tillamook farmstyle brunch

Never underestimate the power of food to turn a gloomy San Francisco weekend into a delightful gathering of friends old and new.

San Francisco has been uncharacteristically warm and dry this year. I laugh at that statement because our first year in San Francisco was one of the coldest and rainiest the city had seen in decades. Earlier this month we got some much needed rainfall and although welcomed with open arms, things started to get quite gloomy as the weather started to outgrow its welcome. Smack dab in the middle of our rainy days I had an invitation to join Tillamook at The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen for a farmstyle brunch. Though tempted to stay bundled up and dry inside the comforts of our own home, I am sure glad I battled the elements to enjoy a morning of comfort food and great company.
 
The star of the brunch was Tillamook’s new Farmstyle Greek Yogurt. I snagged their Cinnamon Hazelnut and topped it with fresh berries and The American’s house made granola. This was my first rendezvous with Tillamook’s Greek Yogurt and, let me tell you, it was love at first bite. This may be a bit dramatic, but I’d be lying to you if I didn’t tell you that I very well may never purchase another brand of Greek Yogurt again. Tillamook’s Greek Yogurt is made the farmstyle way, slow churned from buttermilk cultures, resulting in the creamiest Greek yogurt I’ve enjoyed to date. Their yogurt is also less tart than most making it the perfect addition to both sweet and savory recipes. Current flavor offerings include: Oregon Blueberry, Cinnamon Hazelnut, Coffeehouse Blend, Honey Peach, Washington Raspberry, Oregon Strawberry, Old Fashioned Vanilla, and Plain & Simple.
 

 
Brunch included a refreshing kale slaw with a Greek yogurt base, our choice of grilled cheese sandwich, apple and pumpkin muffins made with Greek yogurt and an incredibly decadent savory bread pudding. I chose the Jalapeño Popper sandwich of local chevre, Monterey jack, apricot-jalapeño relish and Zoe’s applewood-smoked bacon on levain. It was everything you could ever imagine and more, but the star of the sandwich was definitely the house made apricot-jalapeño relish. The savory bread pudding was quite unique and the most comforting of comfort foods. If you’re looking for a brunch dish to impress the masses, Heidi is kind enough to walk you through the recipe here.
 

 
Brunch was served by The American’s owners Nate Pollack and Heidi Gibson. They are passionate about creating comfort food, excited to share their craft and generous enough to divulge their recipe secrets. Heidi is the winningest Grilled Cheese Invitational contestant in history and the architect behind The American’s ridiculously awesome menu which features gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches grilled to order with, you guessed it, Tillamook cheese.
 
If you’re in San Francisco, I highly recommend checking out one of The American’s two charming locations, especially if the city is living up to its chilly reputation.
 

THE AMERICAN | SOUTH PARK
1 South Park Ave.
San Francisco, 94107
 
THE AMERICAN | MISSION
2400 Harrison St.
San Francisco, 94110