A Slice of New York (Pizza), San Jose, California

A Slice of New York lives up to it's name. Everything from floor to ceiling creams "NEW YORK!!!". That is not meant as an analogy or cute literary line, but as fact. Their fifteen-foot ceilings are covered in pictures of NYC's subways, skyline, and cuisine. The restaurant just has one of those vibes when you walk in. It sends a welcome chill down your spine, like you simply know staying there means a great time in your near future. Essentially, at first step, not even first bite, you can be confident your meal is in good hands.

Though the visual and atmospheric attraction ends there, the fun has just begun for the customer. Following that, they will experience excellent service and top-caliber food I have been hinting at since line one. Around a dozen signature pies are served here. The City slice is my personal favorite, with The Sutton a close second. The first of the two sports sausage, pepperoni, olives, and vegetables. This combination-style pie has you from the start. Each ingredient comes through just enough to be appreciated in full. At the start, you catch a touch of the sausage, and as you continue to the crust, the produce and fungi take the front seat. Throughout, spicy hints of pepperoni make their way in.

The latter pizza is almost as good, but is one I find nearly too bland. The strong meat flavor hits you from the start. Following it comes more and more mushroom. The Sutton is finished off with a perfect crust that is crispy to the touch, but soft in the center. There is nothing better than folding your pizza in half and hearing the crunch of the edge as it breaks in half. Both are a mere four dollars for a colossal slice. Two will fill you up, and a drink is free with the pair.

A Slice of New York is San Jose's premier stop for an East-Coast triangle of heaven, and may even knock off growing juggernauts such as Bocca Lupo (a traditional Italian version). With it's pizza, pricing, service, atmosphere, and decor, it is a complete package. That is a phrase often said, but rarely accurate. At A Slice of New York, it rings true.

Naglee Park Garage (American), San Jose, California

Dreams can be built on Naglee Park Garage. Dreams on how they made the restaurant what it is today, dreams on how to afford the food, and, most of all, dreams as to just how good the food will be. While being able to purchase the fancy burgers is a sure question mark, no concern needs to be placed on the quality of the food - it's delicious.

When you have a good-sized chunk of meat, some Portobello Mushrooms and some tasty Swiss cheese, what could you make except a delicious burger. Maybe a nice pasta... At Naglee Park Garage, though, they specialize in the creation of mouth-watering burgers. Though each lip smacking beef patty packs a financial punch ($10-$15 dollars per burger), the size and quality makes up for the stimulus-sized bill. The meat is tender flavorful, and the remaining ingredients taste fresh and hearty. It's a real burger! A real good one, that is.

If you love juicy meat in your burgers and gooey cheese under a bun, you need to stop by Naglee Park. Then, there's the homey feel of the popular restaurant and the excellent service, two other undeniable pluses. Most of all, you have to appreciate Guy Fieri exposing this San Jose hotspot to the world. He got this one right.

The Fish House (Seafood), Ruskin, Florida

My trip to beautiful Tampa Bay would simply not have been complete without a visit to this shack legendary for it's fresh-caught fish sandwiches. The Fish House was rumored to have, along with strange business hours, excellent food at affordable prices. The fish, or so I heard, had a perfect set of seasoning and a picture-worthy fry. Nothing here was supposed to be anything short of spectacular. And, of course, it wasn't. Every whisper proved true as this lonely wood frame of a building won my affection at first bite. I myself dined on a succulent Grouper offering crafted out of newly captured seafood, a bun, and a light fry. Basically, think of fish fillet shoved in a Po Boy in the place of shrimp or andouille. It was to die for, a far too often used phrase that I have to use to accurately describe this sandwich. If you find yourself in the vicinity of Ruskin, the long drive here and sometimes insanely
long wait would be well worth it. After one taste of the
Fish House's Grouper sandwiches,
you'll understand for yourself.

That's Sweet!, Pleasanton, CA

The streets just got a whole lot sweeter with the unveiling of That's Sweet, one of the Bay Area's first mobile bakeries. The treats that come off this truck are on par with the best, including the hundreds of stationary cupcake shops located in the region. The rich frosting perfectly complements the base, and the fillings inside each goody are equally succulent. Lemon Buttercream has a tangy lemon center, for example, while Vanilla Salted Caramel is filled with fleur de sel. 

This truck is not limited to classics, either, as it has a firm root in the extra-ordinary with a Chocolate Maple Bacon offering that has breakfast and confection fans alike drooling for a taste. This delicacy in particular combines rich, sponge-textured cake and a maple frosting coated with savory bacon bits to create a tantalizing dessert. Like all of That's Sweet's other cupcake offerings, the pork option is an affordable $3 flat.

