Last year's inaugural SF Street Food Festival was crowded. We entered, jostled down the block, paused reflectively, and jostled our way back. No bands were playing. You stand in crowds like that for a band, not a kebab. This year, the fest is scaling up, with four times the vendors and seven times the space. Again, it takes over the street outside fest-host La Cocina, but it also whips down 25th Street to Treat, takes over that, and takes over Garfield Park as well. And this time there are more than 40 vendors, from the biggies who seem to have no business being at a street food fest save the slate-wiping fact that they cook great food (Slanted Door, Delfina, Flour + Water) to the little guys you've always wanted to try (Hapa Ramen, Kitchenette SF, Kung Fu Tacos). There's also a strong contingent of La Cocina-bred places, like El Buen Comer and Sabores Del Sur. With vastly more acreage and vendors (again, more than 40), the fest should test the limits of the street food craze. If it does not, and the crowds overwhelm it yet again, quit your job, cook anything (cook meatballs!), and serve it outside. We'll see you there.
Sat., Aug. 21, 11 a.m., 2010
