This past weekend I attended the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival in San Francisco, California, 2,700 miles away from my home. Traveling alone is always a meaningful, reflective experience for me, and over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be sharing vignettes that I hope are meaningful to you, as well.
. . .
“Can you tell we’re tourists?” the gossamer-haired man asked the woman at the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) information desk after she guided him through the process of purchasing a ticket. He chuckled toward his smiling wife, and they walked over toward the ticket machine.
I walked up to the information desk, wondering if I was about to annoy the attendant by asking a question she’d already been asked a hundred times this morning. Like everyone else I’d met so far in the Bay City, though, she cheerfully offered detailed advice. With some help from the tourist couple who’d gone before me, I successfully purchased a subway ticket and stepped onto the escalator to descend into the rumbling belly of the city.
After a posing a few more clueless questions to kind San Franciscans, I stepped onto a BART train and settled into my seat with a self-congratulatory sigh. We sped off only to hear a robotic voice a few seconds later announcing the next stop: “Montgomery.”
Oh. Montgomery? I looked at the map on the wall. I was trying to head to the Mission area to visit the gorgeous, iconic Tartine Bakery. Montgomery, however, was in the opposite direction — toward Oakland across the bay. Once again I turned to a stranger. “If I’m trying to get to 16th and Mission–” I began.
“Oh, you’re headed the wrong way,” she said with a smile. “You needed the train on the other side of the tracks.” It suddenly dawned on me that of course the trains, like cars, would go in two different directions. I felt a little sheepish.
“Oh, thanks! I guess it’s a good thing I realized after only one stop,” I said.
“Definitely. You’re fine. You’re not under the water yet!” she replied.
Her reassurance at once comforted me and alerted me to an alarming fact that I hadn’t considered about the trains: they go under the water. Under the San Francisco Bay. Seriously? I could hear my mom’s voice in my head saying, “What if there’s an earthquake while you’re under there?!” I jumped off at the next stop and changed trains, relieved that I didn’t have to go under the water until I visited Oakland later in my trip.
A couple of hours later I stood at a bus stop, blissful after devouring a frangipane croissant, a gruyere and black pepper gougere, and a Mexican Coke at the communal table in Tartine. I hurriedly grabbed $2 out of my pack as the bus pulled up, but I had the good sense to pause on the bus steps and ask, “Do you head toward Lombard?”
I expected the bus driver to wave me onto the bus, impatient with silly tourist questions, but again, I was met with generosity: “Oh, you want the 22 that runs on the other side of the street.” He pointed to the bus stop across the way. A kind man at the bus stop confirmed the bus driver’s words, “Just wait over there and another bus will be along in a moment.” Buses, it seemed — like trains! and cars! and everything else, Julie! — ran in both directions. Since you might be wondering at this point, I promise I’m not dumb.
I walked across the street, once again redirected by the kindness of others.
Are you plowing ahead on your own power lately? Personally, I never grew out of that independent toddler stage of life — the one where you’re constantly insisting, “I’ll do it myself!” There’s nothing quite like being alone in a strange city across the country from your home to break you of that intransigence, though.
I found my way to Tartine and then up to the Golden Gate Bridge on Friday because I was willing to accept the generosity and support of others. (And if I hadn’t found my way to Tartine, what a tragedy that would’ve been!)
Reach out for help when you need to. You don’t have to handle everything alone. And hey, you’re not under the water yet.
. . .
What better way to kick off my California posts than with a gorgeous open-faced California Sandwich? It’s just as healthy as it looks, but don’t worry — it doesn’t lack a thing in the taste department. In fact, it’s one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever made in my kitchen. It’s a fresh, tangy combination of flavors that you just feel good eating. I made it on sourdough bread, which I love — and how appropriate for all this talk of San Francisco.
Was there a time in your life when you’ve had to break down and accept the help and kindness of others?
Fresh Open-faced California Sandwich
Recipe by: Adapted from Ezra Pound Cake
Yield: 2 open-faced sandwiches
This quick sandwich is cool and refreshing. The bright California salad is comprised of tomatoes, cucumbers, cilantro, and avocado bathed in lime juice. It rests on a tangy chive spread and a thick, toasty slice of sourdough bread. I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious the finished product was considering how little effort went into assembly. This sandwich would make the perfect lunch or light dinner.
Chive Spread Ingredients:
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
Salt and pepper, to taste
California Salad Ingredients*:
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1 tomato, cored and chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
Squeeze of lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper, to taste
*This makes enough salad for 4 sandwiches, if you wanted to put a smaller amount on each, but I really heaped it on. I wanted more salad and less bread per sandwich. Yum!
Other Things You Need:
2 slices of thick sourdough bread
1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts
Directions:
Make the chive spread by mixing the yogurt, mayonnaise, chives, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside. Toast the 2 slices of bread in toaster or in a buttered skillet over medium heat. Lay these out on a plate.
