Mission Cheese San Francisco, Mission District

Lunch at Mission Cheese was hands down my favorite experience of my week in San Francisco. Perhaps it was the pâté de campagne, the trio of California cheeses (Melodie, Carabiner and Capricious), the crisp white wine "Go Getter" from Stage Left Cellars, the melted Raclette over crumbly oven roasted potatoes or the great company of one of my dearest friends Gloria. Whatever it was, I couldn't have asked for more.

The decor of Mission Cheese is characterized by its stark cement walls, modern metal doors and austere tables, which is warmed by a petite vase of colorful flowers. A large chalk drawing of sheep gives the room a splash of artistic whimsy that contrasts but surprisingly fits in against the cool clean lines. If you look closely at the sheep you will find the names of some of the most loved cheeses. Very cool.
"Wait I see something!"
It was hard to keep Alex stationary in amid the kinetic energy of the Mission. Before I knew it he ran out the door. 
"Can I have him? Pleaaaaaase!!!"
"I love you."

With so much to see in the Mission District, we couldn't end it there. The Mission has evolved from its coarser days so we sought out to see the mix of the old and new.

Of course a visit to the Mission is not complete without the acquisition of an authentic California burrito. On this day we stopped in at an original fixture of the neighborhood, La Taqueria, where we ordered a beef tongue burrito, of which Alex did a good job of sharing with our friend Gloria. These thick and meaty burritos set the standard and are worth going out of your way.

Oh the places we'll go and the delicious things we'll eat my sweet boy. This is just the beginning. 

24 comments:

A Canadian Foodie said...

What an adorable child! I think I am in love! Cannot believe he is walking and so big already! What fun you must be having! I have to tell my daughter about this restaurant as they live there - we were just there in the fall and I didn't spy it, but will definitely be looking it up next trip. I am a lover of the simplicity of cheese and this is clearly a lovely, unpretentious environment to have an enjoyable afternoon chat and savor some tasty cheese!
:)
Valerie

Sherry Page said...

Great post, Christine! LOVE the photos of Alex with the dog(s)!

The Palate Post said...

Nice post and picture. I am learning so much from you about new place in the city. Mission is very hard place to find parking especially recent years, but I must visit Mission Cheese. Your son is very handsome and great gourmand already!

Belinda @zomppa said...

I think SOMEONE needs a puppy...can he and puppy be any cuter?? What a fine - need to put that on the list!

Simply life said...

oh Alex is just too cute!

From the Kitchen said...

No need to pack baby food for an outing with Alex!! What a lucky little gourmand. I've put Mission Cheese on my S.F. list after your last post.

Hmmm, I think the boy needs a dog.

Best,
Bonnie

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Wow, I would love to visit the Mission District. Looks like the adorable Alex loved it too, especially the dogs. I see a dog in his future....
Sam

La Table De Nana said...

He just lights up the screen:) Your photos are great too..the cheese s look so appetizing.
Love seeing him:)

Fun and Fearless in Beantown said...

The photos of Alex with the dogs are so sweet.

Andrea said...

Great photos! I especially love the last one! Glad you had a delicious & nice time with your friend. I've never explored the Mission, but it's on "my list."

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Looks like a dog is in your future, since who could resist either of those little faces and puppy dog eyes.

bunkycooks said...

Alex is such a precious little boy! I think your next stop should be at a breeder or the SPCA to buy a puppy for Alex. How can you resist that sweet little face?! ;-)

El said...

Looks like Alex is keeping you on your toes. So cute. Love what they did with the sheep art. Very creative!

ChubbyChineseGirl said...

he is just sooo adorable! makes me smile every time i see his pics! looks like he's ready for a puppy =)

Mari Nuñez said...

Beautiful pictures, great food and Alex is so cute!

Chiara said...

Glad you had a delicious time with your lovely little boy, Alex is so cute...A hug...

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

What beautiful photos! Makes me want to linger over a glass of wine and some cheese. And, Alex is adorable!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

That is my kind of food! I could make that dinner any night - good pate, crusty bread and some cornichons or olive.

I love how Alex always found the dogs where you went :) He is so darned cute!!

Lori said...

Puppy kisses! Too cute! Wow, every bit of this looks amazing. Pinning it for my next trip to San Francisco!

Sook said...

Oh Cheese I love cheese... he he Beautiful pictures, Christine!

Deana Sidney said...

Not only a foodie in training but an animal lover to boot. Sounds like he will grow up to be the perfect man! Great pictures. Love the wall in the cheese shop!

nancy at good food matters said...

I agree with many of your readers--Alex would love his own puppy! Wonderful light in these photos. The chalkboard drawings of the sheep are fantastic.
Also, your redesign of your site, different typeface is terrific--clean, contemporary, elegant.

Sook said...

The kale salad sounds really good! I love kale.

OysterCulture said...

I missed you! But what a fun experience. I love exploring the mission, just never get much of an opportunity. I want your son's dimples!