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My official credentials...always love seeing my blog name in print! |
Like oysters? Then Farallon is the place for you! |
Fabulous salmon, creamy cauliflower puree, and roasted brussels sprouts! |
By the time we finished dessert, I was ready to change into my jammies and head to bed...but not before I looked through all the goodies in my welcome bag and called Michael to say goodnight. I slept like a baby...and woke up rested for a jam-packed day of activities. First stop was The Ferry Building Marketplace.
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Say cheese! Hamming it up on BART with Christi from Mom, What's for Dinner? |
The Ferry Building Marketplace, on the Embarcadero in San Francisco...this is foodie heaven, my friends! |
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A very small sampling of the huge weekend farmers market outside the Ferry Building Marketplace! |
We wanted to finish the scavenger hunt quickly, because the four of us had been selected to take part in a bonus weekend event: a special tour and tasting at the TCHO chocolate factory on Pier 17. We learned about the company's commitment to making the best-quality, delicious chocolate...and doing it in a manner that helps cacao farmers around the world. It was fascinating and tasty! Each variety of chocolate has a distinctive flavor profile...but no flavorings are added. The unique taste of the cacao bean used has a specific flavor: Chocolaty, Nutty, Citrus, or Fruity. After viewing a video presentation and walking through the production facility, then came the fun part: tasting! We sampled each flavor in their lineup, along with biscotti and the intensely delish drinking chocolate. People, this is some serious chocolate...so please check it out!
TCHO chocolates...ready to be purchased and eaten! |
After the tasting, it was time to head over to the City View at Metreon for the Tasting Pavilion. Tons of food and wine vendors had booths set up for us to sample their products and bring some samples home to cook with in our kitchens! I especially enjoyed the biscuits and toppings from Biscuit Bender...and the yummy Asian Pork Sliders from Made in Napa Valley sauces. Two hours later, we were stuffed and ready to head back to the hotel to nap and get glammed up for the Gala Dinner at the California Academy of Sciences.
What southern gal can pass up biscuits and yummy spreads? Not this one, that's for sure! |
So good: Asian Pork Sliders with Slaw, made with Made in Napa's yummy Shanghai sauce. |
The amazing cheese and fruit display that we enjoyed at the Gala Dinner. |
We caught the shuttle to the gala at the Sir Francis Drake. I had a chance to chat with Gina during the bus ride to the venue, which was really fun! The California Academy of Sciences was a fabulous venue...lovely scenery and great food. We were greeted with passed hors d'oevres and drinks in the foyer, then directed downstairs for drinks and appetizers. It was great to chat with lots of food bloggers as we admired the beautiful fish and enjoyed delicious appetizers and potent apple-orange martinis. Before we knew it, it was time to be seated for dinner. There were several action stations, all of which featured California-themed dishes. All of it was delicious, and the conversation was lively! After enjoying some fabulous mini desserts, it was time to jump back in the shuttle and head back to the hotel.
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The California Academy of Sciences was a gorgeous venue for the Gala Dinner! |
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Yeah, it's touristy...but I love going to Fisherman's Wharf! |
It's like Wonka Land for chocolate lovers! Of course, I had some hot cocoa and brought back a few exclusive bars! |
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On our last trip, I fell in love with Boudin's clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls...so had to make a return visit! |
What to buy...decisions, decisions. Ended up with a baguette, four sourdough bread bowls, and two cans of chowder. |
By the time my friend and I finished our lunch, it was time for me to jump in a cab and meet my airport shuttle at the hotel...my weekend was so much fun, but it went by SO FAST! I made it to the gate with time to spare...thankfully, no delays this time. I made it back to San Antonio that evening with lots of goodies to share with family and friends. I am so glad that I had a chance to finally attend Foodbuzz Blogger Festival this year...it was so much fun!
What a fantastic trip! I have to tell you, that photograph of the biscuits spoke LOUDLY to this southern girl. Those have to be some of the most beautiful biscuits I've ever seen. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat recap Wendy. It was so nice to meet you and spend time with you.
ReplyDeleteYay!!! I've been waiting for this post!!! I'm SO bummed that I wasn't one of the bloggers that you met... perhaps another year I will make it to the fest. But I'm so happy that you had such a nice time in my home town!! You hit all of my favorite spots. The fest sounds fabulous!!! Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun weekend--so great meeting you! I'm sorta wishing I had signed up for the chocolate factory tour!
ReplyDeleteWhat I want to know is if you grabbed that tee-shirt in the Haight? He he. I know you were on a whirlwind timeline. I don't care if you know the city and are used to it, it can still be overwhelming with so many choices. Our bus trip was fun, they should of had us on a party bus with drinks and apps and we could of toured the city for a while on the way to the gala, huh. Hope you got some rest before heading to Vegas. Next time you are in the Bay Area, let's hook up for sure. I need to get back out your way too. Your and sweetie and I'm so glad I got to meet you.
ReplyDelete-Gina-
Glad you had fun!!!!!
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