Cochinita, the pioneer Yucatan food truck in the Bay Area, celebrated the grand opening of its inaugural brick-and-mortar restaurant in South San Francisco this September. Spearheaded by Chef-owners Sergio Albornoz and Karen Gonzalez, the transition from mobile kitchen to a fixed establishment brought about exciting changes, including an extended menu featuring breakfast options, expanded choices for lunch and dinner, and the introduction of a full bar. The restaurant's location on Grand Avenue was a deliberate choice, as the owners, South San Francisco residents themselves, long considered it the perfect spot for their culinary venture.
Reflecting Albornoz's Yucatan roots, the restaurant introduces the Bay Area to the distinctive flavors of southeastern Mexico. Over the past six years, the Cochinita food truck has delighted local audiences with Yucatan specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pulled pork), pollo pibil (pulled chicken), panuchos (black bean-filled fried tortillas), salbutes (fried handmade corn tortillas), and more.
The name "Cochinita," which translates to "little pig" in Spanish, pays homage to the signature Yucatan dish cochinita pibil. The playful pig on the restaurant's front door, crafted by Bay Area artist Nelida Perez, warmly welcomes diners familiar with the food truck experience. Once inside, the eatery is designed to transport guests to the Yucatan, known for its pristine beaches, Mayan history, and vibrant culture. The owners are especially thrilled to offer a full-service dining experience, a departure from the fast-paced, quick-service events associated with food trucks.
The breakfast menu features tempting options such as huevitos con platano, chilaquiles topped with their specialty cochinita pibil, Nutella French toast, and fresh pitaya bowls. For those fond of their "food truck favorites," Yucatan-style chicken, pork, or plantains are available in tacos, burritos, panuchos, or salbutes. Additional entrees include taquitos dorados and tostadas de ceviche. A special treat, elote tater tots, formerly a weekend-only item on the food truck, are now a daily delight at the restaurant. Pair them with habanero salsa for a spicy kick and cool it down with a refreshing papaya agua fresca. Coffee enthusiasts can indulge in churros con cafecito, featuring four caramel-filled mini churros and two coffees.
While the brick-and-mortar venture takes center stage, the Cochinita food truck fleet continues its operations, ensuring accessibility for loyal patrons. The restaurant, open six days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has marked a significant milestone for the owners. Reflecting on the transition, Gonzalez expressed a mix of excitement and nerves but emphasized their gratitude for the supportive South San Francisco community. Despite unexpected challenges, Cochinita's journey from food trucks to a permanent establishment serves as a testament to the owners' determination and the warm embrace of their culinary dreams by the community they serve.