If I were still looking for a place to live, Hayes Valley would be near the top of my list. And then I’d have to hope that being to close to Paulette’s macarons, Christopher Elbow’s hazelnut patties, La Boulange’s tarts, Suppenkuche’s wienerschnitzel (I had better stop there and save the rest for a Hayes Valley post) would be made up for by walking to and from my house. Somehow I doubt it.
Add to that list now the Fried Chicken Sandwich at the newly-opened Terra Bakery & Cafe at the corner of Hayes and Gough.
Served on a club roll with aioli and sesame slaw, the fried chicken sandwich is substantial but not too heavy. The breading is light and crispy and conceals chicken (all breast I believe) surprisingly tender and moist. I hate hate dry chicken and usually don’t like breast meat, but Terra’s is good enough to banish ghosts of icky sandwiches past. The sesame slaw brightens the flavor, and actually it might be that little more slaw could improve the balance of the ingredients (while making the sandwich more difficult to eat). While the club roll was a good choice and stood up to the fixin’s, I’ve had better bread. I see this chicken on bread with a crusty outside to provide structure, and a nice soft bready inside.
The plate included some mixed greens (fresh but nothing special), but perhaps next time I’d ask for extra slaw instead of the salad. I’m a sucker for anything with sesame. Well, that and raspberry limeade. Yummy, and perfect for a spring or summer day.
Terra has sandwiches, salads and entrees for lunch, as well as daily specials. The breakfast menu (served till 11 am) is filled with familiar favorites: eggs, omelettes, corned beef hash, French toast. I suspect they’ll be bring in crowds for breakfast and brunch as well as for lunch. They’ve also got a selection of pastries and bread – the neighborhood now seem to be bursting at the seams with places to get your hit of caffiene and a little sweet or flaky goodie.
The restaurant is cozy inside, dominated upon entrance by the pastry case and ordering counter. There are not that many tables, but there is also some sidewalk seating. The service was pretty eager. They do seem to be still ironing out some kinks (are we still serving lunch? who’s got which tables?) but who isn’t on the first few weeks?
I may be finding myself making excuses to get over to Hayes Valley to sink my teeth into another one of those fried chicken sandwiches. Maybe I’ll never be able to tell you what anything else there even tastes like.
I wonder if I can pair it with a piece of cauliflower tart from La Boulange down the street. Now that sounds like a perfect lunch.
Terra Bakery and Cafe
401 Gough St, at Hayes
415.863.2233
