Gram Cafe & Pancakes - Japanese

3251 20th Ave, Suite 172
San Francisco CA 94132
(628) 256-6013 
Parking: mall parking lot

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm
gramcafeusa.com

Last Visited: December 8, 2021

Food: 2 stars (note I only tried the cool pancake)
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$ 

While Gram is known for its start in Japan and for premium pancakes, especially the hot ones (their signature), note that this review is for cool premium pancakes only.  Gram offers a variety of the Asian version of cafe style food - regular sweet pancakes, savory pancakes, fried snacks, curry bento, rice and spaghetti dishes, and their signature souffle pancakes.   Instead of seeing giant stuffed animals, imagine seeing fluffy stuffed giant pancakes - almost like a pillow you could hug. 

Frankly, I experienced sticker shock when I arrived at Gram.  Those fluffy hot pancakes with 2 or 3 stacked on top of each other and some lovely cream have been showing up on my various social media feeds for a while.  I had every intention of getting a hot premium original souffle pancake (stack of 3), but it's a commitment.  First, it's the 30 minute wait; this dish is offered for dine-in only. Second, the price for this stack of 3 original style pancakes is $17.  I was thinking about whether I really wanted to do this considering I also had 2 mochi donuts awaiting me and how I wanted to spend my time since I had taken this day off from work, so instead, I went for a cool premium pancake.  

- Cool Premium Pancakes - Offered in original, matcha, oreo, salted egg, strawberry, and seasonal flavors, I figured that if it's good cold, it will be even better hot. Pictured here are the original and matcha.  While the pancake is not too sweet and it was delicate and soft, the mixture of the custard and the pancake both being refrigerated (versus one at room temperature or custard that might be like ice cream in coldness) meant that the contrast of temperature was missing.  As you can see here, the matcha, while flavored well, could have been presented better where the seam of the piping bag could have been on the inside of the pancake 'sandwich.'  You can upgrade the flavors by adding salted egg for $2 or sesame for $1. The texture of the filling is on the denser side which means that it holds up, but well, I just wasn't wowed by this experience.  I'm not sure I would go back for the hot ones based on this experience, and I'm unlikely to get the cold ones again.  $5 each or $20 for four

On the plus side, the guy working the front counter was completely patient with me and asked if he could answer any questions since I mentioned that I had never been there before.  He was certainly kind and that was greatly appreciated.  

Lung Fung Bakery, Chinese

1823 Clement St, San Francisco CA 94121
(415) 386-3775

Parking: Street parking

Hours: Tues-Sun 7am-6pm, Closed Mondays

Last Visited: December 21, 2021

Food: 4 star egg tarts

Atmosphere: 2 stars

Service: 3 stars

Price: $

The Bay Area Eats Facebook group had a debate on where the best egg tarts in the Bay Area could be found. Repeatedly, Lung Fung bakery kept coming up in conversation.  So of course, I had to bring my mom to try it because if anyone can spot a good egg tart, it's my mom.  My mom and I once had a conversation about how many egg tarts she has probably eaten in her lifetime and we're talking hundreds. 

- Egg tart - With one bite, my mom was hooked.  She said it's the closest pastry shell to what you can find in Hong Kong and that's no small feat.  We've gone to many bakeries, and even Golden Gate Bakery doesn't meet her standards. With a flaky pastry shell (certainly containing lard), and a delicate egg custard that isn't too sweet, this is definitely a 4 or dare I even mention, a potential 5 star egg tart.  You definitely need to try this.  Prices keep changing.  

We think it was about $2.20

Other items they're well known for are BBQ pork buns, curry pie, and chicken pie, so of course we had to try these out.

- BBQ Pork Buns - These pork buns are quite ample in size and meaty with a gorgeous brown top and fluffy texture.  However, there is a slight tinge of sourness to it (maybe they have a SF starter that leans sour).  If you don't mind this slight aftertaste, you'll enjoy this bun.  $1.80

- Curry Pie - This is often called a curry beef turnover at other shops.  Similar to the flaky crust of the egg tart, this is equally light and flaky.  One bite and shards of flaky goodness fly all over.  This is filled well (sometimes you bite into a half empty turnover at other shops), and there is a good ratio of crust to filling.  Not too salty and nice yellow curry flavor - spiced, but not spicy. Beautifully golden brown.  One tip - the salesperson told us that curry pie is often not available until after noon, so don't be surprised if you don't find it in the morning.  I had to go twice in order to try it.  $2.80

- Chicken Pie - Similar to the curry pie, this is another pastry with a flaky crust.  This is also filled well with a good ratio of crust to filling.  It's also seasoned well - no complaints. Beautifully golden brown also and filled with chicken.  $2.80

If it's a major Chinese holiday or getting close to the end of the day, you'll want to call ahead to reserve your egg tarts because they often sell out.  Note that they will give you individual plastic bags if you buy less than six items.  More than or equal to six items will get you a box, otherwise, you need to purchase the box.  Also note that it's cash only.  

Parking is relatively easy.