One day is hardly enough time to spend in San Francisco, but it’s better than nothing.

I particularly wanted to visit the famed Ferry Plaza farmer’s market on this trip, after reading other people’s accounts. My main destination was Rancho Gordo, Steve Sando’s heirloom bean company I’ve heard so much about. I have eaten their beans once, actually – Steve donated beans to Duckfest for our cassoulet, and they were, indeed, wonderful. I’ve been considering ordering some, but I hate paying for shipping, so this was a golden opportunity.

The range of beans was fantastic. We loaded up with yellow eye, vaquero, vallarta and Christmas limas, as well as a copy of Steve’s cookbook. Can’t wait to try them at home!

After wandering the market a bit, breathing in the scent of fresh citrus, and stopping to buy some lovely soap, we decided to get some lunch at MarketBar. It was just sunny enough to sit outside, as long as we ignored the chilly breeze, and felt rather springy.

I wasn’t expecting much, as this place looks rather like a tourist trap. But the service was excellent, there were locals all around us having brunch, and the food was really nicely done, with care and attention.

Paul got poached eggs with asparagus, new potatoes and fava beans. Springtime in a bowl.

Jon got a hamburger. It was cooked just the way he asked for it, had good flavor, and came with a fine pile of crisp, flaming-hot fries.

I was especially happy with my seafood chowder. The soup was well flavored and not gummy, and the seafood was obviously added in at the very last moment, because the scallops were perfectly done, the fish and prawns were tender, and the oysters were almost raw, just barely heated through. Delightful.

After lunch we wandered through the Ferry Building, admired all the cheese and mushrooms and olive oils and salted pig parts, got some gelato, and walked out to the ferry dock and felt the wind blow across the water. It was a good day.