Located between Franklin and Gough, Abigail Morgan is slightly removed from the bustling part of Union Street, but a visit here is definitely worth a few extra steps. Once you’re inside, you’ll instantly feel at home — maybe it’s the friendly sales staff or maybe it’s the store’s charming and comfortable decor (which includes a fireplace and chandeliers).

Abigail Morgan’s inventory ranges from casual Splendid tees and hip Citizens of Humanity jeans, to girly Mon Petit Oiseau tops and gorgeous Milly dresses. No matter what the occasion — everyday life, an upcoming wedding, a girl’s night out — this boutique has you covered. You can even accessorize with a funky Angela Adams belt or a Lauren Merkin handbag.

To further enhance your shopping experience, the fitting room in the back is outfitted with large comfy ottomans for lounging on while you peruse the latest issue of Lucky. And don’t miss the sale room in the back as well.

Abigail Morgan
1640 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 567-1779

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The much-anticipated Beard Papa — the first location in San Francisco — finally opened its doors this past weekend. Although the opening day saw a bit of a line and a wait for store’s signature cream puffs, when I stopped by yesterday, there were just a handful of people in front of me.

A little history on the company: The full name is Beard Papa Sweets Cafe. It is a Japanese chain that boasts about 250 stores worldwide. A second San Francisco location will open in the new Westfield shopping center in September (yes, just a few blocks from the current Beard Papa).

The cream puffs are served straight from the oven, so they’re still warm. The pastry actually consists of two layers: the outside pie-crust-like pastry is nice and crunchy, while the inside choux pastry is light and airy. (Most cream puffs are made from only choux pastry.) The coolness of the filling is a good contrast to the pastry shell. The little black specks in the whipped cream custard confirm that Beard Papa does indeed use real vanilla beans in the puffs. (Madagascar beans to be exact.)

In addition to the vanilla cream puffs — which were basically the only thing available during my visit yesterday — Beard Papa will eventually offer rotating flavors such as green tea, chocolate, strawberry, royal milk tea, caramel and coffee. I’m also looking forward to sampling the chocolate-covered eclairs.

Oh, and it’s no coincidence that the mascot resembles Santa Claus. As one company spokesman said, “When people think of Santa Claus, it makes them happy, and so Beard Papa makes people happy.”

Indeed, who knew a $1.75 pastry could bring so much joy?

Beard Papa
99 Yerba Buena Lane
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 978-9972

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Acme Bread is one of the few places that stands out from my days as a student in Berkeley. The bakery carried such a fantastic range of artisan breads — including pain au levain, rosemary rolls, New York rye and baguettes. Thankfully, a few years ago, Acme brought its nationally acclaimed breads to this side of the bay.

Acme’s breads are made with organic flour, and baked fresh daily in a hearth oven. When we visit the Ferry Building, my husband always walks away with at least a couple of loaves. The green onion slab is my personal favorite for making paninis at home.

Although the plethora of breads may be the real draw here, don’t miss out on the pastries as well. And don’t be scared off by the line — it moves quickly and, more importantly, Acme’s goods are well worth a little wait.

Acme Bread
One Ferry Building
Shop No. 15
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 288-2978

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Now that I’ve stumbled upon Chamalyn, I no longer have to fly 10 hours for cutesy Japanese tchotchkes or yummy (and equally cutesy) Japanese snacks. Owner May Lynn Chan does the work for me — and you — by stocking a plethora of goods straight from Japan.

Although the year-old store is about the size of a walk-in closet, it is jam-packed with stationery, stickers, erasers resembling all sorts of Asian foods (e.g., sushi, ramen), candy and cookies. You can even wash down your Pocky with a bubble tea, which can be ordered at the counter in over a dozen flavors.

Chamalyn is an ideal destination for Japanophiles, or folks just looking for some cuteness to perk up their day.

Chamalyn
3491 19th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 948-1313

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