Matador Nights » Juliane Huang

One Lumpia or Two? San Francisco’s Street Food Culture

Juliane Huang — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:09:27 +0000

Photo provided by Lumpia Cart

Juliane Huang will eat whatever people hand her on the street.

“You know we’re going to smell like the shameful side of a deep fryer,” I say to my roommate as he consolidates our empty food plates into neat stacks.

We’re in the Castro tonight for Dirty Dishes, a semimonthly event that fuses music, drinks, and a rotating cast of some of San Francisco’s most popular street food vendors into one steamy night of immediate gratification. Lumpia Cart is serving up a storm beside us; there’s no way we’ll get out of here without smelling like food.

Adobo Hobo Cart, Photo by Gary Soup

The growing street food trend in San Francisco began sometime in the rainy spring months of 2009 and has emerged on the other side of this year infused with a veritable personality of its own.

More intimate than the food trucks swarming the parking lots of Los Angeles and friendlier than the steel carts lining the concrete in New York, the street food carts here build friendships with their customers, support each other’s businesses, and organize collective social and charity events.

At 27, Abe Espiritu, of Lumpia Cart, is the youngest of the cart men. Having gotten into the food cart business last August, the second generation Filipino entrepreneur didn’t initially realize how many people had no idea what lumpia was.

“I just thought, hey, let’s sell some lumpia to some late night club goers,” Espiritu says of his initial idea for the business coming from watching the bacon-wrapped hot dog vendors camped outside clubs and bars late at night. “When I first started, a lot of people came up to me and were like, ‘what’s this stuff?’ I’d tell them, ‘look, just try it, it’s like an egg roll.’ They would, and they would love it.”

Of course, what’s not to love about fried finger foods?

That many people are unaware of lumpias ultimately contributed to Espiritu’s socio-ethnic ambitions, as his ideas about the future of his lumpia cart business now plume into ubiquity, making the crunchy egg rolls a regular food option for American consumption rather than remaining a foray into “foreign and ethnic” cuisine.

Espiritu (R) with his lumpia cart partner at work.

To be fair, the first time I ate a lumpia was from Lumpia Cart, and I was with my roommate whose mother is Filipino.

“What do you think of the lumpia?” I had asked my roommate, meaning whether or not he thought we should buy them.

“They look like lumpia,” he said flatly.

Well.

It’s only after he answered this way that I started to think about the motivations for my question. Sharing the same space that night with Lumpia Cart was Creme Brulee Cart, Curtis Kimball, and his brother Magic Curry Cart, Brian Kimball. Going in, I had quickly made the assumption that night that all carts were sharing their foods to show off their superior cooking skills.

And I, as someone with taste buds too big for their britches, was there to decide whether or not I agreed with their culinary assertions. It didn’t occur to me that maybe the challenge was never issued, that the cart men could possibly have other reasons for starting their businesses.

Creme Brulee Cart, Photo by calmenda

“I don’t have professional culinary training [and] I’m not trying to go all gourmet,” Espiritu, who uses his first-generation Filipino mother’s recipe to make his lumpia, says. “I’m just making good food for good people.”

This warm and fuzzy sentiment of community has been expressed before by other food cart vendors when asked what keeps them hustling in the game, especially a game that takes more hard work than provides cold, hard cash.

Espiritu’s two-word answer: “It’s fun.”

Through starting a food cart business, Espiritu has expanded his social circle exponentially. Journalists fly from New York and Vancouver to try his food and record his original sound-bites. Customers all over the bay area follow his twitter to track his transient locations. Other carts, such as Adobo Hobo and Soul Cocina, engage him in email chains coordinating cross-promotion.

“And look,” he gestures at me, “I got to meet you too.”

I think about this as I reach for the peach-spearmint hookah at our table. We’ve been sitting at Morac lounge in the Mission District for two hours now, smoking from a hookah, discussing Filipino foods, and drinking very fresh and very SF cucumber cocktails.

Life should always be this fun. And, tasty.

Community Connection

Street food has long been a common and popular way to eat out in other parts of the world. Check out MatadorTV’s videos on the Indian street food and Vietnamese street food scenes.

