mission beach cafe

The last time I went to Mission Beach Cafe, Ryan Scott of Top Chef season 4, taught me how to make his amazing croutons. Since then, Scott has moved on (to work as a private chef) leaving the cafe in the capable hands of chef Thomas Martinez. At 22, Martinez is quite possibly San Francisco's youngest head chef. His food, however, tastes like something only a seasoned professional could make. While his dishes are classic, they're not without surprising flavors or interesting ingredients.

A mixed green salad expertly combines creamy avocado, sweet mango, and tangy feta cheese — components that I would never think to put together in the same dish. Instead of chicken, Martinez elevates his pot pie to the next level with rabbit. The oozing rich sauce is entirely encased in a flaky melt in your mouth pastry that's so flavorful I'm still dreaming about it. A burger is beyond gourmet with aged gouda and truffle dusted, thick-cut fries. With its laid back elegance, relaxed atmosphere, and intensely divine food, the cafe has quickly become one of my favorite spots in the city. Has anyone else dined there? What's your favorite cafe like?

To take a closer look at Martinez's food, click on one of the images below.

Rick Camargo Photography

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity of going into the kitchen at San Francisco's Mission Beach Cafe. Chef Ryan Scott, a competitor on this season's Top Chef, invited me in for a crouton cooking lesson. The friendly, good-looking chef told me about his re-creation of the menu and his hopes to build the restaurant's status. With his TC experience behind him, Scott is busy focusing on cooking and making culinary appearances.
His delicious food is comforting yet sophisticated, familiar yet complex. If you're in the Bay Area, I highly recommend checking out the cafe. His homemade croutons (found in everything from soups to salads) are the best I've ever tasted. If you aren't in the area, bring a little bit of Ryan into your home with this amazing crouton recipe.
Instead of writing out the recipe, Scott, a hands on chef, preferred to teach me personally how to make them. To go behind the scenes and learn how to make Chef Scott's scrumptious croutons, take a look at our exclusive video, and read more