One babka for all holidays
Hanukkah starts tomorrow, and whether or not you celebrate, there's a limited edition babka that wants to go home with you this weekend. Mamahuhu and Loquat have collaborated on a red bean sesame babka ($20) with red bean caramel, sesame, orange zest, and osmanthus. I'm waiting for osmanthus flowers to really have their moment in the world; they make everything taste more special.
I've had some dodgy babkas in this town over the years, but Loquat actually knows how to make them! There's always some interesting flavor to try in the bakery. The collaboration is particularly rich and not too sweet. I was gifted one a few days ago and have been savoring it slowly. Because it was well-made, the layers peel off evenly, which is a fun way to eat.
It's available at Loquat and all Mamahuhu locations through Dec. 25, so you can also have one for Christmas or Kwanzaa. If you get it at Loquat, you'll definitely be tempted to order more items from the pastry case or cake fridge, and if you pick it up at Mamahuhu, you're probably going to want to order a meal and grab a shaker of M.S.G. (mushrooms/seaweed/garlic) sprinkles while you're there.
We've got more thoughtful, hyperlocal and last-minute holiday gift ideas on the site for you to browse, too.
This week's column is about the not-yet well-known bento box available for takeout at the new PABU-Chan sake tasting room in San Francisco. It's not really a secret, but it's kind of a secret.
Tamara Palmer
See you next weekend!
Tamara
