Quite Curious

F FoodWars had the best of the best when it came to side dishes. The theme for the cook-off this time around was “Holiday Fixins” which meant yummy cornbread, creamed spinach, cranberry sauce, pumpkin bread pudding, mashed potatoes…

SF FoodWars is a local cook-off in which any ‘ol person can enter. No need to be a professional chef, or even be a good cook. All you need is a good dish you can rely on to win, and the stamina to make 200 portions the day before. The winners don’t win much in prizes, but it’s a fun event, and all the proceeds go to the San Francisco Food Bank.

From the website:

If shoveling copious amounts of delicious edibles into your mouth sounds like a great time, boy do we have your back. When you attend an SF Food Wars battle, your palate and vote are vital to the cause. Upon entry, you will take on a task of the utmost importance. You must eat, eat again, eat once more, no maybe twice more, okay probably a lot more, take a breather, eat a little more, think about what you ate, and eventually, you vote! Take notes if you need to. Food comas welcome.

I went to the event as an “Eater” (it even said so on my ticket). This was my first time going, although I’ve been trying to get tickets for as long as I’ve known about this event. This event literally sold out in less than 5 minutes. I was watching this event like most people would watch for Madonna tickets. I ended up on the waiting list, and was lucky enough to snag two tickets early on (in case you’re wondering, tickets were $10). The event only allows for 170 attendees, for good reason…so the food doesn’t run out! Even at 170, it was crowded.

I had a great time, and enjoyed all the food. It was a tough call when it came to judging time. There wasn’t one dish there that wasn’t spectacular. Hopefully the next time I go, I’ll be going as a competitor.

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SF FoodWars was held at the Stable Cafe in the Mission District in San Francisco. Like most SF events, too many badly dressed hipsters showed up for too little of a space, blasting strange music. A little uncomfortable, but for good food, I’ll do anything.

The building looked super cool. It’s an old, restored building, painted entirely black.

We got there around the time the event started, and there was already a line outside the door. The good thing though, is that tickets are limited so there is guaranteed food for everyone.

It was really, really cold outside! I wore all my warmest clothes. Fortunately, the line moved fast. But…when we got to the food, it was already cold, even with the dish heaters on.

Mike and I waiting in line :)

So we went into the Stable Cafe, had our tickets checked, and then walked out to the patio where the food was being served. There was another line! It’s just like Disneyland, you think you’re done waiting in line when you finally make it inside and see that you’re only halfway through.

There were a few news reporters there. Local news, I’m guessing, although I did see something about the event in the New York Times.

The Food!

FINALLY! After waiting in both lines, I get to the front where food is being served. The first stop was at the Bake-On Betties table, where they were “Bringin’ Home the Bacon”. They made an amazing potato gratin, probably the best I’ve ever had.

The contestants looked happy and tired. This was Team Brown and Crispy, who made “Lovin’ Lumpia”. I’ve had lumpia before, but these were super fresh! None of that soggy stuff. Huge chunks of veggies and chicken - two thumbs up from me.

Lots and lots of creamed spinach. It was delicious. I didn’t grow up eating creamed spinach, nor have I ever made it myself, so my only experience with creamed spinach was at buffets and cafeterias. Needless to say, I really enjoyed fresh creamed spinach. It’s nice when food tastes like real food.

Each team had handmade signs. I loved it! This team had signs made from their younger cousins. Super cute.

New Gorge City made “Japanese Sweet Potato Latkes”. They were absolutely divine. I love Japanese sweet potatoes, and I love the idea of using them in latkes. It had more flavor than regular latkes.

This is some sort of soft, pumpkin dessert. I don’t remember what it was called. The contestants said they were up for 10 hours making 250 of these babies for the event. Unbelievable.

Heartbaker with their “Drunken Punkin Puddin’ Bread” won 3rd place and the people’s choice award. FOR GOOD REASON! Oh my lord, this was amazing.

…and here it is. With homemade caramel sauce. Kill me now, why don’t you.

Boozy and the Beast made “Turkey Cone Cyclone”. These guys definitely win the most creative, and possibly time consuming dish. They made savory waffle cones filled with creamy mashed potatoes, carnitas-style turkey, all topped with cranberry sauce. It’s like the entire Thanksgiving meal in one bite. It was really, really yummy. They were also one of the only ones with noticeable meat. (Noticeable meat as in, not bacon bits).

Hustle & Pout made “Great Balls of Spinach”. They won 2nd place. You can’t go wrong with fried spinach balls.

I admit, this is the first time I’ve ever had sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top. It wasn’t until lately that I learned this was a traditional American side dish.

This wins the QuiteCurious award. It was kind of like pumpkin pie, but better. Silky, creamy, and not too sweet. I wanted to eat them all.

Here’s my plate halfway through the food tables. I ate as I went so I could make room on my plate for more food. Yes, that is the story of my life.

Mike filling out the ballot. He voted for the Turkey Cyclones.

Winners get trophys, medallions, and bunch of other cool stuff from event sponsors.

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