Culinary history can be a tricky business, and depending on whom you ask, you may learn that San Francisco gave the world the first Martini (possible but not likely), and that sourdough bread originated here (the technique dates to the Middle Ages).
There is, however, a small canon of classic dishes and drinks that undoubtedly came from SF chefs, vendors, and barmen, most of which can still be found on a few menus around town. Below is a brief primer on these items and their history, so that the next time you spot Celery Victor, a Mai Tai, or a Hangtown Fry on a menu, you can pipe in with this important hometown trivia.
Looking for iconic dishes and drinks in San Francisco that weren’t necessarily invented on our home turf — egg custard tarts at Golden Gate Bakery and focaccia at Liguria Bakery, for instance? Those local favorites are here.
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