On a Mission

the tablehopper | 12:00 pm | December 30, 2008 | Foodie 411, Mission

All kinds of new businesses are popping up in the Mission, so here’s an overview of the latest additions to the culinary scene there.

This is sure to make some East Coast folks happy: Phat Philly is officially open (well, officially in their soft opening phase). You can start with the classic Philly cheesesteak, made with Niman Ranch beef, caramelized onions, Whiz, and topped with hot cherry peppers (there are all kinds of peppers at the pepper bar, from banana to sweet peppers), and perhaps consider a side of their criss-cut waffle fries with their house-made cheddar sauce made with Newcastle Ale, topped with sweet caramelized onions ($4). Then again, it would be enough food for two, and enough fat for ten. Warning: this is not a place for the calorie-phobic.

The 7″ Amoroso rolls are flown in from Philly (the “phat” 12″ size will be start arriving in early January) and are super soft. Until the 12″ rolls arrive, the owner was talking about offering a “buy one get one half-off” deal or something similar—ask if you’re hungry. There are some vegetarian options, eleven kinds with meat, plus chicken wings (BBQ or Buffalo), Italian beef sandwiches (even the giardiniera comes from Chicago), salads, and milkshakes. East Coast treats like Tastykakes, Herr’s Pretzel’s and Chips, and Just Born Peanut Chews are coming soon. There are lots of homemade sauces, like the marinara, cheddar beer sauce, and BBQ. Beer (Pilsner Urquell, Blue Moon, and Newcastle) will be on tap any day now—they are just waiting on permits. Oh, and there are free refills on sodas! Enjoy. Open daily 11am–10pm, and late-night weekend hours are coming soon—hopefully.

• 3388 24th St. at Valencia, 415-550-PHAT (7428).

Humphry Slocombe is also open, a cutting-edge ice cream shop off 24th Street from owner Jake Godby (formerly of Coi, Fifth Floor, Boulevard). You’ll be able to try 10–12 flavors, and please note during the soft opening period they will only be serving one size—a single serving—and no sundaes just yet.

Some of the opening flavors will be secret breakfast (bourbon and cornflakes), coconut sherbet, and balsamic caramel. Check out the entire line-up of creamy culinary concoctions on the website—there are even flavors like foie gras and black walnut. The space has red Woolworth’s swivel chairs that date back to 1947, a bright blue awning, and looks cheerful and modern.

• 2790 Harrison St. at 24th St., 415-550-6971.

Marcia Gagliardi writes a popular weekly e-column about the SF dining scene, “the tablehopper.” Subscribe for free at www.tablehopper.com and get it in your inbox every Tuesday. Got news? Email Marcia at taste@sanfrancisco.travel.