I know that there are folks out there who see food as nothing more than fuel to keep them alive. This post is not for those folks. This post IS for those of us who see food as a creative outlet; a thing of beauty.
If you appreciate food than no visit to San Francisco is complete without a visit to the Ferry Market terminal. Once the main hub for ferries criss-crossing the bay, in 2003 the building reopened as an upscale gourmet marketplace, office building, and re-dedicated ferry terminal. The restoration project spanned several years, with an emphasis on recreating the building's 1898 ambiance. San Francisco's most well known farmers' market is held there on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am - 2pm, year-round.
Yesterday there was a 2 hour block during which conference participants could visit the publisher display, get some lunch, or nap. I took advantage of my free time to hop on the F Line (the 7 day pass for the MUNI has paid for itself a number of times) and head to the base of Market street where I knew this foodie 'heaven' awaited.
The farmers market was crowded with local folks snapping up food and tourists snapping pictures.
There were long lines for Blue Bottle Coffee.
Happily I found the store located about a block and a half from the hotel where I have enjoyed the coffee some call the best in North America. I could ignore THIS line.
There was a line I was unable to ignore and thatwas the longest one in the market - at Roli Roti. This stand was seling spit roasted chicken, porchetta, and roasted potatoes. I am no fool - when you see a line this long you get in it. It doesn't matter if you don't know what is at the other end, don't think, don't metacognate, don't waffle, get in the damn line. I am glad I did because soon there were 20 people in line behind ME!
This was an amazing sandwich. The pork is as good as it gets, with crispy skin and seasoned with enough herbs to be savory without being annoyingly salty or overly herby. The onion jam is almost overkill, but really it brings the whole thing together with the greens for contrast. The guys cutting the meat cleanthe porchetta cutting board with the bread, so no gloppy mayo here. Very, very rich. Very, very, good!
In fact, I discovered later that this porchetta sandwich has become a cult favorite in the City - one of those "must do" things for visitors and locals alike. In fact, it's holding steady as #12 on the 2010 list of 100 Things to Eat Before You Die from 7x7 in San Francisco. The line is long, but it moves pretty fast.
As a side note, I have had 4 of the things on the list during this trip. YUM
But enough about my gluttony.
I wandered about the market - the fresh flowers were amazing . . .
These giant tulips were sold with the bulbs attached.
I was particularly intrigued by the date flowers . . .
Well, I was until this guy almost took out my damn eye! There outta be a warning sign on these!
Inside the market was crowded!
I still managed to make my way through the crowds to buy some treats to bring home. I have to be careful because with 12 bottles of wine, and all of this stuff my two suitcases will likely be over 100 lbs! ARGH Perhaps I should see if I can upgrade to first class so that I can bring homewhatever I want. LOL
Others bring home t-shirts. I bring roasted garlic oil, chocolates, dry-cured fennel sausage with orange peel, sage honey, and dried morel mushrooms.
Nothing like this place...San Francisco...where so many leave their heart. Oh my goodness Jerry you are in foodie heaven! Loving your blog posts.
Posted by: Barb Cabot | March 27, 2011 at 03:07 PM
Good job, Jerry! Now tell me bout this coffee!
Posted by: Palma | March 27, 2011 at 07:30 PM
I have tried the porchetta from Roli Roti several times at Foodbuzz in San Francisco Jerry. The last time I was there I never had enough time to browse so was very disappointed.
Posted by: bellini | March 27, 2011 at 09:28 PM
That looks like a lot of fun Jerry. You've made me realize that I'm long overdue for a SF trip.
Posted by: Laura | March 27, 2011 at 11:00 PM
Palma - you would LOVE Blue Bottle coffee. It is the closest thing I've tasted to a well made Italian coffee in a long time.
It is such a wonderful spot to hang out Bellini and Barb.
You're going have to recover and do some 'mother' stuff first I think Laura. *smile* When the little one is a bit older she might appreciate fine food.
Posted by: JDeQ | April 03, 2011 at 04:40 PM