Normally, when one hears the phrase “off the grid,” it’s in the context of technology-less, remote destinations or hideaways. But when you hear it on the streets of San Francisco, “Off the Grid” has a much different meaning; one of ethnic food, inevitable over-indulgence and a vibrant social scene.
Off the Grid is self-described as “your roaming mobile food extravaganza — bringing you delicious food, with free sides of music, craft and soul. Check out all your favorite gourmet food vendors in one place – creating markets like you’ve never seen before.”
I’d take it one step further. Off the Grid is any food enthusiast’s heaven.
I had the pleasure of making my first trip to Off the Grid at Fort Mason on a Friday evening a few weeks back, and the spectacle certainly lived up to my high expectations. The only issue was where to begin! My dining companion and I did what any smart foodies would – we developed a fool-proof strategy.
First things first, we took a lap around the food trucks and made mental note of the items that caught our eyes before purchasing anything. Word to the wise – if you start buying food before you take this essential lap, you will never make it all the way around. Everything looks good.
Next, we reconvened and decided that in order to optimize our dining experience, we would go halvsies on everything, enabling us to taste twice as much as if we kept each item to ourselves. The third pillar of the strategy was to double-up on our desserts by allowing ourselves to alternate savory/sweet/savory/sweet. I see you judging me. Stop judging.
From there, it was go time.
I made a beeline to Happy Dumplings, an SF must-have that I’d heard much about, and opted for an order of the Chive and Pork Pot Stickers and the Beef and Onion Pot Stickers. The pot stickers did not disappoint, as they were the perfect start to our feast.
From there, we paid a visit to The Crème Brulee Man, whose Honey Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee was perfectly caramelized and utterly decadent.
Next stop was back to savory with the Sweet Potato Tater Tots from Little Green Cyclo, which specializes in Vietnamese street food. The tots were blissful – a strange combination of Thanksgiving meets Napoleon Dynamite.
Last, but certainly not least, we indulged in a sweet treat from Cupkates, the Bay Area’s first cupcake truck. My only complaint at Cupkates was that they were out of the Salted Caramel flavor that I’d set my heart on. But the delicious Red Velvet and Double Vanilla quickly made up for that.
Bottom line – if you find yourself in SF with a few hours to spare, it’s worth finding the nearest food truck! Off the Grid is at a different location virtually every day of the week, so odds are there’s a time/day that works for you. You can view their full weekly calendar online here.
Mama’s on Washington Square, San Francisco
As the old saying goes, “good things come to those who wait.” Or should I say, “good things come to those who wait in line at Mama’s on Washington Square?” One of San Francisco’s most raved-about brunch spots, Mama’s in North Beach is known for its French Toast Sampler, Monte Cristo Sandwich and outrageously long lines. On an average weekend, the wait alone can take upwards of an hour or two.
Luckily, during some staycation time between Christmas and New Year’s, I was able to head over to Mama’s on a weekday and squeeze in after only 45 minutes. Once inside, the ambiance is adorable as can be. With the true warmth of a mother’s kitchen and décor reminiscent of a country cottage, I felt immediately at home.
There’s something about waiting in line for an extended period of time that makes you feel as though you’ve really earned your brunch, so I decided to splurge for the Dungeness Crab Benedict with Fresh Spinach, and my brunch partner-in-crime went for the good old fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes. By the time we ordered it was well past noon, so we even treated ourselves to Mama’s “Spiked” Lemonade (Sauvignon Blanc swirled with Fresh Lemonade and Soda) and a Fresh-Squeezed Mimosa.
So the question is, was it worth it? In a word, yes.
Mama’s truly is all it’s cracked up to be. If you ever find yourself in SF with a few hours to kill, head there for brunch. You won’t be disappointed.
Hint, hint: I’ve heard that Liguria Bakery across the street from Mama’s makes unbelievable focaccia bread and capitalizes on the impatient hunger of Mama’s hopefuls, who often head over for a snack to pass the time before getting in for brunch.
Mama’s on Washington Square
1701 Stockton St.
San Francisco, CA
(415) 362-6421
Open 8am – 3pm
Closed Mondays
2011 Restaurant Resolutions – An Endless Pursuit
Some people make New Year’s resolutions. Apparently I make New Year’s restaurant resolutions.
“I will make time to explore more. I must stop ordering takeout from the same establishment month after month. I insist upon pushing my taste buds’ boundaries with new flavors and textures.”
These are just a few of the restaurant resolutions I’m keeping in 2011 – and it doesn’t stop there. After moving to San Francisco last June, I found myself dwarfed by the endless dining options in every neighborhood I stumbled upon. So, in an effort to expand my culinary horizons, I made a list. A list of 10 restaurants I want to try, which quickly became 20 I just had to check out and suddenly grew to 40 I obviously couldn’t miss. You do the math … that’s approximately 1-2 restaurants per week this year.
Of course as with most good finds, I’m sure the best restaurants are going to be those randomly recommended late in the game by friends and new acquaintances. So in the spirit of sharing, you tell me: what foodie finds do you recommend I add to the list?
In the meantime, please keep my wallet and waistline in your prayers!
Tortilla Heights, San Francisco
Not only am I a huge fan of Mexican food, but I also love taking trips to San Francisco, so when my friend decided to have her birthday party at Tortilla Heights I was there in an instant! Tortilla Heights is located in San Francisco with a menu loaded with delicious Mexican cuisine. Since there was a large group of us, we were each given a customized menu, and I couldn’t have picked the dishes better myself.
To start, a pitcher of Hacienda Sangria was brought to the table. This delicious, pink concoction included red wine, spiced rum, fresh fruit juice, clover honey and fresh fruit. The sangria went perfectly with ourappetizer of white corn tortilla chips with two separate dipping sauces. The first was guacamole made from ripe Hass avocadoes, onions, chiles, fresh lime juice and cilantro, topped with a little pico de gallo. The second dipping sauce was warm queso, made from spicy melted cheeses, tomatoes and green chiles. I probably went through a basket of chips on my own because the dipping sauces were so amazing and refills just kept coming!
The first main dish brought out to the table was the Carne Tacos, which were served on tortillas stuffed with grilled chicken or carne asada, pinto beans, pico de gallo and guacamole. Next came the Quesadilla Suiza: a flour tortilla with Monterey jack cheese and stuffed with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo and chicken. Talk about the perfect combination!
By the end of the dinner I was stuffed and swore I couldn’t eat another bite – that is until the Churros were brought to the table! I couldn’t help myself but it definitely topped of the meal. If you’re in the San Francisco area, I would recommend making a stop at Tortilla Heights for dinner. You will leave stuffed and satisfied!
Tortilla Heights
1750 Divisadero Street @ Bush St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-346-4531
Wordless Wednesday: Zachary’s Chicago Pizza, Berkeley
Chicken Pizza: Baked chicken breast, mushrooms, and a fresh basil, garlic, tomato sauce with mozzarella cheese from Zachary’s Chicago Pizza in Berkeley, CA.
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
1853 Solano Ave.
Berkeley CA 94707
Phone: (510) 525-5950