Loving Cup - A Rice Pudding Shop

Across NY and LA the hot thing is Pinkberry (or similar frozen yogurt shops). For San Franciscans though, an ice cold frozen yogurt doesn't exactly hit the spot on a cool foggy day. Luckily we now have our own place to stop for a quick, sweet snack: Loving Cup Rice Pudding Shop on Polk Street.

The bright little cafe was started by a friend of mine - Liz Hawrylo - along with her mother and sister from the East Coast. She set up shop several months ago and have been buzzing with business ever since.

Loving Cup serves a variety of all natural rice puddings. Chai is my favorite flavor. Cardamom, cinamon, nutmeg ... I am drooling just thinking about it! Rice pudding is also a unique dish to pick up and bring to a potluck. No one expects a rice pudding dessert but they always love it.

Also on the menu are pastries, sweet snacks, espresso and yep - frozen yogurt. (Even in SF, we can't escape the pinkberry madness)

Check out the shop at 2356 Polk between Union and Green, and say hi to Liz!

Mecca Closed!?

I've heard rumors of this happening for a while, but was hoping I'd get into Mecca before it shuttered it's doors. It's been famous for it's Thursday Ladies Nights :)

Well, I just got an email from OpenTable that my reservation for Mecca on Tuesday cannot be honored because Mecca is closing it's doors! Here it is: 

"Hi OpenTable Diner, I apologize for the late notice and for any inconvenience this may cause, but OpenTable just heard via the media that Mecca may have unexpectedly closed its doors for business.  We have not been able to reach anyone at the restaurant to verify the closure (voicemail still makes it sound like they are open) nor has anyone contact us to inform us of the closure.  A link to the article on SF.eater.com is below.  Therefore, your upcoming reservation will not be able to be accommodated at this restaurant.  However, we hope that you will book at one of the other restaurants in the area that has availability (we have canceled your reservation so you may book another one)."

A disappointment, but maybe a wonderful new restaurant will take it's place. One thing I love about San Francisco is it's evolving restaurant scene. 

Resaurant Opening: Heaven's Dog

Charles Phan, owner of the Slanted Door, opened a new restaurant in the SOMA Grand last week. I was lucky to go to the opening party and Friends and Family dinner.

Heaven's Dog serves small plates of Chinese dishes and noodles - but I think the best addition to the menu is it's old fashioned cocktail menu.

In the same vein as Bourbon and Branch and The Alembic, Heaven's Dog cocktail list focuses on quality. With all the great drinks it's hard to decide, so also offered is a "Freedom from Choice" option where you simply tell the bartener either "gin or vodka", and "citrusy or boozey". Boozey wasn't exacty the word they used - but I forget what it was and it basically meant boozey. ;)

If you stay for dinner, definitely try the pork belly and the string beans - my favorites! Also say hi to the friendly staff including Colleen Quinn - the floor manager and a friend of mine.

Heaven's Dog - 1148 Mission St.