Brenda's French Soul Food

I've never been to Louisiana, but dining at Brenda's feels like a one-way ticket to the French Quarter. This small haven is like nothing I've experienced in the city of San Francisco. Located in the heart of the somewhat seedy Tenderloin neighborhood I didn't expect the crowd of excited locals awaiting a table, but after just one taste I began to understand the craze!! 

Hint: If you want to avoid the wait try and sneak in on a week day, you may even score the window seat. And soon Brenda's will be expanding and taking over the spot next door.

Brenda's on Polk St. btwn Eddie & Turke

Having been to Brenda's a few times now I've fallen in love with a number of items on (and off) the menu and believe you will too. As soon as I sit down I make sure to put in a request for a single order of the Pancakes with Butter Pecan Sauce.  These pancakes are hands down the best I've ever had.  I know it sounds like a butter overload, and to be honest I was quite intimidated by its rich sounding description, but it's truly a well-balanced dish. The sauce is so good I just want to jump in a big ol' pool of it! The decadent nutty syrup works perfectly atop the light and fluffy cake. It's melt-in-your-mouth good and if you're like me, you'll want to lick your plate clean! 

But as much as I love sweets, I have trouble committing to a full order of pancakes for breakfast, so being able to order just one to share with friends as an appetizer is a great way of getting the perfect amount while saving room for something salty (and ideally fried)! 

Pancake w/ Butter Pecan Sauce (single)

That brings us to my next favorite, the savory and delicious Shrimp Po' Boy Sandwich! The shrimp is scrumptious and perfectly cooked then smothered with a creole tartar sauce and served on a toasted, buttery bread. So good it's no wonder this dish made San Francisco's 7x7 magazine's "100 Things to Try Before You Die" list!

Shrimp Po'Boy

If you're looking for more of a traditional breakfast go-to, consider ordering the Gulf Shrimp and Goat Cheese Omelet topped with a delicious sweet tomato-bacon relish. It's down-home cooking with a sophisticated twist. The flavors just dance on your tongue. Add a side of grits and a flaky biscuit and you're good to go!

Shrimp and Goat Cheese Omelet w/ a Tomato-Bacon Relish

An additional fan favorite that I have yet to try are the beignets. A beignet is a French word for fried dough, so think of this as a French doughnut. At Brenda's the beignets are stuffed with something sweet or savory. Catering to the undecided, one can order a flight, which comes with one of each flavor: chocolate, apple, and what seems to be everyone's preference, crawfish. I can't wait to go back and try it for myself!

Crawfish Beignet

Don't forget to wash your feast down with Brenda's homemade Watermelon Sweet Tea. With watermelon pulp and mint leaves worked in to the brew, it's a unique, refreshing take on a Southern favorite!

Watermelon Sweet Iced Tea 

One of my favorite things about dining at Brenda's is being able to catch a glimpse of Brenda herself cooking in the kitchen. Each time I've seen her she's wearing a colorful bandanna on her head and a smile on her face; clearly still passionate about her work and it's exciting to see.

Thanks Brenda for making my mornings a little brighter!

 

Chef and owner Brenda Buenviaje! 

Comments

[Julie]

I HAVE to try this shrimp po boy-- it looks to die for. Great posting, I especially love Brenda herself making an appearance on mygardenplate =)

[Chef Dennis]

what a great meal!!! I really enjoyed your photo's as well...

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ahhhh i've been dying to go here! alas, my tendencies to sleep in (way in) on the weekends have prevented me from tasting it for myself yet, but it looks like it's worth setting the alarm for :)

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