San FranCelia

San Francisco has a way of being innovative without even trying, and for that reason, it continues to be the pinnacle of cool.  Last night I experienced another example of this original city when I visited Mission Street Food after a friend’s show.  It’s this incredible idea for an eatery, and is in fact a hole in the wall.  Mission Street Food is a travelling restaurant that takes over the kitchen of a Chinese restaurant called Lung Shan’s in the Mission each Thursday and Saturday night.  Starting as a taco truck originally, thiship place was hosting lines running three hours long and so came to the conclusion that they needed a real live space.  Trying to keep overhead low, they rented a place that if you looked at it during the day is the epitome of a Chinese dive restaurant.  Posters of random scenery (no frames, mind you) and Chinese artifacts are sprinkled throughout.  But, somehow, with a few twinkle light and candles and all the other lights off, you get a slightly romantic and wholly fabulous feel.

As you sit in the completely packed space, you are given a menu that consists of about eight choices that change depending on the night.  Mission Street Food hosts guest chefs each night, and so every visit is ensured to be a different experience.  They are almost like tapas, where everything is mini – this keeps it affordable, as well.  We had a vegan wonton miso dish, wonton shrimp in a crab bisque sauce, short ribs with mashed potatoes (the beef literally fell apart… delicious!), and salmon cakes with polenta, among other delights.  Each was delectable and different, leaving us wanting more (which we quickly satisfied by ordering a second and even third round).  We even brought two bottle of wine and paid a really minimal corkage.  Amazing.  You get the meal of a high-end restaurant  (chefs come from places such as Gary Danko’s) and the vibe of the Mission.  Can’t get better than that.

The pièce de résistance of this wonderful hot spot is the giving aspect to their little operation.  While they are raising money for newer kitchen equipment through private donation now, all of the proceeds of the restaurant, above and beyond the cost of the food, goes to a charity of the guest chef’s choice.  Servers only work for tips.  How amazing is that?!  It’s a full-time charitable restaurant.  Now that’s a true San Francisco innovation.  Enjoy!

Peace and love Xo

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Everyone’s heard of Mama’s; if you haven’t, it’s time to get on the bandwagon, and I mean now.  For those of you in the dark, it’s a super famous (and deservedly so) brunch spot in my favorite neighborhood, North Beach.  This tucked away treasure is not on the main drag, but well worth the detour.  Their food has been featured several times on the Food Network®, as the massive line outside can attest to.  While this wait can be up to an hour and a half, there’s always a way to get through this and still stay excited for the upcoming deliciousness.  Try bringing your own mimosas like we did.  While they are $7.50 for a small glass inside (and don’t get me wrong, I AM encouraging ordering them), you can fill up on the cheap with the B.Y.O.M. method.  On a sunny day in North Beach, nothing beats a little day drinking with friends, even while standing in line.

Once in, you order straight away (cash only, keep in mind) so your food can start to cook before you sit (how efficient!).  It’s the cutest place too – small and quaint, with hints of old world charm.  Then the food comes out and all other stimulus turns into white noise.  Gorgeous presentation combined with mouth-watering ingredients makes for a spectacular Sunday brunch experience.  A

favorite of my group, and a must try, was the Monte Cristo sandwich.  Ham and turkey on warm bread, toasted with cheese, then egg battered and fried – they pair this delight with a sweet jam for the perfect savory/sweet blend.   I mean, are you kidding me?  It’s perfect!

All this and the service is impeccable, too.  They are friendly, fast, and your glass is never empty, whether it be water, coffee, or something stronger.   I can’t recommend this place enough.  Go try Mama’s if you haven’t, and if it’s one of your favorites too, I’ll see you in line.

Peach and love Xo

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I’ve recently tried to cut down on my meat consumption, mostly for health reasons, but also because industrial farming gets worse and worse by the day, and it just makes me sad (and sick to know what I’m eating via animal fat…seriously.  Watch Food, Inc. Ew.).   During this valiant effort, I’ve gotten to check out some great vegetarian restaurants, which is a definite bonus!  One of the best parts of eating out in San Francisco is the ambiance.  Each neighborhood is so unique and has it’s own vivacious glow that pulls you in every time.  One of my favorite districts, which is kind of random but super central and hip, is NOPA (that’s north of the Panhandle for all of you out of towners).  There are some great stores, restaurants, and even a great Sunday Farmer’s Market in this little pocket of the City.

I recently tried the vegetarian eatery Herbivore in this locale, and it was delicious and super fresh.  They have a massive menu, so you don’t feel limited, and there are options for people on more than just a veggie diet – gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.  Very awesome!  I had a delicious salad full of rice noodles, fruit, and nuts, paired with a fresh organic berry smoothie.  I felt healthier after eating, which if you are like me is usually not the case.  It’s affordable, too, at under $10 for most lunch options.   And remember that ambiance is key – outside patio seating is available in the back AND front at this trendy joint.  Eating in the back is slightly more subdued than the front, which in this neighborhood allows for some great people watching.  And trust me, in this region of the City, you will NOT be disappointed at the people to watch – and lucky for us, with a spot like Herbivore, you won’t be with the food either.

Peace and love Xo

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