Roli Roti – Their Porchetta Sandwich *is* Worth the Wait!

Alright, I’ve converted. I was wrong for resisting so long. Roli Roti has won me over with their ridiculously amazing porchetta sandwich. I had their rotisserie chicken years ago and thought it was bland and dry, so I was baffled when I saw long lines forming in front of their truck at the Ferry Plaza over the past year. When I found out it was for the porchetta sandwich and not the chicken, I was still skeptical…but no longer. I have finally experienced the bliss of that delicious pork!! And I want more!

I arrived at the Farmers’ Market relatively early one morning and saw the line in front of Roli Roti wasn’t very long yet, so I thought might as well see what so many people have been standing in line for. Now I know…THE BEST DAMN PORCHETTA SANDWICH KNOWN TO MAN! Thick slabs of oh-so-juicy roasted pork, seasoned to perfection with rock salt and rosemary, topped with bits of crunchy pork cracklings, caramelized onions, and fresh arugula…all in a big, crispy roll. I tried to keep my cool, but I was swooning inside as I ate this.
I have little patience and find very few things worth waiting for with so many great food options in San Francisco. However, Roli Roti’s porchetta sandwich *is* worth the wait. I’m just sorry I’ve missed out on this for so long because of my skepticism. My advice to all of you would be to GO, AND GO EARLY!

BITE METER: Roli Roti (porchetta sandwich only) – 4.5 bites (out of 5.0)

The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen – Long Wait for Soup & Sandwich

I was initially skeptical about The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen. While I love grilled cheese sandwiches, I didn’t know if a restaurant could serve one worth paying $8 for since homemade ones are so good and easy to make. And second, the whole concept of taking fast food items and calling it "creative" by adding gourmet ingredients has been way overdone. The food scene in San Francisco has been too much about taco stands, food trucks, burger joints, and pizza places for far too long. I’m ready for something new and innovative to excite me again and show what a great culinary city this is!! Come on, people!

Anyways, I digress…back to The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen. There was a long and very slow moving line in front of the restaurant (they only have one register and are working on getting another one). At least the staff was friendly and apologetic about the wait.

I ordered their special which included a small Mousetrap Sandwich (Tillamook sharp cheddar, havarti, and monterey jack cheeses) and a cup of Smoky Tomato Soup with crème fraîche. Simple yet tasty. I thought the tomato soup was actually better than their grilled cheese sandwich. The soup was layered with nice flavors, comforting, and relatively light. And in my opinion, a necessary complement to the thick, crusty bread.

B and I also split the Jalapeño Popper Sandwich. It was interesting with the bacon, goat cheese, and apricot-jalapeño chutney, but I preferred the simple grilled cheese with the tomato soup.

Since it had taken so long to get through the line, I figured I also might as well try one of their desserts while I’m here. And as a gal from the South, I always get excited when I see bread pudding on a menu. Their Sweet Buttermilk Bread Pudding with bourbon-butter sauce was delicious. What I enjoyed most was how moist the bread pudding was and how the buttermilk formed these delicate flan-like pieces on top. Makes my mouthwater just thinking about it!

So was the grilled cheese sandwich worth the 8 bucks? Only of it’s served with the tomato soup.
Was it worth the 45 minute wait? No, very few things are with so many options in SF.
Will I come back? Maybe, but only after they get another register.

BITE METER: The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen – 3.0 bites (out of 5)