Hello dear readers, It wasn’t quite summer when I wrote my last post, and now we’re almost halfway through. I’ve missed writing here, although the reason behind my absence is a happy one: I’ve been enjoying my summer travels! A combination of vacation and work travel has kept me away from the blog (although if you’ve […]...
{Palo Alto}: [esc] at Four Seasons Silicon Valley
Is [esc] at Four Seasons Silicon Valley the perfect escape? [esc], the new cafe/lounge space in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley is a sleek and welcome addition to the luxury hotel. Chef Eric Keppler, the in-house pastry chef, creates morning pastries like croissants and kouign amann for breakfast along with coffee […]...
{SF}: Hyatt Centric San Francisco and Where to Go (And Eat) Nearby
I was invited to a media event at the Hyatt Centric to preview their new amenities. I was not paid for this post and all opinions are my own. When my out-of-town friends ask me in what part of San Francisco they should they look for lodging, I usually like to suggest somewhere near the Embarcadero, […]...
{Sweet San Francisco}: Hearth Coffee
San Francisco is full of unexpected and pleasurable pastry discoveries lately. I made a recent visit to the Castro and discovered a new place that will likely become a regular stop when I’m in the area. Hearth Coffee is a roastery, cafe, and even restaurant, that serves up a warm, modern ambience, stellar coffee, and […]...
{Sweet San Francisco}: Paris Baguette Bakery
I’m excited to see an increasing number of globally-inspired bakeries rising into the spotlight in the Bay Area’s ever-growing pastry scene, opening people’s eyes to a world of sweet pastries beyond just American and French-inspired treats. Asian bakeries have always flown a bit under the radar, but several modern new chains are making Asian pastries […]...
{Sweet San Francisco}: Chantal Guillon SOMA
Although there’s a lot of focus in SF on pastry with modern, funky twists, I’m also very pleased to see there’s also been a quiet resurgence in classic French pastry as well. Case in point: Chantal Guillon, my favorite maker of macarons in San Francisco, who has expanded to three shops in the Bay Area, […]...
Anita Chu, also known as pastrygirl, is a baker, writer, and photographer with a passion for pastry. She trained at Tante Marie's Cooking School and is the author of Field Guide to Cookies, Field Guide to Candy, and Lollipop Love. Anita lives in San Francisco with her husband, daughter, and dog Max. 
