Since my current mode these days is manic, it wasn’t that unusual that on Wednesday at 12:07pm, the only thing I’d had to eat so far that day was an orange Luna bar. So I skipped down to a local food cart popular with me and my coworkers called “The Whole Bowl.” Which is the only thing they sell, that is, the Whole Bowl: a base of brown rice, followed by a generous slathering of Tali sauce (named for the proprietor and chef), then a mixture of red and black beans, a quarter of avocado, salsa, a dollop of sour cream, cheddar cheese (which I pass on), black olives and fresh cilantro. I will often add some sweet chili sauce from the condiments provided. This has become my new comfort food, especially at the day job. Simple yet flavorful with a good starch base and protein.

While waiting my turn, I heard passersby give a thorough and favorable critique of the Whole Bowl before discussing the merits of other food carts about town. The variety is astounding, and some of them are as established as housed restaurants. Everything from hot dogs to vegan soul food to Hawaiian bento to crêpes to some of the best Indian food in town, and each has a following.

And this is just the carts—then there are the restaurants, coffee shops, bars, bakeries and, yes, deli counters in stores. Every one distinct and expertly critiqued. And everybody I know has a strong like or dislike in every category.

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