The Beginning of a Legendery Weekend

There are a few times in my life where I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not in a dream. And this weekend was definitely one of those times. I went into the Foodbuzz Festival with high expectations from all the hype, and a pit in my stomach. But I have to say, Foodbuzz put on the most extraordinary, legendary event for us. It was one of the most organized, well orchestrated events I’ve ever attended, and they wined and dined us fabulously through out the entire weekend. Once I got there and met up with my roommates the nerves started to settle, that pit in my stomach started to fade, and the rest is history. Memories were made, friends were discovered, and food was consumed in copious quantities. But enough talking, and more showing.

After arriving in San Francisco Friday afternoon, I met up with my roommates Lauren and Gina, who are so much fun by the way. We stayed at the gorgeous Sir Francis Drake Hotel, which is in the Union Square district.

After freshening up, the whole group headed over to the Herbst Pavillion for our very first event. But not before we all had a drink. (Perhaps this was what calmed the nerves? I’ll never know! )

The theme was Street Food Fare, and that is exactly what we had. Food trucks, food stands, and wine venues surrounded the pavilion while long wooden picnic tables were lined up in the middle with gorgeous displays of fruit, cheese, and crackers.

We started with the foodie gift exchange, and then got right to the good stuff….the food!

Eating and mingling was the name of the game. There was so much to try. Pork sandwiches, tacos, seafood gumbo, vegan paella, chicken curry wraps, seaweed wraps with beef, pizza, and lots of lots of wine. As usual, I tried a little bit of everything. A bite here, and a bite there, a drink here, and a drink there.

My favorite bite of all was from 4505 Meats, and I was so en-wrapped in their juicy, crispy, salty, sweet, pork sandwich that I completely forgot to take a picture. But probably one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had…EVER! It was a pork loin brined in jalapeno pickling liquid, crusted in corn meal, and topped with beans, onions, and a coriander aioli all on a buttery (and somewhat sweet) sesame bun. I would fly back to San Francisco right now if I could just for another bite of this sandwich.

Dessert was brought to us by Mission Mini’s!!! And to be honest, these were some of the best cupcakes I’ve ever had. Incredibly moist, and incredibly satisfying. I’m a big fan of small, bite size foods, and these were just the perfect sweet dessert to finish of this night of eating.

Then it was back to the hotel for a good night sleep before the rest of the weekend continued.

To be cont’d….

Tagged as: 4505 Meats, foodbuzz festival, Herbst Pavilion, Mission Mini's, San Francisco, Street Food Far