in Gerstle Park has been turning out 30 types of muffins for 28 years. I have a mania for the offbeat, off-the-beaten-track bakery/restaurant’s jalapeno corn cheese muffins, arguably among the most succulent, unusual breads in the county.
What makes ‘em so good? First, they’re hefty — each is a full seven ounces of dough. Just-gritty-enough cornmeal is the basis of a mildly sweet batter made without eggs (the moistness is impressive, given that fact). Before being baked, the muffins are chunked with diced fresh green jalapenos, filled with thick dollops of cream cheese, then topped with tangy cheddar cheese.
Bite into a piece of pepper — it’s a tongue bomb. Hit the cream cheese — a Linus blanket of comfort coats your mouth.
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The overall flavor is golden and savory. Try one for breakfast with bacon, ham, sausage and eggs, with any kind of chili or stew as a sidekick or toasted up on their own with a cup of tea as a savory snack.
Muffin Mania is a family business, founded by San Rafaelian Ilona Galante and her late husband, musician Rocky Sullivan. Their son Dylan is now the pastry chef. He dreamed up the recipe for these wonderful jalapeno-laced corn cakes, 10 years ago. May they always reign on the menu.
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In addition to muffins, the little bakery with its scarred wooden tables, murals of rock ‘n roll and 1970s hippie-era decor turns out classic French croissants and other confections from their own hand-rolled puff-pastry, along with tarts, sandwiches and rolls, plus assorted coffee drinks and teas.
Muffin Mania is at 2 Bayview St. It’s open Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call 485-1027, or go to www.muffinmaniacafe.com.
Contact Leslie Harlib: lharlib@gmail.com.
