Food Critics Club: Cake Crawl Edition 🍰
​Hi Friends,
​After sundaes and scoops, we’re trading cones for forks. Welcome to the next chapter of our Monthly Food Critics Club: Cake Crawl in North Beach 🎂
​We’ll wander through San Francisco’s historic Little Italy, tasting slices of heaven from three different bakeries and cafés. From Italian classics to modern indulgences, each stop will give us something new to savor, rate, and discuss.
​This Month’s Menu of Connection: Cakes of North Beach
​📍 Venue 1: Stella Pastry & Café
​Known for: Sacripantina (layered sponge + zabaglione cream), tiramisu
​Vibe: Old-school Italian bakery with charm
​📍 Venue 2: Victoria Pastry Co.
​Known for: Opera cake, rum cake, seasonal fruit tarts
​Vibe: Bright, celebratory, family-run
​📍 Venue 3: Mara’s Italian Pastry
​Known for: Ricotta cheesecake, sfogliatelle, cannoli (yes, cake-adjacent but essential here)
​Vibe: Cozy, no-frills neighborhood institution
​What to Expect
​🎂 Cake Scorecards
Rate each slice on flavor, texture, presentation, and creativity — because every opinion matters when frosting is involved.
​🍴 Themed Conversations
This month’s theme: Layers.
Prompt: “Cakes have layers — what’s a layer of your own life that’s been revealed recently?”
​👥 Connections Over Cake
North Beach’s sidewalks will be our table — come hungry, leave with new friends (and possibly a sugar rush).
​Capped at 12 guests to keep things cozy. RSVP early.
Remember: flaking is only acceptable in pastry crusts.
​See you there,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Slice-ologist,
Rafat