Imagine a restaurant that feels as if you are in your best friends kitchen, that is if your best friend happens to be a fabulous cook and uses only the freshest and mainly local ingredients. This is the feeling that I had at Boulette’s Larder in San Francisco, at the Ferry Building.
You would not expect anything less than the best ingredients since the Ferry Building is the location for three farmers markets every week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday), and the co-owners of Boulette’s Larder Chef Amaryll Schwertner and business partner, Lori Regis have been a part of the local food scene in San Francisco for well over two decades.
When I spoke with Amaryl and Lori what I loved was their devotion and sense of adventure about what they do, and what they have created. They both admitted that they have a good time in their quest for the freshest, tastiest and sustainably produced ingredients.They search out growers and food artisans across the country, and across the world, who are producing the quality ingredients they insist upon.
Here is their definition of what Boulettes Larder is:
boulettes larder n. Glimpse into the heart of a working, professional kitchen framed by a retail counter where personal attention is offered by a skilled and responsive staff. A useful, compelling and charming epicerie with discriminatingly selected ingredients prepared to varying degrees of time-saving readiness.
The menu changes daily based on what is available, and where Amaryll’s inspiration leads her, which could be influenced by Eastern or Western Europe, North Africa, Turkey, Greece or Japan. You can be sure of one thing, you probably will have a difficult time deciding what to choose.
Breakfast and lunch are served Monday – Friday and brunch is served on Sunday. On Saturday there is no table service but the larder is open 8-2:30 for all of your take out needs.
In the evenings your “best friends” kitchen becomes a peaceful, intimate private restaurant. They can accommodate up to 24 guests and the ambiance quietly competes with the food. Expect crystal stemware, silver table service, handmade linens and candlelight….
There is a daily larder menu for take out and stocking your pantry and fridge. You will find everything from sweets, vegetables and side dishes, meats, cooking fats, spice blends, grains and pastas and even hand care products. You can even place your order ahead and If it is a busy farmers markets day they will bring your order out front for you. If you are not in San Francisco you can order many products online including boulettes larder spice blends, honey (a wonderful assortment is available), Japanese products, and larder basics.
Their commitment to locally produced ingredients is evident in every bite, plus on their web site you will even find a list of their suppliers.
With a communal kitchen just in front of the kitchen you can meet locals and visitors while you eat. Strike up a conversation and you may learn even more about the restaurant…I have a feeling that there is always someone at the table who is a regular. There is also outside seating so you can enjoy the fresh air and on Tuesday and Thursday you can people watch as they shop the farmers market…Be sure to check it out yourself and you will find some of the freshest produce around, as well as delicious prepared food. I must admit that San Francisco has some of the best farmers markets around and a few each day throughout the city.
If you are wondering who Boulette is you can solve the mystery here. It might feel as friendly and inviting as your best friend’s kitchen, but don’t worry you won’t be expected to wash your own dishes.
Boulettes Larder
1 Ferry Building Marketplace
San Francisco, CA 94111
phone (415) 399-1155
fax (415) 399-1177
web site: bouletteslarder.com
Breakfast
Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 10:30 am
Saturday Closed
Lunch
Monday – Friday 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Beignets/Brunch
Sunday 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
We do not have table service on Saturdays
Larder Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am to 2:30 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
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