near so I went in search of burnt crème.

I did find it on Market and Sutter and had a few flavors to choose from. According to the Crème Bruleer that was working the cart they are there seven days a week and I had to wait in line, the crème brulee business is doing well. I went for the Vanilla Bean ($4.00) and enjoyed cracking the top to dig into the light and fluffy vanilla filling which had a nice lingering taste of lavender.

After gobbling up my tiny but satisfying dessert I headed to 525 Market Street for some free music courtesy of the city. There are many different types of music, from Latin to R&B, Reggae and even some opera. Check out the link for a schedule http://peopleinplazas.org/

I headed home at the top o’ the hill to change into my sparkly pink heels and then met my friends at The Hidden Vine for some wine and girl chat.

I had never been to the Hidden Vine, but immediately loved their decor with high ceilings and textured blue walls. We kept petting the soft velvet wallpaper as we sipped on wines from Australia, Spain, Portugal and France. They do not have any happy hour specials but had a huge wine list and variety of upscale bar nibbles to indulge in. They did have some good deals on wines by the glass and I found the perfect fit in the Broadbent Vinho Verde, earthy, light and fruity, but not too sweet ($7for a medium pour).

For food I opted for the Wild Mushroom and Asparagus Flatbread with Idiazabal.($10). One of the girls had the Heirloom Tomato and Peach salad with baby beets, laural chenel, arugula in a Verjus vinaigrette ($11). I had a taste and loved the combination of fruits and veggies and the vibrant colors of this salad. Although we didn’t play a game, they have a bocce ball court, which is pretty unique for a wine bar in the financial district. Let’s check it out next time.
The Hidden Vine – 408 Merchant Street (between Battery and Sansome)

My total at The Hidden Vine was $33 (I had four glasses of wine–dang I sound like a lush–and shared the flatbread), a bit of a spurge for me but the total for the day was $59.60 (including tax and tip) and it was well worth it.

A delightful day with good food, wine and great friends is always a blessing.

Until next time….