SPECIALTY'S STUFFED CROISSANT AND YOUR WEEKLY DIGESTION OF FOOD NEWS TO CONSUME

**Most definitely a surprise and super bummer as this bakery chain calls if COVID-19 quits**

Specialty's is kind of a bakery/coffee shop/sandwich shop hybrid kind of place with several locations across the city. From what I can tell they sprouted up originally in California and have now have over 100 locations in CA, Washington and Illinois of all places. Years (and years ago) when I worked downtown I used to hit them up a lot for cookies, though mostly the day-olds as they were half price, which made them a much better bargain. Ah, the joys of saving a buck in San Francisco. Not being around where there shops are anymore I hadn't partaken of them in awhile.

Recently I strolled by one just off Market Street and was feeling a bit peckish but didn't want a whole lot of something at that moment. (I know, strange, I wanted a small bite!) I thought why not see what they got. It looked like they had just put out a bunch of freshly made pastries and such so i think I hit them at the right time. I was in a savory mood (yes, again, strange!) not a sweets one and zeroed in on the stuffed croissants. Yes, they have the requisite ham and cheese thingy, but they also had a turkey and Swiss cheese one that caught my eye and stomach. It was only $3 (plus tax) which seemed a fair price for the size and weight of it. Added bonus, it was still warm. I only had medium expectations getting this, thus was pleasantly surprised by the buttery flakiness of the bread, the generous portions of both cheese and slices of turkey and most of all---an added dollop of ricotta cheese on the inside. This added both a tang and creaminess like butter that was pleasing and tasty to my tongue and tummy.

Kudos to Specialty's for serving up this cheesy, meaty, buttery delight that hit the spot and conquered my savory craving of the moment. This will definitely be added to my list of quick affordable small bites in San Francisco, something that can sometimes be hard to come by. Though, with their multiple locations downtown, it will make it a little easier to find.  

• Whole Paycheck Foods is opening a store aimed at millennials. Because they don't feel entitled enough?

• Blue Bottle continues it's expansion trend to take over all coffee in San Francisco.

• The Fizzary on Mission Street has gone flat and looks to sell the whole sparkly bottle.

• Something called Lobster Me is shellfishing up the Westfield Food Court. Yikes! How much is a lobsta' roll gonna set me back there?

• KronnerBurger has finally gone brick and mortar and Tablehopper gets a first look. Now you can satisfy your practically rare hamburger craving any day of the week.

• There's a Fish & Farm in the Financial District, but only breakfast and lunch (and possibly happy hour--for everyone but the fish).

• There's an adorable sake bar coming to Octavia and Market. Just what that corner needs.

• And in more Blue Bottle news--they've decided to stop their Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market stalls. But don't fret, you can still stand in line at the permanent inside location. The lines will just now be much longer.

• Ever wanted to live, breathe, eat, blog, write, photograph, etc food all day long? Now could be your chance to live the foodie dream.

• Alice Waters and Cecilia Chiang--their lifelong friendship.

• And in case you missed them, here is the list of James Beard Award winners that includes a fair number of San Francisco folks.