4 RESTAURANTS AND BARS TO TRY THIS WEEKEND IN THE BAY AREA: MAY 3

As we head into the weekend, Eater SF editors have compiled a list of recommendations to answer one of the most persistent and, arguably, pressing questions of the day: “Where should I eat?” Of course, we have several resources to help guide your dining and drinking decisions — for example, the San Francisco and East Bay heatmaps, which reflect the hottest new restaurants to try right now. But here we offer four suggestions of places to check out this weekend around the Bay Area. And if you’re looking for places to grab a drink, try these lists of the best new places to grab a cocktail in San Francisco and the East Bay.

For stunning pastries in a gorgeous setting: Blooms End at Neighboring Fields

It’s been a long time coming, but finally, this Saturday, May 4 will see pastry chef Mary Denham put down permanent roots for her whimsical croissant pop-up, Blooms End. Starting this weekend, she’ll be a regular fixture at Tenfold Farmstand in Petaluma. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., catch Denham slinging chocolate cardamon monkey croissants, urfa butter snails, cakes, pies, cookies, and more. Coffee will come from Oakland’s Mother Tongue Coffee with a tea selection from Molly’s Refresher. Following this Saturday’s debut, Denham says the Blooms End schedule will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. It’s the end of a long and winding journey for the formerly itinerant bakery, which has been roving the region for the last five years. Blooms End at Neighboring Fields, 5300 Red Hill Road, Petaluma

— Lauren Saria, Eater SF editor

For some of best mochi in San Francisco: Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant

It’s a bold statement, I know, but on a stormy late spring night in San Francisco, the still-hot sugar-encrusted mochi at Old Mandarin on Vicente Street might be the most excellent spiritual nightcap in the city. Walnuts and dates make up the filling of this inexpensive treat, four globular prizefighters arriving on a delicate plate for just shy of $10. The restaurant is the oldest Halal-friendly Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, and while the mochi here comes in a sweet — not savory — variety, you could do a lot worse than feasting here. I suggest driving to Ocean Beach’s Sloat Avenue to wash the waves crash on the shore, then heading home to dive into an extra to-go order of mochi you smartly bought in the backseat. Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant, 3132 Vicente Street, San Francisco

— Paolo Bicchieri, Eater SF reporter

For a delicious history lesson: Pineapple King Bakery

I joke constantly about food nerdery, but in truth, I’m mostly poking fun at myself. I still love learning new things, and I’ve been watching KQED’s new series Beyond the Menu, and geeking out on food history. The first episode covers the origins of the pineapple bun, which I won’t spoil here. But the episode got me thinking about global food trails and how food spreads and evolves. Oh, and it has me longing for pineapple buns, too. I highly suggest watching the ten-minute video before heading over to Pineapple King Bakery on Irving, which arguably makes one of the biggest varieties of pineapple buns in the region. But while you’re there, do a taste test. The bakery also makes Mexican buns so a side-by-side comparison of the two breads is easy. It’s both a delicious and educational endeavor, two things I heartily endorse. Pineapple King Bakery, 1915 Irving Street, San Francisco

— Dianne de Guzman, Eater SF deputy editor

For a cheekie little cocktail outing: Tallboy

Tallboy only opened its doors on Telegraph Avenue on Wednesday, May 1 — but judging by the crowd inside the bar on Thursday, May 2, you’d have never known it was only day two. It’s easy to understand the appeal: the menu strikes a perfect balance between being a Serious Cocktail Spot and a fun neighborhood watering hole. That means there’s a full list of martinis (including a clarified tiki-esque riff inspired by a pina colada), espresso martini slushies, and a selection of cheekies, those fun miniature cocktails that simply aren’t as common as they should be. Plus, when the munchies inevitably set in after a couple of drinks, you can dig into a fully vegan menu written by the minds behind James Beard Award-nominated Lion Dance Cafe. Kimchi-topped hot dogs and tiny boozy drinks? Tell me a better way to spend a weekend evening. I’ll wait. Tallboy, 4210 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

— Lauren Saria, Eater SF editor

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