Mission Mission

What to do when the forecast is calling for rain all week to go with the already dreary January temperature?  Why not try the Mission’s answer to hot chocolate, a nice steaming cup of CHAMPURRADO.  A soul-warming melange of  hominy masa, piloncillo, cinnamon, chocolate, and milk; this beverage is available at several places in the area but my favorite source is the doorway stand at Taqueria Vallarta ($2).

There’s just something innately wholesome about being served this thick, rich beverage and walking off into the evening being comforted by its warm and wafting embrace.  Of course you could also just hang out in the restaurant and sample the delicacies of “Noah’s Ark” while checking out the acid binge that is their mural.

You knew it was only a matter of time before all that KogiBBQ hype found its way to the Mission, and now you get to see what all the fuss is about (provided you haven’t tracked down SF’s own version somewhere in the FiDi, Kung Fu Tacos).

Already known as the closest competition of Pal’s Takeaway for “Best Sandwich bought from a liquor store,” Rhea’s Deli (19th and Valencia) has expanded their menu from the already delicious Katsu Pork and Korean Steak sandwiches to embrace the ongoing “Mexicanization” of Asian food.

The next logical step:  Korean Burritos anyone?

Photo by Lolia S. via Yelp

(Via SFoodie)

Still undecided about dinner tonight?  Perhaps it may be time to check out this street food scene you’ve been hearing about.  The carts are allegedly gathering in the usual nook by 19th and Linda at 6pm and will probably be there until they get rained on.

You have @magiccurrykart sporting both chicken and veggie Thai curry; @EvilJerkcart serving up grilled Jamaican jerk chicken; @sexysoupcart ladling black bean, cumin, jalapeno soup (it does kind of look like soup weather outside);  and @thechaicart handing out, well, you know.

Stop by for a nice amalgamation of locally-prepared ethnic cuisine, or you can just hang out and let them know how pointless and pretentious you think this whole street food business is.  Your call.

Bonus:  20% of all proceeds go to Haiti Relief Effort