Maison Nico San Francisco

Finding excellent pàté isn't the biggest problem San Franciscan's face, but solving it is one of our biggest delights. Right in the shadow of the TransAmerica Pyramid, Maison Nico is a must stop for me when I am downtown and need either a perfect pastry or want to bring something home that is special. Sometimes it is lobster aspic, or a creamy mousse de foie, of a simple coffee and a canelé. Everything they create is a thing of love and beauty, as well as delicious. Whenever I am planning a special picnic they are my first stop, usually to grab a thick slice of country pâté, some house-made pickles, bread, and a tart for dessert - perfect.

They have a very well-curated and well-priced wine selection also to fill out the basket. On a sunny spring day they put a few tables on the sidewalk and it is a remarkable experience looking up at the pyramid and having a snack and a glass of wine.