Mike L.
Yelp
Considering how I had never heard anything about Gondo Fusion before checking them out at an Off The Grid event/pod, it's safe to say I had zero expectations for them before coming here. Yet, despite that, I'd be lying if I said the whole experience still didn't leave me feeling kind of disappointed. For years now, I've been on the hunt to find a legit (and delicious) Cubano sandwich and, while not a true Cuban dish, this felt like the best chance I've had in a while to satisfy my craving. Sadly for me though, it would seem that the search goes on...
To be honest, I'm actually very surprised that I'd never come across a Cuban food truck before discovering Gondo Fusion. In a lot of ways, it would seem to make a ton of sense! Whether it be Cubano sandwiches, rice plates, or even just Cuban dishes/flavors wrapped into a burrito skin, it would seem to translate well. What's more, it just seems like it would taste so good! The first time I saw the menu here, I wanted to try just about everything. Which, in part, explains why I had to come here twice before writing my review - once specifically for the sandwich and then the second to actually try something else!
-- HAVANA SANDWICH - French Roll with Pulled Pork, Swiss Cheese, Ham, Napa Valley Dijon Mustard, and Housemade Jalapeno Aioli with a Pickle and Chips...$11
(https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/gondo-fusion-south-san-francisco?select=Njglw3H2Npr5E_9XYIe3ug)
For just $11, this is quite the deal! Not only was there a good amount of pulled pork and ham, but both were flavorful and complemented well by the mustard and aioli. That being said, the roll was really dried out, as evidenced by the nearly-burnt bread.
-- FAVORITE BOWL IN THE BAY - Choice of Meat (8-Hour Slow Cooked Cuban Pulled Pork) with Cuban-style Rice, Black Beans, Cabbage, Pico de Gallo, Corn, Mild Aioli Sauce, Roasted Chile de Arbol Sauce, and Cotija Cheese...$10.85
(https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/gondo-fusion-south-san-francisco?select=jMbf6tIN7FDMEWD1KinMRQ)
As with the sandwich, the portion is pretty generous, but the taste of this was just okay. While all of the veggies kept this light and fresh, it also might have been why this didn't feel all that filling. Maybe it's just me, but it definitely felt like this could've used a bit more pork, rice, and beans.
Considering how good their burrito looks in their Yelp photos, it seems to be quite possible that perhaps going with their bowl really wasn't the way to go. Unfortunately though, it doesn't seem like I'll get the chance to find out, since I haven't seen them in a while and it doesn't look like they're scheduled for any OTG events in the near future. Total bummer too, since I wanted to try Gondo Fusion one more time before posting this!
All in all, THREE AND A HALF STARS would be dead on, but rounded down for the time being. As much as I appreciate the portions you get for your money, I can't say I was overwhelmed by the taste of either dish that I tried.