Frederick and I met for breakfast today. We had planned to dine at Canteen--one of my favorite breakfast spots but when we got there, we learned it no longer serves breakfast; the Commodore hotel in which it resides was recently converted to a dorm for the Academy of Arts and the restaurant lost the regularly stream of breakfast patrons.
I stood there, completely disappointed. I had taken the week off to get my life in order; get things organized, do things I've been wanting to do--like a Friday morning breakfast with a friend--and there I was. Standing outside in the cold San Francisco morning, not knowing where to go next.
This feeling, of now knowing where to go or what to do next has been a constant companion ever since I moved to San Francisco. Every neighborhood has its obvious places, but the best places are hidden in small hotels or on street corners you wouldn't normally see. Frederick and I were standing at an invisible intersection between lower Nob-Hill, upper Tenderloin, and the edge of downtown--not a fancy spot by anyone's account and one I knew very little about as far as food was concerned.
We ended up a few blocks down the hill, almost at the Tenderloin, at the famous Dotty's True Blue Cafe. After 15 minutes outside in the line, we were seated at one of about 7 tables from which we could watch the chef/cool flip thick pieces of French Toast on the grill. The place is small and warm, the staff is warm and efficient. The place has a distinct blend of current pace and 40's decor. The floor has original brown pattern tile work and the walls are covered with posters of Dorothy Dandridge--the first African American to win an academy award. Frederick ordered fresh pancakes which were topped with a mound of fresh cut fruit. I had the Open Road special with poached eggs that were done just perfectly right. The food is nothing to rave about, but it hit the spot.
Good to know:
-If you're by yourself, go in and see if there's an available seat at the counter. That way you don't have to wait in the long line outside.
-On some orders that come with pancakes, you can ask for 1/2 order of pancake and 1/2 french toast. I like mine with maple sauce and a side of sour cream.
Note the fresh loafs of bread above the fridge (behind the counter)...they were so fresh you could smell them!
Oh yes- make sure you leave plenty of time for a nap!
522 Jones Street
(at Geary St & Ofarrell St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 885-2767
Enjoy!




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