Food Secrets of Humphry Slocombe's Jake Godby & Sean Vahey

Jake Godby and Sean Vahey. Photo credit Todd Selby of theselby.com

Humphry Slocombe’s Jake Godby and Sean Vahey are known nationally for their cutting edge ice cream flavors and massive Twitter following. The two are both remarkably trim even though they “taste everything” made at the Mission District shop. Many eating and drinking favorites make both Godby and Vahey’s list. Vahey seemed amused that there is also a strong showing of their clients on the list.

JAKE GODBY'S EATS
Jake Godby said, “I eat out every night but try to cook (at home) at least one night.” Because he lives by Delfina, that is “my go to restaurant.” Vahey said to him: “You're a duck fiend” and Godby nodded and smiled. He shops at Bi-Rite Market and that "they have great meat there." He favors the morning bun from Tartine Bakery and has “no guilt associated with food.”

Godby will eat “any of the pastas at Flour + Water. They're both a client and friends."

“I try to limit myself to one burrito a week,” said Godby. This limit must be a challenge given the Humphry Slocombe Mission location is heavy on taquerias.

For drinks, Godby likes a barstool at Aunt Charlie’s Lounge: “It’s a dicey, old school drag bar.” He goes to the Ramp because city living can make one “forget that you live by the water sometimes.” For simple, good food, Godby checks in at farm:table café: "It’s tiny and communal. There's one salad, one sandwich, one soup, and coffee."

One routine eating destination is the famed Vietnamese eatery Tu Lan: “I’ve been here fifteen years and I still go once a week. Order the #37 'Vietnamese Style' dish. Tu Lan is near my gym and I'm downtown a lot.”

GODBY & VAHEY’S FAVORITES
Vahey said that Godby “pretty much named my favorite places.” Sebo, Frances, and Flour + Water came up as joints that both men enjoy.

Godby offered two scenarios for where he likes to go for date night. First was Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack and Nap’s Bar. For Emmy’s: “I’ve never had a bad meal here.” His other date night choice is Blackbird and Frances. “Blackbird has a great Old Fashioned. At Frances, I order anything lamb." Godby admitted, "I was fired by Melissa (Perello)" when he worked “at Charles Nob Hill.”

Blackbird is also Vahey’s favorite bar. “If you put a gun to my head, I’d say Frances is my favorite restaurant. I can remember every single bite of every single dish there.” Vahey favors Chez Spencer for romantic dining outings. “With the outdoor lights, it’s a perfect area for gazing into someone’s eyes.”

SEAN VAHEY'S PICKS
“I love going out to Sea Breeze Café in the Sunset. It’s run by a husband and wife and is quaint. They are so kind. The food is really simple. They have the best pancakes on the planet, that reminds me of the way my Mom made pancakes.” He also likes Starbelly, and said, “I go there often.” Hogs & Rocks is another Vahey favorite.

The Little Star Pizza, Valencia location, has “the best pizza restaurant next to Flour + Water in the City.” For lunch at work, Vahey said, “Pal’s (Takeaway) is our lunch spot.” Nearby bar Shotwell’s also gets a shout out. Vahey is excited about newcomer Commonwealth: “What they’re doing is new, and has given a breath of fresh air to the dining scene. They have phenomenal service.”

NEWS
Vahey & Godby told Bay Area Bites that they just signed the lease for their new parlor location and that “it’s just dirt right now.” Expect to see something completed by late summer next year for this project. Bring on the Secret Breakfast ice cream.