London To Open Its First No-Drive-In Drive-In Theater

Juliane Huang — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:19:57 +0000

Now showing: American Football? Probably not. Photo:: springfieldhomer

This summer, Truman Brewery in London is opening its very first drive-in movie theater, Starlite Urban Drive-In.

Eager to provide patrons a modified slice of a throwback era, the most glaring change from the traditional drive-in is that movie-goers cannot actually drive in to the theater.

Confused? We were too.

It works like this: when patrons order their movie tickets online, they must also select one of 20 shiny, new Volvos (Starlite’s partner) on the lot as their seating for the movie.

Driving personal cars into the lot is out of the question. And so is driving, as these 20 cars are “pre-parked for … viewing pleasure.” All patrons have to do is get in their selected, stationary vehicles.

And then not be completely aghast by the blatant artificiality of it all.

The concept is the brainchild of Damian Barr who describes his creative thinking, “I wanted to update the idea and make it work for an urban eco-conscious.” Because there’s no driving involved, there’s no vehicle emissions. The cars have additionally been adapted so that the movie can be heard through the car radios, thus cutting down on harmful noise pollution.

Photo:pstao

As movie-goers watch the film of the night, waitresses roll by the cars on roller skates taking and delivering popcorn orders.

Who knows? It might be a fun time. Maybe Barr’s concept will take off and Londoners will flock to the trendy new drive-in theater that doesn’t let anyone drive in.

Having experiences once removed is becoming more and more the way of having experiences these days. We watch ‘reality’ on our televisions. We play Second Life. We hurl ourselves through the air at unimaginable speeds in perfectly isolated vessels where one simple slide of the window shade can cut out the fact that we are situated in the clouds.

So, going to a drive-in theater to sit in cars that will not ever be driven, in order to relive an era many of us have not experienced first-hand doesn’t seem so absurd, does it?

What do you think? Would you go?

Tickets are £25 and will go on sale June 1, 2010.

Community Connection

Matador has a slew of information about the United Kingdom, from how to take the bus in London to the best pubs for a sunday roast.

10 Australian Summer Music Festivals NOT to Miss

Juliane Huang — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:58:40 +0000

Photo by: Körschgen. While northern hemisphere folks are breaking out their winter coats, Australians are slathering on the sunscreen and joining the throngs of other music heads attending the continent’s greatest summer music festivals.

Matador gives you the quick and dirty on ten summer music festivals definitely worth checking out the next time you’re down under. A very merry summer, indeed.

1. Summadayze

Photo by: AFlickion

A massive to end all massives, Summadayze is a conglomerate of four different music festivals held all over the Australian continent.

Beginning with their new year’s eve party, Summanights, held in Sydney, the powerhouse event then holds court in Melbourne and Adelaide for simultaneous New Year’s Day celebrations that start at 9am and continue long after the sun has called it quits.

But they don’t stop there.

Summadayze winds through Perth on the 3rd, then Auckland on the 8th, concluding its tour in Gold Coast on the 9th.

With talents such as Carl Cox, Sharam (Deep Dish), Don Diablo, and The Shapeshifters contributing to the lineup, Summadayze is every raver’s candied-necklace, glow-sticked dream and enough hype to make this author to want to spend her first ten days of January in Oz.

Tickets are on sale now and vary in range (the cheapest being $99 not including booking fees or service charges) depending on the date participants choose to attend.

2. Big Day Out

Photo by: tHcnunz

From January 15th-31st, Big Day Out conquers the coastal music scene bringing in exceptional musical talents to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, and Gold Coast and an average of over 150,000 attendees per concert.

This year, the lineup includes Muse, Lily Allen, The Decemberists, The Mars Volta, Dead Prez, Devendra Banhart, and many many more. Big Day Out is well-known for being the most popular event of the summer.

A testament to the intense popularity of this festival, 2010 tickets are pretty much all sold out. If you have one, the rest of us request photos and crazy stories. In return, we offer the warmth of concentrated jealousy.

3. V Festival (Australia)

Photo by: Bradii

A spin-off of the British V Festival, V Fest brings a host of big name acts to the four popular cities Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast for three days every summer.