Next up is a traditional offering: Red Velvet. A vanilla frosting covers the top of this blood red pastry. It is simple, yet delicious, as even those like myself who shy away from red velvet choices enjoy this treat. It is a perfect foursome of baked flavors; red velvet, lemon buttercream, caramel and chocolate bacon, all of which are served separately or all together at this mobile eatery based in the diverse East Bay.

Bay Area Top Twenty Food Trucks - 2012

Hundreds of the world's best roam the streets of the Bay Area. We talk not of business men and celebrities, but of food trucks and carts. This growing movement has become a fixture in Bay Area culture from San Francisco to Oakland to San Jose. Here are the Bay Area's top twenty mobile eateries.

#1 - Sam's Chowdermobile, Half Moon Bay

Sam's, of Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, is our top truck because of the amazing food. It simply does not get any better than a Lobster Roll and cup of Clam Chowder on a cold San Francisco morning.

#2 - Spencer on the Go!, San Francisco

This on-wheels version of Chez Spencer serves up traditional French fare, earning the title of San Francisco's first "mobile bistro". This top-tier truck plates everything you can think of including their famous escargot lollipops, giving them solid control of the second slot on our top twenty board.

#3 - Creme Brûlée Cart, San Francisco

Another San Francisco legend, the Creme Brûlée Cart pulls in at number three because of it's traditional and not-so-traditional array of French desserts that has stolen the hearts of thousands of Bay Area foodies. 

#4 - Chairman Bao, San Francisco

A creative name, appealing truck design and, above all, outstanding food puts this truck at number four in our countdown of the Bay’s top twenty. From Pork Belly Steamed Buns to baked duck ones, The Chairman shows a mastery of all meats - and displays how different styles of Chinese Bao can taste so good.

#5 - Hapa SF, San Francisco

Hapa gets the five spot for it’s modern take on Filipino food that leaves us all in awe. Still, it sticks to tradition in it’s menu with delicious offerings such as Chicken Adobo and Sisig. Fresh ingredients and amazing flavors greet the customer at every trip to Hapa. 

#6 - Sanguchon, San Francisco

Peruvian cuisine has found itself a home on the streets in Sanguchon, the  first truck of it’s kind in San Francisco. Sandwiches are the highlight at this mobile Sangucheria, with options ranging from Pan Con Chicharron (fried pork) to Lomo Saltado (seasoned steak). 

#7 - Treatbot, San Jose

The South Bay’s crown jewel, Treatbot, claims number seven with it’s decadent ice cream and futuristic style. Inventive flavors and smooth, rich ice cream help push it above dozens of other worthy wagons.


#8 - Curry Up Now, San Francisco

CUN is a Bay Area favorite. Great, innovative food has earned it that title. Their Tikka Masala Burritos are just one example of their iconic Indian/Mexican-fusion fare.

#9 - Bacon Bacon, San Francisco

Yes, they serve bacon, and a lot of it. Bacon Bacon is the first of it’s kind - an eatery that serves little but bacon. Vegetarians beware everything from their bacon burgers to the famous Bacon Bouquet, a dish consisting of five slices of the heavenly meat.

#10 - KoJa Kitchen, San Francisco

This Korean/Japanese truck serves up new-age Far East fare with options such as the short rib rice bun. This is essentially two rice cakes with a helping of spiced meat layered inside topped with sauce and sesame seeds. Oh, is it delicious.

#11 - Grillstars, Union City

 BBQ has never been so good. Grillstars hits the streets with smoked meats, sandwiches, and hotdogs unlike any seen before in the Bay. Since the meats are left to smoke for a full twelve hours, this truck sells out quick at rallies. How can you be disappointed with commitment to excellence?

#12 - Senor Sisig, San Francisco

Mexican fusion is nothing terribly new on gourmet food trucks. Filipino-Mexican fusion? Yeah, that’s a little different. Senor Sisig gets this slot for it’s ability to pump out great Filipino fare in South of the Border packaging, such as tortillas and taco shells.

#13 - An the Go, San Francisco

Our first Vietnamese slot goes to An the Go and it’s famous Garlic Noodles. Don’t be fooled - that’s not all they serve. This truck has versatility, as it also aces Coconut Shrimp and barbecue Pork Skewers.

#14 - The Rib Whip, San Francisco

The Rib Whip is San Francisco’s Grillstars, with barbecued meats and hot sandwiches being their specialty as well. They too run out fast any time they serve, so get there fast for a taste of Southwestern flare off of a killer truck.

