Hazelnut and TCHO Chocolate Financier, Le Marais, SF
Working at one of the best (I'm trying not to be biased here...) bean-to-bar American chocolate companies, certainly had its perks. For one thing, it was an excuse to discover the hippest joints, rub elbows with pastry chefs, and consequently get spoiled rotten with chocolate desserts. That coupled with my mission to find San Francisco's best pastries, landed me squarely in front of Le Marais one morning, at 7am before work. Some people might call me crazy. I like to think it's just dedication...
As the name might suggest, Le Marais was founded by a Frenchman, once in finance, who upon deciding that life was no longer for him, committed himself to finding the best croissant recipe with which to open this bakery. And once he had, the rest was history. They have already expanded and begun offering both brunch and dinner menus. They're that good. Think wooden beams, perfect Parisian bakery smell, Edith Piaf, California coffee culture vibe, located in one of SF's more chic neighbourhoods, Chestnut Hill, you'd be a fool not to visit. Thrice.
Croissant aux Amandes, Le Marais, SF
In my opinion, these are hands down, the best pastries in San Francisco. Ok I take that back. They tie in first place with Tartine (more info on that later). But there is one pastry in particular which flies miles high above all the rest: the pain au chocolat avec banane caramelisé (chocolate and banana croissant). Firstly, you'll ask your self why in God's name no one thought of that before. Secondly, you'll thank the universe 100 times over that someone finally did. Yes, it's as good as it sounds. And the flaky croissant puff pastry easily rivals that of any Parisian bakery. Especially at 7am in the morning when they're coming fresh out of the oven before your eyes. Need I say more? [For proof of its existence, see here: www.instagram.com/nibsetc].