Though the festival has been canceled for 2010, news reports have been quick to assure us that the future of V Festival is secure, a fact made believable by billionaire Richard Branson footing the event’s bill.

Since its inception almost three years ago, V Festival has not enjoyed the smooth start it was hoping for amidst the heightened activity that defines Australia’s summer music festivals. Last year’s internationally popular bands couldn’t save the event from poor planning and poor weather, but if there’s one thing Branson can do, it’s business. Keep your eye on V Festival.

4. Woodford Folk Festival

Photo by: Irene Cassarino

Held on 500-acres of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland (roughly one hour north of Brisbane), Woodford Folk Festival is a music festival with an environmental bent, placing emphasis on sustainability, nature, and positive social change.

From December 27th to January 1st, the Woodford Folk Festival hosts over 2000 performers and 580 events. Concerts are not the only thing this festival offers attendees as it features street dances, film screenings, comedy performances, and, of course, environmentalism debates and talks.

Tickets are available for purchase on their website.

5. St. Kilda Festival

Photo by: Me!bourne Mermaid

The St. Kilda Festival bills itself as “one of Australia’s best known and Melbourne’s most loved events.” And why wouldn’t it be? The festival serves as a giant tribute to and showcase for Australian musical talents, from aboriginal artists to local contemporary artists.

This year, the festival begins on Saturday, February 6th and runs until Sunday, the 14th. It’s a family friendly event that offers a variety of games and activities for kids as well as over 50 bands on stage for music lovers.

6. Sensation

A music event for 40,000 plus of Melbourne’s best friends, Sensation is held at the very large and very expensive football arena, Etihad Stadium on New Year’s Eve this year.

Requisite for all attendees is all-white garb as Sensation distinguishes itself as “The Ocean of White” massive. Admittedly, the pale dress code does lend a slice of visual coolness to the giant gyrating and sweaty party. Who’s in this year?

If you can’t make the Melbourne event, not to worry, Sensation is a global music festival that works tirelessly to satisfy music heads all over the globe into somnolence. Check out their website for event dates and locations information, ticket purchase, videos, photos, and more.

7. Rainbow Serpent

Photo by: Scootie

A multi-sensory, outdoor art and music festival, the Rainbow Serpent Festival runs from Friday, January 22nd to Monday, January 25th in Western Victoria.

Like Burning Man or Bonnaroo, Rainbow Serpent Festival places heavy emphasis on community and art in addition to music, which makes it one of the can’t miss events this upcoming January.

That’s not news to the event’s fan as the festival sold out of its first round tickets within mere minutes.

8. Good Vibrations

Photo by: S Baker

Starting February 13th and running until February 21st in 2010, the Good Vibrations festival tours Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, and Gold Coast, showcasing acts ranging from Salt ‘N Pepa to The Killers.

Typically a haven for dance music fans, this year, the event is trying to draw a more diverse crowd through its eclectic lineup. Tickets cost over $100 and are usually quick to sell out as Good Vibrations is one of the billboard events among Australia’s summer music festivals.

9. Pyramid Rock

A four day, camp-out music festival, Pyramid Rock is held annually at the incredibly scenic Pyramid Rock on Phillip Island, Victoria.

This year, the Pyramid Rock festival is taking place from December 29th to January 1st. Tickets are sold as two- or three-day passes that start from morning entry and end when your energy is completely depleted.

Bands sharing the Pyramid main stage include Empire of the Sun, Architecture in Helsinki, Cat Power, Ugly Duckling, and Blue King Brown. The Pharaoh’s Annex provides the DJ and dance floor for all the dancing shoes out there.

10. Falls Festival

Photo by: Looking Glass

Taking over Lorne, Victoria every new year’s eve, Falls Festival is one of Australia’s longest running music festivals, clocking in at 16 years this coming January.

The festival runs four days, from December 29th to January 1st, with attendees usually bringing a tent and camping out on one of the nearby beach sites.

This year’s lineup includes the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Moby, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Lyrics Born, and Major Lazer.

Seen any of these festivals firsthand? Share your stories below!

Laugh Yourself Silly With Remi Gaillard

Juliane Huang — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:08:34 +0000

Photo: screenshot from YouTube

“It’s by doing anything that you become anyone.”

