Torta Cubana
@ That's It Market

The Dish:

I love watching cooking shows (on the interweb, that is; no real TV for this girl), and last year I saw a meat-lovin' episode of No Reservations where Anthony Bourdain got a Cuban sandwich the size of a large dictionary at a corner store in the Mission. The Mission is full of torta shops selling heavyweight sandwiches, but when you're looking for true heft, pay a visit to That's It Market. Their torta cubana is ridiculous. And ridiculously delicious! It has beef, ham, chorizo, bacon, hot dogs, chorizo cooked with eggs, some melted cheese, guac...watching them prepare it is seriously half the fun! The cooks just keep adding more and more—cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, jalapeños—until it's this toppling tower of sandwich bliss! It looks incredibly rich and fatty (especially when you see them cooking the meats on the grill with something that resembles hollandaise), but when you take that first bite, it's actually not too greasy, just yummy. Bring at least three friends to help you eat this!

Key Ingredients: Beef, bacon, chorizo, hot dogs, ham, eggs, cheese, mayo, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, bread roll, jalapeños

The Place:

A classic corner store, it's not going for charming, but they do have a nice little booth along the side of the deli where you can park your booty for a bit while you attempt to eat the world's most gigantic sandwich. I would opt for to go and meet your friends in Dolores Park with your torta and a six-pack of beer. Everyone will love you for introducing them to this gem; you'll be the most popular kid at the park; that is, until the sandwich finally runs out. Then it's time to get another one!

Recommended By:

Ariel is a San Francisco foodie and photographer. She shoots and makes videos for the SF Bay Guardian, most of which are focused on all things edible. When she's not working in The City, she's traveling the world with her husband, Sam, eating stinky tofu from food carts in Taiwan or devouring freshly baked chocolate croissants in the mountain villages of France.

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