Double-Take Divisadero
We went back to my old neighborhood when we found out Brenda’s opened a new restaurant. Her famous soul food was no longer just in the Tenderloin, but out on Divisadero with all the other new shops. Man the area sure changed in a year. My only complaint would be why this didn’t happen when I was living around here. Oh wait a minute. My rent would have doubled. Gotta love and hate this living crisis. But onto dinner.
Brenda’s had a fresh new place. Pretty open and I environment. They didn’t try to cram as many tables as possible. Pretty good feeling while we dined. No one was like right next to us. No one to rolled their eyes as I took pictures. That’s good in my book! Even though the place was relatively new, the staff had their act together. They explained the daily specials which we up on the board. I got up to check it out and came back with my selection. Vicky had already got her order together before we even arrived. Ordered and soon our food came out. Pretty good stuff. I wasn’t too happy experimenting and going with the pork chop, but hey, I can’t order the same stuff all the time. And yes, I’ve been to Brenda’s before.
Afterwards we went down the street to Bi Rite, which opened up a couple years ago when I still lived in the area. It’s an organic grocery store which was also popular for it’s ice cream. That’s also the only thing I associate it too. Ice cream. *drool* And great ice cream too. They may not be edgy like Humphrey Slocombe, but they have friggin good flavor combinations. And just so you know, it was cold, in the fifties, and I still enjoyed their ice cream. Does that say enough? I hope so.
Brenda’s Meat & Three
919 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
+1 (415) 926-8657
brendasmeatandthree.com
Verdict: Yes. So glad they have another location. Though I didn’t check if they had their famous beignets.
Bi Rite
550 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
+1 (415) 551-7900
biritemarket.com
Verdict: Definitely. And one day I’ll buy groceries there.
Normally you’d see a line out the door for the ice cream. But given how cold it was, there were no lines. That didn’t mean there weren’t people buying ice cream. We weren’t the only crazy ones with an ice cream craving. People were inside eating within the store.
Brenda’s sits at the north end of the Divisadero restaurants. Pretty low key except for its obvious sign. No real place to wait on a cold day. So get up on in there for a beer if you’re waiting for a table.
Kids scoop. Don’t think you’ll get a perspective of the size from this picture. What I can tell you is that this was the size I expected for a single scoop. It would fit nicely on a cone. But I guess this is America, this wasn’t meant for a cone.
$3.00USD
Here’s the ice cream counter inside Bi Rite. They do change up the flavors but rest assured, the local favorites always seem to be there. Mine’s the Salted Caramel. Can you tell?
Oh it’s so rich and so good. The sharpness of the salt spiked into the caramel is the ultimate combination of sweet and savory in my opinion. The Malted Vanilla makes for a decent base to it. Can you guess what I finished first? Though I recommend you try your own combo, with of course, the Salted Caramel.
$5.75USD (double)
Here’s my pick. Country fried pork chop smothered in gravy. So heavy but oh so good. And that’s why I got the coleslaw to lighten up the heavy meal. Ummm, ignore the mac and cheese… and also the cajun rice.
$16.75USD
Shrimp, oysters, and catfish, deep fried, thrown on a toasted bun and topped with Brenda’s chipotle remoulade. Oh this little po’boy was a perfect balance of savor, crispness, and freshness. Just thinking about the plump crispy oysters makes me want to head back here. I’ll order two next time, one to eat there and one to take home to taunt my friends.
$13.75USD
The watermelon was quite subtle and keeps the country sweet tea, country sweet. Pour me this refreshing drink on any hot day and I’ll be one happy and lazy camper. I’d go through gallons of this. Thankfully, we only had a glass or else I’d be on sugar overload.
$3.00USD (pint)
The place has tables and bar seating for those curious individuals or couples. Plenty of room in here. And while they do have a bar, I haven’t seen it elbow to elbow before. Though I’ve only been here once. Once this place gets more known, I’m sure I’ll have to take back my statement.