realfilf

Whether it’s underground or not, it’s still a brilliant idea. The SF Underground Market is the brainchild of Iso Rabins, also the founder of forageSF. Annoyed by the stiff entrance rules imposed by legit farmers markets,  Iso held the first SF Underground Market at a friend’s home in the Mission in December 2009.  Apparently, he knew he was on to something when the event drew nearly 200 people with just 8 vendors.

It’s clear that Iso’s once small subversive market has gone mainstream.  Last night the there must have been 50 vendors set up both inside and outside the SOMArts center hawking everything from raclette to Laotian sausage (sai kok).  And, it wasn’t just the number of vendors that has grown experientially, throngs of people came out last night to snack, sample, and schmooze with fellow foodies.   I heard that the organizers had anticipated about 1200 people, but  from the line that extended around the corner at 8:30pm, I bet there were closer to 2500 people on hand last night.

So, with a complete recap nearly impossible (I was distracted by beer), here are the realfilf highlights.

Pizza People (didn’t get their name – yet): This crew was slingin’ delectable, personal-sized pizzas fired in a genius grill- kiln apparatus fueled with oak. I had a Bi-Rite pizza with heirloom sauce, pickled hots, sausage, and mozzarella. I’m gonna figure out who these people are and invite them to set up shop in my backyard.  Best in show.

Saucy Dumplings: Steamed pork dumplings (shumai). I don’t pass up a chance to sample dumplings.

Red Dot Eats: Lazy buns -stuffed buns (snicker) accompanied with homemade sauces.  Anything in the dumpling format is, again, a no brainer.  The Mediterranean was may favorite.

Raclette: Raclette. I didn’t try this, in part, because the line was always at least 25 people deep.  Clearly, there is a demand for heated cheese scraped onto starch. Makes sense.