SF Underground Market

My first visit to the SF Underground Market last year was a magical evening where my sister, father and I feasted on delicious pulled pork sliders, sweet potato tacos, chocolate cake with caramel sauce, and a whole roasted pig being carved up for Banh Mi sandwiches.  This weekend’s venture to the latest Underground Market at Public Works did not live up to my first experience, although the afternoon portion was a more mellow and enjoyable experience.

My first purchase in the afternoon was Quince & Hibiscus Jam. After buying jam, I saw Professor Teresa Moore who had just purchased some caramel bacon popcorn -  a lovely blend of salty and sweet. 

I was then joined by Sky Madden and we made sure to take photos of the glowing light up ice cream from ice cream maker Lisa Boghosian.

After taking some glowing cone glamour shots we tried some savory snacks. Let me just start by explaining that yes, I detest potatoes. I would never just eat a potato. Mashed, baked, french fried, chipped - all disgusting. But I do eat them in two forms: samosas and latkes. And now apparently when they are mushed together with spices and grilled between flatbread.

 For dessert we sampled some whoopie pies and cupcakes. I was again confronted with my worst fear now in the form of a cupcake. The Vanilla Potato Chip Cupcake. I was recently challenged by Matthew Yoka to give the potato chip another chance and try some sea salt and vinegar chips. I have to admit that they were quite wonderful, so I was willing to try them on a cupcake. The chips on these cupcakes were not very potent. The sweet glaze on top paired with the frosting really overshadowed any taste from the chip. The chip also wasn’t crispy and had lost all of it’s original texture.

I did enjoy the s’more whoopie pies.  Unlike other whoppie pies, the exterior was a dense graham cracker cake with a chewy marshmallow chocolate center. There was also a red velvet variety that I did not try, but looked oh so pretty.

The afternoon portion of the market was a carefree leisurely delight. The evening portion was a packed mad house of confusion. I was overwhelmed by the crowd, and underwhelmed by the food offerings. There were however some stand out selections like the lettuce wraps from SanukSF. And everyone was raving about the raw vegan cones from Raw Daddy. There was a 40 minute wait for these cones made from flax seed, and filled with corn polenta, raw-simmered mushrooms, and mustard vinaigrette. There was also a Thai variety with cabbage, mango and a tamarind dressing - pictured below. 

In the future I would only visit the calm afternoon market, and if I were to return at night I would make sure to go early.