Note: The scavenger hunt is over (a concluding post will come soon) and we got second place out over 300 teams! This is a series explaining the background and thinking of our missions of the SF Street Food Scavenger Hunt!

The Mission: Take a creative photo with Ryan Farr of 4505 meats or one of his products

After doing the Chicken Dance video, I headed back to the Mission via the J taking the long route home. On the way, getting off at 18th and Church, I passed by Bi-Rite.

Chicharrones! Of course, I never had it before. But I knew from some teams’ initial photos with the 4505 Meats man that he sold chicharrones at Bi-Rite Market. I immediately stepped inside. In preparation for Obvious Tourist mission, I picked up French bread. Then I wandered throughout the small store looking for this thing…called chicharrones.

I had no idea what they looked like…dried meat? Were they like beef jerky? I had a confused look on my face until someone asked me if I needed help. I stuttered out the word chiiiii-ka-ROANS? The guy tapped another guy…who rolled his R’s as a native Spanish speaker…oh chikaaarrrrones?

The first guy pointed in some direction. I gave him a blank look, not sure what he was pointing at. Embarrassed, I didn’t want to say that I didn’t know what he was talking about and simply said, “Where?”

He finally had to lead me to the display and point to the bag. Oh, thanks! I said gratefully.

They were $2.99 even though you could get a huge bag of them for 99 cents at the Walgreens around the corner from my apartment.

The small bag sat in my apartment for a week as I contemplated what to do with them. Me sitting down with a plate of chicharrones and a plate with the plush hambone? Too basic and uninventive.

Then Chris was sent to the Thursday Ferry Building Farmer’s Market to meet Ryan Farr. He was wearing his favorite t-shirt. That night, I had a talk with Littlefoot and thus the resulting photo appeared.

The caption is: DINOSAURS ARE FRIENDS, NOT FOOD!

The day after the street food festival, I finally opened the bag that was now somewhat crushed. I took a bite not sure what to expect. It was like the rice crackers with Chinese peking duck…but it was spicey…flavorful. I drank water immediately. Chris loved it and I told him to eat the rest.