How to Eat Like a San Franciscan (In 5 Easy Steps)

San Francisco is a truly unique place. We have beautiful scenery, world-class cultural events, utterly unique residents and a reputation for knowing a thing or two about food. We San Franciscans take food pretty seriously. We know what’s good and we know where to get it. We like to think that we’ve got something special here, and we do, but really you can eat like a San Franciscan in any city, in just 5 easy steps.

#1- Know your ‘hoods. San Francisco is a small city made up of neighborhoods as distinct as red and blue states. Even though only a block may separate neighborhoods, they can be worlds apart. From the Orange County flair (and blondness) of the Marina to the dim sum-palooza that is the Richmond, each neighborhood tends to specialize in some sort of regional cuisine. You want perfect handmade noodles? Go to Japantown. You want a gut busting plate of pupusas stuffed with zucchini flowers? Head to a pupuseria in the Mission.

#2- Know your history. While it may not be trendy, hot or of the moment, some of the city’s best food can be found in joints as old school as Swan Oyster Depot (over 100 yrs old) or Tadich Grill (160+). Sure the menus haven’t changed… in ever… but there’s a reason. Not only are these places good, but they are where any city’s culinary soul lies.

#3- Know the rebels. One you know the history meet the rebels, the ones who stood up and did something different. Alice Waters and Chez Panisse? Yeah she’s an institution now, but she used to be a mouthy little upstart who thought we should be eating fresh, local foods. Mission Kitchen? Some of the best food in the entire country and it started out of a taco cart! It’s still a unique, rebellious space in that it still shares space with a ‘regular’ Chinese joint on a grubby little block. Sometimes the troublemakers have a pretty good point to make. Give them a shot.

#4- Ask yourself, “Meat or Veggie?” Know what you want and go for it. San Francisco is made for carnivores... and vegans. You know who knows meat? Amazing steak houses and neighborhood butchers. If you want good meat go to where it’s butchered with love and aged to perfection. If you don’t want to eat anything with a face you don’t have to try and find something at some middle road joint. Hit up one of the totally amazing vegan joints in the city. You know what will make you happy? A vegan tamale smothered in fresh salsa and stuffed with the season’s bounty.

#5- Think “local, local, local.” In this city, we spout “local” as a mantra for pretty much everything: clothes, music, literature, booze, and especially food. Find a farmers market, a local supperclub, artisan cheese makers and ice cream shops. Find events like the Underground Market or Off the Grid where small scale makers of all things “local food’ get together and sell their wares in one spot.

You want a little of our San Francisco magic? Give the 5 steps a shot. These might be easier to do in some cities than others but not impossible by any means. If you do just a little homework, you too can eat fresh, local, specialized and completely San Franciscan.

Enjoy!

EB

Comments

[Bay Area Food Blog]

OMG. As someone who totally grew up in Orange County, the Marina is SOOO Orange County. On the rebels point, start reading food blogs to find out the underground stuff. There are pop-up restaurants, food carts and underground dinners that intentionally don't get media attention.

[Carolyn Jung]

Spot-on advice! The beauty of this area is the breadth of good food available -- from the super fancy to the down-home. There's something for you no matter what your mood or price range.

[EB]

Thank you so much Carolyn!

[rc helicopter reviews]

Impressive blog! -Arron