Top Chef judge's SoMa sandwich shop gives new definition to 'cheap' eats

June 5, 3:31 PMSF South of Market Street ExaminerLori Sabatini

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Tom Colicchio of Top Chef fame has put one of his 'Wichcraft restaurants in SoMa./Sabatini photo

Fans of Bravo's Top Chef know judge Tom Colicchio as the no-nonsense judge at the center of it all. But foodies know him by his signature restaurants and cookbooks.

South of Market residents may get to know him better by his recent addition to the district's food flair, 'Wichcraft on Fifth and Mission.

As would be expected, every detail, every style point, every menu item, every everything is perfectly presented with artistic style. Even the name is telling, as the them is putting food craftsmanship back between two slices of bread.

Ironically voted by New York Magazine the best cheap eats in the city, 'Wichcraft is an expensive lunch. There is no way you're going to pass on a glass of wine and maybe even a little treat for dessert. But it's worth it.

No menu item is over $10, so frankly it is affordable, if not cheap. The value is evident.

Three of us had a gourmet, no-holds bar lunch recently and the tab was under $60. But we each shared bties of our different sandwiches, I had a cup of soup as well, which we all tasted. Nothing was anything short of delicious, delightful and even a bit decadent. It's hard to believe lunch could be so glamorous. 

The next time I have my gal pals out for a day of shopping in the city, we'll definitely fit in a lunch break at 'Wichcraft. It is the perfect compliment to an truly upscale day on the town.

I never get over how many great chefs are in San Francisco, which is such a place it is now attracting the likes of New York's own Collicchio. Get out this weekend and try it for yourself.

More South of Market stuff: 

• SoMa the book a must-read on SoMa the place.
• Careme 350 an affordable, elegant night out.
• Coit Tower run a great way to start weekend.
• Bay to Breakers winners set record.
• Sports Basement is a true gem.
• Great local recipes from my husband's kitchen.