The best porchetta sandwich

Well the posts have been few and far between, primarily because I've been working rather a lot, and when I get home after a long day of work and commuting, all my brain is capable of processing is reality TV. Maybe that explains the ratings for all those strange shows out there.

Anyway, my new commute is rather long - the main upside is that I'm working next to the Ferry Building in San Francisco. And every once in a while, I deviate from my usual spinach salad lunch and walk across the street to enjoy the views and dining.

On Thursdays, the lunchtime Ferry Plaza market features a lot of different prepared foods. One of my favorite options is the porchetta sandwich from the Roli Roti stand (they also sell at the Saturday market). This week, I actually waited 20 mins in line for this sandwich - it is that good.

First they split an Acme roll, rub it on the big cutting board to gather some of the juices on the bread, then load it up with slices of porchetta (a seasoned Italian pork roast off their giant rotisserie). Then they place a few bits of crackling fatty skin on the top, followed by caramelized onions and a pile of arugula and watercress. They finish it off with a sprinkle of a special blend of salt, pepper, rosemary and god knows what else. Sliced in half, the sandwich is presented to you on a paper plate. I can't think of a better use of $8.50!

I usually take my sandwich over to the one of the communal tables in front of the book store with a view of the ferry traffic. I actually like eating this alone - it's a bit of a messy exercise. I start out by telling myself that it's such a big sandwich, I'll only eat half. Have I told you how much I love this sandwich?! Some bites are truly exquisite, with the perfect combo of porchetta, cracking skin and seasonings.

I'll really have to try and restrain myself from eating the sandwich right away next time so I can take a picture for posterity.

After I finish the first half, I sit there and look at the second half. Then I start eating it - reasoning that I don't really have a good place to put the leftovers in the office or that I'll just take another bite or two.

A few minutes later, I come to the realization that once again, I have devoured an enormous 6 inch long, 4 inch high, fat-laden sandwich in under 10 minutes. And to complete my happiness, I traipse on down to Rechiutti and pick up a Burnt Caramel chocolate.

Fully sated, I wander back into the zoo of my office.