This morning, the husband and I headed for the city via the BART to have lunch and people-watch. Our plans immediately changed as soon as we stumbled upon the SF Street Food Festival. It was centered on promoting mobile food vending as the city is currently leaning towards prohibiting them. The festival took place in San Francisco'sMission District-one of the city's most eclectic and cultural neighborhoods. Several streets were blocked off to allow for rows and rows of food vendors. The representation of vendors ranged from popular SF "food carts" to well-known restaurants. The variety was quite overwhelming and so was the crowd. Every single station had a line that stretched more than the length of the street, curving into the corners of the sidewalk. If you ask me, it was quite the fire hazard as it was difficult to decipher a pathway vs. a line. Despite the madness, it was a fun and unique event.
Most vendors offered a "little bite" for $1-$3 (small snack/appetizer), "bigger bite"$6-$10 (entree-sized), and a "refresher" (drink). We tried to indulge in as much "little bites" as we can to get a fair sampling of what the festival had to offer. Is it sad to say that even with this strategy, food coma came early leaving us absolutely NO room for dessert. I know, very sad, especially since the famous Creme Brulee Cart was present. Oh well, next time, right?
Our planned lunch outing turned into an enjoyable mid-day gastronomic delight. There were plenty of other dishes I wanted to try but the wallet and the stomach have limitations. :) It was great to be exposed to the various local businesses which I plan to support as I make many more trips to the city!
See what I mean, when I say crowd? Oh yes, and Pepto Bismol was one of the event's sponsors. How appropriate. : )
First "little bite" of Korean Tacos from Namu.
Yelp Score: 3.5 stars
Comments: Not enough of the "spicy factor" as it is a Korean dish.
We didn't get to try Curry Up Now as it was difficult to get from the sidewalk to the street around this part since all the food trucks gathered 'round this part.
Did you really leave your cart in San Francisco? So clever! :)
Chicken and mushroom Piroshki from Anda Piroshki.
Yelp Score: 3 stars
Comments: I've had better. The flavor was there but the whole-grain dough wasn't cutting it.
A passerby eats on the go-story of the festival as there was hardly any standing space to enjoy your bites.
Can you tell where the lines are? I sure can't but I'll just say that these two had some of the longest lines.
Vegetarian empanada from Sabores del Sur.
Yelp Score: 3 stars
Comments: In order to make it to 4 or 5 stars, it's got to be at least at par with my favorite empanada place in Costa Mesa. : ) It's the rule. This empanada was pretty huge for a "little bite" and it was definitely filled but didn't have enough flavor for my taste.
For all your Filipinos and Filipinos-at-heart, the Adobo Hobo is one of the most talked-about carts in the city. We made sure we had a taste from this popular Bay Area food cart.
Calamansi with thyme and mint refresher.
Yelp Score: 2 stars
Comments: Seriously, where was the calamansi in this drink?
Here I am with my adobo!
Yelp Score: 3 stars
Comments: Not enough rice. The dish was definitely americanized-it needed more suka (translation: vinegar) for it to be real adobo. I would definitely have more of it again though. Like I said, more rice, please!
Bean and cheese pupusa from Estrellita's Snacks.
Yelp Score: 5 stars
Comments: We definitely saved the best for last, can't you tell? By this time, we were extremely full but were still able to thoroughly enjoy this fantastic pupusa. Not a fan of the pickled veggies but after pouring the sauce on this baby and taking a bite, I was all smiles!
After witnessing how many people came out to this event, there is no doubt that food trucks and food carts are supported by the Bay Area citizens. Many individuals make their livelihood from the unique dishes and drinks they sell from their respective mobile means. In order to support these vendors, please visit this website and sign the "Street Food Declaration." Together, we can do our part in helping keep our favorite food on the streets where they belong!
Hope you all are having a delightful weekend!
-Alli
