Foodie Day in San Francisco: Foreign Cinema and the Ferry Building

We’re back in sunny CA!

After a long hiatus, Evelyn and I were finally able to rejoin Matt on one of his biweekly journeys to northern California, this time for an extended 2-week stay. It’s come as a welcome change from the cold and snowy winter we’ve been having in Omaha. With record-breaking temps in the bay area this week, it almost feels like summer again!

Our trip just so happened to coincide with Valentine’s Day, so I thought “what better way to celebrate with my two loves than with a little Sunday brunch in the city?” I booked a last minute reservation (and by last minute, I mean a month ago), snagging the last brunch seating at Foreign Cinema, a restaurant in the Mission known for the classic films it projects on the back wall of their courtyard. While it was too light out to catch a flick during brunch, we enjoyed some delicious food and perfect sunny weather in the courtyard.

Evelyn enjoyed making eyes at the ladies seated next to us. She was so intrigued, and would not stop staring at them. We felt bad for her intrusion, but they were very nice and even offered to let her join their galentine’s brunch if she wished.

I ordered the poached eggs with crispy duck leg confit, paired with a glass of rose, of course. Evelyn was eyeing our food (she tends to do that a lot now), so I let her try some of the duck and dried currants. The girl must have good taste, because she loved it and kept wanting more. Fingers crossed, she’ll continue to be adventurous with trying new foods as she gets older.

Matt opted for some Mexican flavor (not an uncommon brunch choice for him) and ordered the equally delicious, but spicy, pork al pastor fried eggs. Definitely not safe to share with Evelyn, he thoroughly enjoyed it all to himself.

After brunch, we drove down towards the Embarcadero. I had always wanted to check out the Ferry Building Marketplace, and it seemed like the perfect way to spend a final hour or two in the city. We parked at the nearby 75 Howard Garage, which allows you to park up to 4 hours on weekends for only $6; a steal in SF! You can easily reach the Ferry Building from the light rail E or F lines as well, if you’re using public transportation.

We snapped a few pictures under the Bay Bridge and even got a few family photos, thanks to a nice lady who stopped and offered to take them for us.

We arrived at the Ferry Building just after 4 o’ clock as the shops were winding down for the day (most close at 5 PM on Sundays and 6 PM during the rest of the week). That was just fine for me though, since it meant it wouldn’t be quite as busy. The Marketplace was very easy to navigate. While there are about 50 merchants and restaurants, it felt much smaller and was not at all overwhelming.

We walked the entire building in under an hour, perusing each of the vendor’s offerings and purchasing a little selection of meat, cheese and wine (and a cute little market tote, too!). Among the other products you can buy: fresh baked bread, pastries and chocolates, local meats, freshly cultivated mushrooms, coffee and tea, and even kitchenware. If you’re into oysters, the famous Hog Island Oyster Co. also calls the Ferry Building home.

The Ferry Building Marketplace is open 7 days a week, but for even more offerings, visit on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturday’s when the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market is in full swing. I’d highly recommended a stop by for foodies (or anyone, really) planning a trip to San Francisco. And if you can work a meal at Foreign Cinema in there too, you’re in for the perfect day!

Have you been to San Francisco? Where are you favorite eats in the city?