So Cal Food I Wish We Had in the Bay

2012 is the year I develop a healthier relationship with food and my finances. Truth be told, in true gluttonous fashion, I spent majority of my funds on temporary palate highs than on my bills...which were probably racked up by spending on food in 2010.

I have no regrets. You only live once, they say. I went to So Cal three times last year. Weekend trips ruled my calendar in 2011 and fortunately for me, I spent those weekends with dear friends who hooked me up with the tastiest food in So Cal!

So friends in the Bay Area, if you ever find yourself down there, think of me and bring me some if the following. I'm going to try and spend less money on eating out this year. I'm dying inside. Dining out is so much fun for me, but alas, if you're down to hook your girl Jo up, I'm here! I WISH we had these up here in SF!

1. Red velvet chocolate chip pancakes from The Buttermilk Truck - why didn't I think of thus before? Genius. Not quite sure what they put in the icing, but it is worth licking the cardboard plate clean for.

2. Witte Burger from the Grill Em All Truck - oh lord, just read: cream cheese, deep fried bacon, beer/ Sriracha onion, malt vinegar aioli. Yup. Best burger. Ever.

3. Bibingka corn bread from The Parks Finest - bounce boo, to the boogie that be with this bibingka. Probably my favorite preparations of corn bread. not pictured - the re-al rib-eye. Gotdamn!

4. Buttermilk fried chicken and Belgian waffle from Bruxie - served with an intoxicating chili honey and cider slaw, you'll be ready to scream tonguegasms. This dish is the ish. Da bomb baby...bomb baby.

5. The entire Porto's store - I fell in love with Daniel at the Downey location. I watched him pack 3 dozen cheese rolls with care and heard him enunciate "medianoche" with his sexy Latin tongue. Ay, papi!

We headed over to Santa Monica for a little sun before heading back to SF, and as we drove there, we stuffed our faces with these incred potato balls. They're basically mashed potatoes stuffed with ground beef stew (kinda like picadillo) and fried until lightly crisp on the outside!

When we got to the beach, we dug into our sandwiches.

First was the "medianoche" or Midnight sandwich - slices of slow roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, butter, and mustard and mayonnaise mix on a sweet roll. It's a traditional Cubano but sweeter because of the bread used.

Next was the "pan con bistec," a robust sammie made with marinated steak, potato sticks, grilled onions, tomatoes, and mojo (Cuban garlic sauce) on Cuban bread.

Two Cuban sandwiches with different flavors! They were perfect to ear before walking the pier at Santa Monica.

Oh, the cheese rolls?

Don't think I forgot about those! We bought a dozen for him and two dozen for Ate Lara and Kuya Chip. We brought them to LAX and TSA didn't even trip because they already knew! For those who've had them, they'll know they are the best cheese pastries around. No one can compare. They're flaky and not too sweet. Perfect for pasalubong (take home gifts)!

Dammit, good thing I live up here and all the food is down there. Otherwise, I'd be in a lot of trouble! Haha, have a great night, loves!

We are almost a week into 2012! What is making me think 2012 is going to fly by like 2011?

Take care, fam!

xoxo,
Jo