#15 - O Mi Ninja, San Jose

Meet the second of our Vietnamese star trucks, O Mi Ninja. This truck is known for serving large and over the top Bahn Mi sandwiches. Their specialty, the Ninja, has a whopping eight proteins including Vietnamese Sausage, tofu, and bacon stuffed inside a foot-long French Roll. Add in some veggies and Ninja Sauce, and you are good to go. 

#16 - MoGo BBQ, San Jose

One of San Jose’s most popular stops, MoGo delights customers with Korean-Mexican fusion. Their centerpiece is the Short Rib Burrito, a giant concoction consisting of meat, cabbage, tortilla, and sauce that can be yours for just seven dollars. They may be one of the better deals in town, as even their tasty tacos are an affordable two dollars each.

#17 - Nom Nom, San Francisco

The brother of the Los Angeles sensation, San Francisco’s Nom Nom gives out Bahn Mi on par with many trucks in the state. The menu is not limited to sandwiches, but it is what the truck is known for - great Bahn Mi.

#18 - BBQ Kalbi, San Jose

This truck ranks eighteenth for one reason, the food. Sure, the truck is nice and the service excellent, but the fare stands out. Amazing meats fill their affordable, good-sized tacos, which sell for a measly three dollars apiece, allowing you to escape with top-notch food for a little over ten dollars.

#19 - We Sushi, San Jose

This landmark truck simply had to be placed in the top twenty. It is the first time a sushi serving vehicle has rolled down Bay Area streets. The truck is similar in layout to an Izakaya bar, with equally excellent food. Even with the expensive equipment and high-caliber ingredients, We Sushi maintains a large, expansive menu at a low price to the customer.

#20 - Seoul on Wheels, San Francisco

Rounding out the top twenty is this gem. This truck pumps out delicious food at a slow pace, one so sluggish, you wonder when it’s coming. Still, the tacos are indeed excellent, prompting the masses to crowd around this rising star in the food truck community.

And there you have it, the Bay Area’s Top Twenty Trucks (2012). Feel free to comment on the results. Just remember, not everyone can be a winner, and there’s another dozen worthy of this list. Eat well, and submit more of your favorites for consideration in the next Top Twenty!

Mykonos (Greek), Tampa Bay, FL

The hole-in-the-walls of America her their mascot: Mykonos Grill of Tarpon Springs, Florida. This place is ancient, traditional, and well-kept-up, though from the exterior shows that it shouldn't hold much promise. Inside is a Mediterranean wonderland, complete with the staple of the region, great food. Each dish served is seemingly better than the last, from a lemon, rice, and chicken soup to a wine-braised leg of lamb. The service is slower than average, but who minds that when being delivered one of the best meals of their lives? Tarpon Springs' most renowned restaurant has gotten even better over the years, something difficult to do for a restaurant this steeped in tradition. Hopefully, the next fifty years will be just as good as the opening decades. This one will be around for a long, long time.

Pizzeria Delfina (Italian), San Francisco, CA

The Italian pizzeria has finally found a home in the city of San Francisco. For years, the Bay Area has had an apparent trepidation towards traditional pizzerias of styles other than Cali-thin. Now, with major hotspots opening up in San Jose and Delfina's rise in The City, the scene seems to be finally changing. And what better restaurant than this is there to spearhead this growing movement? Pizzeria Delfina, with it's local flare and Napoletanian ideals, has become an instant classic in just a few short years of operation. After my first meal there, it received near-perfect marks with it's broad, yet simplistically themed menu containing dish after dish prepared to perfection.

A Funghi Misti combined with a Meyer lemon Aioli was my first impression after a plate of various marinated olives (a perfect starter) was scarfed down in seconds. And what a flawless first choice this platter of fungi was. The Chanterelles, Oysters and King's were bursting with various flavors and textures, only further accented by the aioli and light breading. This initial salvo of delight was quickly reinforced by two distinctly different pizzas - a Salsiccia and a Parma Pie.

The first -  with it's ideal crust, bell peppers, onions, and house-prepared fennel sausage - has to go down in the books as my favorite sausage-based creation. The second, though, was what I crave all the more. Again, a prime crust and crushed tomato sauce awaited the consumer, but what separated it came on top. The beautiful combination of proscuitto and arugula overwhelmed me in every good way possible. Each element - the meat, the greens, the sauce, and the dough - melded together to give me the best pizza experience of my life, only rivaled by that of Pizza Bocca Lupo in San Jose.

But, of course, the sortie was not yet finished. One last course remained: dessert. I ordered the coppa gelato with two flavors, Tahitian Vanilla Bean and Tcho Chocolate. This housemade, traditional gelato hit home. What seemed as a finale for Delfina affirmed it was only a beginning; this dish, and every other, convinced me that many a return trip would be of utmost necessity. Pizzeria Delfina has stolen my heart, and I never want it back.