Prancing around in various costumes, French prankster Remi Gaillard disrupts traffic, dodges security, and crashes national events all to have himself a little bit of fun.

Having gained notoriety through his ballsy stunts and YouTube videos, Gaillard provides the perfect childish outlet for an adult world stifled by cut-and-dry maturity. In “Bat,” Gaillard wears a cartoon bat costume and finds random locations around the city to hang upside-down. Honestly, what else is a grown man dressed as a bat to do.

Random? Yes. Ridiculous? Sure. Pee-yourself-hilarious? Better strap on those Depends.

Check out some of his videos below!

PacMan:

Bat:

Mario Kart:

Snail:

Here at Matador, Editor Tim Patterson cops to his prankster nature in our confessional article Travel Guilty Pleasures. What about you?

Are you a prankster? Do share.

Jonsi (Sigur Ros) and Alex Make a Cookbook

Juliane Huang — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:18:11 +0000

Photo: rusvaplauke

For years, artistic partners Jonsi, singer for the Icelandic band Sigur Ros, and Alex have been collaborating their talents. One of their more recent projects is a raw foods recipe book titled, Good Heart.

The book, available for viewing and download on the couple’s website, JonsiandAlex.com, features an eclectic compilation of curries, dressings, soups, libations, and desserts that all have one thing in common: none of the ingredients are cooked.

From the website:

“The book holds a small collection of our home-made, Good Heart recipes. These recipes gather fresh and beautiful ingredients and are simple and easy to make. We hope this book will encourage improvisation and experimentation… so feel free to substitute your favorite ingredients in and out as you like.”

Though the food photos are less than stellar and the handwritten notes can be a bit hard on the eyes, after years of offering up their creative souls to the public, Jonsi and Alex are now serving their personal lives as well. Clicking through the recipe book, it becomes startlingly clear just how open and inviting the two are. Fans will undoubtedly appreciate this intimate look into the domestic side of Jonsi and Alex.

Interested in healthy cooking? Author of The Adventure Cookbook Sofia Brandon wrote her book after quitting her stressed corporate lifestyle to travel the world and focus on her health again.

Want to learn more about Iceland? Filmmakers Thomas and Tim had the fortune of being shown around Reykjavik by a local everyman. You can catch the video here.

Earlier this month, MatadorTrips Editor Hal Amen reported on Iceland being named the #1 economic tourist destination of 2010.

Additionally, Matador editor Paul Sullivan documented his trip to the fascinating country in this beautiful photoessay.

Interested in Icelandic culture? Want to show some love to Jonsi and Alex? Leave your comments below!

The World’s Most Spectacular Skylines

Juliane Huang — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:53:56 +0000

Chicago skyline reflected off the Bean / Photo by jswieringa. Feature photo by Pete Carr.

Some of the best instances in which humanity attempts to reach for the heavens.

Something about the outline of a city against its clear, crisp sky stops us in our tracks and commands our attention.

City skylines stand as testaments to human engineering and architectural advancements. Its shape reveals our history, our culture, our beliefs, our beauty to the infinite universe. How can we not stop and stare?

Below are staggeringly beautiful images where city meets sky all across the globe.

Miami, Florida, USA / Photo by vgm8383.

Bangkok, Thailand / Photo by Andrew Hux.

Vancouver, British Columbia / Photo by kennymatic.

Republic Plaza, Singapore / Photo by Singapor3.

Sydney, Australia / Photy by Maik Radke.

Shanghai, China / Photo by Molas.

London, England / Photo by vemma.

Perth, Australia / Photo by Ole Reidar Johansen.

Cologne, Germany / Photo by JaBB.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates / Photo from7_70.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / Photo from The Wandering Angel.

Hong Kong / Photo by wenzday01.

Tokyo, Japan / Photo by tenaciousme.

Cairo, Egypt / Photo by Aldas Kirvaitis.

Moscow, Russia/ Photo by Alexander Andreev.

New York, New York, USA / Photo by Wilhelm J. Anderson.

Warsaw, Poland / Photo by Qba from Poland.

San Francisco, California, USA / Photo by Selena N. B. H..