I love L.A.: Angelenos like to eat out of trucks, too -- maybe more than we do. Kimchi fries? Nice.
At least they weren't moving: Foodhoe offers up a lovely lunch at Jai Yun in the FiDi, a kind of $9 prix fixe with no choices. Turns out it was full of surprises, like some unexpected stowaways in a dish of noodles: The spice level had my lips tingling and I sought out little twiggy bits that had a compelling chewy texture. Upon close inspection, I saw little beady eyes -- they were tiny dried fish. Mmmm, extra protein. Nice of you to stay unfreaked-out, Hoe.
En Pee Duh: Grub Street coughs up stats from market research firm NPD about U.S. restaurant closures -- 4,000 in the past year. Most ravaged? Mom 'n' pops. According to NPD's analysis, indie restaurants are "having a hard time competing with the resources and marketing power of major chains." No shit. Somebody got paid to come up with that?
Turns out SFoodie knows the super-secret backstory of local taping because, well, we were there.
We'll let you in on more in the next few days, including info on how you can win tickets for a private viewing party that'll have you pic-messaging your skeptical buddies just to prove you're not a lying sack of offal. Believe us, Tony worshippers, this is one opportunity you won't want to miss.
Parc and Rec is holding a presubmittal meeting on August 24 to field questions about the application process. Final proposals are due October 1. "People do call with questions, though all the basic questions are answered in the RFP," Setz Gruwell said. Vendors will be decided by December, and the permits will begin in January 2010.
The decision to allow food vendors in the parks hasn't been without controversy, due largely to the fees involved. Approved food sellers will pay a base rent of $1,000 per month, with additional rent to be based on vendors' gross receipts - fees that are likely too steep for most small vendors.
Golden Gate Park is not covered by the newly approved rules. Seitz Gruwell said Rec and Park staff are working on a proposal for Golden Gate Park, but it's not yet clear when the commission will be able to vote on them.
Saturday and Sunday's highlights include Texas beef, North Carolina pulled pork, and chicken sandwiches from Phatt Matt's BBQ; falafel from a new Middle Eastern truck, Liba; individual savory pies, including one stuffed with creamy zucchini and a beef pasty, from the Pie Truck; warm rice salad and skillet-roasted padrone chiles from Localicious; and spiced nuts from caterer Oren's Kitchen. The pizza-oven-on-wheels of Eat Real's Anya Fernald, manned by Dario Barbone, will turn out farinata (chickpea-flour pancakes). The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda is planning to dispense appropriately homey comfort foods -- brisket sandwiches with potato salad and polenta with a mushroom ragout -- from a truck.
| Veggie buns from Heaven's Dog will be featured at SF Street Food Festival. |
Locavores might have issues, even though the organic ingredients include eggs from Polyface Farms. Virginia-based Perfect Flavor allows you to customize your frozen treats of choice using a base of gelato, sorbet, mousse, sweet-cream ice cream, yogurt, or French custard -- that's only the first step. Next comes picking a flavor: vanilla, chocolate, caramel, or coffee. Then prepare to go as sweet or savory as you like by opting for things like fruit, cookie dough, toffee, or maybe get all herbal with a touch of rosemary. Seasoning notes range from cayenne to cocoa powder, poppy seeds, peppermint, and ginger (okay, maybe not all together). Naming rights are yours. Then again, for the price, they should be. The minimum order of four pints cost $119.99 plus shipping. Savor it slowly.
Today the Got Milk? launched a list of celebrity-themed milkshake recipes (concocted by Mariah Swan, pastry chef of L.A. restaurant BLD) designed to be expressive of the California luminaries who allegedly guzzle them. Newsom's is a blend of green tea and vanilla ice creams and cocoa powder, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. So what, that green tea represents a cagey strategy for the would-be governor to snag the Asian bloc? Or Santa Monica yoga moms, ever eager to suck down antioxidants? And what it all says about the would-be governor is murky.
One thing that seems clear? We're pretty sure Newsom isn't thrilled about the the most prominent line of his brief bio on Got Milk?: Newsom has gained worldwide attention as a champion for same-sex marriage. D'oh!
