Photo Tripping: We Go Loco for Pollo!
PHOTO TRIPPING: WE ARE LOCO FOR POLLO!
Episode 5: Mr. Pollo
I saved my trip to Mr. Pollo for the last stop of a busy San Francisco day and invited my friend, world famous chef Jonathan Waxman (of Barbuto in New York), to come along. Jonathan grew up in San Francisco and was eager to try a new restaurant with me. I’d heard about this hidden gem from my friend Jennifer Crawford, a stylist who discovered it while working in the neighborhood. Formerly a Colombian fast food restaurant, Mr. Pollo’s current owners kept the name but transformed it into destination for fresh, seasonal cuisine, improvised nightly into a $25 tasting menu that knocked my socks off. They also serve a delicious arepa (for $8 more), a Colombian sandwich that’s an homage to the restaurant’s original identity.
What: Mr. Pollo
Why Go: Chef Jonny Becklund makes every meal from his small kitchen in the center of this intimate restaurant—the menu is always a surprise—and at $25 for four delicious courses, it’s a bargain!
When to Go: Mr. Pollo serves dinner nightly but is closed Sunday). To snag a seat (they have four tables and a counter), call 860-912-9168 to make a reservation.
Where: Mr. Pollo is located at 2823 Mission Street.
I Heard: That they’re thinking of adding a brunch once a week. To get on their email list for announcements and special events, email mrpollo4life@gmail.com.
If you are salivating over Bacon Bacon, check out the other episodes of Photo Tripping, which will make you hungry for a trip to San Francisco:
Episode 1: Get Your Sweet Tooth on With Smitten
Episode 2: The Omnivore, the Coolest Little Bookstore Ever
Episode 3: Trick Dog, The Most Creative Bar In San Fran
Episode 4: We Go Hog Wild For Bacon Bacon
“Photo Tripping” is a new series from Yahoo Travel, hosted by renowned celebrity photographer Melanie Dunea (author of My Last Supper). Melanie takes us on a photographic journey as she visits America’s top cities, exploring off-the-beaten path spots to experience the best tastes, sounds, and sights the city has to offer. Going on recommendations of her friends—chefs, celebrities, tastemakers, a couple of whom even come along for the ride—we uncover some truly special places, seen through the lens of a photographer.
