Yesterday I shared with you my visit to Greens Restaurant (San Francisco's vegetarian paradise) as well as my very tourisy stop at Ghirardelli Square. Well, today my tourist hat is back on as I take you along on my first trip to the Ferry Building.
During my November trip to SF, on my final night in town I walked with a co-woker from our office on Pine Street down to the Ferry Building. Though it wasn't even Thanksgiving yet, the place was already lit up for the holidays.
Inside, visitors can enjoy shop after shop showcasing items grown or made in San Francisco. There are produce stands, cheese shops, mushroom shops (yes, just mushrooms), bakeries, coffee shops (Blue Bottle!), bath products, souvenirs and more.
We bopped around and window shopped for a while before heading towards are ultimate destination, Cowgirl Creamery's Cafe & Milk Bar.
I first learned about Cowgirl Creamery when I received a gift box from a vendor partner at work for the holidays. Everyone in my office who already knew about these cheese wizards was swarming my desk asking if I would share. So when I heard they had an outpost in the Ferry Building, I knew that's where we had to eat.
As you approach the Cowgirl Creamery shop, there is a chalkboard menu touting the daily specials.
The counter (just four seats) is called the Side Kick.
This location is best known for their daily grilled cheese specials. The night we went, the sandwich was featuring local mushrooms. How good does this look?
The bread was expertly buttered and perfectly crisp, the cheese was hot and gooey and the mushrooms added a hearty and earthy flavor.
In addition to the grilled cheese special, we also ordered the tomato soup, which was topped with croutons and of course, more cheese.
The soup was warm and comforting, just as tomato soup should be. The croutons tasted better and better the longer they bobbed in the broth. The melted cheese was a super decadent touch.
Full and happy, we gave up our seats at the counter and headed to the back of the Ferry Building to take in the view of the water and the Bay Bridge.
I'm not normally a fan of tourist attractions, but the Ferry Building and the grilled cheese at Cowgirl Creamery are not to be missed. The Ferry Building is also the undisputed best place for SF souvenirs. Don't wait until you get to the airport!
