My Trucks of Choice at Off the Grid

Off the Grid is a food truck meetup event that happens every Friday evening at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. It started last fall and has been a hit ever since, including their smaller installments at the Ferry Building, Civic Center, North Berkeley, and San Mateo.

It can be incredibly windy at Fort Mason, seeing that it is by the Bay. There aren't many seats available within the food truck circle, but there are picnic tables just beyond it for bigger parties. A lot of families arrive and stay during the first part of the evening, and then trickle out as the sun goes down and the younger crowd moves in. It's a great place to meet with friends, or run into new people who share your love of food and the food truck movement. Live music varies every week as well.

Pictured on the left are Sisig Nachos from the truck Senor Sisig. Filipino food never really has made itself very prominent in the culinary limelight, but luckily its cuisine is very food truck-able. Sisig is cubed pork marinated in vinegar that has been broiled and fried. Turning it into a nachos dish is just genius. They top it off with jalapenos, tomatoes, sour cream, guacomole, cheese, and french fries. It's the perfect hangover food. ($9)

JapaCurry offers a delicious Tonkatsu Curry, and at $8, it's a great value. Tonkatsu is breaded and fried chicken or pork cutlets. You wouldn't want to waste the spicy green curry (you can go mild if you'd like) and will probably find yourself drenching the rice in it. Most food trucks offer small portions for a pushy price, but this definitely plays fair. 

El Porteño has great empanadas. $4 gets you a Pollo Empanada, whereas $5 gets you Carne or Jamon y 
Queso. My favorite is their chicken (pollo) empanada, which is filled with Fulton Valley all-natural chicken, chicken chorizo, raisins, and olives.

Location: Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, every Friday from 5pm to 10pm 

Buy Right: Bi-Rite Gourmet Organic Ice Cream

My parents swung by Bi-Rite Market in San Francisco and brought back two incredibly delectable pints of Salted Caramel and Strawberry Balsamic ice cream. They are $8 a pop, but worth every bit. Across the street from the market is the Bi-Rite Creamery, which constantly garners a line around the block. But if you've had and know what you want and want to bring your favorite flavor back with you, head to the market. They use sustainable, organic ingredients in their handcrafted small batches of ice cream. Pick up each pint and you'd be surprised to feel how light it is.

Though this is my first time having it and therefore I've only had both of the above-mentioned flavors, the Strawberry Balsamic flavor is by far my favorite. It's a creamy, harmonious combination of the classic strawberry flavor and a slight tang from the balsamic vinegar. 

Almost devoured. 

The Salted Caramel flavor is fantastic as well. Like the Strawberry Balsamic, it's light and airy but packed with an excellent, can-do-no-wrong marriage of salty and sweet. Combining this and the Strawberry Balsamic is not a bad idea either, in fact I encourage it.

Looks like we're leveling with the Strawberry Balsamic remnants.













Location:

Bi-Rite Creamery: 3692 18th Street (@ Dolores), San Francisco
Sunday-Thursday: 11am-10pm
Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm

Bi-Rite Market: 3639 18th Street, San Francisco
Everyday: 9am-9pm
 

American-French Bistro: Chef Tyler Florence's Wayfare Tavern

Tucked in San Francisco's financial district is famed Chef Tyler Florence's Wayfare Tavern. It's timeless exterior and interior ambiance is inviting as it does stick out like a sore thumb, a memory-burning one at that. My sister (right) and I are pictured in front of the restaurant before we went in with my mom for lunch. 

This is the view from our table, all of us hoping to catch a glimpse of Chef Tyler Florence. The waiter informed us that he's mostly active in the kitchen on nights, but occasionally would pop in during the afternoon. Unfortunately, no sight of him this time around. I'll be back for more. 

The Monterey Bay Sardines ($14) are drenched in heavenly parsley butter, roasted garlic, and herb roasted crumbs, all upon which you would squeeze some lemon juice for vibrancy. If only there was some nice French baguette to sop up the remaining sauce...

Instead, Wayfare Tavern serves complimentary Popovers, which are eggy hollowed-out brioches. There is a designated person with a stainless steel basket of popovers who'll replenish your small plate if you wish. It's fresh out of the oven, to the point that it instantly absorbs the olive oil butter that you can't help but lather on.

Inviting, no?

The Lobster Cobb ($24), my sister's main dish, is a freshly tossed mix of romaine lettuce, soft boiled Jidori eggs, tomato, smoked bacon, avocado, corn, beets, radishes, and succulent pieces of lobster. A massive, hearty melody.

The Smoked Sonoma Pork Ribs ($26) with Florence's BBQ sauce, roasted plums, and corn on the cob is what my mom ordered. Its meat falls right off the bone and pairs superbly well with the bitter, tangy plums. 

Now, this is what I ordered. The quintessentially French bistro fare, Steak Frites ($27). This heaping serving showcases perfectly cooked Santa Maria tri-tip, truffle butter, watercress, and French fried potatoes. The fries are drizzled with a bit of the truffle butter, which gives them a nice  flavor, like a strong olive oil. I think this could easily be shared with another person, as are the other main dishes above, unless of course you are really that ravenous. 