Make the California salad by tossing avocado, tomato, cucumber, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Spread each slice of bread with half of your chive spread and pile on half of the alfalfa sprouts. Then top with half of the California salad, piled high. I ate mine with a knife and fork and considerable enthusiasm.
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Lauren at Keep It Sweet
November 10, 2011 at 1:44 pm (13 years ago)First of all, had it not been for Joanne I probably would be lost in northern california right now! Second, I am SO glad you were at Foodbuzz and loved hanging out with you. Wish we lived close so I could come over and eat your delicious food, including this sandwich:-)
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 10, 2011 at 2:07 pm (13 years ago)LOL! I’m so glad we got to hang out too 😀 I’ll make you CA sandwiches anyday!
Jessica @Sunny Side Up
November 10, 2011 at 3:12 pm (13 years ago)Oh yes, that sort of thing has happened to me many times! For example – trying to fly to SanFran last weekend. I tried to get on a plane going to Vegas. Oops. Thank goodness the RIGHT plane hadn’t taken off yet.
This sandwich sounds amazing!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 10, 2011 at 3:14 pm (13 years ago)LOL! Oh that is too funny! Well, you would’ve been somewhere with fun and food either way, but I’m glad you made it to San Fran! 😉
Jessica @ How Sweet
November 10, 2011 at 3:39 pm (13 years ago)You are an absolutely FABULOUS writer!! I am so sad we didn’t get to meet up. (
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 10, 2011 at 3:44 pm (13 years ago)ME TOO! I should’ve just come to your table at breakfast Saturday but I hated to interrupt! LOL. Thanks so much — that means a lot 🙂 I think the same of you. Love your voice!
Maggie @ A Bitchin' Kitchen
November 10, 2011 at 4:41 pm (13 years ago)This story reminds me of when I first moved to the DC area and attempted to take the metro alone. The metro is so simple now, but it hadn’t occurred to me either that train lines ran in both directions 🙂
This sandwich looks so fresh and delicious!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 10, 2011 at 4:57 pm (13 years ago)I am so glad I’m not the only one! haha! Thanks, Maggie 😉
Mollie
November 10, 2011 at 5:41 pm (13 years ago)Aww I love this post – you’re making me homesick! Though to be fair, it’s not just Californians, I feel like everywhere I go I’m pleasantly surprised at how nice and helpful most people are. I think it’s in the way you ask! 🙂
When I first moved to Boston, the Inbound v. Outbound trains confused me so much! And even though I’ve been living in DC for over 2 years now, I still double check to make sure I’m getting on in the right direction.
Looking forward to hearing more about your CA trip!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 10, 2011 at 7:56 pm (13 years ago)I’m so glad other folks had this trouble too! haha. Thanks so much, Mollie. I miss CA too, despite never having been there for longer than a week at a time. Such a fantastic place!
Joanne
November 10, 2011 at 9:41 pm (13 years ago)Im pretty sure that if riding the subway hadn’t become a daily necessity at age 15, I’d be just as confused as you are! And sometimes, I still get on the train in the wrong direction. It happens.
I’m so glad you got to try Tartine! Isn’t it amazing? I had it on my last trip to SF and basically swooned with every bite!
This is the perfect sandwich to commemorate your trip! I’ve got an avocado on my counter and I think this is gonna be the perfect use for it!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 10, 2011 at 9:45 pm (13 years ago)It was SO amazing. I was proud of myself at the time for being conservative with how much I ate to save room for the other food I had planned throughout the day — now I’m wishing I’d devoured as many croissants as possible. It’s so far away form me! Sad! 😉
Thanks, Joanne — you’re gonna love this sandwich! It’s a keeper!
P.S. Thanks for making me feel better about the subway. It was a tad embarrassing to be “that girl,” wandering around lost in the big city. Ha.
Foodiewife
November 10, 2011 at 11:55 pm (13 years ago)First, what a delight to meet and chat with you! How in the world do you stay so slim, and bake so well? Would you believe, that all of my life, in my numerous times in San Francisco that I have never been to Tartine? I even went to school in SFO, and never ate there. Well, when I return in January (with my husband) I’m going to visit that bakery. Guaranteed. I love riding BART. My BFF lives across the water, in Dublin, so I’ve gone under the ocean many times. It’s wild, and I try not to think about it much. Before you know it, you’re in the heart of the city. I love San Francisco. I can’t wait to go back and relax. I sure was tired after the Foodbuzz weekend. So much running around!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 11, 2011 at 2:16 pm (13 years ago)So great to meet you too, Debbie! I would totally fly back across the country to go to Tartine again — it was insane! And such a cute little place.
I loved the BART too — wish we had such great public transportation in Charlotte! If I lived near downtown SF, I’d totally ditch the car and ride it everywhere (and walk!) 🙂
Karly
November 11, 2011 at 2:11 pm (13 years ago)Uh, yeah. I’m not entirely sure that I could go under the water. I might have to claw my way off the train before that happened. Creeeeeepy.
