I've been craving protein lately and my bosom buddy, Shameless Shama, had the best recommendations. Sorrry, veggie folks, this posting is not for you. With Shama, it's all about the meat. For her first recommendation, we went to Parada 22. It's a Puerto Rican restaurant that is located towards the end of Haight Street. It's just beside old standby, ChaChaCha. Parada 22 has incredible food! Que sabroso! See biftec encebollado (beef and onions) pictured below.
Another great dish was their pernil asado, which is a plate of roasted, marinated pork leg with garlic and spices. This dish was even more of a stand out, even though it's not as photogenic (see below), it was really sumptuous. Yes, sumptuous is the perfect word for this plate of goodness.
Shameless Shama proved her credibility by introducing me to this Puerto Rican place. The restaurant is the perfect combo of hole in the wall appeal and delectable plates. However, she did not stop there, for she is a true meat connoisseur and she insisted we try another restaurant the next time we step out - Valencia Pizza and Pasta. This second place is also all about the meats and boy, do they know BIG portions! Below is Shamelss Shama with her order of Beef Ribs.
Much like Divisadero corridor, Valencia street had slowly undergone a renaissance of sorts. It has morphed from stale street to boudacious boulevard in a relatively brief period of time; it's a a wonder to behold. With a well-organized thrift shop, earth-friendly organic beauty stores, a hip barber shop, and lots interesting restaurants, I always jump at the opportunity to traipse around this hood. Below, see me gawking at the giant slabs of porkchop in creamy mustard sauce. I swear to goddess, I almost fainted with delight!
