SF – Delfina Pizzeria March 23, 2008

During our arduous beer day in SF we did not forget to nourish ourselves in between all the delicious beverages. We stopped in at Delfina Pizzeria for a few thin crust pies and extras and noshing on the breadsticks while we waited for our food.

I love the simplicity of a margherita pizza and that it really depends on the quality of a few ingredients to make it shine. Delfina’s margherita was delicious with its sweet tomato sauce and super thin crust that was charred in spots. I wish the basil was torn up and distributed more evenly because the three wilted and mangled looking leaves looked kind of sad the way it came. We also got a clam pie which was good but just made me crave Pizzeria Mozza’s white clam pie which is amazing.

I was in need of some fresh and refreshing vegetables after our gluttonous dinner the night before and a very satisfying diner breakfast. The tricolore salad hit the spot – crunchy raddichio, endive and arugula was topped with generous shavings of parmigiano reggiano. Since we were sitting at the bar we got to watch the cooks in action makin their pizzas, deep-fried mozzarella en carroza skewers and beautiful cannoli. We could not find room for the amazing looking mini mozzarella sandwiches although we were dying to try them but there’s always room for dessert right? The sweetened ricotta, chopped pistachio, and crunchy shell was delicious but perhaps too much anise for my taste. I’m not too big on licorice flavors.

We stopped by at Tartine next door which was super crazy busy. I got a few cookies and got to gawk at their beautiful creation while waiting in the long line. I knew I wouldn’t have time to enjoy a huge gruyere gougere but wish I did! And the beautiful meringue cake caught my eye too. Love the big sweeping swirls.