To top it all off, we decided to dig into the Chocolate Cream Pie ($9). Was it necessary? Knowing that I had reached my limits, it probably wasn't. But why not. Who could resist caramel ganache, devil's food cake, Scharffenberger chocolate pudding, and whipped cream? It's surprisingly not as sweet as you would think, and a perfect dessert following my main meal. 








I walked out of there feeling like an anvil, but it was worth it. 

Location: 558 Sacramento Street, San Francisco 
Open Monday through Saturday 11am-11pm
Open Sunday 5pm-11pm 

Fiery Innovation at Mission Chinese Food

"Pop-up restaurant." This is precisely what Mission Chinese Food has come to be defined by its initial conception. In my own words, I would describe it as a frame narrative. A restaurant within a restaurant. This year it was voted 2nd as one of America's Best New Restaurants in Bon Appétit.

It all started with the food truck Mission Street Food, which was run by San Francisco couple Anthony Mynit and Karen Leibowitz. They initially used Lung Shan Chinese Restaurant on Thursdays and Saturdays to sell their duck confit tacos and foie gras sundaes, and as of last June, their progressive talents took over the establishment and its cuisine. Their friend and chef of Mission Chinese Food is Danny Bowien, a long-haired bespectacled fellow who is Korean-born but American-raised. He's definitely in his late 20s or early 30s, and exudes an alternative somewhat hipster-like style. As is most of their clientele's demographic but for you anti-hipsters out there, don't lose faith in what this place has to offer just yet. Fall in line, because well, you're going to have to.


The restaurant's interior exudes remnants of its dingy former establishment, but is vibrantly and eclectically decorated. So is the scent upon walking in. The waft of Szechuan spices can either sprinkle the room with anticipation or apprehension. There is a dragon costume/chandelier sprawled along the ceiling, which charms up the place. The elder staff from the Lung Shan Chinese still mill about, hand you your menus and drink orders, whereas the younger and vibrant waitstaff serve the main dishes. It's good to know there seems to be no hard feelings. 

Let's discuss the food now, shall we?

Salt Cod Fried Rice (pictured left, $10) consists of escolar confit, chinese sausage, egg, and scallion. It's a tasty twist to Yang Chow Fried Rice, with a complementary salty fishy aspect. Next to it is the (partially devoured, I apologize, but for good reason) Cold Dan Dan Noodles ($8), something I'd describe as "icy-hot," given its spicy bite. It has sesame, pine nut, cucumber, and snap pea.

The Open Faced "'Chinese' BBQ" Sandwich ($12) is a hearty, succulent compilation of smoked beef brisket, pork trotter, and hot link that is served with pickles, white bread, and smoked cola BBQ sauce. A knife is stabbed through the heart of it. In other words, they've already given you the first step in savoring this delight. 




Proceed with caution with the Ma Po Tofu ($11), given its ingredients: bean curd, ground kurobuta pork shoulder, Szechuan peppercorn, chili oil, and steamed rice. I have a pretty high tolerance for spicy food, but it's another story -- and quite a tragic one at that -- when you really want to keep eating but you can't help but hold back the tears brought on by this dish's delectable heat. 

Kung Pao Chicken may as well retire. This fiery spin on the classic, Kung Pao Pastrami ($11), consists of chili, celery, potato, and roasted peanut. I found this to be a genius rendition, and again fought a wonderful fire in my mouth to savor this dish. But you'll come to find that this is a rewarding aspect of Szechuan cuisine, especially if you make something of it new. 


I absolutely loved the Thrice Cooked Bacon ($10.50). What looks like water chestnuts are in fact sliced rice cakes, much to my merriment, because I am big fan of how their texture paired so well with the tofu skin, bitter melon, scallion, black bean,chili oil, and thick bacon slices. The flavor is a great contrast between the comforting, black bean sauce and the hot chili oil. 


On the day that I dined there with my family for my sister's birthday, Danny Bowien was walking around the restaurant quite a bit. He was posing for a photographer from a German travel magazine, as he presented some of his renowned dishes by staging them on a table close to the front of the house, readying for their photo shoot. I'm pretty sure the photographer made him hold a Buddha statue of some sort for effect? Either way, it shows how this "accidental restaurant" is gaining worldwide acclaim. I hope that this will bring some just, gastronomical tourism to San Francisco. 


Location: Lung Shan Restaurant, 2234 Mission Street, San Francisco 
Open 11:30am-3pm/5pm-10:30pm, except Wednesdays

Korean BBQ Lunch Combination Steal in Pleasant Hill

This is one of the first restaurants I went to after coming back from France, in fact, I think it was the very next day. The thing that I missed about portions in America is the fact that you get a lot -- probably more than necessary -- for what you pay for. That's just how we do.

At Moa Korean BBQ in Pleasant Hill, you can get all of this (excluding the plate in the back):

 for $7.95.

