I recently went to San Francisco's Off the Grid event, which featured a collection of street food vendors selling mouth-watering meals. The trucks gather in the city's Fort Mason Center, where you can grub as the DJ plays his music or kick back and people watch. I did a bit of both. Either way, it's home to trendy millennials with disposable income.
Some of the Bay Area's best food carts set up shop each Friday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., bringing flavor to the people five hours straight. Pizza from Mozzeria or An the Go's lemongrass chicken with their famous garlic noodles are but few of Off the Grid's palatable treats. Of course, you can finish that food off with a beer from Devils Canyon Brewery.
The prices were the same as though you were going to a sit-down eatery, not particularly cheap but affordable enough. I paid $9 for a small box of noodles and a skewer of chicken. The site was so crowded that my friend and I ended up standing by the bar while keeping an eye out for open seats.
It was enjoyable. In fact, I would go again.
But what keeps us coming back for moderately-priced meals without seating?
At an average restaurant, a customer can expect to receive a glass of water (here it was $2 for a mini bottle), on-site restrooms, comfortable seating, accommodations for children, and often a basic complementary appetizer. But at food carts, as was the case for Off the Grid, amenities are limited. Still, it is a hub for plenty as hundreds flock to the event each week.
What is it about minimalism that is so appealing?
The guests pay primarily for an environment: walking distance from the ocean, loud music, young people, these are components of a meal that are unique to Off the Grid. Perhaps this is what makes it so attractive—the environment, the energy, and the ambience. If that's the case, people are more willing to pay for character and minimalism is catching on.
There are two different types of minimalism, according to the online blog The Blissful Mind:
Off the Grid seems to fit well with the second definition. They don't have leather booths or waiters who bring your food to you on a platter. For some reason, minimalism is becoming trendy. And I like it. However counter-intuitive it may seem (you pay the same amount for less), it changes the focus of the event from things to experience. This can make for a more enjoyable evening because attention is focused on the community, environment, and mood of the people around you.
Don't let your labels stop you; whether you're an up-and-coming minimalist or a proud maximalist, the food is worth it.
If you're a California native or simply traveling through the Bay Area, stop by one of Off the Grid's sites and try one of their delectable dishes.
