It’s that time of year again! The holidays in SF bring bright lights, temporary ice rinks, and politically correct decorations—but that’s not all. With the added pressures of gift shopping, donning two extra layers and dealing with annoying transportation delays, wind down and treat yourself to the city’s most indulgent seasonal desserts. Trust us, you deserve it.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Fog Harbor Fish House
Squash season is not over yet, and we’re giving post-Turkey Day thanks for the Pumpkin Bread Pudding at Fog Harbor on Pier 39. Executive Chef Adolfo Soto combines a blend of holiday spices with fresh pumpkin and a dash of rum to create a soft square of bread pudding, doused in warm crème anglaise and topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The golden raisins add an ultra-sweet spark to the succulent breaded pudding. Enjoy the view of the Bay and be sure to include Fog Harbor’s seasonal confection as a new holiday tradition. Pier 39, (415) 421-2442.
Buche de Noel, Hi Lo BBQ
What sounds more like San Francisco than barbeque in the Mission on Christmas? Barbeque in the Mission on Christmas, followed by a mouthwatering Buche de Noel for dessert. Chef Robin Song’s take on the traditional French Yule log is the perfect end to a family-style rib roast dinner. The chocolate genoise Buche de Noel is rolled with pine-smoked cream cheese filling and topped with chicory and chocolate paper, with an added drizzle of coffee crumble. But plan ahead—this delectable dessert is available for one night only on Christmas Eve, and you’ll have to fight St. Nick for it. 3416 19th St, (415) 874-9921.
Eggnog Crème Brulee, Tender Greens
The holidays are incomplete without seasonal sweets and booze, and with the Eggnog Crème Brulee at the FiDi’s Tender Greens, you’ll get both. A mix of wintery spices with a kick of brandy, the dessert takes the standard crème brulee and gives it a holiday spin. Break through the golden caramelized sugar layer to get to the smooth, sweet custard. It’s sugar and spiked, and everything nice. 30 Fremont St. (415) 543-5200.
Christmas Cookies, Bluestem Brasserie
After an exhausting afternoon of holiday shopping in Union Square, stop in at Bluestem Brasserie for a jar of house made Christmas Cookies. Seasonal favorites include the gingerbread men, Christmas Meringues and Pfeffernusse. The cozy cookie collection will remind you of Christmas at Grandma’s, with an added bonus of chocolate rum balls, Mandarin and Currant Pare de fruit cookies, and spicy pecan fudge. Let’s see Gran compete with that. 1 Yerba Buena Lane. (415) 547-1111.
Egg Nog Pie, Flour & Co.
Move over pumpkin pie, you’ve got some competition. Flour & Co. Bakery in Nob Hill is serving a sweet tooth’s holiday miracle: Egg Nog Pie. Enjoy a full nine inches—or just a slice—of a creamy, eggnog flavored pie filling with a hint of bourbon, set in a warm golden crust. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, the pie will tickle your taste buds. Got to get started on that holiday weight sometime, right? 1030 Hyde St. (415) 992-7620.
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