Tartine Bakery, 600 Guerrero Street @ 18th Street, San Francisco

For those who take cake with their coffee in the afternoon or anytime, there is probably no better place in San Francisco than Tartine. As evidence the sweets, perpetual bustle along the display case, and crowded tables are submitted. Offering freshly made baked goods from pains au chocolate with two seams of melting Scharffenberger chocolate to fluffy lemon cream tarts, Tartine delivers a terrific coffee and cake experience. Gazing in the display, one wonders whether the heavenly soft light emanates from the cakes themselves. Prices run from $0.40 to $6 for the sweets. Whole cakes may also be purchased ($28 -$41 depending on size). Its ovens turn out a variety of tasty breads ($4.95) and other meals ($7-9) derived loosely from French and Italian sandwiches, which also deserve attention as long as room is left for dessert. Located near the Mission, Castro, and Noe Valley neighborhoods, Tartine attracts a diverse crowd of people with at least one thing in common: appreciation of delicious sweets and savories made with high quality ingredients. The atmosphere is loud, and persistence may be required to find a seat either at the common table or the two- and four-seaters. But courage! It is worth it.

Review by: Andy Stewart

Posted: Wednesday, July 12, 2006