LET’S BE FRANK
3318 Steiner Street (at Chestnut), 415-674-6755, www.letsbefrankdogs.com, Tuesday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m. (Friday–Saturday until 7 p.m. & Sun until 5 p.m.)
Let’s Be Frank, a small, local company with recipes crafted by Sue Moore (former “meat forager” for the renowned Chez Panisse) has been my favorite hot dog company since I discovered them outside a Giants game what seems like 100 years ago. Grass-fed beef is naturally high in heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids and lower in fat, sodium and calories than traditional beef. Let’s Be Frank’s snappy, uncured dogs come from California pasture-raised cattle (though they make a mean turkey dog and veggie dog, too). Be prepared to pay about five bucks a dog — all that goodness doesn’t come cheap. Top off your topnotch dog with Devil Sauce, a pickled pepper relish with garlic, ginger and hand-toasted spices that packs just enough heat.
Not to Miss: I always go for the heart-healthy beef Frank Dog, but you won’t be disappointed with the family-farmed pork bratwurst or spicy sausage, pasture-raised turkey, or veggie Italian-style.
Tip: They sell prepackaged franks and condiments to take home.
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La Canasta
3006 Buchanan Street (at Union), 415-921-3003, lacanastasf.com, daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Alberto and LiLi Meir, both originally from Mexico, have been serving their family recipes at this tiny Cow Hollow takeout spot since 1987. Everything at La Canasta is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and no lard — it’s as healthful as Mexican food can get and still taste good. I love refried beans, and at La Canasta I can have my beans guilt free with their smashed pintos, cooked until they have the same smooth consistency as their unhealthful counterparts.
Not to Miss: Carne asada fajitas burrito with slices of lean, marinated steak tossed on the open-flame grill right when you place your order; soft and crispy tacos, empanadas, nachos, tamales, and soups are also excellent, and the chile relleno burrito — an egg batter-dipped chile filled with cheese inside a tortilla with rice, beans and salsa — is addictive.
Tip: La Canasta delivers daily from 4 to 9 p.m.
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