This is my favorite (as well as their most popular), their Spicy Pork lunch combination. The main plate has a wealthy mound of saucy, exquisitely spicy marinated strips of pork served with a half cup of rice, fried vegetable tempura, broccoli, and cucumber. And as custom in Korean restaurants, it comes with banchan, an array of small plates that vary on the restaurant but typically  consists of pickled vegetables, kimchi (fermented cabbage , and japchae (sweet potato noodles stir-fried in sesame oil with various vegetables).

The other items in their lunch combination menu includes BBQ spareribs, bulgogi, and chicken -- all hovering between about $8-$10.

Location: 508 Q Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill  

Mon-Fri:11 am - 3 pm/ 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Sat: 12 pm - 9:30 pm

Chinese Food on the Horizon in the Sunset District

Irving Street in the Sunset District of San Francisco is known for its countless Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese restaurants, markets, bakeries. You probably can't go wrong with any one of them, as they all have something good to offer. But as always, it's probably the best idea to check out the place that has a line out the door. 

Such is the case with Lam Hoa Thuan in Outer Sunset. They specialize in both Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, but I come here for the former. It's affordable and incredibly authentic family-style dining.

They have succulent Roast Duck and Pork, both of which are displayed in their window. People line up to both eat in and order out. A good sign indeed. It's $12.99 for a whole roast duck. The roast pork is sold by the pound, at around $3.85 each. Both are excellent, especially when eaten with steamed rice bun, hoisin sauce, and a sprig of green onion.

I usually order the Yang Chow Fried Rice. It's incredibly flavorful and savory as it's filled with peas, barbeque pork, scrambled egg, and scallions. 
($5.95)

The Combination Pan Fried Mein is amazing. It's pan fried noodles topped with a a saucy mixture of barbeque pork, squid, chicken, bean sprouts, and shrimp. In terms of texture and flavor, it's a great combination. Every bite gives you both elements of the crispy and wet noodles. 
($5.95)

The Peking Pork Chop is a succulent dish, as they are lightly breaded spareribs doused in a Peking sauce, which is a sweet and sour glaze. 
($6.95) 

Their Fried Whole Sole Fish in Garlic and Soy Sauce just as the name states. The deep fried fish is showered with scallions as it soaks up the garlic soy sauce. Perfectly fried, you can cut into its lightly breaded, crunchy skin to reveal moist meaty fish.

($8.55)














The end result of this feast is as follows, among four people that is: 

 

Location: 2337 Irving Street at 25th Avenue, San Francisco, CA (Open 7 days a week, 9am-9pm)

Quite Possibly Your Happiest Happy Hour at Amélie Le Bar á Vin

If you're in San Francisco and have a hankering for some wine and time to spare between 5:30pm and 7pm, check out the happy hour at Amélie Le Bar á Vin.

This French wine bar has always been one of my favorite spots to hit up in the city, and I'll tell you why: $10 three-glass customized wine flights (yep, you can pick anything on their list) with heavy pour and adorable, charming French bartenders. 

Located off Polk Street in the Russian Hill district, it was established in 2006 among the many bars and small restaurants that inhabit the area. What sets them apart though is not only their steal of a happy hour offering, but their hip, unpretentious ambiance. You might think: "A massive selection of European wines, and mostly French staff. Must be stuffy." But it's not. Take a seat at the bar and find yourself immediately greeted by either the Provençal owner Germain Michel or his fellow wingman Martial, who hails from Normandy. (Pictured below right, in order of mention.)

They both immediately fill up glasses of water for you, speak to you in French if you're able, ask about your day, and just talk about life. If you know exactly what you want from their lengthy wine list, they're all ears and are happy to help you out if needed. If it's your birthday, they might give you a free glass of champagne (as they did on mine this year!). Go enough times, and you'll be on a first-name basis with them...and they'll make note of how you haven't been in for a while. (Guilty!) Just like a good bartender would.

Their selection has everything from prosecco and champagne to Gewürztraminer and a variety of bordeaux.

Happy hour also consists of $5 mushroom flatbread, and elsewhere on the menu you can find $6 and $15 cheese plates of your choice (one and three choices, respectively), $12 charcuterie plate (prosciutto, toscana salame, sopressata, rosette Lyon, coppa, and duck breast), and $15 duck pâté served with mustard, toast, and cornichons. They also have salads and main dishes made for sharing, including duck leg confit and escargots. 


So, this place meets your fancy whether it be wine, cheese, small plates, or a rich array of classic French dishes. 


The interesting contrast of their laid-back and stylish personality comes out through the wine menus placed at the back of old vinyl record sleeves, freshly cut baguette served in linen sacks, red illuminated wine bottle-shaped wall sconces, movie theater seats in their front lounge area, and a quoted Victor Hugo text decal upon the ceiling towards the back of the bar. It's a retro spin on Paris meets San Francisco, and you find yourself somewhere in between -- not caring either way, so long as you're surrounded my good wine, good vibes, and good friends. 


A witty proclamation on their wine menu that rings true: "Our football team sucks, our strikes suck...fortunately we still have wine."

Location: 1754 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA (Open everyday with happy hour at 5:30pm and closes at 2am)