lunching at my favorite cafe, starstream

Roasted fig, fresh basil and stracciatella cheese sandwich with salad of arugula, red onion and fingerling potatoes

Given the choice of trying a new restaurant or going back to one that is tried-and-true, I’ll usually opt for the former rather than the latter. So if a place does manage to keep me coming-back on a fairly regular basis why, that’s an endorsement in and of itself. Starstream certainly is that kind of place, and it certainly has a hold on me. I keep going back. And without fail, every time I do there’s at least one new thing waiting to be tried, something that blurs the line between sweet and savory (a distinguishing factor for which Starstream is known, check out my previous review here). As much as I try to resist that bit of sweet at the end of the meal, I can’t. (It is the best cookie in San Francisco, after all) And then there’s Remi, the owner and chef, who is a true gem.

The following is a lunch in pictures. Joining me on this latest visit was MUS•e•YUM Trustee, L., a former advertising exec. who’s eaten at some of the top restaurants in town and beyond, so he has a refined palate and holds the bar high. L. always presents a neutral and unbiased review. . . it was his first time eating here, in fact. (Not his last, he really liked it!)

On my plate were the roasted fig, basil & stracciatella cheese sandwich and the salad of arugula, pickled red onion and sliced fingerling potatoes . Both of these dishes reflect Chef Remi’s signature approach of bringing savory and sweet together, in a deftly-balanced way. L. also loved his meal, the Pork Conserva sandwich and Citrus Salad. He appreciated how well-balanced all the flavors were on his plate, as well.  The brightness of the citrus fennel salad was a real highlight, as well as the iced Bergamot tea he ordered with his meal, very aromatic and rich. We both agree the rolls on which the sandwiches are served are pretty great and well worth mentioning; they’re beautiful, they’re flavorful, and they’re made in-house by Remi, as well. We also agreed the portion size is exactly right. We left completely satisfied, but not stuffed. In fact, as always, I had room for a little dessert, the dark chocolate and red chile pepper scone, dusted with gorgeous crystaline turbinado sugar. The flavor of the scone was nothing short of amazing, the richness of the chocolate totally satisfies your sweet tooth, and it’s accompanied by a real nice “kick” on the back-end, thanks to the chiles. Awesomeness.

And this visit we found out about a bit of exciting news from Chef Remi- . . . so stay tuned for a big story mid-February!

Pork Conserva sandwich and arugula/fingerling potato salad at Starstream Cafe

figarella sandwich at Starstream with the delicious iced bergamot tea

dark chocolate and red chile pepper scones at Starstream

Starstream Cafe, on Harrison Street, SF

Starstream

1830 Harrison at 14th St (near the Best Buy)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 864-6370

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am – 4 pm

Links to articles in the Press:

https://sites.google.com/site/mattegrayinsf/journals/journal-2010

http://blogs.sfweekly.com/foodie/2010/10/star_stream_belgian_waffles.php

http://www.rundown.com/article.php?article_id=1445

http://blogs.sfweekly.com/foodie/2010/09/best_chocolate_chip_cookies_san_francisco.php

February 6, 2011 | Categories: Food, food reviews, lunch spot reviews, restaurant reviews | Tags: bergamot tea, best, cafe, chocolate, fig, Food, food network, lunch, pastries, pastry, pork, restaurant, reviews, San Francisco, sandwich, scone, starstream | Leave A Comment »