Your sandwich looks delish!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 11, 2011 at 2:14 pm (13 years ago)I know what you mean! Totally terrifying, right?! I managed it though, later in the weekend. I was actually thinking as we went through the tunnel, “Wait, should I have taken a Xanax for this?!” (I take them to fly because of similar panic) LOL.
Thanks, Karly 🙂
Kiera
November 11, 2011 at 3:33 pm (13 years ago)Julie, I’m just gonna be honest here… I am blown away by your writing. I’m so drawn in by your story telling that I started to read it when my attention was being torn between watching one of the kids I nanny for and looking at your new post. I decided to put my phone away (before the baby ate it) and save it for my Muni commute (how appropriate). I just got lost in it and almost missed my stop. How also appropriate. Not to mention, I only had $1 and a $5 bill on my (the are is $2, as you know) and the bus driver made me ask people to break my $5. Embarassing! But people were really nice about it. One woman was like “I could give you $2, does that help?” Another girl told me to jusy ask him nicely for a courtesy trip, which ended up working! Anyway, I am so grateful that you are such an adventurous little traveler or else I might not have met you!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 11, 2011 at 6:54 pm (13 years ago)Aw, Kiera, you are so sweet. Thank you! Writing (and baking, but I guess that part’s obvious) is my passion, so this comment means so much to me!
And OH my goodness, you had a MUNI adventure too! That makes me feel so much better, because you’re totally a San Francisco pro at this point! I’m glad everyone was so sweet to you. San Francisco has a big heart 🙂
I’m glad I took the plunge and came over alone, too — because as I’ve already told you, I totally think we’re soulmates. LOL
Kaitlin
November 11, 2011 at 5:14 pm (13 years ago)Aw, I love it when people are super nice to tourists 🙂 Sweet story, as usual! I did the very same thing the first time I visited a big city. I tried to be all independent and cool, but…. Not so much. Haha
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 11, 2011 at 6:55 pm (13 years ago)Thank you! I know, right — I started out feeling like Mary Tyler Moore, walking around and tossing my hat in the air (“I’m gonna make it after all!”), and by the end of my trip I’d been considerably humbled. LOL
Visda
November 11, 2011 at 10:42 pm (13 years ago)It was great meeting you Julie. Nice post about your trip to SF. It’s nice hearing the story from your perspective.:-) Glad you made it to Tartine. Looking forward to seeing you next time you come this way.
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 11, 2011 at 11:32 pm (13 years ago)It was great to meet you too, Visda! Thanks 😀
Joan Nova
November 12, 2011 at 10:02 am (13 years ago)So thoughtful, observant and eloquently stated…as usual!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 12, 2011 at 10:12 am (13 years ago)Thank you, Joan! 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
November 13, 2011 at 6:41 am (13 years ago)Isn’t it nice when a city’s people are nice to visitors. You really want to linger and stay longer don’t you? 🙂 Sounds like you’re having a great time Julie!
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
November 14, 2011 at 1:02 am (13 years ago)This looks very refreshing! Love this idea.
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 14, 2011 at 1:08 am (13 years ago)Thanks, Laura! As soon as I saw it on Rebecca’s blog, I knew I needed to make it! So tasty! 🙂
Jen
November 14, 2011 at 6:55 pm (13 years ago)Sounds super delicious! I think I’d add some bacon in there..
We live about 5 hours from SF and aren’t strangers to the area, but the last time we went (about 6 weeks ago) we got lost like 4 times because we forgot to bring along our atlas. Yeah, that was good times.
I talked about it: http://colorthemwonderful.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/the-rest/
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 14, 2011 at 8:45 pm (13 years ago)LOL, it’s a hazard, isn’t it? I was glued to my map the entire trip 😉 Thanks, Jen!
Megg
November 17, 2011 at 6:02 pm (13 years ago)What a beautiful reflection on your trip.. I chuckled to myself because my friend and I had a similar BART experience when we first got to San Francisco. I think we had two times in a row when we realized we were going the wrong way and switched sides after one stop!
That sandwich looks gorgeous and fresh! I’ll have to try it! Thanks for sharing!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 17, 2011 at 9:27 pm (13 years ago)LOL! I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who had this issue. 😉 Thanks, Megg!
thesinglecook
November 20, 2011 at 6:51 pm (13 years ago)Even after living in the San Francisco Bay Area for seven years I still get weirded out that the BART goes under the Bay. I love the BART because I hate driving in San Francisco. That sandwich looks delicious!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 20, 2011 at 7:57 pm (13 years ago)The public transportation was SO great! I think I’d probably sell my car if I lived there and just schlep things around on BART/MUNI 🙂 Thanks!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
November 10, 2011 at 2:19 pm (13 years ago)Thanks, Teresa!