Eating In Translation

Mission Pie

You are getting hungry...HUNNN-gry...

"Vegeta-bull"

(Click the photo for a better look.) Other works of art — one facing the street from behind the produce, another just inside and to the right — were too well-concealed for photographs but also worth a look-see if you're passing by.

"Vegeta-bull"
at Mi Ranchito
2169 Mission St. (16th-17th Sts.), San Francisco
415-861-3480

Taqueria El Castillito

Your Mission burrito, should you choose to accept it.

Baby Blues BBQ

"Drugs." "BBQ." From a distance, it's much easier to spot the vibrant vintage Rexall typography than the skinny neon sign above the entrance. But open the door and take in the scent of slow-cooked 'cue; if what ails you is hunger, Baby Blues might well be able to dispense the cure. I had the contrary complaint: Too little time, too little capacity. Love that signage, though.

Baby Blues BBQ
3149 Mission St. (Cesar Chavez St.-Powers Ave.), San Francisco
415-896-4250
www.BabyBluesSF.com

Manila Oriental Market

Despite the name this expansive market seems to be Chinese-run; though I did spot a cluster of Filipino snacks and baked goods, "MOM" offers nowhere near the variety you'll find at Phil-Am Foodmart. On the other hand, apparently they supply provisions for the Hue cuisine at Ngoc Mai, where I spotted the market's calendar several days later; the many aisles of packaged goods, hailing from all across Asia, are accompanied by extensive arrays of meat and seafood; and in the produce section I came upon chunks of langka, or jackfruit ($2.39 per pound unhusked). It was less fragrant than my first fresh jackfruit — once the husk is split, I imagine that the aroma, and flavor, tail off quickly — but at least I didn't need to travel nearly so far to enjoy it.

Manila Oriental Market
4175 Mission St. (Ney-Trumbull Sts.), San Francisco
415-337-7272

John's Grill

"Placerville omelette" just doesn't have the same appeal.

Name This Restaurant

Bea's smile is especially welcome when the economic forecast is as chilly as the weather. Can you name this restaurant? (Please post your answer in the comments.)

Yee's Restaurant

The fish were running; this one didn't get away.

Mon Kiang

(This venue is closed.) I don't recall seeing "Macau roast pork" during two day trips from Hong Kong, but the sign in the window, which promised "meat tender & skin crunchy," got me in the door.

Z&Y Szechwan Restaurant

Yunnan, south of Szechwan.