Last Saturday while driving around Mission Street looking for parking for the San Francisco’s Street Food Festival, I spotted a very familiar looking liquor store while we were at a red light.

Vaguely remembering the green signs and the art on the side of the building, I quickly said to Lando and Rose, “I think that’s where Bourdain got that giant sandwich.” Half an hour later, we found parking up the street from the liquor store.

After grabbing our passports, we decided that we’d come back to the festival in a few hours. While walking back to our car, we decided that to grab a torta. By now we were feeling the effects of hunger.

Once we stepped inside, we knew we were at the right place when we saw the “Cubana” Totra listed on the menu. A torta is a Mexican sandwich and this was my first time having one.

Without hesitation, we immediately ordered the Cubana with everything on it. We stood there watching as they tossed the components of the Cubana onto the flat top grill. The grill consisted of hot dogs, eggs, chorizo, breaded beef, bacon, ham. The torta bread is placed on the grill to be lightly toasted in a pool of melted butter.

After the bread was done toasting, they assembled the behemoth with mayonnaise, avocado, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and jalapeños. While we stood there intimidated by its sheer size, they transferred the Cubana onto a scale for weighing. We had it cut into quarters and then we were on our way to the Ferry Building for Saturday’s Farmers’ Market.

Once we arrived at Ferry Building, we were filled with eager anticipation. We found a seat and quickly unwrapped the torta.

Continue Reading » I’ll have the Cubana, and That’s It.

Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 648-7600
www.foreigncinema.com

Last night I was incredibly hyped up to grab dinner at Foreign Cinema in San Francisco, CA. After circling the streets for parking it finally hit me. I forgot to bring a camera! Although I was a little disappointed for a quick moment, I wouldn’t let it bring me down. I was still prepared to enjoy my meal.

Before entering the restaurant, you walk through a long hallway and at the end you are greeted by a host. Being a Saturday night, I thought we would have trouble getting a table without reservations, but the restaurant had plenty of open tables available.

There are two large dining areas. There is one outdoors where a movie is played while you enjoy your meal and one indoors. The dining area outdoors is perfect for warm nights. We were seated at the indoors dining area. It was very spacious with a simple modern décor.

The food here is what really made me love this place. We decided to order plenty of appetizers and splitting one entrée. This way, we could try to sample more of what Foreign Cinema offers. We kicked off the dinner with ½ dozen Miyagi Oysters. I just squeezed a little bit of lemon on them and they were good to go. Salty, yet delicious, I was craving for more. Next we ordered Fromage d’ Affinois, which included persimmons, fingerling potatoes, and toasted bread, along with the cheese. I never ordered cheese before at a restaurant, but after tonight I just might have to do it more often. Everything paired well with the cheese – from the sweet persimmons to the potatoes. Two more appetizers followed, the Yellowtail Tartare and Pork Riblets with Couscous. The Tartare offered a light and simpe taste, while the Riblets had a bit more spice in them.

Finally, our entrée came. We ordered the Seared Sea Scallops topped upon a fresh bed of greens and olives drizzled with a vinaigrette. The vinaigrette had a zingy taste which went well with the salty olives. I was hit with a lot of flavors with this entrée. I truly appreciated the fact that all of the dishes offered their unique own flavors different from one another. The way the dishes were platted beautifully made the dinner even better.

I must say, we were left very satisfied and we will be back. I will definitely bring my camera next time!

Have you ever forgot to bring your camera to capture great food shots?

… And before you go,check out this Foodbuzz video of Foreign Cinema. It’ll give a taste of what this spot is all about.