Old Skool Cafe--San Francisco (Soul Food)

Old Skool Cafe, located at 1429 Mendell Street in the Bayview district, is a grass-roots organization founded by youth-oriented individuals who just want to help inner-city kids. The program helps 16-24 year olds acquire skills for living a successful life while earning a paycheck. In 2005, this youth-run supper club/internship program began and is still going strong today. Not only have they created a great working/learning environment for the kids, but they've also created a warm and inviting 1940's-themed ambiance for patrons with lively music and fantastic food.

Here are some of the things I've enjoyed.

http://www.oldskoolcafe.org/


DeSante L'Atelier 2012 Sauvignon Blanc from Semillon, Napa Valley. A nice light white blend with subtle citrus notes and a clean finish.

Sweet Potato Biscuits. These were dense but soft and moist biscuits drizzled with honey butter. Great for sopping up sauces too.

Mac & Cheese. Each fork-full came with a long stretch of melty Cheddar cheesy goodness. A nice side.

Blackened Catfish. One of the juiciest pan-seared fillets I've had. Well seasoned with Cajun spices, served with cranberry and almond couscous and some tasty collard greens.

Bayview Baby Back Ribs. These slow-cooked grilled ribs were served with spicy-sweet coleslaw and a house made blackstrap molasses BBQ sauce. These were so tender, meaty, succulent and had excellent flavor. The sauce was not necessary but enhanced an already excellent dish.

Lavender Cheesecake. This was a creamy cheesecake with a lavender-infused crust. Sweet fresh strawberries rounded out the flavors nicely.

Buttermilk Panna Cotta. This was an interesting use of buttermilk. The panna cotta was mildly tart but balanced with the strawberry-balsamic coulis and fresh strawberries on top. Light and creamy, this was a great way to end a meal.

If not to support this neighborhood's innovative program that helps inner-city kids, at least come visit for the excellent food and stellar service.